Massachusetts is a historic New England state in the northeastern United States, home to world-renowned universities, revolutionary history, and stunning natural landscapes. From the cosmopolitan city of Boston to the scenic shores of Cape Cod and the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts offers a remarkable blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Massachusetts.
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Nauset Beach
One of Cape Cod's most spectacular beaches, Nauset Beach stretches for miles along the outer Cape's Atlantic coast. Wide, sandy, and dramatic with powerful surf and brilliant sunrise views. One of the best beaches in Massachusetts for surfing and bodyboarding. Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Best for. ['Surfing', 'Bodyboarding', 'Sunrise watching', 'Long walks']
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Race Point Beach
A spectacular, remote beach at the very tip of Cape Cod surrounded by the Province Lands dunes. Race Point offers excellent whale and seal watching from shore, dramatic sunsets over the Atlantic, and a sense of wilderness unlike any other Cape beach.
Best for. ['Whale watching from shore', 'Sunsets', 'Dune walks', 'Serenity']
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Crane Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in New England, Crane Beach stretches five miles of pristine sand backed by extensive dunes and the 2,100-acre Crane Wildlife Refuge. The adjacent Castle Hill on the Crane Estate offers mansion tours and cultural events.
Best for. ['Swimming', 'Walking', 'Nature watching', 'Scenic beauty']
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Revere Beach
America's first public beach (established 1896), Revere Beach is a 3-mile crescent of sand just 5 miles north of downtown Boston. Easily reached by MBTA Blue Line. The beach hosts an annual International Sand Sculpting Festival in July.
Best for. ['Convenient Boston beach', 'Sand sculpting festival (July)', 'Budget beach day']
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Singing Beach
Named for the musical squeaking of its fine white quartz sand, Singing Beach is one of Massachusetts' most beloved beaches. Reachable by MBTA commuter rail (Rockport Line) — walk 15 minutes from the station. Beautiful New England village setting.
Best for. ['Car-free beach visit', 'Beautiful sand', 'Charming New England village']
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Surfside Beach
Nantucket's most popular public beach is a 3-mile stretch of sand on the island's south shore with excellent swimming and body surfing conditions. The Surfside Bike Path connects the beach to downtown Nantucket (3 miles).
Best for. ['Swimming', 'Body surfing', 'Cycling from town', 'Uncrowded Nantucket']
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Joseph Sylvia State Beach
A 2-mile stretch of calm, shallow water between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, State Beach is ideal for families with young children. The Joseph A. Sylvia bridge (the infamous 'Jaws Bridge' from the 1975 film) is here, and jumping from it is a local rite of passage.
Best for. ['Families', 'Calm swimming', 'Jaws Bridge experience', 'Cycling along beach road']
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Old Silver Beach
A stunning white-sand beach on the calm Buzzards Bay side of Cape Cod, Old Silver is one of the most beautiful bay beaches in Massachusetts. The calm, warm water (70°F+) makes it ideal for families. Low tide reveals a tidal flat excellent for children.
Best for. ['Families', 'Warm water swimming', 'Sunsets', "Children's tidal pool"]
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Horseneck Beach
A 2-mile state beach on the south coast of Massachusetts with good surf and a beautiful barrier beach setting. The adjacent Westport River estuary provides calm water for paddling. Excellent for both surf swimming and family beach days.
Best for. ['Camping', 'Surfing', 'Family swimming', 'Paddleboarding on river side']
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Long Beach
A beautiful sandy beach on Cape Ann near the charming fishing village of Rockport. Excellent swimming in the open Atlantic with beautiful rocky headlands on either side. Easy to combine with a visit to Rockport's galleries and Motif No. 1.
Best for. ['Swimming', 'Day trip from Boston', 'Combining with Rockport village visit']
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.