Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city, a compact, walkable harbor city of Revolutionary-era sites, universities, museums and seafood.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Boston.
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- lively urban beach with a boardwalk-style promenade
- Restrooms
- Lifeguards
- Bathhouse
- Sand sculpting festival (July)
Revere Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10 a.m. on summer weekends to find metered parking on Revere Beach Boulevard.
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- neighbourhood beach with a casual family atmosphere
- Restrooms
- Lifeguards
- Playground
Carson Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on summer weekends because William J. Day Boulevard parking fills quickly.
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- family-friendly, calm and shallow
- Restrooms
- Walking loop
- Sullivan's snack bar
Pleasure Bay Beach (Castle Island)
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on summer weekends and holidays because Castle Island lots fill quickly.
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- local neighbourhood beach beside the airport
- Lifeguards
- Playground
- Restrooms
Constitution Beach
Editor’s tip. Take the Blue Line to Orient Heights and walk to the beach to avoid limited parking.
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- quiet local beach with a neighbourhood feel
- Parking
- Lifeguards
Savin Hill Beach
Editor’s tip. Take the Red Line to Savin Hill and walk to the beach rather than driving.
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- long, relaxed local beach with a busy shore path
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Parking
Wollaston Beach
Editor’s tip. Check the tide table: at low tide the water retreats far from the seawall and swimming is less practical.
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- quiet harbor island escape with hiking and skyline views
- Seasonal cafe
- Restrooms
- Hiking trails
Spectacle Island Beach
Editor’s tip. Check the ferry schedule and fares before going and note the last return departure.
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Relax
Quiet & peaceful
Pleasure Bay
Family
Family-friendly
Wollaston Beach
Urban
Urban
Revere Beach
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Boston memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Water Temperature
58-68F (14-20C) in summer
Safety
Check water-quality postings; lifeguards seasonal
Parking
Free to low cost at most city beaches
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.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Boston’s coast.
Is Revere Beach accessible by public transit?
Yes. The MBTA Blue Line stops at Revere Beach station right beside the sand, and Wonderland station is at the northern end of the beach.
From the Revere Beach editorial.
Are there lifeguards at Revere Beach?
Lifeguards are posted during the summer swimming season, and restrooms and a bathhouse are available on the beachfront.
From the Revere Beach editorial.
How do I reach Carson Beach by public transit?
Take the Red Line to JFK/UMass and connect by bus toward the beach, or use Silver Line service in the area.
From the Carson Beach editorial.
Are there lifeguards at Carson Beach?
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, and restrooms and a playground are available.
From the Carson Beach editorial.
Is Pleasure Bay good for children?
Yes. The bay is sheltered and shallow near the shore, so the water is usually calm and suits small children.
From the Pleasure Bay Beach (Castle Island) editorial.
How long is the Pleasure Bay walk?
The loop around the bay is about two miles on a flat paved path that also links to Castle Island.
From the Pleasure Bay Beach (Castle Island) editorial.
How do I get to Constitution Beach by transit?
Take the Blue Line to Orient Heights station and walk a short distance to the beach off Barnes Avenue.
From the Constitution Beach editorial.
Are there lifeguards?
Lifeguards are posted during the summer season, and restrooms and a playground are available.
From the Constitution Beach editorial.