15 Best Beaches In Massachusetts

Imagine a coastline where historic lighthouses stand sentinel over pristine sands, where the scent of salt air mingles with the sweet promise of summer, and every sunrise paints the sky in hues you never knew existed. Welcome to Massachusetts, a state renowned not just for its rich history, but for its breathtaking beaches that offer an unparalleled escape. From the iconic shores of Cape Cod to the secluded coves of the North Shore and the island gems of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, you are about to embark on a journey through 15 of the finest stretches of sand this state has to offer.

Whether you seek vibrant family fun, serene solitude, or thrilling watersports, Massachusetts’ diverse beaches cater to every desire. The best time to visit is typically from late May through early October when the weather is warm and the water inviting, though the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer fewer crowds and crisp, beautiful days for coastal walks. Pack your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover your new favorite seaside sanctuary!

Chatham Lighthouse Beach

Chatham Lighthouse Beach is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape on the elbow of Cape Cod, known for its strong currents and stunning views of the Chatham Lighthouse. This beach is unique because its geography is constantly reshaped by the ocean, leading to dramatic sandbars and channels that shift with the tides. Visitors can expect to see the iconic lighthouse, watch seals frolic in the water (especially during lower tide), and witness the raw power of the Atlantic.

While swimming is possible, strong currents make it less ideal for casual dips, so many visitors prefer to walk the vast expanse of sand, collect shells, or simply enjoy the panoramic vistas. It’s an incredible spot for photography, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the light bathes the lighthouse in a golden glow. This beach is best enjoyed by those who appreciate natural beauty and dynamic coastal environments, making it perfect for solo explorers, couples seeking romantic strolls, and families with older children who understand the ocean’s power. Its ever-evolving nature provides a fresh experience with every visit.

Crane Beach, Ipswich

Crane Beach in Ipswich is a true gem of the North Shore, boasting over four miles of pristine, soft white sand and a unique dune system that protects a diverse ecosystem. What makes this beach special is its conservation efforts, managed by The Trustees, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved for generations. You can spend your day swimming in the calm, clean waters, exploring the expansive dunes on designated boardwalks, or simply relaxing on the vast beach.

It’s also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with many species frequenting the dunes and marshland. The beach is equipped with amenities like bathhouses and a concession stand, making it very comfortable for a full day out. Crane Beach is ideal for families with young children due to its gentle waves and amenities, as well as nature lovers and photographers who will appreciate its unspoiled beauty. Its historical connection to the Crane Estate, a magnificent mansion visible from the beach, adds a touch of elegance to the natural landscape.

Joseph Sylvia State Beach

Joseph Sylvia State Beach, nestled between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, is beloved for its calm, shallow waters and two iconic drawbridges featured in the movie “Jaws.” This beach offers a classic New England summer experience, perfect for families and casual swimmers. Its gentle slope into the water makes it incredibly safe for children, and the calm Nantucket Sound waters are ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking. The highlight for many is jumping off the “Jaws Bridge” (officially the American Legion Memorial Bridge) into the channel below – a quintessential Martha’s Vineyard rite of passage.

The beach stretches for miles, offering plenty of space even on busy days. It’s a fantastic spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the relaxed island vibe. This beach truly caters to families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a fun, accessible, and iconic beach experience on the Vineyard.

Madaket Beach, Nantucket

Madaket Beach on Nantucket is the island’s premier spot for spectacular sunsets and powerful Atlantic waves. Located on the westernmost point of Nantucket, it offers a wilder, more untamed beach experience compared to the calmer northern shores. What makes Madaket unique is its dramatic ocean surf, perfect for boogie boarding and experienced swimmers, and the vast, unobstructed views of the horizon.

You can spend your day riding the waves, shell collecting, or taking long walks along the expansive shoreline. As evening approaches, the beach transforms into a magnet for sunset watchers, offering some of the most vibrant and unforgettable displays on the island. It’s an ideal destination for surfers, boogie boarders, photographers, and anyone seeking a more rugged, natural beach experience away from the bustling town. The nearby Millie’s restaurant is a local institution, providing the perfect post-sunset dining option.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation

Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport offers a vast, windswept expanse of sand and dunes, making it one of the most popular state beaches in Massachusetts. Its unique appeal lies in its sheer size – over two miles of shoreline – providing ample space for everyone, even on busy summer days. You can enjoy swimming in the relatively calm waters of Buzzards Bay, windsurfing or kitesurfing when conditions are right, or exploring the extensive dune system and salt marsh areas, which are rich in birdlife.

