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Massachusetts Beaches Ranked, #1 Is Just a Short Drive Away

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CHATHAM, MA - AUGUST 11: People gather on Cape Cod’s Lighthouse Beach on August 11, 2012 in Chatham, Massachusetts. A man was confirmed to have been bitten by a great white shark less than two weeks ago along the shoreline at Cape Cod. An increase in the seal population on Cape Cod has led to increased shark sightings near the shore, including great whites. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Summer is here! Summer is all about sun, barbecues, pools and most importantly, BEACHES! Thankfully, here in Massachusetts, we have dozens of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. Whether you want to head to the north shore or down on Cape Cod, you will find a beach that’s perfect for you and your family. Whether you want to head to the beach just for the day or if you want to make a weekend out of it, there is a beach for you.

What makes a good beach? That answer is different for everyone. Some look at water temperature. Some look at parking cost. Some look at area entertainment like restaurants and bars. There are even some who look at pet friendliness, historical landmarks and bicycling and hiking trails in the area. Thankfully, Trip Advisor took all of these things into account when it posted its list of the best beaches in Massachusetts. They looked strictly at viewer ratings when posting its rankings. When all was said and done, Trip Advisor posted and ranked 152 beaches.

I’m sure you’re asking the same question we are. Are there really 152 beaches in Massachusetts? Apparently yes. Trip Advisor took into account all of the ratings based on affordability. They also took into account whether it was good for kids. They took into account if it was good for couples. Outdoor activities is also a plus. Does the beach offer entertainment? Does the beach offer food and drink on site? Before booking your summer vacation or beach day, you need to check this list. We’re also wanting to hear from you. Which beaches in Massachusetts are your favorites and why? Let us know and thanks to Trip Advisor, we hope you enjoy your beach day with your family and friends this summer.

25 Massachusetts Beaches Ranked, #1 Is Just a Short Drive Away

  • #25 Craigville Beach in Centerville

    With 250 reviews, this beach is in Centerville. Visitors describe it as crowded but with very clean water. They have a snack shack and as of last year, parking was $25 per car.

    Craigville Beach - Centerville Beach

    Craigville Beach - Centerville beach. Located in Centerville (or Craigville) is another very popular warm water beach on the Vineyard Sound. This beach has most of the amenities including showers.

     

  • #24 Surfside Beach in Nantucket

    With 266 reviews, this beach is in Nantucket. Pets are allowed here and there are bathrooms and showers. There is a snack stand there and sea lions have been spotted as well.

    Surfside Beach

    Surfside is one of the most popular beaches on Nantucket, rivaled only by Jetties and 40th Pole. True to its name, Surfside is characterized by a wide, flat beach with rolling surf over sandbars.

  • #23 Nauset Light Beach in Eastham

    With 302 reviews, this beach is in Eastham. It is described as a flat beach with plenty of parking. There are bathrooms and parking after 4 is free. Seals were spotted and there is a lighthouse.

    Nauset Light Beach - Cape Cod National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

    Particulars: Restrooms and bathhouse open seasonally. Access to the beach is via a short, downhill path from the parking area. Directions: One mile north of Coast Guard Beach on Ocean View Drive in Eastham. Safety: Watch out for bicyclists and walkers on the road.

  • #22 Corporation Beach in Dennis

    With 182 reviews, this beach is in Dennis. Visitors say it has a snack stand and very clean facilities. There is a fee to park. Sunsets are raved about here.

    Corporation Beach - Dennis Beach

    Corporation Beach - Dennis beach. The calm, bayside waters of Corporation Beach are warm and perfect for children and families. When the tide goes out, plenty of tide pools are left behind for exploring. Dennis Public Market runs a concession stand here. There is a decent amount of parking at this beach.

  • #21 Long Point Beach in Provincetown

    With 163 reviews, this Provincetown beach is a gem. There is a lighthouse and jetty rocks. There is a boat you can take there however be prepared because there are no facilities including bathrooms.

    Long Point Beach - Provincetown Beach

    Long Point Beach - Provincetown beach. Best beach ever! It's nice to sit on the very tip of Cape Cod and watch the boats go by. Beautiful views, pretty secluded. Nice walk to get there but there's also a shuttle if you don't have time or don't want to walk!

