BEACHES >
MASSACHUSETTS
> SOUTH OF BOSTON
Demarest Lloyd State Park
Address: Barney’s Joy Rd, South Dartmouth, MA
Phone: 508.636.3298
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.
Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation
Address: Green St, Fairhaven, MA
Phone: 508.992.4524
From I-95, take Rte 240 south to Rte 6 west. The 23-acre beach park offers swimming in Buzzards Bay, scenic views, basketball and tennis courts, picnicking, and a gazebo. No lifeguards on duty. Fort Phoenix was 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.
Horseneck State Beach
Address: Rte 88, Westport Point, MA
Phone: 508.636.8816
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
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. The breezy locale makes for excellent wind surfing, and fishing, bird watching, and bicycling are also options. Walk-in camping is available this season only from May 22 through June 19; reservations required from June 20 through Oct. 12. Lifeguards on duty. Open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
Nantasket Beach Reservation
Address: Nantasket Ave (Rte 3A), Hull, MA
Phone: 617.727.5290
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Luring tourists for almost 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.
Plymouth Beach
Address: Warren Ave (Rte 3A), Plymouth, MA
Phone: 508.830.4045
The original site of Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims allegedly landed in 1620, this beach is located about three miles south of Plymouth Center and draws a mostly local crowd. Restrooms, a bathhouse, and a snack bar are available. An ice-cream truck makes regular visits.
Scusset Beach State Reservation
Address: 140 Scusset Beach Rd, Sagamore Beach, MA
Phone: 508.888.0859
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.
