Beaches in Massachusetts: Best ocean & lake beaches to visit
Topics covered:
Saltwater beaches
Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea
Crane Beach in Ipswich
Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester
Nahant Beach in Nahant
Carson Beach in South Boston
Freshwater beaches
Walden Pond in Concord
Nickerson State Park in Brewster
Cochituate State Park in Natick
Shannon Beach/Mystic Lakes in Medford
Long Lake Beach in Littleton
When most people think about beaches in MA, Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard usually come to mind first. But beyond those well-known destinations, the state is home to many beautiful hidden gems that offer a completely different - and often more unique - beach experience. From scenic saltwater beaches along the Massachusetts coast to peaceful freshwater lake beaches inland, there are endless places to swim, relax, and explore during the warmer months. Whether you’re planning a summer beach-hopping trip or searching for the best beaches in Massachusetts to visit, this guide covers some of the top ocean and lake beaches across the state.
Saltwater Beaches
1. Singing Beach
Singing Beach is famous for its unique “singing sand,” which creates a soft squeaking sound when walked on under the right conditions. This small, scenic beach features calm waters, a beautiful 1920s bathhouse, and a quintessential upscale North Shore atmosphere with a relaxed coastal feel.
Location: Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings in summer for the best experience and fewer crowds
Cost: Walk-on tags are required between 9 AM and 5 PM for visitors ages 12–65 during the summer season. Daily passes are $10 per person, while season passes are $35. Tags can be purchased at the beach using cash or check only, or online. Limited non-resident parking may be available on weekdays during the summer for approximately $30, depending on space and beach staffing.
Recommendations:
Taking the MBTA Commuter Rail is one of the easiest ways to visit, as the beach is about a 10-minute walk from the station
No alcohol, kayaks, boogie boards, inflatable floats, or dogs are allowed during peak beach season
Bring cash or checks for beach fees and purchases, as some facilities may not accept cards
2. Crane Beach
Crane Beach is widely considered one of the most beautiful “wild” beaches in New England. It features miles of soft white sand, rolling dunes, and a protected coastal ecosystem managed by The Trustees of Reservations as part of the historic Crane Estate. Visitors can enjoy both relaxation on the beach and light hiking through scenic trails, all within a carefully preserved conservation area.
Location: Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA.
Best time to visit: Late August for the warmest water, though early June is best to avoid the "Greenhead" fly season.
Cost: Parking requires advance passes. Passes are released at noon every other Thursday for the following two-week period. Trustees members receive free or discounted parking depending on membership level.
Recommendations:
If you need a break from the sun, hike the 4-mile Pine Hollow loop in the dunes.
Bring essentials, as facilities are limited to protect the ecosystem
Crane Estate is nice, see if there are guided tours of the estate to maximize time
Check the Jamaica Plain/BPL branch for a disposable Trustees’ "GO Pass.” It allows 2 adults and children under 18 entry at Family Member rates (often free) for the Castle Hill estate. This pass is valid for estate admission only; it cannot be used for beach parking permits or at parking kiosks.
3. Wingaersheek Beach
A family favorite, Wingaersheek Beach is known for its crystal-clear shallow water and massive rock formations. At low tide, the beach stretches far out, revealing wide sandbars and creating perfect tide pools for kids to explore.
Location: Atlantic St, Gloucester MA
Best time to visit: Low tide (to see the tide pools) on a weekday morning to beat the crowds.
Cost: Non-Resident: Parking requires a prepaid digital reservation via the Blinkay mobile app or Blinkay website. Reservations open 10 days in advance and typically range from $40 per vehicle on weekdays to $45 on weekends and holidays. Residents: Must have a valid Gloucester Beach Sticker. Residents can purchase resident beach stickers, which can be obtained through the city's online application system.
Recommendations:
Alcohol, glass containers, and floating devices (except Coast Guard–approved life jackets) are not allowed
Do not show up without a pre-purchased digital reservation, as there are no on-site sales for non-residents.
Bring water shoes for rocky areas and tide pools
Arrive early, especially in summer, as parking fills quickly
4. Nahant Beach Reservation
Nahant Beach Reservation is a long, scenic stretch of shoreline just outside Boston, known for its soft sand, calm shallow waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach sits along a narrow causeway, creating a unique coastal setting with views of both Nahant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s especially popular for walking and jogging along its two-mile paved promenade, as well as swimming, picnicking, and relaxed summer days by the water.
Location: 1 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA
Best time to visit: Early morning for a sunrise walk along the promenade, or during high tide if you’re looking to swim.
Cost: Daily Parking Fee, $10 MA Vehicle, $40 non-MA Vehicle. Purchase a MA DCR Parks Pass on Yodel
Recommendations:
Walking and biking along the scenic promenade is highly recommended
If the main beach is too windy, the "Short Beach" side of the causeway sometimes offers a bit more shelter.