  • #20 Revere Beach in Revere

    With 382 reviews, Revere Beach lands at #20. There is plenty of parking, plenty of facilities and a whole strip of restaurants and bars to choose from. Definitely a lot to do on Revere Beach.

    Home - RevereBeach.com

    The idea for RevereBeach.com was developed in 1997 by Bob Upton, a Revere Beach enthusiast who realized that the Internet would be a place where people could go to learn more about Revere Beach. Having been involved in the creation of audio and videocassette historical projects featuring Revere Beach and its rich history, Bob realized that the Internet would be a great resource.

  • #19 Old Silver Beach in Falmouth

    With 352 reviews, this Falmouth beach is breathtaking. It’s close to downtown Falmouth There are bathrooms and a snack shack. There is plenty of parking. Visitors describe the sand as a tad rocky.

    Old Silver Beach

    For a classic sandy beach to enjoy in summer, Old Silver Beach in Falmouth is a top destination on Buzzards Bay.

  • #18 Gray's Beach in Yarmouth Port

    With 215 reviews, this beach is a treasure. One visitor described it as having the best sunset they’ve ever seen. They have bathrooms. There is a boardwalk with a variety of sea life. It closes at 8pm.

    Grays Beach - Yarmouth Beach

    Grays Beach - Yarmouth beach. Fun place to spend time with your family. Beach Picnic Area (groups need reservations) Pavillion Boardwalk Seasonal Bathrooms Parking Lot

  • #17 Nantasket Beach in Hull

    With 418 reviews, this beach is described as having some of the cleanest water. There is a gift shop and a snack bar and parking for a fee.

    Nantasket Beach Reservation

    Nantasket Beach is popular summer escape from the Boston. The reservation includes a mile of the Atlantic shoreline, and during the summer, you can attend concerts or take public dance lessons.

  • #16 Kalmus Beach in Hyannis

    With 402 reviews, this beach is described as having white sand and is a tad rocky. There are bathrooms with a substantial snack bar. Great for picking shells!

    Kalmus Beach, Hyannis, Cape Cod | WeNeedaVacation.com

    Kalmus Beach is a large beach off of Nantucket Sound with plenty of room for younger kids to run around and explore. It is a popular beach with windsurfers

  • #15 First Encounter Beach in Eastham

    With 258 reviews, this beach has tidal pools and calm waters. Dog friendly, plenty of parking. Great for families and gorgeous sunsets.

    First Encounter Beach, Eastham, Cape Cod | WeNeedaVacation.com

    A nice quiet family beach, First Encounter Beach, has warm water and like most bay beaches is very gentle. When the tide goes out, it is perfect for tide

  • #14 Seagull Beach in West Yarmouth

    With 538 reviews, many describe this beach as having tons of shells. Water is very clean. White sand is prevalent and there are bathrooms on site. Parking is available for a fee.

    Seagull Beach

    Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.

  • #13 Marconi Beach in Wellfleet

    With over 500 reviews, visitors love this beach although there have been shark sightings so be careful. Lots of parking and restrooms available. Bring your own refreshments however they do have bathrooms.

    Marconi Beach - Cape Cod National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

    Particulars: Restrooms and bathhouse open seasonally. Directions: Six miles north of Salt Pond Visitor Center, off Route 6 in Wellfleet. Safety: Watch for bicyclists along Route 6, and where the bicycle trail crosses the Marconi area entrance road.

  • #12 South Beach in Edgartown

    With 489 reviews, this beach is described as a more quiet beach. As of last year, parking was free. There are no snack shacks so make sure you bring plenty of refreshments.

    South Beach - Katama, Edgartown, in Martha's Vineyard | WeNeedaVacation.com

    South Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Island. It's a free and public beach located in the southern, Katama area of Edgartown and facing

  • #11 Mayflower Beach in Dennis

    With 332 reviews, this beach has plenty of parking. It fills up early so get there before 8am. There is a snack bar.

    Mayflower Beach

    Mayflower beach, off Dunes Road in Dennis, is an essential summertime spot along the mid-Cape that sees thousands of visitors every year. This beach is really only a slice of the northern Dennis sh...

  • #10 Chatham Lighthouse Beach in Chatham

    With 476 reviews, this beach has a 4.5 rating. Lots of seals and people describe it as not crowded. Be careful as there have been many shark sightings here as well.

