Surf’s up, Boston.
If you find yourself needing a dose of vitamin sea, we’ve got you covered like SPF. Escape the heat of the city and catch a wave to one of these 10 beaches in + near Boston.
Castle Island, 2010 Day Blvd.
Free parking is available in the lot near Fort Independence for this location that has three beaches in one, with access to Carson Beach, Pleasure Bay, and M Street Beach. Plus, if you want to skip the swim suits, you can take a tour of Fort Independence.
Pro tip: If you are planning a Southie beach day, Loco Taqueria is offering Loco Playa Bags to make your beach snacks easier. For $65, a to-go bag includes two bottled margaritas, fresh fruit with packs of Tajin, guac, and chips + salsa in a reusable cooler tote.
Constitution Beach, 0 Barnes Ave.
Watch planes flying from Logan Airport and ships sailing through Boston Harbor from the shore of this Eastie beach.
Revere Beach, Revere Beach Blvd.
Dive into history at the first public beach in the US. The Blue Line offers service from downtown Boston to the shore (Revere Station) to help skip the traffic.
Enjoy views of Boston Harbor from the beach on the 114-acre island, which is only accessible by boat or ferry. Relax in the sand, take a hike, or enjoy one of the upcoming events at the island. The ferry runs approximately every 30 minutes.
Nahant Beach, 1 Nahant Rd., Nahant
This beach is located nearby boat ramps + offers accessible beach wheelchairs and discounted parking for residents. Pro tip: Get there early for a space. If the parking lot is at capacity like it was for City Editor Jess, then head up the road to King’s Beach.
Good Harbor Beach, 99 Thatcher Rd., Gloucester
This beach trip is about an hour away from Boston, but they don’t call Gloucester the “Place to be in the Summer” for nothing. Parking reservations are required for non-residents and open 10 days prior so book your spot early.
Nantasket Beach, 212 Nantasket Ave., Hull
This beach is about 45 minutes away from downtown Boston and offers a mile of shore to explore + lifeguards on duty through Labor Day weekend.
Stage Fork Park, 24 Hough Ave., Gloucester
This historic park is home to Half Moon and Cressy’s beaches. Parking passes are also required and available for $15 during the week and $20 on the weekends. During the season, enjoy the surf with community events like outdoor concerts, fireworks, festivals + farmers markets.
Pebble Beach, Penzance Rd., Rockport
Aptly named, this beach is covered in smooth pebbles and rocks on the coast of Cape Ann. Plan for about an hour drive up the coast to this destination. Pro tip: on a clear day, you can see the Boston skyline from the southwest.
Back Beach, Beach Street, Rockport
Also located in Rockport, this beach is a top destination for scuba divers. The shore is within walking distance of the downtown shopping area.
