Best South Shore Beaches in Massachusetts
Cape Cod is well known for its sandy beaches and rolling dunes, but let’s not forget that there are some excellent beaches to choose from right on the South Shore of Massachusetts. These well-kept secrets will be worth the short drive–plus, no waiting in bridge traffic.
The South Shore of Massachusetts is home to some of the most picturesque beaches on the East Coast. From miles of sandy shoreline and crashing waves to quaint coastal towns and famous beachfront restaurants, this region has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an exciting day trip with friends, the South Shore can provide a unique experience unlike any other.
From Cape Cod Bay to Plymouth Bay, visitors can explore a variety of stunning beaches along the coastline. Enjoy long walks on Nantasket Beach in Hull, take a dip in Horseneck Beach in Westport or relax by Duxbury Beach Park near Marshfield – all just minutes away from bustling Boston. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find your perfect South Shore beach destination.
Wollaston Beach
The Most Popular Beach in Quincy
There’s plenty to keep you busy at Wollaston Beach. Nearby are historical sites like the Adams National Historical Park, United First Parish Church, and the USS Salem. On the beach, you’ll find a large expanse of clean sand, 2.5 miles to be exact. Boating, swimming, and on-duty lifeguards are all summer perks, as well as plenty of parking, local restaurants, and the largest marina in the area, Marina Bay. Wollaston Beach is located in the city of Quincy.
Gray’s Beach
Gray’s Beach, a small beach, is a little-known part of Kingston off Route 3A near Rocky Nook. Access is allowed only with a resident sticker.
The beach offers plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained such as swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and walking along the boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy delicious food from one of the many local restaurants or grab a snack from one of the nearby shops. Whether it’s an afternoon outing with family or an evening date night stroll along the shoreline, Gray’s Beach has something to offer everyone.
Take in breathtaking views while exploring one of Massachusetts’ most beautiful destinations at Gray’s Beach! With its scenic landscapes and ample activities, there will always be something to do in this remarkable South Shore locale.
Duxbury Beach
One of the state’s most popular beaches, Duxbury has 4 miles of clean sand perfect for the summer.
It includes sand dunes, ample parking, a bathhouse, and a concession stand. Get there early on summer days, it gets packed quickly. The beach extends out to Saquish Neck and Saquish Village, a peninsula that actually is part of Plymouth.
The village is private, while the rest of the neck requires a permit sticker.
The large sand dunes provide a great backdrop for beachgoers. Duxbury Beach is also home to several piping plover nests throughout the warmer months of the year.
Marshfield Beaches
The South Shore of Massachusetts is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, and Marshfield beaches are no exception. Located just south of Boston, this small coastal town is blessed with both large public beaches and more secluded private spots. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach day or an intimate outing with friends, Marshfield has something for everyone.
For those looking for a classic New England beach experience complete with white sand and plenty of space to play, Head of the Meadow Beach on Ocean Street is the perfect spot. This expansive public beach offers sweeping views of Massachusetts Bay as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months ensuring a safe environment for swimmers and sunbathers alike.
Rexhame Beach
A large, sandy beach in Marshfield that is not as well known as Duxbury, but might be just as good. Behind the beach, you’ll find the South River Marsh, which is worth a look. There are only 25 non-resident parking spaces, so get there really early if you’re going on a warm day. Behind the beach, you can see the South River, which has several walking trails in and around the scenic area.
Brant Rock
Brant Rock is a well-known local hangout and small, rocky beach. Close to Duxbury Beach, this small, rocky beach has limited parking. Easily accessible from Route 139, it can get crowded very quickly during the summer months.
Green Harbor
A sandy beach very close to Duxbury Beach with public parking available at the local lobster pound. It’s a local favorite because of its lack of rocks, however, it can be hard to find parking on a hot day.
Scituate Beaches
Located on the coast of Plymouth County, Scituate has a variety of options for beach-goers looking for a relaxing day in the sun. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly attractions or more secluded spots to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the beaches in Scituate have something for everyone.
From unspoiled sand dunes along Fourth Cliff Beach to rocky outcrops at Humarock Beach, there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore. Swimmers can find plenty of opportunities to take a dip, while surfers and windsurfers are sure to enjoy tackling waves at Minot Beach or Snake Hill Point.
