Did you know that some of the best beaches in New England are located just North of Boston?It’s true! While these beaches all offer tranquil beauty and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find each of them have their own unique flair. Find out which one is the perfect spot for your next beach day with this handy guide to the Best Beaches North of Boston.
What are the best beaches North of Boston?
Here’s my curated list which highlights the unique features of each of these coastal gems.
Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester
Named one of the top 25 beaches in the US by Travel & Leisure in 2022, Good Harbor Beach is certainly one of Cape Ann’s treasures and a family favorite. While relatively small, it’s a beautiful beach with views of the Twin Lighthouses on Thacher Island and a big beautiful house on the rocky cliff.
Sand: Good Harbor Beach is a wide flat beach with soft white sand which is excellent for walking and playing volleyball.
Surf: Waters are relatively calm but at high tide, the waves are great for body surfing or boogie boarding.
What’s Unique: At low tide, you can walk out to Salt Island. At high tide there is not a lot of sand space so you may want to check tides.
Amenities: There is a concession stand at the main entrance where you can get burgers, grilled cheese, drinks and ice cream. You can also rent beach toys. Restrooms and showers are available until 5:00 p.m.
Best For: Taking a walk at low tide or having a relaxing picnic – just beware of the seagulls! If you enjoy swimming, it’s a great place for body surfing and boogie boarding but like many of the North Shore beaches, the water can be a bit chilly.
Parking: Parking reservations are required for non-resident beachgoers. Gloucester is now using Blinkay, a new online beach parking reservation system for non-resident parking at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park. Reservations are required from Memorial Day through Labor Day and can be made up to 10 days in advance. Cash is no longer accepted at the lots and reservations are non-refundable.
Parking fees are pretty hefty at $30 weekdays; $35 weekends so plan to make a day of it. Motorcycles only pay $5 weekdays and $10 weekends. If you arrive after 3:00 p.m. the fee is reduced to $20 weekdays and $25 weekends.
Check the Gloucester Beach Facebook Page for latest updates and parking availability.
Rules: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1st to September 30th. Gloucester has a ‘Carry In, Carry Out’ policy so visitors should take all trash out with them when they leave. Permits are required for large groups for a $25 fee
Hours:
- Gates open daily at 8 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
- Restrooms are open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
- Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Good Harbor Beach – 99 Thacher Rd, Gloucester, MA
Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
Wingaersheek Beach is another gorgeous Gloucester beach which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and exploring. Located on the Annisquam River in West Gloucester, this beach has views of Ipswich Bay and the Annisquam Lighthouse. It is a little off the beaten path and you’ll have to travel down a long windy road to get there.
Sand: Wingaersheek Beach is a beautiful soft white sand beach that has huge rock clusters scattered along the beach which are perfect to explore. The beach is long and wide with lots of room to dig your umbrella into the sand.
Surf: The water at Wingaersheek is crystal clear and the surf is very calm. You won’t typically find very big waves at this beach.
What’s Unique: During low tide, the water recedes about a half mile, allowing you to walk out to the sandbars and climb the rocks. Kids will love to scour the tide pools to find seashells and sea life such as snails, hermit crabs and other tiny fish so be sure to bring some water shoes and a pail.
Amenities: There is a concession stand where you can get food but you may want to pack a cooler with lunch and drinks. There are also restrooms and showers. The beach is handicapped accessible, and a beach wheelchair is available.
Best For: This beach is best for beachgoers that are not looking for big waves. Families with small children will love its calm waters and tide pools. This is a great beach for taking long strolls on the sand bar at low tide or exploring the rocks.
Parking: See Good Harbor Beach above for parking information using Gloucester’s new beach parking reservation system Blinkay.
Rules: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 1st to September 30th. Gloucester has a ‘Carry In, Carry Out’ policy so visitors should take all trash out with them when they leave.
Hours:
- Gates open at 8 a.m. and are locked at 9 p.m.
- Restrooms and showers are open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
- Lifeguards are on duty daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Wingaersheek Beach, 232 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA
Crane Beach, Ipswich
Crane Beach in Ipswich is one of Massachusetts’ most spectacular beaches and definitely a North Shore gem. It has consistently been recognized as one of the best beaches in Massachusetts and the Northeast and is also often praised for its conservation efforts. USA Today actually selected Crane Beach as it’s #1 choice for its 10 Best Massachusetts beaches in 2018.