The beach is known for its consistent breezes, making it a haven for wind-powered watersports enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic spot for families due to the gentle waves and ample space, as well as birdwatchers, windsurfers, and anyone looking for a spacious, less commercialized beach experience. The natural beauty and the sound of the wind through the dunes create a truly refreshing escape.

Mayo Beach

Mayo Beach in Wellfleet offers a unique, tranquil experience on the bayside of Cape Cod, known for its warm, calm waters and stunning views of the harbor. Unlike the ocean beaches, Mayo Beach provides gentle lapping waves, making it exceptionally safe and enjoyable for young children and those who prefer a serene swim. What makes it special is its intimate atmosphere and the picturesque backdrop of Wellfleet’s fishing boats and marshlands.

You can spend your day building sandcastles, floating in the gentle bay, or exploring the tidal flats at low tide, which reveal fascinating marine life. It’s also a fantastic spot for launching kayaks or paddleboards to explore the protected bay. This beach is perfect for families with toddlers and young children, seniors seeking calm waters, and anyone looking for a quiet, quintessential Cape Cod bayside experience. The charming town of Wellfleet, with its art galleries and seafood shacks, is just a stone’s throw away.

Mayflower Beach

Mayflower Beach in Dennis is often hailed as one of Cape Cod’s most beautiful and family-friendly bayside beaches, famous for its expansive tidal flats at low tide. What makes Mayflower truly unique is the incredible phenomenon of the receding tide, which can extend the beach by nearly a mile, creating vast, warm pools perfect for toddlers and exploring. You can spend hours walking out on the flats, searching for crabs and shells, or simply enjoying the warm, calm waters of Cape Cod Bay.

The beach features a boardwalk, restrooms, and a concession stand, making it very convenient for families. It’s a photographer’s dream during sunset when the flats reflect the sky’s vibrant colors. Mayflower Beach is absolutely ideal for families with young children, nature explorers, and anyone who loves a picturesque, calm beach experience. The beauty of the ever-changing landscape makes every visit memorable.

Marconi Beach

Marconi Beach, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore in Wellfleet, offers a dramatic and wild Atlantic ocean experience, characterized by its towering sand cliffs and powerful surf. This beach is unique for its breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the dunes, where Guglielmo Marconi made the first transatlantic wireless communication. You can descend a long staircase to the expansive sandy beach below, where you’ll find strong waves perfect for bodyboarding and surfing, and plenty of space for sunbathing and long walks.

The backdrop of the majestic cliffs gives it a rugged, untouched feel. It’s a prime spot for those who appreciate the raw beauty of the ocean and seek a more active beach experience. Marconi Beach is perfect for surfers, bodyboarders, photographers, and anyone who enjoys dramatic natural landscapes and a less crowded oceanfront. The history associated with Marconi’s groundbreaking achievement adds an intellectual layer to its natural splendor.

Revere Beach

Revere Beach holds a special place in American history as the nation’s first public beach, established in 1896. Located just north of Boston, it offers a vibrant urban beach experience with a wide, crescent-shaped shoreline. What makes Revere Beach unique is its historical significance and its accessibility from the city via the MBTA Blue Line.

You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming (though the water quality can vary), or strolling along the wide promenade, which is perfect for walking, jogging, and people-watching. The beach hosts various events throughout the year, most famously the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival in July, which draws massive crowds. It’s a lively, diverse beach that offers a taste of classic Americana. Revere Beach is ideal for city dwellers looking for a quick beach escape, history buffs, and families seeking an accessible urban beach experience with plenty of amenities and a lively atmosphere.

Menemsha Beach

Menemsha Beach on Martha’s Vineyard is a quintessential New England fishing village beach, famous for its calm, clear waters and spectacular sunsets over the ocean. This beach offers a truly authentic island experience, with fishing boats bobbing in the harbor nearby and fresh seafood shacks just steps away. What makes Menemsha unique is its serene atmosphere and the breathtaking, unobstructed views of the sunset over the water, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.

You can enjoy swimming in the gentle waves, exploring the quaint fishing village, or simply relaxing on the sand as you watch the boats go by. Many visitors bring picnics to enjoy as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery colors. Menemsha Beach is perfect for couples seeking a romantic evening, families with young children due to its calm waters, and anyone looking for a peaceful, picturesque beach experience with a touch of local charm.

