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.
Coastal Massachusetts is a region of remarkable variety. Historic city streets give way to working harbors, quiet villages, open beaches, protected landscapes, and some of New England’s most recognizable coastal destinations.
In Boston, centuries of history meet a modern waterfront and an internationally known arts and cultural scene. Along the South Coast, maritime cities, village centers, farms, vineyards, and natural spaces reveal a less-traveled side of Massachusetts. Across Cape Cod, each town brings its own character, from lively harbors and village Main Streets to sweeping dunes and Atlantic beaches.
Together, these destinations offer far more than a seasonal escape. This Coastal Massachusetts bucket list highlights memorable things to do in each region, with links to our complete local guides for deeper exploration.
Massachusetts has a way of rewarding people who slow down and look closely: at a 300-year-old doorway, a plate of just-shucked oysters, a stretch of coastline that looks much like it did a century ago. That’s the spirit behind this issue of Presence Magazine: a tour through the homes, history, food, and traditions that make this stretch of New England worth calling home.
Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, exploring a new town, or simply craving something sweet, nothing says summer like a great ice cream stop. From Cape Cod to the South Coast and Greater Boston, these local favorites serve everything from homemade classics to creative seasonal flavors worth the trip.