The Best Beaches Near Boston

Winthrop Beach

Winthrop Beach runs along Winthrop Shore Drive. It's open year round with lifeguards on duty between late June and early September.

Spectacle Island

Spectacle Island is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It's just 20 minutes by ferry from downtown Boston and it offers a sandy oasis that's the perfect day trip from May through Columbus Day. There are lifeguards available during the summer months and a visitor center with a few exhibits. Many locals consider this to be one of the best beaches in the area. It also offers nice views of the city skyline when the weather is clear. For runners and walkers, there's a five mile loop that goes around the island.

Revere Beach

Located about 5 miles from downtown Boston, Revere Beach is about 3 miles long. The beach is popular, in part, because it can be reached on the MBTA Blue Line. The beach hosts a number of events including a sand sculpting competition.

Pleasure Bay Beach

Pleasure Bay Beach is a clean and relaxing beach in the Boston area. It has a lot of family-friendly amenities and it's a popular summer destination for Boston's local families. There are also restrooms available. Bring a picnic and plan to spend the day hanging out by the water in the sun.

Nantasket Beach

This is one of the busiest beaches in the Greater Boston area. It has about a mile of shoreline and during the summer months there are a number of activities going on including the occasional concert. Nantasket Beach is part of the Nantasket Beach Reservation.

Moakley Park and Carson Beach

Located in South Boston, this large park sits on the shore and has a beach and a kids playground, along with ball fields, too. The Dorothy Curran Playground has a terrific nautical theme that can keep your kids entertained for hours (and it also has a spray area in the summer months). Or, stroll over to either Carson Beach, L Street Beach, or M Street Beach on the other side of the field for some fun in the sand. The South Boston Bark Park at the upper end of the park will keep the dogs happy, too. Tennis courts, basketball courts, ball fields, and more can be found here, too. And finally, this is a good spot to hop on the trail that runs along the waterfront for your walk, run, or bike ride.

Crane Beach

Less than an hour north of Boston lies Crane Beach in Ipswich, a fairly isolated and natural stretch of shoreline without any development or buildings nearby. Here you can enjoy the sun, sand, waves, dunes, and walking trails that make up the area. The beach is a nature sanctuary designed to protect the nesting areas of a few specific species of birds. The walking trails will take you through the various coastal ecosystems of the region. You'll need a pass to access the beach (purchase one ahead of time during the busy months to ensure your entry). Dogs are only allowed in the winter, and if you've managed to bring your horse, you'll need a permit for that too. Public restrooms are available.

If you're bored of the beach, check out the nearby Castle Hill on the Crane Estate which has a rose garden, a hotel, and a historic mansion which will make you want to move right in.

Constitution Beach

Constitution Beach is a man-made beach in the HarborView part of East Boston. It has a swimming area, bathrooms, and a snack stand. There's also a large playground that's great for the kids as well as tennis courts. It's fun to watch the planes fly overhead from Logan Airport, or look for ships sailing by in the Boston Harbor.

Castle Island Park & Fort Independence

Located in South Boston, this is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. There's a nice white sand beach where you can relax. Fort Independence is a granite fort dating back to 1851. Within the park there are two walking and running trails. For the easiest and shortest option, try the Castle Island Loop. The longer trail is the Pleasure Bay Loop. There are also great areas where you can enjoy a picnic and a nice playground that is perfect for kids who like to climb, jump, and run.