With over four miles of coastline, gentle rolling waves and a network of trails through the sand dunes, there is something here to please everyone.
Getting to the beach from the big parking lot can be a bit of a trek. You will need to climb the stairs and walk the long boardwalk which will take you to a gorgeous New England beach with clean water and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sand: You’ll find four miles of pristine soft white sand which is perfect to dig your toes into. There are also big sand dunes with a network of hiking trails where you can get a great workout.
Surf: On most days you’ll experience consistent gentle waves.
What’s Unique: Beyond the beach, you can explore over five miles of hiking trails that wind through the coastal dunes adjacent to the beach. You may even be able to spot a deer or a Snowy Owl in the winter. Just be aware of the fencing which protects the threatened Piping Plover shorebirds and their nesting areas.
Discover the Best Things To Do in Ipswich, MA
Amenities: Crane Beach Snack Shack serves burgers, salads, sandwiches, drinks and other snacks. There is also a Beach Store which sells local handmade goods and other unique items, including bug spray to fend off the pesky green head flies that visit for a couple weeks each summer.
The beach is part of the Crane Estate and the incredible Castle Hill mansion overlooks the beach. The Trustees of Reservations, who owns the Castle Hill and Crane Beach properties, hosts various outdoor events, including concerts and tours for members and non-members.
Best For: Those looking to enjoy a walk along the 4 miles of coastline or explore a network of trails in the sand dunes. Families with smaller kids will love playing in the gentle waves.
Parking: An All Day parking permits must be purchased in advance. Parking for non-members is $35 weekdays and $40 weekends and holidays. Discounted parking is available for members depending on the membership level. Motorcycles pay $10 and those walking, biking or taking the CATA shuttle pay $5. Ipswich residents with a valid beach sticker do not need to reserve a parking permit.
Summer Season: Parking passes are required during the summer season which runs May 15th through Labor Day. Passes for beach entrance are released online at noon on Monday for the upcoming Tuesday – Thursday and noon on Thursday for the upcoming Friday-Monday.
Off Season: Parking passes are only required on weekends only but are strongly suggested on weekdays, especially on warmer days. Passes are released online on Thursdays at noon for the upcoming two weeks in the Extended and Off Seasons.
Visit the Trustee site for the latest beach information.
Insider Tip: Save yourself the hassle of driving and parking and take the CATA Summer Transportation Service from the Ipswich MBTA Commuter Rail station to Crane Beach. Service runs Saturday, Sunday and Holidays starting the third weekend in June through Labor Day weekend with added stops in Ipswich and Essex.
Rules: From October 1 through March 31, dogs and horses are permitted on the beach but non-members will need to pay a fee.
Hours:
- The beach is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to sunset and during summer it gets very busy. The entrance gate closes 20 minutes prior to sunset.
- Life Guards on duty daily 8 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. in-season only.
- Snack bar open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Discover the Best Things To Do in Ipswich, MA
Crane Beach – 310 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA
Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea
Located in the quiet town of Manchester-by-the-Sea is the small but beautiful Singing Beach. This beach was recognized by Jetsetter Magazine, making the tenth-place spot on its 11 best beaches in the U.S. (2020). Singing Beach is only about a half mile long, giving it a secluded feel, but it comes with a unique surprise.
Sand: Singing Beach gets its name from its soft golden colored sand which sings or squeaks when you walk on it. This phenomenon happens at only a few locations around the world. While it is unclear why it happens scientists believe it is due to the unique makeup of the beach’s sand. The best time to hear “singing sand” is on a dry, windy day.
Surf: The water at Singing Beach is clear with rolling waves.
What’s Unique: This is a great day trip from Boston, or other towns with commuter rail access, if you don’t mind the half mile walk to the beach from the train station. From Boston, take the MBTA’s Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail from Boston’s North Station to the Manchester stop. There is a walk-on fee of $10 per person per day or $35 for a seasonal pass.
Amenities: There is a bathhouse with restrooms, showers and snack bar that is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream is just a 10-minute walk down Beach Street.
Best For: Beachgoers who do not mind a 15 minute walk to the beach from the train station or Manchester-by-the-Sea residents.
Rules: A full list of restrictions can be found at the Manchester-by-the-Sea website.