Minot Beach
This is a well-known Scituate beach but is for residents only.
There are great views of Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse and some large rocks in the ocean, however, you’ll either need to live here or know someone that does to access the beach.
The beach stretches out over seven miles of pristine white sand and crystal blue waters. Take a walk along one of the many boardwalks or relax on the sand as you watch boats sail by on the ocean horizon. For those feeling adventurous, there are several recreational activities available such as kayaking, sailing, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, try taking a stroll along one of the many nature trails or visit one of the local seafood restaurants while soaking up some sunsets!
Egypt Beach
This small rocky beach in N. Scituate is also resident-only. Nearby are Peggotty Beach and Glades beach, however, these are both private as well. Egypt Beach is best known for its wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. From swimming and kayaking to sunbathing and picnicking, there’s always something fun happening at this scenic spot. You can also explore some of the area’s unique wildlife while you’re there – many species of birds have been spotted along the shoreline!
Nantasket Beach
The South Shore’s Best-Known Beach
Nantasket boasts miles of beach, and public parking and is easily accessible from anywhere on the South Shore. With over 1000 parking spaces as well as street parking and local restaurants, Nantasket can become very crowded during the summer months.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx8zr2uI6-4
Nantasket Beach is a popular destination on Massachusetts’ South Shore. Located just south of Boston in the city of Hull, this beloved beach offers visitors a wide range of activities and amenities to enjoy. Stretching along three miles of the Atlantic coast, Nantasket is one of the most unique beaches in New England.
To reach Nantasket Beach, take Route 228 North until you reach Nantasket Beach in the town of Hull.
Plymouth Beaches
Plymouth beaches are a great way for South Shore area visitors to spend a summer day. Located on the south coast of Massachusetts, Plymouth is home to several beautiful sandy beaches that offer plenty of activities for everyone in the family. From swimming and sunbathing on white sand beaches to kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, there is something for everyone.
The most popular beach in Plymouth is Manomet Point Beach with its 400-foot stretch of white sand along the ocean’s edge. Here you can take part in a variety of water sports such as sailing and windsurfing, or simply relax on the beach while taking in some rays. There are also plenty of lifeguards on duty to ensure your safety while enjoying the waves and shoreline views. In addition, there are several other smaller public beaches located near Manomet Point where you can find quieter areas away from the crowds.
Manomet Point Beach
Manomet Point Beach provides a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and other recreational activities like picnicking and beachcombing. On any given day you can find locals gathering to take advantage of the beautiful shoreline.
The expansive white sand beach offers plenty of space for visitors to relax and enjoy peaceful walks along the shoreline or bask in the sun on one of the many large driftwood logs found scattered throughout the area. Manomet Point also boasts some perfect spots for fishing off its rocky bluffs that line the ocean’s edge. There are even several areas for exploring tidepools at low tide, making this an ideal spot for families with young children who want to explore different creatures living in their environment.
Plymouth Beach
This beach peninsula offers 3 miles of perfectly sandy beach for the public. From this beach, you can see Saquish Neck, and at the end, Plymouth’s “Bug Light.” From the rear of the beach, Eel River empties into Plymouth Harbor. Views of Plymouth Harbor and the Mayflower can be seen from this side of the beach.
White Horse Beach
This large Plymouth Beach is mostly private, however, the South Beach section is public. Travel down Route 3A until you reach Rocky Hill Road. Take Rocky Hill Road until it ends, then take a left. On the right, you’ll find public parking. There is plenty of white sand and little crowds here. Just as impressive as any Cape beach, this shoreline has large expanses of open, clean white sand and dunes.
Scusset Beach
This popular beach is actually part of Bourne (or Sagamore), MA, but is on the “mainland” side of the bridge (the non-Cape side). Accessible from the last exit before the Sagamore Bridge, this beach is easy to find and much less crowded than some of the other South Shore beaches. A huge parking lot, concession stand, restrooms, and picnic tables are all available. To the right of the beach, you’ll find the Cape Cod Canal. Access this on Route 6 in several spots for a 5-mile bike path on each side of the canal.
Final Word
South Shore beaches are truly a hidden gem. From awe-inspiring sunsets to miles of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day of beach combing or a thrilling surf adventure, these pristine beaches offer an amazing experience. It’s no wonder why these beaches are so popular with locals and visitors alike!