Massachusetts Beach Tourism Guide

Looking for a place to take a summer vacation? Massachusetts has beautiful beaches, sunshine, sand, and ocean waves. With 15 saltwater ocean beaches and 50+ inland, fresh water beaches, each atmosphere is slightly different. Some beaches boast old-town charm, while others are more modern, with seaside boutiques, bars, and restaurants. North Shore and South Shore beaches are abundant with family-friendly activities, miles of seashore, and vibrant sea-side towns. The Bay State’s beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or simply relaxing with sand between your toes. Some Massachusetts beaches are known as hidden gems, while others are constant tourist hotspots.

Dive into a brief guide to Massachusetts beach tourism. Plan a weekend getaway, get excited about sand and shore, and make the most of your beach adventure. 

Here are some of the MANY beaches to explore when summer vacationing in Massachusetts. However, this only brushes the surface of what Massachusetts has to offer. 

 

Cape Cod Beaches 

• Cockle Cove Beach in Chatham is along Nantucket Sound and is a great beach for families
• Coast Guard Beach is a favorite for beachgoers and part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. 
• Mayflower Beach in Dennis is also popular for families with calm waters, bathrooms, and lifeguards on duty
• Nauset Beach stretches ten miles from Chatham to Orleans, allowing travelers wildlife views of seals on the rocks and shorelines. This is also a great place to catch an outdoor, summer concert. 
• Race Point Beach is well-known for its giant dunes, strong currents, and rich history, making it the perfect place to explore the Race Point Lighthouse. 
• Sandy Neck Beach is a favorite for nature lovers, with 4,700 acres of wildlife reserve surrounding it. There are also bathrooms, changing rooms, and a food stand in case you forget to pack food. 

Martha’s Vineyard Beaches 

• South Beach is famous for miles of fine sand and crystalline waves. It is family-friendly, and lifeguards are on duty during peak seasons. 
• State Beach is a tranquil swimming spot known for Jaw Bridge, where vacationers can leap into the water. 
• Menemsha Beach is a pebbly beach on the outskirts of a village, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood. 

 

Nantucket Beaches 

• Surfside Beach is a summer dream for beachgoers, featuring snack bars, lifeguards, and bodysurfing or boogie boarding areas. 
• Madaket Beach is well-known for its sunsets and is less crowded for a more secluded, quiet beach experience. 
• Siasconset Beach is seated next to a village with perfect soft sand and oceanside bluff views. 

North Shore Beaches

• Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester is a great beach for those traveling or living north of Boston. While you are there you can check out the city and grab a place to eat at one of many great local restaurants. 
• Plum Island is a family-favorite beach, along with the city of Newburyport, making this beach a must visit if you are in the area. 
• Crane Beach, a private beach in Ipswich is one of the area’s most iconic beaches for a reason. You will be taken back by the beauty of Ipswich Bay and the famous Crane Estate.

 

Family-Friendly Beach Activities and Attractions in Massachusetts 

Water sports and activities

Parasail and jet ski in Dennis, waterski and paddleboard in Martha’s Vineyard, or rent paddleboards and kayaks at Nantasket Beach. Explore Chatham on a stand-up paddle-board, charter a sailing adventure, or rent a boat to sightsee the water around Provincetown. Are you looking for an adrenaline rush? Check out whitewater rafting in the Berkshires. 

 

Beachfront dining and seafood restaurants 

 

From fine dining to a sandy fish shack near the beach Massachusetts beaches offer a dining experience for everyone.

Indulge in a delicious Bloody Mary on the North Shore at The Barnacle, watch a beautiful sunset from Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant in Quincy, or sit seaside on a picnic bench with handmade sandwiches at Kelly’s Roast Beef on Revere Beach. Stroll on oceanside boardwalks to sample local cuisine and mom-and-pop spots that have been Massachusetts staples for decades. 