Hours:
- The bathhouse is open everyday Mid-June through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- From Memorial Day until mid-June, the bathhouse is only open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking: Although there is a parking lot adjacent to the beach, it’s small and can be tough to impossible for non-residents to get a spot. During peak times, from June 20-Labor Day, non-resident parking is only permitted during weekdays (excluding holidays) when the attendant is on duty and there are available spaces. If you do get a spot, the fee is $30, cash or check.
Parking is also available at the train station for $20. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Boy Scouts sell parking spaces behind the Train Station for $25 per car. A few non-resident spots may also be available at Masconomo Park which is about a half mile away from the beach across from the train station. Unless you get a spot at the beach lot, you will need to take the 15 minute walk to the beach so pack lightly.
Singing Beach – 119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
Devereux Beach, Marblehead
Devereux Beach is Marblehead’s main public beach and is located off Ocean Avenue at the beginning of the causeway. This beach was always one of my favorites to take the kids when they were young because it was easy and inexpensive parking with a short walk to the beach. There is also a great playground right on the sand and food and restrooms close by.
Sand: With over 5 acres of sandy shores, this beach has plenty of room to lay down your beach chair. One thing to note is that the sand at this beach is not the soft white sand you’ll find at some of the other North Shore beaches. It is much more coarse and even rocky in areas. I definitely recommend bringing water shoes or other footwear to walk on some areas of the beach.
Surf: Swimming is popular at this beach and the waves can get big at times. There is also an occasional undertow so use caution when swimming, especially with younger ones.
What’s Unique: Take a stroll to the right of the beach and you’ll come across Goldthwait Reservation, a private, non-profit land trust, where the sand turns to a shore of smooth, beach eroded rocks. You may see remnants of people’s rock creations and may even be able to find some sea glass. Keep in mind that while you can play with the rocks, removing them is prohibited.
Amenities: The Neck Run Cafe is a restaurant right on the beach where you can get salads, sandwiches, fried entrees and ice cream. The restrooms are located around the back of the restaurant and there are also outdoor showers to wash off the sand.
The beach has an access mat to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and walkers. Visitors can request a beach wheelchair from the parking attendant.
Best For: Devereux Beach is a great option if you are looking for a beach destination with less hassle and cheaper parking than many of the other beaches. With its extensive amenities, it’s a family favorite. After your beach day, head down the causeway to Marblehead Neck to see Marblehead Lighthouse and beautiful harbor views or check out Fort Sewall, a public park with remnants of an old fort.
Parking: Parking fees at Devereux Beach are much lower than some of the other popular beaches. During the summer months the cost is $15 Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday. Be sure to bring cash.
Rules: Dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash.
Hours:
- Staffed 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., weather dependent
- The parking lot closes at 10:00 p.m.
- Lifeguards on duty from the end of June to Labor Day weekend.
Devereux Beach – 155 Ocean Avenue, Marblehead
Nahant Beach Reservation, Nahant
Long Beach at Nahant Beach Reservation is a nice beach which is popular for swimming and sunbathing. The 2 mile promenade is perfect for walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading. The beach is located at the end of a long causeway which is connected to Lynn Reservation. There is a boat launch and athletic fields near the Nahant rotary at the beginning of the causeway.
Sand: You will find soft sand at the Nahant Beach Reservation.
Surf: The water is very shallow for a great distance.
What’s Unique: Long Beach is a popular site for Kite Surfing and there are local companies that offer kite boarding lessons.
Amenities: There is a new bathhouse with bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers. Besides the Tides restaurant, which is located at the entrance of the beach, there are really no other food options close to the beach. The causeway promenade is paved and accessible to wheelchairs. There is also one beach wheelchair and one floating wheelchair available.
Best For: Families with young children will enjoy splashing in the little waves.
Rules: No alcohol or littering. No dogs or other pets, with exception of service animals, allowed on the beach April 1 to Sep. 15.
Hours: The Nahant Beach Reservation is open year round from sunrise to sunset.
Parking: Paid parking is required during peak times (May – October) and is $10 for Massachusetts residents, $40 for non-residents, based on vehicle license plates. You can also pre-purchase payments with Yodel mobile app.
You enter the Nahant Beach Reservation at the end of the causeway near the Tides Restaurant. Pulling in may be a bit confusing as there is the option to enter the restaurant parking area, the beach parking area or to get back on the causeway.
