Good Harbor Beach – Gloucester
Perfect for: Soft sand, family vibes, and tidepool adventures Good Harbor Beach is one of Cape Ann’s crown jewels, offering a wide sandy beach, gentle waves, and scenic views of Salt Island. At low tide, you can even walk out to the island for exploring. Families love the shallow entry and clean facilities. Need to know:– Parking: Municipal lot; fills early on weekends. Use the Gloucester Beaches portal to reserve/pay up to 10 days in advance.
– Fees: $40 weekdays, $45 weekends for non-residents.
– Amenities: Restrooms, showers, concession stand, lifeguards.
– Tip: Arrive early and check tide times—low tide is best for exploring.
– Of Note: This beach has accessible mats and beach wheelchairs available upon request.
Crane Beach – Ipswich
Perfect for: Nature lovers, long walks, and birdwatching Operated by The Trustees, Crane Beach on the Crane Estate is a pristine stretch of shoreline backed by dunes and maritime forest. It’s ideal for walking, wildlife viewing, and swimming, with 5+ miles of trails and boardwalks. Need to know:– Parking: Reservation system required on peak days via The Trustees’ website.
– Fees: Varies; discounted for Trustees members.
– Amenities: Bathhouse, snack bar, restrooms, lifeguards.
– Tip: Visit midweek or in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy golden hour.
– Of Note: You can get to the beach with public transportation! Take the Commuter Rail to Ipswich and then hop on the CATA shuttle mid-June through Labor Day.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation – Salisbury
Perfect for: Oceanfront camping, accessible beachgoing, and long sandy walks With a wide beach, campground, and boardwalk, Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a lively, family-friendly option with amenities galore. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the region. Need to know:– Parking: Large state-run lot with ample space.
– Fees: $14/day for MA residents, $40 for RVs; out-of-state rates higher. Credit, debit, or YODEL app (no cash)
– Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, lifeguards, boat ramp.
– Tip: Consider an overnight in the campground to extend your beach trip.
– Of Note: The Salisbury Beach Boardwalk is an oceanfront wooden boardwalk that is perfect for a beachside walk and ends at Oceanfront South where you can test your luck with a trip to the arcade or indulge in Massachusetts ‘beach pizza.’
Nahant Beach Reservation – Nahant
Perfect for: Joggers, kite flyers, and easy city escapes Just north of Boston, Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservation offers a flat, sandy coastline perfect for active beachgoers. There’s a wide promenade for walking and biking, plus sweeping ocean views. Need to know:– Parking: DCR lot available; can fill quickly on hot weekends.
– Fees: $10/day for MA residents, $40 for out-of-state. Credit, debit, or YODEL app (no cash)
– Amenities: Restrooms, showers, food vendors, playground, paved walking path.
– Tip: Bring a kite—this beach is often breezy and ideal for flying.
– Of Note: Part of DCR’s Universal Access Program with beach mats and beach wheelchairs.
Singing Beach – Manchester-by-the-Sea
Perfect for: Small-town charm and Instagram-worthy scenery Known for its squeaky sand (it really does sing!), this quaint beach is tucked in a picture-perfect North Shore town. Singing Beach is great for relaxing, swimming, and snapping photos. Need to know:– Parking: Mid-June to Labor Day limited non-resident options include non-holiday, weekday access when a beach attendant if available for $30 (cash only), as space allows. Otherwise, there is fee-based public parking at Masconomo Park and in downtown Manchester on Summer Streets near the train station.
– Fees: $10 walk-on fee for non-residents (cash only).
– Amenities: Restrooms, changing area, lifeguards, and canteen with local food options.
– Tip: Pair your visit with a stop at Captain Dusty’s or Cala’s in downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea. Pick up picnic provisions at Crosby’s Marketplace.
– Of Note: A favorite for photographers thanks to its natural beauty and coastal charm.