5. Carson Beach
Carson Beach is a popular, easily accessible sandy urban beach in South Boston, offering stunning views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline. It features a long boardwalk perfect for strolling or biking. This is Boston’s most accessible urban beach, offering a laid-back, city-friendly coastal escape that’s less resort-style and more relaxed - ideal for quick visits, casual beach days, and sunset walks along the water.
Location: William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA
Best time to visit: Summer evenings for sunset views and cooler temperatures
Cost: Free entry with limited parking available.
Recommendations:
Walk over to Castle Island for a "Sullivan’s" hot dog or fried clams after your swim.
Freshwater Beaches
1. Walden Pond
Walden Pond is a 62-acre, 102-foot-deep glacial kettle hole and protected state reservation in Concord, known for its crystal-clear water, forested surroundings, and literary significance as the setting that inspired Henry David Thoreau's "Walden." It offers swimming, hiking, and boating, along with a replica of Thoreau's simple one-room cabin for visitors to explore.
Location: 915 Walden St., Concord, MA
Best time to visit: Early morning on a weekday. The park has a strict capacity limit and closes once full.
Cost: Parking is $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-residents. Payment is cashless and can be made through the Mass DCR YODEL Portal or at on-site credit card machines in the parking areas.
Recommendations:
No pets, alcohol, fires, bikes, camping, drones, or inflatables are allowed in the reservation
Visit the replica of Thoreau’s cabin near the parking lot before taking the loop trail around the pond.
2. Nickerson State Park
Nickerson State Park is one of Cape Cod's most scenic freshwater destinations, known for its crystal-clear kettle ponds - glacially formed basins - surrounded by more than 1,900 acres of pine and oak forest. It offers clear swimming waters, peaceful nature trails, and a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. With over 400 campsites and multiple ponds to explore, it provides a full nature escape, far removed from the busy coastal beaches nearby
Location: 3488 Main St., Brewster, MA
Best time to visit: Mid-summer for perfect swimming temperatures, or autumn for stunning foliage reflections on the water.
Cost: Parking fees are charged from May 23 through October 12. Parking is $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-residents. Cape Cod Rail Trail Access Point: MA resident Vehicle - $5, Non-MA resident Vehicle - $20
Recommendations:
Explore multiple kettle ponds such as Cliff Pond, Flax Pond, and Higgins Pond for different swimming experiences
Nickerson offers plenty of camping options. You could go with a tent, trailer, or R.V.
Bring a bike and take advantage of the scenic 8-mile bike path that connects directly to the iconic 26-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, a paved multi-use trail that winds through six charming Cape Cod towns.
3. Cochituate State Park
Lake Cochituate is a freshwater destination made up of three connected lakes - North, Middle, and South - that form a hub for inland water recreation. It offers swimming at South Lake's sandy beach, along with boating, paddling, and scenic picnic areas shaded by mature trees. The park also features a boat launch and walking trails, making it a versatile, family-friendly space for both active recreation and relaxed days by the water.
Location: 43 Commonwealth Road, Natick, MA
Best time to visit: Late June through August. Weekdays are best for fewer crowds, while early mornings are ideal for swimming and parking availability
Cost: Parking fees are charged from May 23 through October 12. Parking is $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-residents. Mobile payments accepted via the YODEL app
Recommendations:
No alcohol, jet skis, or diving off boats are allowed
Visit Adventures Unbound Commonwealth Collection to rent a boat to explore the lakes
4. Shannon Beach
Shannon Beach is one of the closest freshwater swimming spots to Boston and is part of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. This grassy, sandy beach sits on the shores of Upper Mystic Lake and is a favorite for urban dwellers looking for a quick nature escape without the long drive to the coast. It features a renovated bathhouse, a large playground, and plenty of shaded turf for lounging.
Location: 481 Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford, MA
Best time to visit: Late spring through summer, especially weekday mornings or early evenings to avoid peak crowds.
Cost: Free (No entry or parking fees)
Recommendations:
No alcohol or dogs allowed in designated beach areas
Rent non-motorized boating (kayaks/canoes) to use on Upper Mystic Lake
5. Long Lake Beach
Long Lake Beach is a peaceful, community-focused freshwater destination in Littleton, known for its sandy shoreline, calm swimming waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. Located on the northeast end of Long Pond, it offers a classic New England summer experience with shaded picnic areas, a playground, scenic lake views, and a seasonal snack shack. Visitors can also enjoy kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, making it a relaxing inland escape beyond just swimming.
Location: 20 Town Road, Littleton, MA
Best time to visit: Summer weekdays for fewer crowds and calmer water. Early mornings are best for swimming, parking, and avoiding peak heat.
Cost: Parking is $15 for MA residents and $20 for non-residents. Daily rates are $4 for MA residents and $5 for non-MA residents.
Recommendations:
Explore the lake by renting a kayak or paddleboard from the Littleton Parks & Rec staff on-site.
Check the Littleton Parks & Rec Facebook page for updates
