The 10 Best Beaches in the Boston Area

Take the whole family for a day of sandy fun, or spend a quiet afternoon taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

The beaches around the Boston area will be the perfect destination for enjoying a beach day.

The Best Beaches in the Boston Area

Constitution Beach

One of Boston’s hidden waterfront gems, this beach is one you won’t want to miss this summer.

Constitution Beach is a man-made crescent-shaped waterfront in the Orient Heights neighborhood of East Boston.

Feel free to jump in and take a swim here or wiggle your toes into the sand.

Nearby there are athletic fields, too, making it a fun place to spend the day with the entire family. Open dawn to dusk, the beach area is also staffed with lifeguards, and there’s a beach house on site for changing and bathrooms.

Constitution Beach is hands down one of the best beaches in Boston.

• Location: Boston, MA

Crane Beach

White sands and miles of picturesque waterfront views are what you’ll find at this New England beach.

Crane Beach is not only a space to enjoy swimming and beautiful views but also doubles as a natural area and habitat for the wildlife in the area.

This beach also protects the Essex River and its communities, so you’re likely to see plenty of wildlife during your visit.

This beach has been voted the best of Boston for quite a few years as it’s a popular spot for any age.

Lifeguards are on duty along the sand, along with a beach house and concession stand. Crane Beach is the perfect go-to for a sunny day.

• Location: Ipswich, MA

L Street Beach

You’ll find this popular beach destination in the South Boston area looking out onto Dorchester Bay.

L Street Beach offers great views of Harbor Islands and tons of sandy beachfront along with clean water.

This area is extremely family-friendly, and they’ve created a space for everyone to enjoy.

The huge bathhouse and other amenities are just part of what makes this area so popular in the summer months.

There is free parking, but it might be tougher to find on the weekends. L Street Beach is one of Boston’s favorite beaches, and after just one visit, you’ll see why.

• Location: Boston, MA

M Street Beach

With an uninterrupted connection to L Street Beach, you’ll be able to enjoy this beach area also in the South Boston area.

M Street Beach can be found connected to L Street Beach just south of Pleasure Bay Beach.

This area is extremely accessible and perfect for the whole family, with lifeguards, the nearby bathhouse, concessions, and other amenities.

This beach area is easily one of the busiest during the warmer months, and you’ll find plenty to do, from building sandcastles to swimming.

You’ll also see people boating and in kayaks. M Street Beach is a welcoming waterfront area for everyone.

• Location: Boston, MA

Nahant Beach

This protected coastal area is 67 miles of beach and recreation areas within the city of Nahant, MA.

Nahant Beach is a reservation that’s open year-round, but the beach will be better saved for a summertime visit.

This is the place most locals go to beat the heat, and you’ll see people enjoying the water and beachfront in many ways. Swimming, boating, and sunbathing.

The ocean views are breathtaking, and with all the amenities on-site, this is a space for people of any age.

Bring the whole family or enjoy the day alone; Nahant Beach is the perfect place to spend a sunny summer day.

• Location: Nahant, MA

Nantasket

This is the popular summer escape from Boston. Nantasket Beach offers a mile of Atlantic shoreline, perfect for the whole family to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Easily one of the busiest beaches in the greater Boston area, the fine gray sand and bright blue waters attract tons of visitors.

During the warm months, you’ll even find many concerts and even fun events like dance lessons taking place in this fun environment.

Open from dawn to dusk, you and the family will want to spend the whole day here and still want to come back for more.

Nantasket has everything you could need at a beach, and just one visit won’t be enough.

• Location: Hull, MA

Nickerson Beach

A short drive to Quincy will land you at another of the best beaches in the Boston area.

Nickerson Beach is a very small neighborhood beach with 15-20 yards of beachfront and some of the most beautiful views of Harbor Islands.

Just next to the beach, you’ll find a park for picnics and walking, making this the ultimate family getaway in the warmer months.

There is limited parking, so getting there early will benefit you, and it will just give you more time to enjoy the beautiful views and gorgeous water.

Nickerson Beach is a go-to for Boston-area locals to enjoy the waterfront.

• Location: Quincy, MA

Pleasure Bay Beach (Castle Island)

This visit to castle island is more than just a beach experience. However, the waterfront will be reason enough to go.

Pleasure Bay Beach is located on Castle Island, and while it’s located within an urban area, the blue water and soft sandy beaches will have you convinced you’re in another country.

This massive stretch of beach is completely free for all, and there are tons of amenities to enjoy, from lifeguards on staff to a beach house and concessions, and it is the perfect getaway for any visitors.

You can even take catamarans or jet skis that are available for rent. Pleasure Bay Beach is the perfect summertime escape from the city of Boston.

• Location: Boston, MA

Revere Beach

Just 5 miles north of Boston, you’ll find the first public beach ever established in the United States.

Revere Beach allows you to enjoy not only the ocean-front views and sandy beaches but also a part of American history.

Over three miles long, this beach stretches a large area and creates the perfect space for tons of visitors to enjoy the area.

This area is also run by the department of conservation and recreation, meaning it’s always clean, and there’s an emphasis on the natural environment.

In the summer, there’s a sand sculpting festival, along with many other events you won’t want to miss.

Revere Beach is one Boston-area beach you’ll want to visit this summer.

• Location: Revere, MA

Spectacle Island

This massive island is 4 miles off the shore of Boston and is worth the boat trip for the beautiful beaches.

Spectacle Island offers some of the best sandy beaches for swimming and for making your own adventures.

Hiking, boating, and learning are other popular activities in this area. With panoramic views of the city skyline and the Atlantic Ocean, everywhere you turn is a sight of beauty.

Jump into the salty water and explore every last inch of this island, from its sandy perimeter to the more wooded walking areas.

Take the ferry over, as there are plenty of departures all day long. Spectacle Island is one beach you’ll have to visit during the warmer months.

• Location: Spectacle Island, MA

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the sand between your toes and the gentle sounds of ocean waves from these beautiful beaches that surround the Boston area.