Boston is known for its history, dining, and championship sports, but the coast deserves a place on the list. Some of the best beaches in Boston are Constitution Beach and Carson Beach. Nearby favorites include Revere, Wollaston, Nahant, Crane, and Singing Beach. Whether you want an easy urban escape, a long shoreline walk, or a full day by the ocean, these seven beaches offer something different. Looking for more ways to explore the city? Start with our Boston Bucket List: 10 Things to Do.
7 of the Best Beaches in Boston and Nearby
Greater Boston’s coastline offers more than one kind of beach day. Watch planes land over the harbor, walk historic shorelines, explore coastal landscapes, and enjoy a summer afternoon by the water.
Constitution Beach, East Boston
Constitution Beach proves you do not have to leave the city for a beach day. Watch planes approach nearby Logan Airport, swim when conditions allow, or follow the waterfront paths around this East Boston neighborhood beach.
Best for: Plane watching and easy city access
Carson Beach, South Boston
Few places capture summer in Boston quite like Carson Beach. Runners and cyclists use the South Boston waterfront, while volleyball players and beachgoers spread out along the sand.
Best for: Waterfront activity and city energy
Wollaston Beach, Quincy
Stretching for 2.3 miles along Quincy Shore, Wollaston Beach is popular for walking, biking, and swimming. Enjoy views across Quincy Bay, watch boats move through the harbor, and stop for a lobster roll or clam plate along the shore.
Best for: Walking, biking, and casual seafood
Revere Beach, Revere
As America’s first public beach, Revere Beach has become a summer tradition for generations of locals and visitors. Stroll the boulevard, stop for fresh seafood, or settle in along its broad Atlantic shoreline.
Best for: A classic, lively beach day
Nahant Beach Reservation, Nahant
Sometimes all you need is a long walk by the ocean. Set along the causeway to Nahant, this reservation offers a broad sandy shoreline, rolling surf, and open ocean views. It is especially inviting whether summer is in full swing or the coast has quieted for the season.
Best for: Long shoreline walks
Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea
This beach has a soundtrack all its own. Singing Beach is known for the distinctive sound its sand can make beneath your feet. Rocky headlands, ocean views, and classic North Shore scenery add to its appeal.
Best for: North Shore scenery and distinctive sand
Crane Beach, Ipswich
More than just a beach, Crane Beach is part of a protected coastal landscape shaped by dunes and salt marsh. Spend the day swimming, walking the water’s edge, or exploring miles of trails through one of the North Shore’s most distinctive settings.
Best for: Dunes, trails, and nature
What to Know Before You Go
Beach access, parking, seasonal fees, and swimming conditions vary by location. Before heading out, review the beach’s official visitor information and check the Massachusetts Beach Water Quality Dashboard for current advisories. Crane Beach requires advance passes on weekends and strongly encourages them at other times. Meanwhile, Singing Beach has limited nonresident parking and seasonal walk-on fees. Checking ahead can make your beach day much easier.
Plan Your Next Boston Beach Day
From city beaches to nearby coastal escapes, the Greater Boston area offers many ways to enjoy summer by the water. Planning a longer coastal getaway? Explore our guide to the best beaches on Cape Cod.
Dreaming of making coastal living part of everyday life? Explore our Boston Home Search, or connect with a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties Forever Agent® for local guidance.