Massachusetts is home to many beautiful beaches. This place is perfect for adults and kids. Most beaches here have public restrooms, nearby parking, and lifeguards on duty. Thus, they make up for a great family beach day.
Keep reading to discover the 12 best beaches in Massachusetts for families.
Top Beaches in Massachusetts
1. Crane Beach, Ipswich
Crane Beach on the top of the North Shore is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The beach with more than 4 miles of shoreline and maritime forest is also an important nesting ground for piping plovers, an endangered bird.
The best part about Crane Beach is its more than five miles of sandy trails along the dunes. Families can explore this large area with their kids. There’s parking nearby which can be availed by paying $40 on weekdays and $45 on holidays and weekends.
2. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod
Coast Guard Beach offers a picturesque view over the marshlands and sand dunes to the enormous sandy beach and ocean. Here you’ll love to build sandcastles with your kids in the pristine soft sand.
The beach gets crowded pretty quickly in the summer. So, you must arrive early to avoid the crowds. Seasonal rules are in place to keep the beach beautiful and clean. Every visitor is recommended to follow them. Coast Guard Beach is ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying games in the sand with your children.
Book Hotels in Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod
3. Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester
Good Harbor Beach looks as if it’s right out of a painting! The small beach is counted as one of the most beautiful ones in Massachusetts. To have a family beach day, ensure to go early because, in the evening, it becomes a resident-only spot for those residing in Gloucester.
Grab a surfboard and ride the waves or play volleyball with your kids. If the tide’s low, walk out to Salt Island, and if it’s high, enjoy body surfing. Lifeguards are on duty from 9 am to 5 pm daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
4. Singing Beach, Manchester-By-The-Sea
Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea gets its name from the distinct ‘singing’ sound made by sand here when you walk on it. It’s one of the top family beaches in Massachusetts with sand perfect for playing.
A great thing about Singing Beach is that it doesn’t get overcrowded. Even in the summer, the water is chilly yet refreshing. Parking lots are present nearby which you can use by paying $30.
read also: Romantic Getaways in Massachusetts
5. Joseph Sylvia State Beach, Edgartown
Joseph Sylvia State Beach, with its shallow water and soft white sand, is a popular attraction for residents and non-residents of Edgartown. It stretches across 5 miles between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs and can be accessed across a bridge.
The beach was the shooting location of Jaws, the 70s hit movie. Families can enjoy safe swimming because of the gently sloping shoreline and calm waters. The beach is also ideal for fishing striped bass in the summer season. When the weather’s windy, you can enjoy sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, making it the perfect destination for a family holiday.
6. Beach on Lovells Island, Boston Harbor Islands
Lovells Island is a protected and fully maintained national recreation area. One of the star attractions of this place is the beach here, which pulls people again and again.
Swimming is a safe activity on the beach. However, be cautious if you are coming with kids because there are no lifeguards on duty. After a great swim, dry yourself by walking on the soft sandy beach. The entire place is surrounded by greenery, which further helps relax your mind and body.
7. Dane Street Beach, Beverly
A low-key beach in Beverly, Dane Street Beach is perfect for a relaxing family beach day. The place welcomes kids and remains fairly uncrowded during the summers and winters.
A great way to spend time here is to pitch your chairs, read a book, and talk with your partner while watching your kids play in the sand. The water remains shallow for several hundred feet. This makes Dane Street Beach ideal for younger kids as well.
8. Nantasket Beach, Town of Hull
Nantasket Beach lining the coast of Hull town is a long stretch of fine greyish sand stretching about four kilometres. In the low tide, you’ll see an expansive area of rock pools.
Nantasket Beach is one of the busiest beaches because of its closeness to Boston. You can arrive here with your family anytime from dawn until dusk. Lifeguards patrol daily so swimming is safe for everyone. The beach also has facilities like volleyball courts, restrooms, and a children’s playground.
Book Hotels Near Nantasket Beach, Town of Hull
9. Horseneck Beach, Westport
Horseneck Beach is a natural beach with more wilderness than other beaches. However, it doesn’t deter visitors from thronging to it. The beach is well-maintained and has its unique charm.
Stepping into Horseneck Beach feels like you have come to a completely different place, far removed from your daily life. The current is calm so kids can enjoy swimming. Other activities you can do here include kayaking and exploration of the marshes. Since the beach does not have any eatery or restaurant, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic.
10. Carson Beach, Boston
Carson Beach, situated close to Boston has the cleanest swimming area in Massachusetts. The family-friendly beach has even and well-maintained sand and a quiet atmosphere.
This beach is perfect for going on long sandy walks or spreading a towel and soaking in the sun. The place has everything, from changing areas to restaurants. Carson Beach is commonly frequented by locals. You can easily have a nice picnic here on the sand after swimming.
11. Skaket Beach, Orleans
Skaket Beach, with its calm and clear waters, is another great family-friendly beach in Orleans. The beach’s shallow waters are perfect for kids. The place also gives a gorgeous view of the sunset.
The parking lot is spacious and the place has several restrooms. There are rinse stations and a snack shack. While the beach is small, it has almost all the amenitie
Book Hotels Near Skaket Beach, Orleans in Massachusetts
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12. Revere Beach, Revere
Established in 1896, Revere Beach is is USA’s first public beach. The historic beach stretches over three miles. Every summer, it hosts the International Sand Sculpting Festival.
If you live near or in Boston, this is a must-visit place. There is free parking for up to four hours for the majority of Revere Beach Blvd. Here you can enjoy activities like fishing and swimming and also take part in educational programs.
Summing up
Massachusetts’ diverse beaches fulfil the needs of every family. The state’s picturesque beaches lend it a distinct charm. Hopefully, this list will help you choose a suitable one for your family beach day. Rest assured, you’ll certainly make great memories!
