BEACHES > MASSACHUSETTS

Barnstable/Hyannis
Hawes Ave, Barnstable Recreation Division, Hyannis, MA (map)
508.775.9695
http://www.hyannis.com/Beaches.asp

All beaches are accessible from Rte 28. Listed below are sites with parking available for nonresidents. All are handicapped-accessible. Lifeguards are on duty daily from late June through Sept 3 between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. Restrooms close at 4:30 pm. Parking areas open from 9 am to 9 pm, and fees are collected until 3:30 pm. Parking $12 per day, $40 per week. Parking at Sandy Neck is $12 on weekdays, $15 on weekends and holidays, $40 per week, $200 seasonal. Fishing licenses required.
ù Craigville Beach, on Craigville Rd, has a snack bar and restrooms. Known for muscle builders. Mo-ped rentals available.
ù Kalmus Park, off Beach Ocean St in Hyannis, has a bathhouse, a snack bar, a picnic area, and restrooms. Popular with windsurfers. Short walk from downtown Hyannis.
ù Orrin Keyes Beach (a/k/a Sea Street Beach), on Sea St in Hyannis, is a quiet beach at the end of a residential street and attracts a local crowd. It has a bathhouse, grills, a snack bar, a picnic area, and a volleyball area.
ù Sandy Neck Beach, off Rte 6A in West Barnstable, gets its name from its six-mile shoreline. It offers a bathhouse, a snack bar, and restrooms. Popular for snorkling and diving. Admission $10.
ù Veterans Park, off Ocean St in Hyannis, has a bathhouse, a snack bar, grills, a playground, a volleyball area, and toilets. Family friendly.

Boston
Department of Conservation and Recreation (map)
617.626.1250
mass.parks@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/metroboston.htm

The DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) manages almost all the beach areas within Boston city limits. Lifeguards are on duty from late June through early September. See separate listings for the Boston Harbor Islands and Castle Island.
ù Carson Beach, South Boston. By subway, take the Red Line to JFK/UMass. Open year-round.
ù City Point, M Street Beaches, and Pleasure Bay, Day Blvd, South Boston. By subway, take the Red Line to Broadway Station, then take City Point buses #9 or #11. Walk to the right across Marine Park. Open year-round.
ù Malibu and Savin Hill Beaches, Morrissey Blvd, Dorchester. By subway, take the Red Line to Savin Hill, then follow Savin Hill Ave..
ù Tenean Beach, Conley St (off Tenean St), Dorchester. By subway, take Red Line to Savin Hill, then take #20 bus. Facilities include tennis and basketball courts and a playground area.

Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Harbor Island Partnership (map)
617.223.8666
boha_information@nps.gov
http://www.bostonislands.com

The only island that officially allows swimming is Lovells Island. Lovells Island has long beaches, rocky tide pools, and sand dunes. It also offers camping, picnic tables, and hiking trails. Open daily from 9 am to sunset. Lifeguards on duty. Check the Web site or call 617.223.8666 for ferry schedule and cost. No docking for private boats. The Boston Harbor Islands are now an official National Recreation Area under management of the National Park Service.

Brewster
Rte 6A, Brewster (map)
508.896.4511
http://capecodtravel.com/brewster

Brewster's eight public beaches are accessible from the historic Kings Highway, Rte 6A. No lifeguards at town beaches. A few portable toilets, but otherwise no facilities. Parking permits cost $15 and are required from June 14 through Labor Day. They can be purchased at the Visitor Information Center on Main Street, from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Beaches close at 10 pm nightly.

Castle Island
Day Blvd, South Boston, MA (map)
617.727.5290
mass.parks@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/castle.htm

This popular 22-acre urban park isnÆt really an island, but rather the eastern point of the peninsula that juts into the Boston Harbor. Castle Island is dominated by Fort Independence, a pentagonal, five-bastioned granite structure built between 1834 and 1851, but it also offers a supervised swimming area, fishing, picnic tables, a tot lot, restrooms, and concession stands. Limited parking available.

