22 Best Beaches in Massachusetts: Where to Buy A Beach House

Massachusetts is a great place to visit any time of year, and the best beaches in Massachusetts are no exception. From Cape Cod to Nantucket, you’ll find gorgeous beaches with pristine water and fun things to do, like surfing and ocean swimming. 

You can also find beautiful white sand beaches perfect for relaxing or playing sports. Whether you’re looking for a sandy or rocky beach, below are some of the all-time favorites.

Real Estate Status in Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts is one of the most famous in the country for real estate investors, homeowners, and vacationers. The state has a lot to offer, from historic cities to beautiful beaches, great colleges and universities, world-class hospitals and healthcare facilities, gorgeous parks and recreation areas to live music and entertainment venues. 

If you’re looking at buying a beach home in this region. Then there are some things you should know about the real estate status in Massachusetts before deciding where you or your family should settle down. Here are some facts from the US Census Bureau:

• Population: 7,029,917
• Median House Price: $398,800
• Median Rent: $1,336
• Household: 2,646,980
• Median Household Income: $84,385

Things You Should Consider When Buying Beachside Properties

When you think of beachside properties, you probably imagine the ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. But before you go rushing out to buy your own slice of paradise, consider these things:

• Location: When it comes to beachside properties, location is everything. Make sure that the property you’re looking at is on the beach, not a place where people sunbathe in front of their houses. But where there’s actual sand between their toes.
• The size of your property: Most people who buy beachside properties want as much space as possible. This isn’t always possible due to limitations on zoning laws that exist in that area. If you’re looking for something more than just a place to park your car, set up camp for a few days at a time. Then make sure that what you’re buying will give you enough space for your needs.
• Resale value: Think about resale value before purchasing anything too expensive. You don’t want to get stuck with an investment property with no room for growth because it was overpriced from the start.
• Safety: Make sure the house is safe. You don’t want to find out that there’s been a crime wave in your neighborhood too late. So check out crime stats before signing on the dotted line. While you’re at it, ensure there are no home safety issues. Things like faulty wiring, mold, and mildew are all things that can be a problem down the line.
• Weather: The weather is one of the most critical factors in deciding where to buy a home. You will spend more time at home when you buy a beach property. You’ll also want to ensure that the weather where you live is conducive to outdoor activities.

Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches

The Cape Cod National Seashore is the spot to be if you want to enjoy some of the best beaches in Massachusetts. This park is located on Cape Cod and offers more than 40 miles of sandy beaches for you to explore. 

Some Cape Cod National Seashore beaches have lifeguards, and others don’t. However, they’re all great places to visit when you’re in the area. 

Nauset Beach, Race Point Beach, and Coast Guard Beach are the most popular spots. You’ll also find some fun attractions, such as hiking tracks throughout the Cape Cod National Seashore area.

1. Marconi Beach in Wellfleet

Marconi Beach in Wellfleet is a hidden gem among Massachusetts beaches. The area was home to a military training camp, and the remnants of that past can be seen in the old buildings. 

However, the main attraction in Marconi Beach is not what’s behind these buildings. It’s what’s out in front: an expansive stretch of sand where you can enjoy your favorite beach activities or simply sit back and relax.

The water here is calm enough for swimming and deep enough for kayaking, so it’s great for all kinds of water sports. There are also several boat launches along Cod Bay. 

This makes it easy to get in touch with nature at Marconi Beach. It is one of those rare places where you can have fun on land and at sea.

2. Head of Meadow Beach in Truro

Head of Meadow Beach is one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. It’s not just because it offers a wide variety of activities and things to do, but also because it’s so easy to get to.

Head of Meadow Beach in Truro is located at the very end of the Cape Cod Canal. It’s accessible by car or bike via the canal path. 

This  makes it an ideal destination for an afternoon trip, no matter your mode of transportation. If you’re looking for the best beaches in Massachusetts, look no further than Head of Meadow Beach.

3. Provincetown Race Point Beach

Race Point Beach in Provincetown is located on the tip of Cape Cod, where the ocean meets Cape Cod Bay. This beautiful beach is known for its excellent snorkeling, wildlife viewing opportunities, and sweeping ocean views.

