Saltwater Ocean Beaches Locations

Explore 13 islands of Boston Harbor, 3 of which is publicly accessible by ferry in 2023 and offers lots of activities. You'll find swimming, boating, hiking and camping among the most popular.

A visit to Castle Island combines history and recreation. Tour Fort Independence or take a walk around it. Continue the day sunbathing or swimming at one of the nearby beaches.

Constitution Beach is one of Boston's hidden waterfront gems. Take a swim or head over to the athletic fields. You can see planes flying from Logan Airport and ships sailing through Boston Harbor.

This park is one of the best kept secrets in the Massachusetts forest and park system. Here, an 1800-foot saltwater beach is backed by rambling hills of beach grass and shaded, grassy picnic sites. A broad, scenic marsh lines the Slocum River on the park's eastern edge. The beach is ideal for families with children. The Buzzards Bay surf is calm and shallow, meaning warm water temperatures through most of the summer. It is also a great spot to see egrets, herons, ospreys, terns and hawks.

Though one of the smallest state parks, Fort Phoenix offers plenty to see and do. In summer, the main attraction is the beach, which is universally accessible. You might also walk along the hurricane barrier for a beautiful view of the Atlantic ocean. Finally, be sure to visit the historic remains of Fort Phoenix, which dates to the Revolutionary War.

Swim and camp at one of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts. Located at the western end of Buzzard's Bay, the 2-mile long beach is also great for bird watching.

The reservation is open year-round, but summer is the time to visit and escape the heat. Enjoy swimming in the ocean, launch your boat, or sunbathe on the beach.

Nantasket Beach is popular summer escape from the Boston. The reservation includes a mile of the Atlantic shoreline, and during the summer, you can attend concerts or take public dance lessons.