15 BEST Beaches in Boston [December 2024]

Boston is a beautiful New England city located on the east coast of the United States. The Massachusetts Bay and Boston Harbor open up into the Atlantic Ocean. This supplies the city with wonderful waterfront charm and wonderful views.

Although the beaches around Boston might not be your typical, big waved and warm water experience, they’re still uniquely beautiful and picturesque at any time of year.

If you’re looking for the top Boston area beaches, we’ve covered all the best spots within a 30-minute radius of the city. Most of these seaside destinations are easily serviced by the Boston Metro.

Here is our guide to the best Boston beaches!

Best Places to Stay in Boston

Before we get into the best beaches in and around Boston, here’s a quick guide on our favorite places to stay. This city has quite a few accommodation options to choose from. We’ve narrowed the list down and included prices to suit all budgets.

#1 – Boston Park Plaza

Best Budget Hotel in Boston

The Boston Park Plaza offers travelers great value for money. The hotel is located in Boston’s exciting Theater District. All rooms include a TV, blackout shades, a refrigerator, and more! The property features an on-site restaurant and room service. For coffee drinkers, there’s a Starbucks right off the main lobby.

#2 – YOTEL Boston

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Boston

This Boston hotel offers travelers plenty of great perks. All rooms are modern and feature a flat-screen smart TV, mood lighting, and a private bathroom with monsoon rain showers. The property contains a fitness center, room service, and an on-site restaurant. There is also a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Boston skyline! 

#3 – The Eliot Suite Hotel

Best Luxury Hotel in Boston

If you’re looking for a 5-star hotel for your trip to Boston, it doesn’t get more lavish than the Eliot Suite Hotel. At this amazing accommodation, all rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs,  soundproof windows, marble bathrooms, a minibar, and so much more. The property features an impressive on-site Japanese sushi bar.

#1 – Pleasure Bay Beach

A popular local beach

• A lively beach that’s popular with both locals and tourists
• Part of a three-mile stretch of parkland along the South Boston shoreline

Pleasure Bay Beach is one of the most most popular beaches in Boston. It’s connected to Castle Island, a popular peninsula that sits on the shore of Boston Harbor. It’s also part of the Boston Harborwalk, which is a 38-mile nearly continual path that hugs the Boston shoreline.

The sand is coarse, with small pebbles and the waves generally stay calm. You’ll find an on-duty lifeguard from Memorial Day to Labor Day

Outside of the water, there is a path for walking, running, and biking. Benches also line the walkway and offer a quiet place to take in the gorgeous views. If you’re planning a social gathering, there are picnic tables for guests to use.

Need more specifics? Find out where to stay in Boston based on what you want to do there!

#2 – Spectacle Island

A sandy island beach

• Part of the Boston Harbor Islands
• Located on a 105-acre island

Spectacle Island is located just four miles offshore from downtown Boston. To get here, you’ll need to take a quick 20-minute ferry ride. The island is open from May to Columbus Day. On a clear day, you’ll also be able to see breathtaking views of downtown Boston.

Unlike most of the islands in Boston Harbor, Spectacle Island features several sandy beaches. They offer the perfect setting for sunbathing and swimming. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months

Hikers can enjoy the five-mile loop around the island and several paths that weave through the island interior. There is also a small marina for boaters!

What sort of trip are you planning? Boston has incredible hotels for all types of visits!

#3 – Constitution Beach

One of the most unique Boston beaches

• A man-made crescent-shaped, sandy beach
• The beach is located on 223 acres of land

Constitution Beach, known locally as “Shays Beach,” is a man-made beach that opened in 1952. It’s most unique feature is that it looks directly onto several runways of Boston’s Logan International Airport. While you’re lounging on the sand, you’ll be able to view planes taking off and landing on the nearby runways. 

The beach is located in a protected inlet so the water stays relatively calm. This Boston beach is fun for the whole family. You’ll find bathhouse facilities, snack bars, and a large kid’s playground area located right next to the beach.

#4 – Malibu Beach Boston

A great beach for social gatherings

• A great beach to visit year-round
• A nice average size beach

Malibu Beach is located in Dorchester, Massachusetts, just six miles from Boston. It offers sandy shores, plenty of space, and picturesque views of Dorchester Bay Basin. The water generally stays calm. This makes it a great beach for kids or visitors who enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking.

