As the summer season unfolds, beach lovers in Massachusetts have a variety of beautiful spots to choose from, particularly along the North Shore.
Condé Nast Traveler recently published a list highlighting the “Seven best beaches in and around Boston, according to a local,” featuring diverse coastal areas that offer unique experiences and are easily accessible via public transportation or short journeys.
Leading the pack is Crane Beach in Ipswich, lauded as “the crown jewel.”
This picturesque beach boasts four miles of pristine sand, complemented by numerous trails and one of the North Shore’s largest remaining pitch pine forests.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the nearby Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, a Gilded Age mansion often popular as a film location.
Although parking can be challenging, the Cape Ann Transportation Authority runs a shuttle service from the Ipswich Commuter Rail station right to the beach entrance.
Next up is Wingaersheek Beach located in Gloucester.
This family-friendly beach invites visitors to discover sandbars and tidal pools, featuring gentle waters and soft sands, making it a safe haven for children.
During the summer months, Wingaersheek is staffed with lifeguards and also includes a convenient concession stand offering snacks for beachgoers.
Revere Beach, known as the first public beach in the United States, holds a place of historical significance.
As noted by Condé Nast Traveler, the beach hosts the International Sand Sculpting Festival from July 25-27, featuring vibrant food vendors, live music, and stunning sand sculptures.
Easily accessible from Boston via the Blue Line, Revere Beach combines fun and culture for all ages.
Duxbury Beach offers a scenic escape, celebrated for its stunning vistas and unforgettable sunsets.
With its geography reminiscent of Cape Cod, it provides a more manageable day trip from Boston.
Travelers should not miss Blakeman’s, a New England clam shack famous for its lobster rolls, along with Farfar’s Danish Ice Cream Shop and The Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm.
Carson Beach in South Boston presents a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere.
Features at Carson Beach include a boardwalk, a lifeguard station, picnic areas with grilling options, a playground for children, and restrooms equipped with rinse showers.
The beach is conveniently accessible from the JFK/UMass Red Line station.
For those looking for a more secluded experience, Plum Island in Newburyport is an 11-mile barrier island just an hour north of Boston.
Home to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, this 4,662-acre sanctuary offers extensive hiking trails.
At the southern tip of Plum Island lies the Sandy Point State Reservation, renowned for its scenic beauty.
Finally, Race Point Beach in Provincetown is hailed for its serenity and unspoiled nature.
A 90-minute ferry ride from Boston leads to this tranquil beach, where visitors may even spot humpback whales during specific seasons.
These curated beach experiences highlight the charm of the Massachusetts coastline, making it a destination for fun and relaxation this summer.
image source from:masslive