Singing Beach

Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea is a unique and enchanting destination on the North Shore, named for the distinct “singing” or squeaking sound its dry sand makes when walked upon. This rare phenomenon, caused by the shape and composition of the sand grains, makes every step a delight. What makes Singing Beach truly special is its picturesque crescent shape, framed by rocky cliffs and lush greenery, providing a truly idyllic setting.

You can enjoy swimming in the refreshingly cool Atlantic waters, sunbathing on the soft sand, or exploring the tide pools that form among the rocks at low tide. The beach is well-maintained and offers amenities like restrooms and a snack bar. It’s a perfect spot for families, couples, and anyone looking for a charming, clean, and uniquely auditory beach experience. The town of Manchester-by-the-Sea itself is quaint and beautiful, adding to the allure.

Spectacle Island Beach

Spectacle Island Beach in Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park offers a unique urban escape with stunning views of the Boston skyline. This island, once a landfill, has been transformed into a beautiful park with walking trails, a marina, and two sandy beaches. What makes Spectacle Island unique is its incredible transformation story and its unparalleled panoramic views of the city, especially from the summit.

You can enjoy swimming at the designated beaches, hiking the island’s trails (including the highest point in the harbor, North Drumlin), or picnicking while watching boats sail by. It’s also a great spot for finding sea glass, thanks to its past. The island is accessible by ferry from Boston, making it an adventurous yet convenient day trip. Spectacle Island is perfect for urban explorers, nature lovers, history buffs interested in environmental restoration, and anyone looking for unique city views combined with outdoor activities.

Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod

Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the nation, known for its pristine beauty, powerful surf, and dynamic dune system. What makes Coast Guard Beach special is its wild, expansive nature and its dramatic location at the edge of the Atlantic. You can enjoy swimming in the invigorating ocean waves, bodyboarding, or taking long walks along the seemingly endless shoreline.

The beach is backed by majestic dunes and a salt marsh, offering a diverse natural landscape. Due to erosion, access is primarily by shuttle bus from a remote parking lot, preserving its natural state and limiting crowds somewhat. It’s an ideal destination for those who appreciate raw, untouched coastal beauty, surfers, bodyboarders, and families with older children who enjoy the ocean’s power. Its natural splendor truly embodies the spirit of the Outer Cape.

Aquinnah Public Beach

Aquinnah Public Beach, also known as Moshup Beach, is a remote and stunning stretch of sand on Martha’s Vineyard, famous for its dramatic clay cliffs and vibrant colored sands. This beach is unique for its breathtaking geological formations – the Gay Head Cliffs – which are a National Natural Landmark and hold deep cultural significance for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). You can enjoy swimming in the clear, often cool Atlantic waters, exploring the beach for interesting pebbles and shells, or simply marveling at the vibrant hues of the cliffs.

It’s a truly wild and natural beach experience, away from the island’s more developed areas. Please note that climbing on or disturbing the cliffs is strictly prohibited to protect this fragile landmark. Aquinnah Public Beach is perfect for nature photographers, geology enthusiasts, those seeking solitude, and anyone looking for a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Craigville Beach

Craigville Beach in Centerville is a classic Cape Cod beach, known for its long, wide expanse of soft sand and moderately calm waters on Nantucket Sound. This beach is unique for its quintessential Cape Cod charm, offering ample space for sunbathing and swimming without feeling overly crowded. You can enjoy building sandcastles, swimming in the warm, gentle waves, or taking long walks along the shoreline.

It’s a very popular spot for families due to the relatively shallow and calm waters, making it safe for children. The beach provides restrooms, changing facilities, and a concession stand for convenience. Craigville Beach embodies the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that many seek on a Cape Cod vacation. It’s ideal for families with children of all ages, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a spacious, classic New England beach day with easy access to amenities.

Plan Your Visit

Massachusetts’ coastline is a tapestry of natural wonders, offering far more than just sandy shores. From the wild, windswept dunes of the Outer Cape to the serene, family-friendly bayside havens and the historic urban retreats, you’ve now discovered 15 incredible beaches, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you seek the thrill of crashing waves, the tranquility of calm, warm waters, or the breathtaking beauty of a sunset over the Atlantic, Massachusetts delivers.

So pack your bags, consult these practical tips and cost insights, and prepare to immerse yourself in the diverse coastal beauty of the Bay State. Your perfect beach adventure awaits, promising unforgettable memories and the refreshing embrace of the ocean. Start planning your Massachusetts beach getaway today – the sand, sun, and sea are calling your name!