    Beaches

    Full Width Template Beach Permits Purchase Non-Resident Beach Passes here online (daily, weekly, and seasonal). Please purchase your online tickets before going to beach as WiFi at beaches can be spotty. Passes can also be purchased with cash at the following beach gates: Harding's Beach Ridgevale Beach Cockle Cove Beach Beach Pass Fees: $20.00 per day $75.00 per week...

  • #9 Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester

    With 318 reviews, it has a 4.5 rating. Great for families, it even has an online parking reservation system. Waves are described as calm.

    Beach Information

    The City of Gloucester welcomes you to our beautiful, award-winning beaches and wants your visit to be memorable. Gloucester is a premier spot for beachgoers visiting from near and far. Before visiting our beautiful beaches, please familiarize yourself with our rules and regulations a nd available amenities (which vary by beach).

  • #8 Skaket Beach in Orleans

    With 451 reviews, this beach has a 4.5 rating. Parking for a fee. It’s described as having some of the most scenic views. There is a snack bar and white sand.

    Natural Resources - Beaches

    Learn about the Beaches Division of the Public Works and Natural Resources Department.

  • #7 Coast Guard Beach in Eastham

    With 636 reviews, it has a 4.5 rating. Very clean water and white sands. There are plenty of bathrooms. Seals have been seen.

    Coast Guard Beach - Eastham - Cape Cod National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

    The Outer Beach The outer beach, or "backside," of Cape Cod has been the notorious graveyard for more than 3,000 ships since the wreck of the Sparrowhawk in 1626. The high cost in lives and property demanded by the sands of Cape Cod, led to the establishment of the Massachusetts Humane Society in 1786, the first organization in the nation devoted to the rescue and assistance of shipwrecked mariners.

  • #6 Crane Beach in Ipswich

    With 564 reviews, this beach has a 4.5 rating. Tons of parking for a fee. There are restrooms and a snack bar. Be careful for sharks!

    Crane Beach on the Crane Estate

    Crane Beach on the Crane Estate: Soak up the seaside fun at one of Ipswich's most spectacular beaches.

  • #5 Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester

    With over 700 reviews, this beach has a 4.5 rating. Parking is available for a fee and there are bathrooms but they close rather early. Clean and no rocks but guard your food!

    Beach Information

    The City of Gloucester welcomes you to our beautiful, award-winning beaches and wants your visit to be memorable. Gloucester is a premier spot for beachgoers visiting from near and far. Before visiting our beautiful beaches, please familiarize yourself with our rules and regulations a nd available amenities (which vary by beach).

  • #4 Nauset Beach in Orleans

    With over 700 reviews, this beach has a 4.5 rating. Lots of colorful rocks. A great place to beachcomb. Complete with food trucks, changing stations & restrooms.

    Nauset Beach, Orleans, Cape Cod | WeNeedaVacation.com

    Nauset Beach is an expansive, 10-mile long beach stretching to Chatham Harbor. While it is a large beach, it fills up quickly so plan to arrive early.

  • #3 Cape Cod National Seashore on Cape Cod

    This has a FIVE STAR rating and is taking into account all of Cape Cod’s beaches. Stretching from Chatham to Provincetown, there areBeautiful views, historical landmarks, hiking, bicycling, lighthouses.

    Cape Cod National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

    The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life.

  • #2 Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown

    Almost 1000 reviews for this beach with a 4.5 rating. This beach has everything from lots of parking, bathrooms, changing room, food, picnic tables, entrance to bike paths.  Side note, it’s also a nude beach.

    Herring Cove Beach - Cape Cod National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

    Particulars: Seasonal restrooms. Herring Cove has a snack bar, evening concerts in July and August, and is an accessible beach with beach wheelchairs available from the lifeguards. Provincetown town center and the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum are nearby. Directions: Located to the right at the end of Route 6 in Provincetown.

  • #1 Race Point Beach in Provincetown

    Thousands of reviews for this beach with a 4.5 rating. Beautiful beach, dog friendly and has lifeguards, restrooms, and changing area.  There is parking for a fee.

    Race Point Beach - Cape Cod National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

    Interesting Facts: The lifesaver's motto was, You have to go, but you don't have to come back. Likewise, their work earned them the title, "Guardians of the Ocean Graveyard" while they were stationed on Cape Cod between 1872 and 1915. Outer Cape Cod and its ever-changing sandbars posed hazards to mariners before the opening of the Cape Cod Canal.

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