Chatham
549 Main St, Chatham, MA (map)
508.945.5175
http://www.town.chatham.ma.us/

Chatham beaches face Nantucket Sound and are accessible from Rte 28. Exit at Cockle Cove Rd, Ridgevale Rd, or Harding Beach Rd, and youÆll find gentle surf within walking distance of restrooms and a snack bar. The beach areas in the eastern part of town tend to have a stronger current, so check surf advisory beforehand. Lifeguards on duty from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Children under 10 must be supervised. Parking passes are available at the beach, but only cash is accepted. Parking by permit $15 per day, $60 per week, $125 for season.

Chilmark
Town Hall, Chilmark, MA (map)
508.693.0085
info@mvy.com
http://www.mvy.com/islandinfo/beaches.html

Menemsha Beach is the only public beach in Chilmark. It is located on Basin Rd, off North Rd, facing the Vineyard Sound. It's a gentle beach with clear, bright water, and it offers the best sunset on Martha's Vineyard. Lifeguards on duty. Restrooms available. Alcohol permitted. Open to all. Close to many seafood markets and restaurants. Limited free parking.

Crane Beach
Argilla Rd (off Rte 133), Ipswich, MA (map)
978.356.4354
castlehill@ttor.org
http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/294_crane_beach.cfm

Take exit 20A off Rte 128 North and follow to Rte 133 East. Then take Northgate Rd to Argilla Rd.. The popular four-mile beach abuts the grounds of the Great House on Castle Hill (the Crane Mansion), where rolling green lawns are open to the public. Toilets, a bathhouse, a picnic area, and snack bar are available. Bring insect repellent ù the greenheads, especially in late July, bite hard. The beach and grounds are both open year-round from 8 am to sunset. Come early. The parking lot often fills up by 11 am. Parking $22 on weekends, $15 on weekdays. Admission for bikers and hikers $2. Admission halved after 3 pm.

Demarest Lloyd State Park
BarneyÆs Joy Rd, South Dartmouth, MA (map)
508.636.3298
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/deml.htm

From I-95, take Exit 12 south. This 1800-foot beach offers fishing, bicycling, walking, riding, and picnicking. The tame waters of Buzzards Bay make it ideal for families with children. Bathrooms and cold showers available. Open through mid Sept, Mon through Fri from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sat and Sun from 8 am to 6 pm. No pets allowed.

Dennis
Rtes. 6A and 28, Dennis (map)
508.760.6159.
http://www.dennischamber.com

Dennis beaches face either Cape Cod Bay (those off Rte 6A) or Nantucket Sound (those off Rte 28). Both sides have restrooms, lifeguards, snack bars, first-aid stations, and swimming areas with tame waters. The townÆs only bathhouse is located at West Dennis Beach, on Nantucket Sound. Parking $24 per day, $55 per week, and $130 per season.

East Shore
Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, Nantucket, MA (map)
508.228.1700
info@nantucketchamber.org
http://www.nantucketchamber.org/visitor/beach.html

Siasconset Beach (or 'Sconset to natives) faces the Atlantic. It's a relatively uncrowded beach, but the surf can be heavy. Facilities in town. Lifeguards on duty. Playground available. Parking is limited, but shuttle-bus service is available, or bike down the seven-mile path from the center of town.

Eastham
Rte 6, Eastham (map)
508.240.7211.
http://www.easthamchamber.com/

Eastham has two National Seashore beaches, Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean side, off Rte 6. Coast Guard Beach is known for its great surf, and Nauset Lighthouse is a famous Cape Cod landmark. Both have restrooms and a snack bar. Parking is $15 per day, and $45 per week.

Edgartown
MarthaÆs Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Vineyard Haven, MA (map)
508.693.0085
info@mvy.com
http://www.mvy.com

All Edgartown beaches are located on the eastern end of the island.
ù East Beach (Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge and Wesque Reservation). Located on Chappaquiddick Island. Open to all, but protected by the trustees board, so tread lightly. Fee charged.
ù Fuller Street Beach. At the end of Fuller St, near Lighthouse Beach.
ù Katama Beach (a/k/a South Beach). Take Katama Rd to get to this long three-mile barrier beach strip equipped with lifeguards and restrooms. Strong surf on one side, protected salt pond on the other. Surf-fishing and four-wheel-drive vehicles (with permits) allowed on oceanside. Call ahead to make sure four-wheel-drive access is open.
ù Lighthouse Beach. A calm, harbor beach at StarbuckÆs Neck, off North Water St, near the center of town. This beach is also protected by the trustees board.