It’s also one of the best beaches near Boston for social gatherings. Given its location outside of the city, it tends to stay less touristy. It’s more popular with locals and college students.

The beach provides lots of shaded, grassy areas and benches to relax on. There are also numerous picnic tables available on-site, as well as grilling areas and water fountains. It’s a great place to kick back and relax.

Let’s make this simple. These are the best hotels in Downtown Boston!

#5 – Tenean Beach

A great beach for active sports

• A quiet, peaceful beach
• One of the smallest beaches near Boston, Massachusetts

Tenean Beach is a small beach in Dorchester, Massachusetts – just one mile from Malibu Beach. It’s considered a hidden gem amongst the locals and offers lots of on-shore beach activities. Although it’s not ideal for swimming due to the water quality, it entices guests with other features.

For outdoor fun, there is a basketball court, tennis courts, and a large playground with swings. The Neponset Trail winds by the beach and offers great views of the Boston skyline. The area is sandy and generally stays very quiet, making it a great option for families.

There are also lots of grassy areas, trees, and gazebos with benches.

Planning a trip? See our list of the best things to see in Boston!

#6 – Carson Beach

A very popular beach in the summertime

• A great place to go for a classic beach experience
• Part of a three-mile stretch of parkland along the South Boston shoreline

Carson Beach is located in South Boston. This sandy spot is a popular place to beat the mid-summer heat. For active beach-goers, there are volleyball, bocce courts, and walkways for pedestrians. If you choose to swim, there’s an on-site lifeguard during the summer months.

For sun-worshipers, you’ll be able to layout on the sand and enjoy wonderful views of the Boston Harbor. If you’re hungry, you can grab an ice cream or a small meal from the beach hut.

The facilities on the beach include restrooms and bathhouses for rinsing off. You’ll find numerous picnic tables, benches, and water fountains.

Need a little more convincing? These day trips from Boston will help you make up your mind!

#7 – M Street Beach

A beach with a local feel to it

• An idyllic sandy beach in Boston
• Part of a three-mile stretch of parkland along the South Boston shoreline 

M Street Beach a trendy local haunt for the locals. Sunbathing and beach games are all the rage thanks to a massive renovation. With the installation of a grassy lawn area, an enhanced sea wall, and new plants, this beach has been turned into a seaside hotspot.

It’s a great location to gather with friends, relax on the sand, or enjoy a picturesque beachside stroll. The sand is soft and plentiful, and the water stays on the calm side. You’ll also find lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

There are shows and bathrooms available on-site and food vendors can be found just a short distance away.

#8 – City Point Beach

A charming New England beach

• A great coastal space in Boston
• An average-sized beach

City Point Beach is connected to Pleasure Bay Beach and Castle Island. It’s a peaceful beach that’s perfect for relaxing or strolling. There are benches that line the walkway where you can sit and take in the amazing harbor views.

The sand is coarse and pebbled and the water generally stays very calm. There is a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Picnic tables are also available under a shaded gazebo.

For hikers, the beach features a 2.2-mile loop that’s connected to Pleasure Bay and Castle Island. If you’re traveling with kids, City Point Park and Marine Park are just across the street and have a large playground.

Boston is big! You’ll have to prioritize which places to visit when you go!

#9 – Savin Hill Beach

A charming New England beach

• One of the best beaches in Boston, Massachusetts for kids
• A smaller sized beach

Savin Hill Beach is located in Dorchester, Massachusetts. The long and narrow strip of sand leads to calm, blue water. It’s a great beach for paddleboarding, kayaking, or leisurely swimming.

The playground is located between the beach and the parking area, in the same area as the picnic tables. There are also baseball fields nearby.

It’s within walking distance to Malibu Beach, where guests can utilize the beaches facilities, including restrooms, showers, and food vendors.

With calm water and plenty of safe, child-friendly activities, Savin Hill Beach is a great beach near Boston for kids.

Insider Guide! These are the absolute BEST times of the year to visit Boston!

