Beaches · Boston · United States
The best beaches in and near Boston
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Fcb981 , this edit (cropped to pano, corrected distortion) by mixpix 18:33, 28 December 20, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Revere Beach (About 8 km north of downtown, on the Blue Line).
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Warmest sea
- 20°C (68°F)
The beaches
About 8 km north of downtown, on the Blue Line · An easy beach trip by subway
1.Revere Beach
Opened in 1896 as the first public beach in the US, a long crescent of sand with Kelly's Roast Beef across the road.
About 4 km south of downtown · A quick swim and seaside walk
2.Carson Beach and L Street Beach
South Boston's harbour beaches along Day Boulevard, with a long promenade and views of the islands.
About 50 km north of Boston · Families and a full beach day
3.Crane Beach
A 6-km barrier beach backed by dunes in Ipswich, managed by The Trustees, with fine white sand and calm water.
About 40 km north, near the commuter-rail station · A beach day without a car
4.Singing Beach
Named for the squeaking sound its sand makes underfoot, in the North Shore town of Manchester-by-the-Sea.
About 25 km south-east of downtown · Families and a classic seaside promenade
5.Nantasket Beach
A long South Shore beach in Hull with the historic Paragon Carousel nearby and surf on windy days.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 3°C (37°F) |
| February | 4°C (39°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
| March | 4°C (39°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
| April | 7°C (45°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| June | 16°C (61°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| July | 19°C (66°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| August | 20°C (68°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| October | 14°C (57°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| November | 10°C (50°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
| December | 7°C (45°F) | 6°C (43°F) |
Staying near the beach
Getting to the beaches
- Metro — The T's four subway lines meet downtown at Park Street, Downtown Crossing, Government Center and State; the Green Line's branches serve Back Bay, Fenway and the museums.
- Bus — The Silver Line connects South Station with the Seaport and Logan Airport, and MBTA buses cover the gaps between subway lines.
- Ferry — MBTA ferries link Long Wharf with the Charlestown Navy Yard and the South Shore, while seasonal fast ferries run to Provincetown and Salem.
- Train — MBTA commuter rail leaves from North Station for Salem, Rockport and Concord and from South Station for Plymouth and Providence.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in July–August. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Boston's central neighbourhoods are generally comfortable for visitors; usual city precautions apply around busy stations such as Downtown Crossing late at night. In winter, nor'easter storms can bring heavy snow and flight disruption, and in summer the sea stays cold, so swim only at guarded beaches. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Boston have beaches?
Yes: Revere Beach, Carson Beach and L Street Beach, Crane Beach, Singing Beach and Nantasket Beach.
+What is the best beach near Boston?
Revere Beach: Opened in 1896 as the first public beach in the US, a long crescent of sand with Kelly's Roast Beef across the road.