Nahant Beach Reservation – 1 Nahant Beach Rd., Nahant, MA
Salisbury Beach, Salisbury
Salisbury is a popular beach town situated on the New Hampshire border. The beach is located at the end of Route 1A and is surrounded by a variety of souvenir shops, restaurants, ice cream shops and arcades. While it may look a little worn, there has been a revitalization project going on giving it a facelift with a fantastic new boardwalk, updated bathhouses and a new Carousel Park which houses a vintage carousel.
For a quieter beach experience, try Salisbury Beach Reservation which is not far from the public beach.
Sand: The sand is soft and clean.
Surf: The beach is popular for swimming with good waves. When you get into the water you will notice a steep dip. There can also be strong currents and riptides in the waters off of Salisbury Beach so be cautious when swimming, especially with children. It is recommended that you always swim when lifeguards are on duty as they are trained to recognize when swimming is not safe.
What’s Unique: Salisbury Beach is a classic beach town and summer tourist location bustling with activities. Families will enjoy the antique carousel, arcades and lawn games for the kids. DJs and bands play on the beach Friday and Saturday nights during the summer.
Amenities: There are new bathhouses and lots of food options next to the beach. The Blue Ocean Music Hall is adjacent to the beach and the SeaGlass Restaurant offers fine dining.
Best For: Those looking for a beach with easy access to a variety of food choices, arcades and souvenir shops. There are also music venues, bars and fine dining options close to the beach.
Rules: No camping, pets, motor vehicles, flotation devices, alcohol, glass containers, or fires are permitted on the beach. Swimming is only permitted from the ocean front beach. No swimming is allowed on the south side of the jetty or from the shore of the Merrimack River.
Hours: Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting) 10:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.
Parking: There are several parking lots in the area, some of which have parking kiosks. When parking with a kiosk you make sure you know your plate # and the parking zone. Parking can be very difficult on a summer weekend or holiday so best to come early on hot days.
Salisbury Public Beach – 1 Ocean Front St., Salisbury, MA
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Salisbury Beach, the State Reservation just up the road offers a much more peaceful beach experience. This 521-acre state run beach overlooks the intersection of where the Merrimack River feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. At the end of the reservation is a jetty where harbor seals often sun themselves in the fall and winter.
Sand: This State Reservation beach is a 3.8 mile-long soft sand beach. When the tide is high there is still plenty of sand space but the water gets deep quickly.
Surf: The waves here are moderate and good for boogie boarding at high tide. Strong currents and riptides can be present in the waters off of Salisbury Beach so be careful when swimming and pay attention to any warnings from the lifeguards. There are lifeguards stationed at the beach from Memorial Day to Labor day from 10:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.
What’s Unique: The reservation is a camper’s paradise with 484 campsites and one of the only places in the state where you can camp almost directly on the beach. Each site is equipped with power and everything you need for your camping adventure, including grilles and picnic tables. Reservations are required to use the campsite.
Amenities: The reservation has eco-friendly restrooms at every parking lot, outdoor showers and a large playground. There are no food services in the reservation, so it’s best to pack your own refreshments, although you may occasionally find a food truck in the first parking area. There are also two boat ramps at the campground’s southern edge on the Merrimack River side.
Best For: Those looking for a relaxing beach experience with some decent size waves and don’t mind packing lunch. Low-tide is better for families as water can get deep. Campers will love the chance to be so close to the beach. If you are a MA resident parking is very inexpensive compared to some of the other beaches.
Rules: Motor vehicles, camping, flotation devices, alcohol, glass containers and fires are not allowed on the beach. No dogs or other pets, with exception of service animals, are allowed on the beach from April 1st to September 15th.
Hours: The reservation is open sunrise to sunset
Parking: A daily parking fee is charged May 25 through October 14 and is paid at the entrance of the reservation. The cost is very reasonable for MA residents ($14) but is a bit hefty for non-MA residents ($40). Fees can be paid with credit\debit cards or through the YODEL app Parking in MA State Parks – YODEL FAQ. No cash is accepted.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation – 1 Beach Rd, Salisbury, MA
Plum Island, Newbury/Newburyport
Plum Island gets its name from the beach plums that grow in the dunes on the beach. This beautiful barrier island has several beach options, including those at Plum Island’s Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island Center and North Point. The beach at Plum Island Center is the best option if you are looking to be near restaurants, ice cream and other stores.
Sand: The beach has nice clean sand that is sometimes strewn with purple sand above the high tide mark.
Surf: At high tide there is a big drop off a few feet into the water.
