Massachusetts has no shortage of gorgeous coastline both north and south of Boston, making for accessible escapes from the city heat and humidity on summer days. Bostonians can have their toes in the sand and their hands on a lobster roll in no time. To avoid the inevitable traffic heading south toward Cape Cod, drive or take the train to the uncrowded beaches of the North Shore.
Singing Beach
- It's said that Singing Beach acquired its name from the sound made when you walk upon the golden-hued sand. At off-peak times you're among the few walking on that sand, as there's no parking lot at the beach. Travel 45 minutes by train from Boston's North Station to Manchester-by-the-Sea, a pretty Cape Ann village where a 15-minute walk along residential Beach Street brings you to the sand. Impressive homes are perched above rocky cliffs at this crescent-shaped cove with its smallish but perfectly lovely beach. Remember to pick up food, drink and suncream at the grocery store beside the train station parking lot. Restrooms, changing areas, a lifeguard and persistent seagulls are present, but the beach is kept clean by visitors taking away whatever they bring.
Crane Beach
- Farther north in Ipswich, Crane Beach is big enough to find a quiet spot on the pristine sand, although you may have to share it with a hermit crab or two. You'll reach for a camera to capture the essence of the expansive sandy beach and clear blue water meeting the horizon. Five miles of trails meander among grassy coastal dunes. Gentle waves disguise what's sure to be distinctly chilly water, even at the height of summer. This is New England, after all. Erosion at nearby Gloucester's Good Harbor Beach has made it smaller, or perhaps the crowds have grown larger -- or both -- so opt for Crane. But beware the July invasion of greenhead flies that enjoy Crane Beach, too. Trains to Ipswich connect to a handy beach shuttle bus.
Wingaersheek Beach
- Overlooking Ipswich Bay, Gloucester's Wingaersheek beach includes a sandbar the size of a football field that makes itself visible at low tide. Wade out beyond the large clamming rocks into water that's only knee-high for what feels like a mile. The gently sloping shore leads into calmer and warmer water than is found elsewhere on the North Shore. This is a family-friendly beach. If you prefer mixing with beachcombers rather than the boombox crowd, you've come to the right place. The parking lot is small, and when it's full, that's it. Little bits of mica mixed in with the sand give the beach a sparkling effect, magical for children.
Nahant Beaches
- The Nahant town beaches charge a small fee to park and are among the closest to Boston; they're also accessible via Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority services. This narrow spit of land stretches out into Nahant Bay, providing views of church steeples, brightly colored kites and the city skyline beyond -- a reminder to beachgoers of Nahant's proximity to town. Blankets and beach chairs thin out farther from the parking lot entrance at this protected coastal reserve. The wide, 4-mile-long beach feels like Cape Cod, is near the city yet away from Logan Airport's flight paths, serves lobster rolls and more from the takeout window at Tides Restaurant & Pub and even has a leash-free doggy beach.