Falmouth
Rte 28, Falmouth, MA (map)
508.548.8623
beach@town.falmouth.ma.us
http://www.town.falmouth.ma.us/deppage.php?number=9

Falmouth beaches are accessible from Rte 28. All provide handicap access and beach wheelchairs. Lifeguards on duty. No dogs allowed.
ù Old Silver Beach, in North Falmouth, faces Buzzards Bay. Considered the softest shore in Falmouth. Bathhouse, snack bar, and restrooms available. Parking $20.
ù Menauhant Beach, on Menauhant Road in East Falmouth, faces Nantucket Sound. A snack bar, a bathhouse, and portable toilets available. Parking $10.
ù Surf Drive Beach, on Surf Drive in Central Falmouth, faces Nantucket Sound. A snack bar, a bathhouse, and restrooms available. Parking $10.

Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation
Green St, Fairhaven, MA (map)
508.992.4524
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/ftph.htm

From I-95, take Rte 240 south to Rte 6W. The 23-acre beach park offers swimming in Buzzards Bay, scenic views, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnicking, and a gazebo. No lifeguards on duty. Fort Phoenix is the site of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War, on May 14, 1775. The Elizabeth Islands are visible from the shore. Limited restrooms available. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Free parking.

Gay Head
Town Hall, Gay Head, MA (map)
508.696.7400
contact.us@mvol.com
http://www.mvol.com/beaches/

Public beaches are on the western end of the island.
ù Moshup Beach, Gay HeadÆs public beach, is off Moshup Trail. Red-clay cliffs form a descending pathway to this narrow beach. Ten-minute walk to beach from a parking lot. No amenities, so bring your own food and supplies. $15 parking fee.
ù Lobsterville Beach, on Lobsterville Rd.. Long, breezy Vineyard Sound beach and dune land. A favorite fishing spot for locals. Open to all, but no public parking.

Gloucester
Parks and Recreation Department (map)
978.281.9785
http://www.bostoncentral.com/activities/beaches/p870.php

Gloucester beaches are off the far northern reaches of Rte 128. Another way to get there is to take a ferry or train to the North Shore and then hop a Cape Ann Transportation Authority bus to East Gloucester. Parking may be limited to those with stickers. For information about beach stickers, contact Department of Public Works, Beach and Parks Department, at 978.281.9785. No alcohol, pets, or littering.
ù Good Harbor Beach, Thatcher Road (Rte 127A) on the Atlantic Ocean, features a bathhouse and snack bar. Limited parking, $20 weekdays, $25 weekends.
ù Half Moon Beach and CressyÆs Beach, at Stage Fort Park, are on Gloucester Harbor. They share a bathhouse, snack bar, and parking lot. Visitors can bring a grill for beach barbecues. Parking $10.
ù Wingaersheek Beach, on Atlantic Road, is on the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. It has interesting tide pools to investigate and kid-safe rocks to climb, and downtown Gloucester is within walking distance. Snack bar, bathhouse, and parking lot available. Limited parking, $25 weekends, $20 weekdays.

Harwich
Parks and Recreation, 100 Oak St, Harwich, MA (map)
508.430.7553
info@harwichrecreation.com
http://www.harwichrecreation.com/index.cfm?locate=beaches

Red River Beach is off Rte 28 in South Harwich. Located on the Nantucket Sound. Restrooms and mobile concessions available. Parking $15 per day, $55 per week.

Horseneck State Beach
Rte 88, Westport Point, MA (map)
508.636.8816
mass.parks@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/hbch.htm

This two-mile beach is located at the western end of Buzzards Bay. A bathhouse with toilets and showers, a public boat ramp, and picnic tables are available, along with various activities, including fishing, surfing, bird watching, bicycling, and camping. Lifeguards on duty. Open daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Parking $7 per day.

Lynn Shores and Nahant Beach Reservation
Lynn Shore Dr, Lynn, MA (map)
781.438.1388
mass.parks@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/lynnshores.htm

A promenade near the edge of Nahant Bay is open year-round for walking, jogging, and bicycling. A mile-long range of sand dunes runs parallel to Long Beach, and tide pools at Red Rock Park are laden with marine life. Ball fields, racquetball courts, and tennis courts are available near the Nahant Rotary. The park headquarters at Ward Bathhouse offers a tot lot and restrooms. Lifeguard supervision on parts of Long Beach during July and August. Beach open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Parking fees assessed between 8 am and 5 pm from May through September.