It’s easy to see why Provincetown Race Point Beach is one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. The sand here is soft and white, and plenty of places to relax, swim, or soak up some rays. 

It’s also an excellent spot for scoping out local wildlife. You might even see whales during certain times of the year.

4. Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown

Herring Cove Beach is a popular beach on Cape Cod, located in Provincetown. This beach is known for its beautiful views of the bay and the colorful houses that line it. If you want to visit this destination, you should know what else it offers for your trip.

The best part about Herring Cove Beach is its location. You can easily access this beach by taking a short walk from downtown Provincetown or one of the many parking lots nearby. There’s also plenty of shade if you need to escape from the heat during your stay at Herring Cove Beach.

Herring Cove Beach also has some tremendous popular activities with tourists looking for family fun while visiting Massachusetts beaches. This includes kite surfing lessons where you can learn how to fly a kite across the water instead of land.

5. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham

Coast Guard Beach is another sandy beach on the Atlantic in Eastham, Massachusetts. It’s named after the Coast Guard station on the beach, built in 1876, and still stands today. The Coast Guard Beach is a popular tourist destination for many people looking to enjoy Massachusetts Bay at its finest. 

Located directly behind Chatham Light Station, this gorgeous piece of land boasts white sand dunes and views of nearby islands such as Spectacle Island and Long Island. Also, Coast Guard Beach is used by locals as a place where you can go fishing or swimming.

Best Massachusetts Beaches Along Atlantic Ocean

Massachusetts beaches along the Atlantic Ocean are full of gorgeous coastal scenery and fun for the whole family. The Massachusetts coastline stretches from the tip of Cape Cod up through Boston, with plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy. Here’s a list of some great Massachusetts beach destinations:

6. Menemsha Beach in Chilmark

This Chilmark beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Martha’s Vineyard. It has soft sand, tide pools for exploring, and some of the most stunning views you’ll find anywhere in Massachusetts. This beach also happens to be an excellent place for hiking as well.

You’ll find Menemsha Beach on the north shore of Martha’s Vineyard, tucked between Menemsha Harbor and Chilmark Pond. This pristine beach is protected by a natural barrier beach of rocks formed thousands of years ago when glaciers retreated from the area. 

The east coast of this Chilmark beach has smooth sand, while the west side has large boulders. Swimming conditions are excellent all year round due to its sheltered location. Still, you should only swim during daylight hours because there aren’t any lifeguards on duty at this beach.

7. Madaket Beach in Nantucket

If you’re looking for a beach that’s as unique as it is beautiful, look no further than Madaket Beach on Nantucket. The island has become famous for its pristine beaches and gorgeous sunsets, but Madaket stands out from the rest. 

Located just off the main road through town, Madaket Beach is a perfect spot to spend an afternoon relaxing with friends or family and enjoying the natural beauty of New England. 

With sand as white as sugar and water so clear you can see straight down to the bottom of the ocean, this beach is truly breathtaking. And it’s only a brief walk from town. The best part? Madaket Beach is free. You can enjoy this fantastic view here in Madaket Beach without paying anything.

8. Singing Beach in Manchester by the Sea

Singing Beach in Manchester by the Sea is a beautiful beach located on the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to being one of the best beaches in Massachusetts, Singing Beach in Manchester by the Sea is also home to many fishing spots and whale-watching tours. If you enjoy swimming and fishing, this place is definitely for you.

Singing Beach in Manchester by the Sea is known for its beautiful turquoise waters and white sand that make you feel like you’re walking on clouds. You can enjoy activities such as swimming or taking a leisurely stroll along this pristine stretch of shoreline while listening to waves crashing against rocks and sand. It’s an experience like no other.

Best Public Beaches Massachusetts

Massachusetts has many public beaches open to the public for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. All these beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer months, and most will be staffed by them all year round. 

These beaches are all within an hour’s drive from Boston, making them ideal for day trips and weekend getaways. Below is a list of the best public beaches Massachusetts:

9. Crane Beach in Ipswich

Crane Beach is a beach located in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It’s the second most prominent New England shore, and its proximity to Boston makes it one of the most popular beaches on the eastern seaboard.