What’s Unique: Plum Island is home to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, one of the top bird watching destinations in the state and definitely worth a visit. While there are some beautiful beaches here, there is limited beach front access from April through mid-August to protect the Piping Plovers population as they nest. Still, you can enjoy stunning views of the Great Salt Marsh and there are lots of trails accessible by boardwalks. The Hellcat trail is a beautiful board walk trail with several scenic lookouts, including a tower.
If you take the 6 mile drive down to the end of the southern tip of Plum Island you will find Sandy Point State Reservation which is technically in Ipswich. There is another beach here with parking for about 25 cars.
Amenities: There are portable restrooms located on the edge of the beach.
Best For: Plum Island Center Beach is great for those looking for a simple beach experience with easy access to restaurants. It is a popular spot for fishing, boating and kayaking.
Rules: Caution should be taken when swimming as there are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is prohibited in the Merrimack River or off the sandbar. Dogs are allowed on Plum Island but are restricted to before 8:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. from May 15th through September 15th. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches in the refuge including Sandy Beach.
Hours: Open everyday sunrise to sunset. The majority of the beaches on the refuge are closed April through early July to protect the Piping Plovers but Sandy Point Beach and some of the trails remain open.
Parking: Parking for the Plum Island Center Beach is located across the street from the beach entrance. There is another parking lot at Plum Island Point close to the Lighthouse. The parking fee for non-residents is $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Parking fees are discounted for residents. If you arrive before the attendant is on duty, an envelope will be placed on your car with instructions on how to pay.
The entrance fee for the Parker River Wildlife Refuge is $5 per car or $2 for walkers and bikers. You can also buy a annual pass for $20. Cash or Checks are accepted at the entrance booth.
Plum Island Beach – Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, MA
Bottom Line:
The Top 3 beaches North of Boston are Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches in Gloucester and Crane Beach in Ipswich. While these beaches are truly spectacular, getting into them may be a bit difficult on a hot summer beach day, especially on the weekend. All 3 of them require advance parking passes which guarantee a parking spot but it can be tough to get one.
Good Harbor, Gloucester – Voted one of the Top 25 beaches in the US in 2022 by Travel & Leisure, Good Harbor Beach is a family favorite. This beach is great for surfing waves on boogie boards and walking out to Salt Island at low tide.
Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester – This beautiful soft-sand beach has a long sandbar and big rocks to climb on during low tide. Wingaersheek beach is a family favorite and kids love to explore the tide pools to search for sea life.
Crane Beach, Ipswich – This beach has four miles of pristine white sand and is perfect for long walks and watching the sunset. The adjacent sand dunes have a network of trails you can hike year round. You can also spend some time visiting Castle Hill for an additional fee. To avoid parking hassles, take the Ipswich–Essex Explorer from the Ipswich MBTA Train station.
Can’t snag a parking pass? Try one of these great beaches North of Boston.
Devereux Beach, Marblehead – A great beach with inexpensive parking and easy access to the sand, surf, food and restrooms. The big draw for families here is the amazing playground which is right on the sand near the entrance. The sand is pretty rocky so it’s best to bring beach footwear.
Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea – A small beach in a quaint sea-side town with sand that “sings”. This unique beach is accessible by public transportation and a short 15 minute walk to the beach. Parking is resident only on most days but there are paid lots near the train station within a 10-15 minute walk.
Nahant Reservation, Nahant – This s a nice beach set on a causeway with updated bathhouse. The long promenade is great for walking, running or rollerblading. This beach has limited food options.
Salisbury Beach, Salisbury – A favorite for those who want a classic bustling beachtown atmosphere with a new boardwalk. Free concerts and other events are held on the beach during the summer. If you are looking for a more relaxed and quiet beach experience, check out Salisbury Beach State Reservation down the street.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury – This state reservation provides a much more peaceful and relaxing beach experience compared to the public Salisbury Beach with all it’s fanfare. It is a very popular option in the summer, especially with it’s large camping area. In fall and winter, harbor seals often sun themselves on the jetty.
Plum Island, Newbury/Newburyport – There are several beaches on Plum Island. Plum Island Center Beach is a small beach in the center of the island, with restaurants and shops in walking distance. Parker River Wildlife Refuge is a popular bird watching spot with trails and several beach areas. On the north side, there is North Point Beach near the Newburyport Lighthouse.
Pack your sunscreen, beach towels, and get ready to soak up the sun and stick your toes in the sand at these North Shore Beaches!
What is your favorite North Shore Beach?