Nantasket Beach Reservation
Nantasket Ave (Rte 3A), Hull, MA (map)
617.727.5290
mass.parks@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/nantask.htm

Luring tourists for more than two centuries, Nantasket is one of Boston's oldest beach reservations. Paragon Park, an old-fashioned amusement park, once drew teenagers from all over metropolitan Boston. Its carousel still stands, along with a bandstand and food concessions. Typical summer events include concerts and public dancing lessons. Restrooms and outside showers are also available. Lifeguards on duty from late June through early Sept.. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

North Shore
Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, Nantucket, MA (map)
508.228.1700
info@nantucketchamber.org
http://www.nantucketchamber.org/visitor/beach.html

All beaches face the Nantucket Sound.
ù Brant Point is an easy walk or bike ride from town. Since there's no lifeguard and a strong undertow, only experienced swimmers are advised to brave the waves. Brant Point Lighthouse area provides a calm alternative to the rough waters.
ù ChildrenÆs Beach. Ideal for, surprise, small children. Park, playground, game tables, picnic tables, restrooms, and food service available. Free concerts on Thurs and Sun from 6 to 7:30 pm. T-shirt tie-dyeing on Fri at noon from mid July to August, sponsored by Nantucket Parks and Recreation Commission.
ù Dionis Beach. Three miles from town by bike. Protected by a small range of sand dunes. Calm waters for swimming and lifeguards on duty. Restrooms available.
ù Francis Street Beach. Five-minute walk from Main St, featuring calm harbor waters for swimming and a jungle gym. Kayak rentals available. No lifeguard.
ù Jetties Beach. Easy bike ride from town, or NRTA shuttle service available every half-hour. This beach has a beautiful boardwalk, and lifeguards, changing rooms, and a playground make it perfect for families. A concession stand, public tennis courts, volleyball nets, a bathhouse, and restrooms are also provided. Wind-surfing, sailboat, and kayak lessons and rentals are available.

Oak Bluffs
MarthaÆs Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Vineyard Haven, MA (map)
508.696.7400
contact.us@mvol.com
http://www.mvol.com/beaches/

Eastville Beach. At the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.
ù Oak Bluffs Town Beach. Calm, shallow water. Beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock and ends at the first jetty heading toward Edgartown. Lifeguards on duty. Restrooms available.
ù Joseph A. Sylvia State Beach (a/k/a Bend-in-the-Road Beach), Beach Rd.. This beach is connected to Oak Bluffs Town Beach by a small inlet, giving it clear, mild waters. Lifeguards on the Edgartown section only. Accessible by bike trail.

Orleans
Rte 6A, Orleans, MA (map)
508.255.1386
info@capecod-orleans.com
http://www.capecod-orleans.com

Town parking passes for temporary residents $50 weekly, $110 for the season. Available at Nauset Beach administration building. Public parking $15 per day.
ù Nauset Beach, on Beach Road (off Rte 6), on the Atlantic coast, offers a bathhouse, outdoor showers, restrooms, lifeguards, and a snack bar. A great area for surfing. Off-roading allowed. Mostly handicap-accessible.
ù Skaket Beach, on Skaket Beach Road (off Rte 6A), is on the bay side and offers restrooms, lifeguard, and a snack bar.

Plum Island
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (off Rte 1 and I-95), Newburyport, MA (map)
978.465.5753
judepete@plum-island.com
http://www.plum-island.com

Plum Island offers miles of long sandy beach with fishing holes and a strong surf. Closed at least through July to protect the nesting piping plovers. Until then, there are hiking trails through marshes and dunes, observation towers, and other areas for bird watching. Bring insect repellent and arrive early ù the parking lots can fill up by 8 am and the gates reopen only every two hours. Parking available for a fee. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Plymouth Beach
Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA (map)
508.830.4045
http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/beaches.htm

The original site of Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims allegedly landed in 1620, this beach is located about three miles south of Plymouth Center. Draws a mostly local crowd. Restrooms, a bathhouse, and a snack bar are available. Ice-cream truck makes regular visits. Parking $5 weekdays, $8 weekends.