#10 – Wollaston Beach

A charming New England beach

• The longest stretch of beach that fronts the Boston Harbor.
• 2.3 miles long

Wollaston Beach is located in Quincy, Massachusetts, just ten miles from downtown Boston.

The southern portion of the beach has a more rocky terrain, while the middle and north portions are sandy. The two-mile continuous walkway is great for active beach-goers, who can enjoy a lovely water view as they exercise.

For kids, there’s a playground area just across the street from the beach. If you’re hungry, the Clam Box and Tony’s Clam Shack are within walking distance and very popular with the locals.

One of the most impressive aspects of the beach is the incredible views. You’ll enjoy unobscured views of several of the Harbor Islands and the city of Boston.

What do you like? Because we’ve catered a list of the top tours in Boston for all interests!

#11 – Revere Beach

A great beach for water sports

• A popular spot for aquatic activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing
• 3 miles long

Revere Beach is located in Revere, Massachusetts, just seven miles from downtown Boston. This beach has the distinction of being America’s oldest public beach. It was established in 1896 and has been a popular spot ever since.

During the summer months, thousands of visitors take advantage of the soft sand and moderate waves. The waterside walkway stays busy with pedestrians year-round. The beach also hosts many annual events, including a Sand Sculpting Festiva that takes place every July.

The facilities available at the beach include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and benches. You’ll also find numerous local restaurants all within a comfortable walking distance.

#12 – Nahant Beach

A lovely secluded beach

• Nahant Beach is part of a 67-acre nature preserve
• 1.3 miles long

Nahant Beach is located in Nahant, Massachusetts, and is just 12 miles north of Boston.

Even on a hot summer day, you’ll find plenty of space. The water is calm and stays shallow for quite a distance, making it a great place for children to splash around. There are seasonal lifeguards available from July to August.

The two-mile walkway is great for jogging or a stroll and runs the entire length of the beach.

Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and playgrounds are also available. One thing to note is that the shade is scarce. Make sure to bring an umbrella if you plan to spend the whole day at the beach.

#13 – Nickerson Beach

The perfect beach for hikers

• A quiet, secluded spot
• One of the smallest Boston public beaches

Nickerson Beach is a hidden gem in Quincy, Massachusetts. This small, rocky beach is geared towards active beach-goers and nature lovers. With its calm water, it’s a great place to launch kayaks and paddleboards.

It’s one of the best beaches close to Boston to enjoy the fresh open air. There is a small trail system that starts at Nickerson Beach. The trails are easy to follow and are very picturesque.

It’s also a great beach for exploring, as it sits off the beaten path. It’s entirely possible that when you visit you’ll have the whole place to yourself!

#14 – Mound Street Beach

A quiet Quincy beach

• A non-touristy beach, off the beaten path
• A smaller sized beach

Mound Street Beach is located in Quincy, Massachusetts. It offers a great combination of beach sand and lush grassy area.

The water stays relatively calm, making it great for a relaxing swim. However, the beach does not have lifeguards on patrol. It’s located next to a yacht club and marina, making it a great spot to sit back and watch the boats cruise by.

The large grassy field is the perfect spot for picnicking or enjoying a social sport. Nearby, there is a basketball court, tennis court, hockey rink, and a baseball field.

#15 – Avalon Beach

A nice beach to watch the world go by

• An assuming beach where you can relax in a peaceful environment
• A smaller sized beach

Avalon Beach is a quiet sandy beach in Quincy, Massachusetts. The shaded benches that line the outskirts of the beach make a wonderful vantage point to relax and enjoy the views. There’s also a walking path that runs the length of the beach.

Space on the sand can be limited during high-tide, but there is a shaded grassy area just behind the sand. The water is calm, making it perfect for kids, or anyone who enjoys dipping their feet in the water.   

There are also a few picnic tables next to the beach!

Conclusion

Most of the charm from this beautiful New England city is due to its waterfront appeal. It boasts many scenic beaches that attract visitors year-round!

In summer, the water will provide a refreshing reprieve from the hot sun. During cooler temperature months, beaches make a lovely backdrop for a scenic stroll.

Whether you’re looking for some sandy spots for sunbathing or a quiet seaside beach, you’re sure to find the perfect shoreline in Boston!