 

Coastal hiking and biking trails 

• Coolidge Reservation in North Shore, (Manchester by the Sea), has a one-mile walking trail with panoramic ocean views, salt marshes, and wetlands. 
• Great Island Trail is scenic and serene, with ocean views of the Cape Cod National Seashore. 
• Cape Cod Rail Trail is a twenty-five-mile biking trail between South Dennis and Wellfleet with various coastal rest stops featuring salt marches, pine forests, cranberry bogs, and beaches. In addition, it goes through several cities, which you can stop and enjoy while making the trek. 
• Halibut Point State Park offers several trails with stunning ocean views from Crane Beach to Mount Agamenticus in Maine. 

Exploring nature and having fun in the sun is part of the charm of the Massachusetts coast. There is something for everyone, from hiking and biking trails to fresh seafood, water sports, swimming in the ocean, or lazing in the sand. 

 

Safety tips for family beach outings: 

• Be attentive and aware of ocean conditions. Swim near lifeguards and watch for warning flags that indicate when you can and cannot get in the water.  
• Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated in the Massachusetts sunshine. 
• Never allow children to wander off or play in the ocean alone. That’s how accidents happen. Be close and attentive to what your kids do the entire time you are on the beach. 
• Ask a lifeguard about tides and currents. Research how to spot both with water patterns and avoid swimming in dangerous conditions. 
• Slather on sunscreen. The last thing you want is to burn on your beach vacation. 

 

Accommodation Options Near Massachusetts Beaches 

Beachfront hotels and resorts, cozy beach cottages and rentals, and camping and RV spots are the most common accommodation options near Massachusetts beaches. 

Some lodging suggestions? 

• The Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Cape Cod offers luxury amenities with beautiful views of Pleasant Bay. 
• The Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Martha’s Vineyard is a short walk from South Beach. 
• The White Elephant in Nantucket is charming and has access to Brant Point Beach, and the Surfside Beach Campground is perfect for tent and RV campers. 

Celebrate Life and Sunshine on a Massachusetts Beach: Plus, Packing Essentials 

There’s always something going on at one of the many beaches along the Massachusetts coastline. DJ beach parties, fireworks shows, and outdoor concerts are the norm throughout summer. You may even find a food truck festival on the boardwalk. Cruising the shoreside boardwalks is an excellent way to find and support local businesses, vendors, and bands. 

Here are a few things to throw Into your tote bag: 

• Sunscreen and hats or beach umbrellas. Reapply sunscreen every half hour or every time you get out of the water. Seek shade under a hat or umbrella to reduce the risk of severe sunburn. Wearing sun shield clothing is a great way to block the sun’s harmful effects. 
• Swimsuits, beach towels, and a big towel or beach chairs to sit on. 
• Change of clothes with comfortable clothes like a t-shirt, a jacket or hoodie for cool nights, and fresh shorts or jeans will make you more comfortable after you leave the sand and water.
• Non-perishable snacks and bottled water. 
• A small first-aid kit. You never know when the ocean will roll you into a bank of hard sand, so be prepared with a band-aid and antiseptic wipes. 
• Beach and sand toys for children (and kids at heart). There’s nothing like having a sandcastle-building contest. 
• A book or crossword puzzle (something to help you relax while you lounge in the sunshine with the sounds of the waves). 

When packing to lounge on a beautiful Massachusetts beach, gauge how many people you are packing for and plan accordingly. If your loved ones and friends are packing for themselves, share this checklist with them to ensure everyone is prepared for a day at the beach. 

Make sure you have fun, no matter where you go or what you do. It sure Beats Workin'!

 

Sources: 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28942-Activities-c61-t184-Massachusetts.html

https://www.visitma.com/events/

https://www.visit-massachusetts.com/state/beaches/

https://www.boston.com/travel/travel/2022/07/08/ultimate-guide-to-massachusetts-beaches/

https://www.visitma.com/itinerary/family-friendly/

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/coastal-trails-of-massachusetts

https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/boston-nature-center