Beaches in Massachusetts

1. Martha's Vineyard - Joseph Sylvia State Beach

Stretched on the Nantucket Sound shoreline, Joseph Sylvia State Beach is very popular with families. It has small waves, warm water, a gradual slope from the beach into deeper water, and miles of fine sand where kids can make sand castles and play Frisbee in safety.

The beach runs between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs and has a lifeguard at the Edgartown end in addition to a number of concession stands. The beach forms the seaward coast of a 750-acre brackish tidal lagoon called Sengekontacket Pond.

There is a nice scenic hiking and biking trail between the beach and the pond. It is also a refuge for rare and protected bird species, such as the least tern and piping plover. To reach Martha's Vineyard you will need to catch a ferry at Woods Hole. In the summer, a ferry reservation is pretty much a must.

Between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, off Beach Rd, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA

2. Madaket Beach, Nantucket

Located on the Southern Shore of Nantucket on the Atlantic Ocean, Madaket Beach is famous for its occasional powerful waves, dangerous undertows, and riptides, but most of the time it is pleasant with cool and refreshing waters and reasonable waves.

The beach is very large, with plenty of space even on the busiest weekends, great for hanging out, working on your tan, playing volleyball, making sandcastles, or just taking a long hike along the water.

There are lifeguards at several places along this Nantucket beach. Only four-wheel drive vehicles may access the western-most end of the beach.

Pensylvania Ave, Nantucket, MA 02554, USA

3. Martha's Vineyard - Aquinnah Public Beach

Moshup Beach is a public beach in Aquinnah located just off the Moshup Trail on Martha's Vineyard in a scenic, remote part of the island on its western side.

High above the Aquinnah Public Beach is the 51-foot-tall red brick Gay Head Lighthouse, built in 1799 to warn sailors that they are approaching the island.

The lighthouse is located on top of the 130-foot Gay Head Cliffs, which consist of colorful clay. The wide sandy beach has a “clothing optional” section, and there are a huge number of smooth rocks scattered across the soft white sand.

There are wooden stairs leading from the cliff top to the beach. The surf on the beach can get fairly big and the undertow strong, so it is never crowded with swimmers, but the surfers love it.

4. Chatham Lighthouse Beach

Chatham Lighthouse Beach, located just below the Chatham Light, a functioning lighthouse at the coast guard station, is the largest beach in the town of Chatham and is located only about half a mile from downtown.

The wide scenic expanse of fine white sand is popular for nature walks to southern Monomoy Island. Animal lovers come to watch the daily migration of Chatham's seals as well as the many fishing boats both large and small.

The currents at the beach are very strong and swimming is prohibited at the southern tip of the beach. There is a well-marked swimming area and there are no lifeguards, although there are beach patrols. The flag at the top of the stairs warns visitors of the dangerous conditions.

The lighthouse above the beach is open to visitors during the summer.

30 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633

5. Coast Guard Beach

Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is a spectacular beach that is listed as one of the top ten in the country.

There is a boardwalk that runs all the way to the wide sandy expanse, which is very popular for volleyball, boogie-boarding, surfing, and watching seals, which come very close.

The beach is part of the National Seashore and is surrounded by ancient dunes and marshlands. While the beach is often crowded, after a short walk you can find a secluded spot and have a nice private time by the water.

The waves are often very big and there are always surfers trying to catch the next big one.

2 Ocean View Dr, Eastham, MA 02642

6. Craigville Beach, Centerville

Craigville Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Barnstable.

Located on Nantucket Sound, it is very large, with a wide expanse of fine white sand and while it is very popular and often full of noisy teens and families with kids, it is big enough not to feel crowded.

There is always a volleyball game going on and the beach is long enough for a nice lengthy walk by the water.

It is popular with swimmers and sunbathers and has lifeguards until Labor Day.

There is a restaurant across the street as well as a place renting out umbrella and chairs.

997 Craigville Beach Rd, Centerville, MA 02632-3544

7. Crane Beach

Crane Beach in Ipswich is a large, 1,234-acre very popular beach that is considered one of the most beautiful on the East Coast.

Clean white sands, calm blue water, miles of shoreline, and breathtaking views make this beach one of the most popular holiday and weekend destinations.

There are kids playing in sand, swimming, playing volleyball, or enjoying the sun, and there is something for everyone.

The beach is surrounded by large dunes that protect the coast from storms. There is a 5-mile long trail that meanders across the dunes and salt marshes and through one of the largest pitch pine forests on the North Shore.

Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 01938

8. Horseneck Beach State Reservation

Located in eastern Massachusetts in its southernmost part, Horseneck Beach State Reservation is a 600-acre salt marsh and barrier beach. The 2-mile long beach, part of Buzzards Bay, is breezy, pleasant, south-facing, and very popular among surfers; perfect for a cooling swim during the hot summer months.

The beach and the marshes next to it comprise one of the major bird nesting habitats in the area. Behind the dunes, near a rocky headland called Gooseberry Neck located at the eastern end of the Reservation, is a well-organized 100-site campground.

There are designated spots for swimming. Pets are not allowed on the beach.

5 John Reed Rd, Westport, MA 02790, USA

9. Marconi Beach, Cape Cod

Marconi Beach is a huge, wide beach in Wellfleet, Cape Cod, surrounded by large dunes and often pounded by large waves that attract surfers and boogieboarders.

The beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. There are spectacular views from the bluff on top of the dunes of Cape Cod Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and the Outer Cape. There are wooden stairs that go from the dunes to the beach.

The beach is very popular and can get crowded on weekends and holidays, with the sea of colorful umbrellas creating a pretty picture from above.

There are designated spots for swimming and guards are on duty during the season. The beach is great for long hikes, watching the frequently visiting seals, playing volleyball, or making sandcastles. Bathrooms and outdoor showers are available.

10. Mayflower Beach

Mayflower Beach is a large, beautiful, calm beach on Cape Cod Bay, a part of the northern Dennis shoreline that stretches from Nobscusset Point to Chapin Beach. This public beach is wide and the packed sand is perfect for Frisbee games, volleyballs, and other sports. There are lifeguards on duty, a short boardwalk, public restrooms, and a picnic area. At low tide, the beach has miles of tidal flats and small shallow pools, perfect for the kids to look at the small animals that get trapped in them. If you want to have a nice long walk, you can reach the Bayview Beach that connects to the Mayflower.

Dunes Rd, Dennis, MA