From the white sands of Mayflower Beach to the North Shore’s clear waters, there are so many beautiful beaches near Boston for every kind of beachgoer! With over 500 miles of coastline, plus dozens of islands, New England offers a plethora of sand and surf to indulge in.
Below, you’ll find some of the best beaches near Boston. The distances listed are the amount of time it takes to drive to the beaches outside of peak traffic times. We also listed the best public transit options that take you to the beach for those without a car, as all of the listed beaches can be accessed by a combination of public transit plus rideshare!
1. Carson Beach, South Boston, MA
We’d like to preface by saying that Carson is by no means the “best beach,” but, its proximity to the city makes it incredibly convenient for daily beachgoers or those seeking to add beach into their regular routine while living in Boston. The waterfront of South Boston includes several stretches of beach plus a flat-water spot known as Pleasure Bay.
If living in Boston, Carson Beach is accessible by foot, bike, and the Red Line to JFK, or MBTA bus to 8th and G Street.
2. Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA (40 mins)
Singing offers an expansive, wide flat bed of sand, creating plenty of room and space between loungers. The water is very clear but can be cold. The beach gets its name from the distinct creaking sound the sand makes when people walk on it, especially when dry, that sounds like a quiet melody.
Take the Newburyport Commuter Rail from North Station
3. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester, MA (50 mins)
Gloucester, home of the Greasy Pole Contest, offers some gorgeous beaches with some of New England’s clearest waters. If one beach took home the cake, it’d be Wingaersheek. You have tropical-level clarity at this beach, dozens of tidal pools at high tide, and flat, calm waters.
Take the Newburyport Commuter Rail from North Station
4. Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, MA (50 mins)
The water here isn’t as clear as Wingaersheek, but this is another popular and beautiful beach for locals. It’s under one hour from the city, has light waves and wide sands.
Take the Newburyport Commuter Rail from North Station
5. Chapoquoit ‘Chappy’ Beach, Falmouth, Cape Cod, MA (65 mins)
Hidden off the Shining Sea Bike Path, this sequestered beach isn’t known to tourists, but Cape locals love its mix of white sands, clear waters, gentle surf, and stunning sunsets! Unlike some Cape beaches, there’s virtually no seaweed at Chappy! If you’re looking for a place to stay near the beach, AutoCamp, a local glamping retreat, shares the bike path.
Take the Peter Pan bus to Falmouth
6. Footbridge Beach, Ogunquit, ME (80 mins)
Ogunquit’s Main Beach ranked as one of the best beaches in the country several years in a row. Get the same gorgeous waters, local seafood shacks, and expansive shorelines but at Footbridge Beach. This quieter spread of the beach stems from a stunning Rosa Rugosa pathway. The waters can be cold, even in peak summer heat, so a surf lesson and cozying by the fireplace at your cottage after, will keep you warm!
Stay at The Dunes for an idyllic trip from Boston.
Take the Downeaster to Wells, Maine
7. Mayflower Beach, Dennis, Cape Cod, MA (90 mins)
Another stunning Cape Beach, this one will have you in denial that you’re in New England and not Florida. Mayflower’s sand is pristine white, and the waters are ultra-clear. It also makes a gorgeous spot for photos.
Take the Peter Pan bus to Dennis
8. East Beach, Westerly, RI (100 mins)
Home of the famous Ocean House resort, this beach has great surf, clear waters and soft sands. Part of the beach is private for resort guests, and the other half is public, although parking is a 15-minute walk away. Westerly is such a cute town to explore too. You’ll find Taylor Swift’s estate overlooking the beach here. Make sure to grab gelato in town at Pompelmo Gelataria—named one of the “top 100 gelato shops in the world.”
Take the Amtrak Northeast Regional to Westerly, Rhode Island
9. Menemsha Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, MA(80 min drive, 1 hour ferry)
Menemsha ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast by Rough Guides. Since it’s on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, it does require a ferry for access, but that’s just part of the fun! It’s a popular spot to collect sea glass, catch a sunset, and watch fishing boats float into the harbor.
Take the Peter Pan bus to Hyannis then the Hy-Line or Steamship Authority Ferry
10. Steps Beach, Nantucket, MA (80 min drive, 1 hour ferry)
Also requiring a ferry are the beautiful beaches of Nantucket Island! Steps Beach is one of the most beloved Massachusetts beaches. In June, the staircase that descends to the beach is lined with fragrant blooming rosa rugosa. If you’re a fan of Elin Hilderbrand novels, she frequently mentions this stunning beach. This cedar-shingled retreat completes the fairytale feeling.
Take the Peter Pan bus to Hyannis then the Hy-Line or Steamship Authority Ferry