Provincetown
Rte. 6A, Provincetown, MA (map)
508.349.3785
http://www.nps.gov/caco

Provincetown beaches are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and are accessible from Rte 6. An alternative to the $15 daily parking fee is the Provincetown shuttle bus, which travels 6A every 20 minutes and costs $1.
ù Herring Cove has a bathhouse, lifeguards, toilets, and a snack bar. The far left of the beach is predominantly gay and lesbian, the center is for familes, and as you wander to the right, you enter the nude beach area.
ù Race Point Beach faces the ocean. But for the flying fishing lines, it is considered one of the most quiet and tranquil beaches on the Cape. Bathhouse and toilets are available as well as handicap access.

Revere Beach Reservation
Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA (map)
781.438.1388
mass.parks@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/revere.htm

By subway, take the Blue Line to Revere Beach or Wonderland. Revere has been an oasis to city dwellers for more than 100 years. It offers fishing, a band shell, a tot lot, and plenty of fast-food restaurants (including the legendary KellyÆs). Lifeguards are on duty beginning in May. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Rockport
Cape Ann Peninsula, MA (map)
978.546.6575
info@rockportusa.com
http://www.rockportusa.com

Rockport is no longer a dry town, having lifted its ban on the purchase and serving of alcohol in April 2005. Rockport beaches can be found past Gloucester on Rte 127A. Artists and tourists abound here. Lifeguards are on duty in the more popular swimming areas from 9 am to 5 pm. Surfing is generally permitted at other times. Parking fees may apply. Parking meters are enforced 7 days/week on many Rockport streets.
ù Front Beach and Back Beach are the only Rockport beaches that do not require a parking sticker. Both are located on Sandy Bay, in the center of Rockport, with metered parking, restaurants, and toilets within walking distance.
ù Cape Hedge Beach, on South Street, is on the ocean and far from town. Limited parking.
ù Long Beach, on Thatcher Road, is on the ocean. There are toilets, but parking is severely limited.
ù Old Garden Beach, on Sandy Bay, is secluded and residential but within walking distance from downtown. The Rockport commuter-rail station is less than a half-mile from Back Beach. Parking is severely limited.
ù Pebble Beach, on Penzance Rd, is on the ocean. Limited parking.

Salisbury State Beach
Off Rtes 1A and 110, Salisbury, MA (map)
978.462.4481
mass.parks@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/salb.htm

Salisbury has close to four miles of ocean beach. Facilities include handicapped-accessible bathhouses with showers and toilets, a public-access boat ramp, and campgrounds. Boating and fishing are also available. Lifeguards on duty. Parking is available for a fee.

Scusset Beach State Reservation
140 Scusset Beach Rd, Sagamore Beach, MA (map)
508.888.0859
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/scus.htm

Located in Sandwich at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal (near the tunnel entrance), this 380-acre beach park offers swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, bicycling, and camping. Bathhouse, toilets, and a snack bar available.

Singing Beach
Off Rte 127, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA (map)
978.526.2019
http://www.manchester.ma.us

This beautiful beach is named after its singing sands and breezy tide. It's quite popular and keeps the local towing company in business. To avoid heavy parking fines, pay $25 for a beach sticker or take the Rockport commuter rail to Manchester Station and walk a half-mile to the beach. The arrea boasts a recently renovated bathhouse and snack bar. No lifeguard on duty. Open May 28 through Sept 3, Mon through Thurs from 9 am to 5 pm, and Fri through Sun from 9 am to 7 pm. Regulations against alcohol, nudity, and pets are strictly enforced.

South Shore
Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, Nantucket, MA (map)
508.228.1700
info@nantucketchamber.org
http://www.nantucketchamber.org/visitor/beach.html

All beaches face the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., south).
ù Cisco Beach is a four-mile bike ride to the end of Hammock Pond Rd.. Powerful surf, no facilities. Lifeguard on duty.
ù Madaket Beach is famous for its sunsets. Regular shuttle service to and from town or six-mile bike ride on paved path. Heavy surf and lifeguards. Restrooms on site and food available nearby.
ù Surfside, located at the end of Surfside Rd.. The most popular spot on the island, and a good family beach with picnic areas, beach games, and surf-casting in the evening. Current can be strong. Ample parking for cars and only a two-mile bike ride from town. Wide beach equipped with a lifeguard, restrooms, showers, and a snack bar.

