15+ Beaches Around Boston to Check Out this Summer

There are plenty of beautiful beaches around Boston to enjoy, from quiet coastlines to island getaways. Whether you’re looking to catch a tan by the water, admire the romantic sea view, or build sandcastles with your kiddos, Boston beaches have something for everyone to enjoy.   

By Kenneal Patterson

Beaches listed in order of distance from Downtown Boston.

1) M & L Street Beaches
Where: South Boston | 2.5 miles from Downtown Boston 
Info: You’ll find the M & L Street Beaches less than 3 miles from downtown Boston. This long, sandy stretch attracts young people from all over the city. On a typical summer day, large groups of visitors stretch out on towels or lawn chairs and wade into shallow waters. This lively beach is also moments away from the Harborwalk’s beautiful running, walking and biking trails.

2) Carson Beach
Where: South Boston | 2.6 miles from Downtown Boston 
Info: Carson Beach is perfect for your sporty summer fun. This clean, sizeable beach offers plenty of open space to stretch out and pass a frisbee. Here, you can swim, play volleyball, or play tennis at the adjacent Joe Moakley Park. 

3) Pleasure Beach
Where: South Boston | 2.8 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: The beach encircling Pleasure Bay is one of the loveliest spots in the city. Make sure to explore the nearby Castle Island, where you’ll find scenic overlooks and picnic areas for the whole family to enjoy. For lunch, make your way to the Sullivan’s, a Boston classic since 1951. This seafood shack is sure to feed the whole family.

4) Savin Hill Beach
Where: Dorchester | 4.2 miles from Downtown Boston  
Info: Savin Hill Beach is a wholesome, family-fun experience, with playgrounds for kiddos at McConnell Park and a lovely shoreside for when you’re ready to cool off.

5) Constitution Beach
Where: East Boston | 4.3 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Constitution Beach is a hidden gem right near the airport. Take a day trip to East Boston and spend your day swimming, picnicking, or lounging on sandy banks and watching planes pass by overhead.

6) Tenean Beach
Where: Dorchester | 5.5 miles from Downtown Boston  
Info: Sometimes it's better to stay dry and soak up the sun. Even though Tenean Beach doesn’t offer swimming opportunities, it’s on our rec list for a reason. Bring your family for a day filled with basketball, sunbathing, tennis, biking, and hiking the Neponset Trail.

7) Revere Beach
Where: Revere | 5.9 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Revere Beach is America’s first-ever public beach! It’s only a quick T ride away from the city— take the Blue Line to the Wonderland stop, and before you know it, you’ll be walking down Revere’s sandy stretch. Make sure to check out the beach’s famous International Sand Sculpting Festival, which returns July 28.

8) Yirrell Beach
Where: Winthrop | 7.5 miles from Downtown Boston 
Info: Relax in the soft sand of this quiet Winthrop hideaway. Yirrell Beach connects to the narrow promontory called Deer Island, a natural reserve complete with a lighthouse overlook. On clear days on the beach, you can see for miles into the Harbor.

9) Wollaston Beach
Where: NorthQuincy | 7.8 miles from Downtown Boston 
Info: Wollaston Beach brings back memories of childhood days spent at the beach. It’s the epitome of a classic New England shoreside, with ice cream and fried food waiting at restaurants right across the road.

10) Spectacle Island
Where: Boston Harbor Islands | 9.9 miles from Downtown Boston 
Info: Take a 20-minute ferry ride over to the famous Spectacle Island, a beautiful oasis just offshore of South Boston. Here, you’ll find an informative visitor center which recounts the history of the island. You can transverse the 5-mile island loop for panoramic views, as well as catch the sunset over the stunning skyline view.

11) Nahant Beach
Where: Nahant | 14.7 miles from Downtown Boston 
Info: Although it’s a bit farther North, Nahant Beach is definitely worth the trip. The clean, pristine beach is part of a conserved peninsula, and leads to the lovely town of Nahant. Nearby, you’ll find a handful of other swimming spots, as well as a Doggie Beach. 

12) Devereux Beach
Where: Marblehead | 18.3 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Just North of Salem, you’ll find Marblehead, one of America’s oldest settlements. This coastal town is home to Devereux Beach, which offers a concession stand, a stunning shore and a more private place to spend the day.

13) Nantasket Beach
Where: Hull | 21.1 miles from Downtown Boston 
Info: A trip on the Hingham ferry will take you to Hull, a darling town with a great restaurant and some great ice cream shops, including Scoops Ice Cream Company and Surf & Scoops Ice Cream Shop. Here, you’ll find the spectacular Nantasket Beach, a great beach for families. The beach has lovely views of the Atlantic and opportunities to see sea creatures during low tide. 

14) Lovells Island
Where: Boston Harbor Islands | 24.1 miles from Downtown Boston  
Info: Lovells Island is a sight to behold. It’s a haven for campers, with multiple places to pitch a tent. You can admire the diverse flora and fauna on the island, and make sure to bring binoculars for the birdwatching opportunities. 

15) Singing Beach (pictured)
Where: Manchester-by-the-Sea | 30.8 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Singing Beach is not to be missed. You can take the commuter rail up for the day to explore its unique sand, which makes a “singing” sound when water rolls over it.

16) Crane Beach
Where: Ipswich | 35.1 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Take a day trip to see the magnificent Crane Estate. The mansion and its grounds lie adjacent to the white-sand Crane Beach. The beach is important for conservation and shorebird protection efforts, and it’s one of the most beautiful places on the coast. Note: to visit the beach, nonmembers must purchase a day pass here.

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Photo: Singing Beach