The state of Massachusetts is a popular tourist & digital nomad destination, known for its picturesque waterfronts and beaches.
From serene, secluded spots to bustling boardwalks, Massachusetts has something for every beach-goer. Whether you’re looking for an inspirational place to bed down and work for a while, or simply a relaxing weekend away from it all, you’ll find the perfect beach in the Bay State.
In this article, we’ll cover the best beaches in Massachusetts; looking at each destinations’ unique attributes and activities, so you can choose the perfect beach spot for your next adventure.
21 Best Beaches in Massachusetts – TL;DR
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Cape Cod
- Crane Beach, Ipswich
- Mayflower Beach, Dennis
- Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
- Madaket Beach, Nantucket
- Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation, Nahant
- Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown
- Wellfleet Kettle Ponds, Wellfleet
- Marconi Beach, Wellfleet
- Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro
- Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
- Demarest Lloyd State Park, Dartmouth
- Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea
- Walden Pond, Concord
- Menemsha Beach, Chilmark, Martha’s Vineyard
- Old Silver Beach, Falmouth
- South Beach, Martha’s Vineyard
- Race Point Beach, Provincetown
- Kalmus Beach, Cape Cod
- Spectacle Island Beach, Boston
- Otis Reservoir, Otis
21 Best Beaches in Massachusetts – In Detail
1. Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Cape Cod
Chatham Lighthouse Beach, located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is one of the best beaches in the state.
With its sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, tranquil shoreline, and soft sand, this beach offers unique opportunities for fun in the sun.
Just a short drive away from the nearby town of Chatham, the full beach area is roughly two miles long, with a good amount of space to explore. It’s adjacent to Chatham Lighthouse, making it a great spot to watch the sunset and take in the magnificent views.
The crystal-clear waters offer a nice opportunity for swimming and kayaking and the soft sand is ideal for sunbathing, beach games or relaxing with your laptop!
The area is also equipped with restrooms and showers, and there’s a concession stand on-site where you can purchase snacks and drinks, making it a great spot for a full day of activities.
2. Crane Beach, Ipswich
Crane Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts is one of the best beaches in the area for a number of fabulous reasons.
Located just forty miles North of Boston, it’s surrounded by 400 acres of pristine conservation land all accessible to the public.
This beach is known for its iconic panoramic views, unspoiled wildlife, and wide stretches of beautiful sand that border the blue-green waters of Massachusetts Bay.
The beach can be easily accessed using the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary boardwalk and very conveniently has restrooms and showers.
It also has a swimming area monitored by lifeguards, and kayak, fishing and jet-skiing rentals are available. Feel free to either relax on the beach and watch the picturesque sunset, or go for a refreshing dip in the ocean.
3. Mayflower Beach, Dennis
Mayflower Beach in Dennis, Massachusetts, is one of the best beaches on Cape Cod.
Located off Route 6A on Nantucket Sound, this spot offers plenty of room for families or digital nomads to spread out for a day at the shore.
The white sands and crystal blue waters means on any given day, you’ll find plenty of people relaxing in the sun, eating lunch, swimming in the surf, and just enjoying time outdoors.
The beach itself stretches over 600 feet in length, and so there is plenty of room to find your own perfect spot.
There’s also public access to a variety of water sports equipment, including kayaks, paddle boards, and surfboards, as well as life vests. This allows visitors of all ages to find something to enjoy during their trip to the beach.
Fancy yourself a bit of a fisherman (woman)? Mayflower Beach offers some of the finest fishing in the area. Over 300 fish species inhabit the waters here, making it a great spot for fisherpeople (see what I did there?) of all skill levels. Offshore, several piers and jetties are located along the beach, providing anglers with a great place to cast a line into the open ocean.
All in all, Mayflower Beach in Dennis, Massachusetts, is a fab experience. The white sands, crystal blue waters, and abundance of amenities make this beach an ideal spot to spend a day enjoying the sunshine and waves.
4. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts, ranks among the best beaches in the state.
This beach is a popular spot for families, friends, and couples who flock to the area to take advantage of the golden amber shore, mesmerizing blue waters and cool sea breeze. (Descriptive enough for you!)
The beach features a fully-stocked snack bar, a large lifeguard tower, and plenty of picnic tables and benches. (Great for digital nomads looking for somewhere to work with a lovely view).
If you’re looking to take part in some fun activities while at the beach, Wingaersheek beach offers opportunities for kayakers or paddle boarders to explore secluded inlets and hidden coves (look out for the native Harbor Seals, who call this beach home). Or, if you just want to relax and spend time basking in the sun or splashing in the waves, you’ll be golden.
No matter what you choose to do, this is a fab beach to do it on!
5. Madaket Beach, Nantucket
Madaket Beach on Nantucket Island is another one of the best beaches in Massachusetts.
This protected area of sparkling sand boasts a striking ocean view and a pleasant cool breeze, thanks to its location across the harbor from Madaket Harbor.
Madaket Beach features towering sand dunes, and the waters are sparkling and calm, making it a great spot for swimming, paddling, and even fishing.
The beach can be accessed via Madaket Road, just off West Tisbury Road. Make sure to slip off your shoes and feel the cool sand beneath your feet when you arrive! The shoreline is wide, providing plenty of space for everyone, and amenities like bathrooms, showers, lounge chairs, and umbrellas can be found onsite at the Madaket Beach concession stand.
If you want to unplug from the hustle and bustle of city life, spend a day lounging in the sun, go for a dip in the ocean, or take a scenic stroll along the shore, Madaket Beach is the place to do it!
This pristine beach is a tranquil escape from the rest of the world and a great spot to spend a relaxing afternoon.
6. Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation, Nahant
Nahant is a small town located just eight miles north of the bustling city of Boston, but its two beaches, Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservation, provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservation offer up a mix of beautiful scenery, peaceful beaches, and a variety of activities to enjoy.
At Lynn Shore, you’ll find long stretches of white sand perfect for beach barbecues, sunbathing, or swimming. After you’ve indulged in a few hours of sun, take a hike through the winding trails of the nearby Lynn Woods Reservation. Outdoor showers and concession stands make this a top spot.
At Nahant Beach Reservation, you’ll find a mix of coves, lagoons, and sandbars dispersed over miles of coastline, making it the perfect spot for exploring. In the summer, a variety of beach-goers flock to this location for its sandy shoreline and scenic views. More inclined towards water sports? Nahant Beach Reservation has you covered, with kayak and snorkeling rentals available on site.
With its combination of stunning views, endless activities, and nearby amenities – Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservation at Nahant definitely make the list of the best beaches in Massachusetts.
7. Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown
Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown is widely considered to be one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. Located on the tip of Cape Cod, Herring Cove is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. This beautiful beach is easily accessible and is known for its great scenery and excellent swimming spots.
The main attractions of Herring Cove Beach are the crystal-clear waves, white sandy beaches, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach also offers plenty of other amenities such as volleyball nets, picnic tables, and miles of boardwalk for walking. In fact the boardwalk is perfect for afternoon strolls, and offers stunning views of the area, including the Province Lands, Race Point, and the dunes.
Herring Cove has gentle waves and is a great spot for windsurfing, swimming, and tubing. On some days, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins swimming in th