A small beach beneath the historic Nobska Lighthouse with views of Martha’s Vineyard and Vineyard Sound. Features interesting tide pools and underwater rock formations for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Massachusetts Beaches
Massachusetts beaches span the North Shore (Crane Beach, Singing Beach, Wingaersheek, and Nahant), Boston Harbor islands and urban shorelines, the South Shore, Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod National Seashore, and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Water temperatures vary widely by geography: open Atlantic beaches on the Outer Cape and North Shore often stay between 58 F and 66 F in summer, whereas shallow Nantucket Sound and Buzzards Bay beaches warm into the low 70s F. Parking access is the single most important logistics check in Massachusetts: many municipal beaches restrict summer parking lots to town residents with annual stickers or require advance mobile reservations (such as Crane Beach in Ipswich), while Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea offers walk-in access from the MBTA commuter rail. State beaches managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the six Cape Cod National Seashore beaches provide public day-use lots that fill early on sunny weekends. Use the directory filters below to browse Massachusetts beaches across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, the North Shore, South Shore, and Buzzards Bay by swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and coastal hiking. Before driving on summer weekends, confirm whether your destination requires a resident town beach sticker, an advance Trustees of Reservations parking pass, a Massachusetts DCR state beach fee, or a Cape Cod National Seashore entrance pass, and check the Massachusetts Department of Public Health interactive beach water quality dashboard.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach
A picturesque beach beneath the historic Chatham Lighthouse with views of the constantly changing Chatham Bar and Atlantic Ocean. Popular for seal watching and long beach walks.
Long Beach (Rockport)
A mile-long barrier beach connecting Rockport to Gloucester with views of Thacher Island’s twin lighthouses. Features a mix of sand and rock with good tide pooling opportunities at low tide.
Mayflower Beach
A popular Cape Cod beach on Cape Cod Bay known for its expansive tidal flats at low tide and family-friendly atmosphere. Features soft white sand, warm shallow water, and spectacular sunset views.
Singing Beach
Named for the unique sound its sand makes when walked upon, this picturesque crescent beach features clear water and a historic bathhouse. Located in a charming coastal town accessible by train from Boston.
Wingaersheek Beach
A family-friendly beach with calm water, white sand, and interesting rock formations for climbing at low tide. The shallow water and tidal pools make it ideal for children to explore and play.