Beaches in Massachusetts

Keep your distance from other people

Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ One of the six New England states, Massachusetts juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Both fresh and marine water beaches in Massachusetts are plentiful. Many of Massachusetts's beach towns and regions are well-known around the world. The state's maritime history is equally famous. Cape Cod is one of the most famous areas on the Northeast Coast. Visitors flock to the region in droves each summer. Cool waters and waves offer great opportunities for surfers. Further south, waters in Nantucket Sound offer warmer areas for swimmers. Beaches in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, two islands south of Cape Cod, have long been popular summer destinations. On Martha’s Vineyard, you can find scenic beaches on the northern and eastern sides of the island that are warm and shallow. You’ll find rougher areas in the south. Not all beaches are accessible to the general public, so it’s best to check accessibility before heading out for the day. Nantucket has a plethora of beaches: calm, soft sandy beaches; remote beaches; or beaches with high waves meant for surfing. The Greater Boston area comprises much of the state’s population. Visitors to the area may find themselves pleasantly surprised by the number of great public beaches. The majority of Boston area beaches are accessible by public transit and most have sandy shorelines. Waters here are warm enough for swimming and/or recreational activities. Don’t forget about Massachusetts’s inland lakes and ponds. There are plenty of clean and clear freshwater lakes perfect for swimming, boating, fishing and camping throughout the state.