Truro
Rte 6A, Truro, MA (map)
508.349.3635
http://www.trurocapecod.com/beaches.htm

Truro beaches are accessible from Rte 6A. Beach sticker $20 per season for temporary residents. Public parking $10 per day.
ù Corn Hill Beach, on Corn Hill Rd, facing Cape Cod Bay, has toilets but no other facilities. No lifeguard on duty. Handicapped-accessible. Admission fee.
ù Head of the Meadow Beach, on Head of the Meadow Rd, facing the Atlantic, has toilets but no other facilities. There are lifeguards here. Admission fee.
ù Longnook Beach, located at the base of a sizable dune, providing a great elevated view of the ocean. Arrive early because parking can be tricky.

Vineyard Haven
MarthaÆs Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Vineyard Haven, MA (map)
508.696.7400
contact.us@mvol.com
http://www.mvol.com/beaches/

Public beaches face Vineyard Sound.
ù Lake Tashmoo Town Beach. At Herring Creek on Lake Tashmoo. This is a lake turned beach after the 1938 hurricane opened it up to the Vineyard Sound. Lifeguards on duty.
ù Owen Park Beach. Beach off Main St and with gentle surf. Lifeguards on duty. Not far from business district and near ferry.
ù Tisbury Town Beach (a/k/a Owen Little Way Town Beach) next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.

Wellfleet
Rte 6, Wellfleet, MA (map)
508.349.9818
http://www.wellfleetma.org/public_documents/wellfleetma_departments/beach

Wellfleet beaches are accessible from Rte 6. Except for Mayo Beach, parking is $15 per day, $60 per week, $100 per two weeks, and $200 for a seasonal pass.
ù Cahoon Hollow, off Ocean View Dr, faces the Atlantic. ItÆs the site of a popular restaurant/bar, the Beachcomber, which attracts a young and single crowd, but walk 150 feet in either direction for an empty beach. Portable toilets. Parking available, but get there by 11 am for a spot.
ù Marconi Beach, off Marconi Beach Rd in South Wellfleet, faces the Atlantic and is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Like the waves, the bluffs are quite high here, so itÆs not ideal for sunbathing. Lifeguards on duty. It has a bathhouse and restrooms.
ù Mayo Beach, off Kendrick Ave, faces Wellfleet Harbor on Cape Cod Bay. ItÆs calm, and the waterÆs warm, so expect a lot of families and kids. There are public toilets and nearby restaurants. Free parking.
ù White Crest Beach, off Ocean View Dr, faces the Atlantic. ItÆs popular with surfers and, at off-peak hours, hang-gliders. There are restrooms available and a snack bar. Lifeguards on duty.

Wollaston Beach
Quincy Shore Dr (off Rte 3A), Quincy, MA (map)
617.727.5290
mass.parks@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/quincyshore.htm

By subway, take the Braintree Red Line to Wollaston station, then walk to Hancock St, turn right, and walk one block to Beach St.. This 2.3-mile beach features Moswetuset Hummock, an historic Native American camping ground, at its northern end. On the southern end, a 15-acre Caddy Park offers a playground area, an observational tower, and picnic tables. There are also jogging and bicycling trails. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with the bathhouse open from July to Sept..

Yarmouth
Rte 28, Yarmouth, MA (map)
508.398.2231
http://www.capecodyarmouth.com/beaches.htm

Yarmouth beaches are accessible from Rte 28, and all but one face Nantucket Sound. Parking $12, $15 on weekends and holidays, $45 per week, $125 for a season pass.
ù Bass Hole (a/k/a GreyÆs Beach), on Center St off Rte. 6A, has a picnic area and a playground. Great fishing spot. Limited free parking.
ù Bass River Beach (aka SmugglerÆs Beach), on South Shore Dr, has a bathhouse, a snack bar, and restrooms. Wheelchair-accessible fishing pier available.
ù Parker's River Beach, on South Shore Dr, has a large parking lot, a snack bar, a playground, and restrooms. No lifeguard on duty.
ù Sea Gull Beach, on Sea Gull Rd in West Yarmouth, is the largest beach in town. The beach is wheelchair-accessible. It has plenty of dunes, plus a bathhouse, a snack truck, and restrooms. Facilities do not accommodate wheelchairs.
ù Seaview Beach, off South Shore Dr, offers restrooms and a snack bar.