Crane Beach in Ipswich is a perfect example of why Massachusetts beaches are some of the best in the world. With its pristine white sand, picturesque views, and calm waters, Crane Beach is just what you’d expect from a beach on Cape Cod. 

Crane Beach does offer plenty for visitors to enjoy without spending a dime, so go ahead and splurge on parking. Crane Beach has one of the largest parking lots, with plenty of space for large and small vehicles.

10. Spectacle Island Beach in Boston Harbor

Spectacle Island is a small Boston Harbor Islands area located about two miles from the shore of Winthrop and about two miles east of downtown Boston. This Island beach in Boston Harbor is one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. 

This is because it’s small enough to get there on your own but big enough that it never feels crowded. Spectacle Island Beach has muted sand and clear water. 

There are no breakwaters or jetties to disturb the natural environment, which makes for calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is about 1.9 miles long and has less than 100 yards wide sandy beach. You’ll feel like you’ve gotten away from it all when you’re here.

11. Mayflower Beach in Dennis

Mayflower Beach, located in Dennis, Massachusetts, is an ideal place to enjoy a day at the beach. Mayflower Beach is a public one open to all during the summer months, so you don’t have to worry about getting your own spot. 

The shallow pools are enough for kids and adults alike: it’s just over three feet deep at high tide on average. Even if you’re not looking for an oceanfront property or thinking about moving there permanently. Then Mayflower Beach offers everything else you could want in a great vacation destination. 

From its beautiful views of Massachusetts Bay to its quiet residents who love nothing more than sitting by their homes while they listen to the waves crash against the shoreline. It’s hard not to fall in love with this part of Massachusetts.

12. Old Silver Beach in Falmouth

Old Silver Beach is one of the best beaches in Massachusetts, located in Falmouth, known for its white sand and warm water. The beach has a lot of history behind it too. It was once home to an amusement park called Old Silver Park, which attracted tourists from all over New England.

Old Silver Beach is very popular among both locals and tourists alike. It’s nice because it isn’t as crowded as other Massachusetts beaches can get during peak season (May-September). You’ll also find that there are plenty of activities nearby. 

Hiking trails and kayak rentals are just minutes away from Old Silver Beach. So if you’re looking for something more adventurous than sunbathing or swimming in the ocean, this would be a good choice.

13. Chatham Lighthouse Beach

Chatham Lighthouse Beach is among the best beaches in Massachusetts because it’s a gorgeous place to relax, unwind, and enjoy nature. Chatham Lighthouse Beach is a public beach in Chatham, Massachusetts. 

It is located on the outermost tip of the Cape Cod peninsula and offers stunning views of the surrounding marshlands. This lighthouse beach is one of the most well-known in New England, with its lovely white sand and extensive rolling dunes perfect for sunbathing or relaxing with a book. 

Visitors can also enjoy nearby amenities such as lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. This is especially useful if you want to pack your lunch before heading out to Chatham Lighthouse Beach.

14. Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester

Wingaersheek Beach is another beautiful North Shore beach that visitors can visit for a day trip. It’s located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and is a short walk from Wingaersheek Light. Even though it’s only minutes from the town center, this beach has been designated as one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. 

Because Wingaersheek Beach offers a peaceful atmosphere and solitude (very few people here). The warm water at Wingaersheek Beach is clean and clear, with beautiful views of Cape Ann to the east coast and Cod Bay to the west coast.

15. Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Oak Bluffs

In an area where everything is so beautiful, Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Oak Bluffs stands out from the rest. The state park on Martha’s Vineyard is known for its rolling dunes and pristine beaches. 

With soft sand and gentle waves, it’s a great beach to relax on during your trip to the island. The beach is next to a small harbor where boats dock and unload their catch from fishing trips out at sea. 

This gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood while relaxing on the beach. There are also biking trails nearby if you want to take advantage of some exercise while enjoying your time off.

16. Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester

Good Harbor Beach is the longest beach in Gloucester and has some of the best swimming with its calm waters. It’s great for families and partiers alike, so you can always find a spot to relax or play on this expansive stretch of sand.

At low tide in Good Harbor Beach, you can walk out and explore the nearby Salt Island, where picnic tables, playgrounds, and ball fields exist. You’ll also find one of Gloucester’s most iconic landmarks: The Annisquam Lighthouse, aka The Old White Lady. 

It can get pretty crowded if you go to a party in Good Harbor Beach during summertime. But don’t worry; you have plenty of space to spread out along this beautiful beachfront area.

17. Mayo Beach in Wellfleet

Mayo Beach is located on the northside of Cape Cod, just to the west of the city of Wellfleet. It has a beautiful view of the Atlantic and is very close to two other famous beaches: Race Point Beach and Head of Meadow Beach. 

The Mayo seaside is also close to several shops, restaurants, and galleries. This makes for an enjoyable day trip or weekend getaway if you want to stay nearby after enjoying a day at the beach.

Mayo Beach is a long stretch of sand with high rolling dunes on either side. Plenty of spots to spread your towel and lounge in the sun. If you prefer shade, plenty of trees around provide some welcome shade when it gets hot. 

The water here is usually pretty calm, but if you’re looking for waves, head over to Race Point or Head of the Meadow instead. If you’re traveling with kids, remember that there aren’t any lifeguards on duty, so ensure they’re always supervised when swimming.

18. Cisco Beach in Nantucket

Cisco Beach is a long stretch of sandy beaches located on Nantucket Island. The best thing about Cisco Beach is that it’s known for its calm water and shallow tidal pools. This makes it an excellent place for families with small children to enjoy the water without worrying about riptides or strong currents. 

The beach also has a snack bar and hiking trails that look out over the ocean. You can participate in some activities while still enjoying the beautiful views from your towel.

19. Revere Beach in North of Boston

Revere Beach, in North Boston, is a popular summer destination for Bostonians. The beach has been around since 1896 and is considered one of America’s oldest public beaches. 

This area was once home to an amusement park called Coney Island, which attracts thousands of visitors yearly. Today, it’s one of Massachusetts’ most popular spots for swimming and watching sunsets over the ocean (or sunrise if you’re lucky).

If you want to fit into this iconic beach town vibe but don’t want to deal with long lines at restaurants or large crowds at nightclubs. Then visit Revere Beach on a weekday when fewer people are around. 

Remember that Revere Beach can get extremely crowded during peak season. So make sure to go early or late to avoid being surrounded by many other people.

20. Martha’s Vineyard South Beach in Edgartown

Martha’s Vineyard South Beach in Edgartown is one of the best beaches in Massachusetts because of its location and accessibility. The beach is next to the Edgartown Lighthouse, which offers incredible coastline views and a historic building you can tour if interested. 

The beach is also vast, so you can enjoy swimming or playing volleyball without worrying about running into other people. South Beach is also effortlessly accessible by car. Just take Route 28 East and follow the signs for Marine Park Road. 

You can also get there by ferry from Oak Bluffs or Woods Hole, though this takes longer than driving yourself. Once you’ve reached the free parking lot, it’s just a quick walk across a wooden bridge (which you may want to bring your camera for) to get to South Beach.

21. Craigville Beach in Barnstable

Craigville Beach in Barnstable is one of the best beaches in Massachusetts for various reasons. First, it’s got that classic New England beach feel. A broad expanse of sand and water with beautiful, tall trees and beach grass lining its edges. 

Craigville Beach has a large jetty that makes for amazing tidal pools opportunities and a place to play in the water when it’s calm. There are also lifeguard stations, so you can rest assured that your kids will be safe while playing in the water.

22. Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport

As much as you love the ocean, your kids might not be as enthusiastic about it. If that’s the case, you should consider going to Buzzards Bay Horseneck Beach State Reservation or Horseneck for short. 

This small beach in Westport is located along the west side of Buzzards Bay near the town of Marion, Massachusetts. It isn’t particularly well known, but it is one of the favorites because it has everything you need for a fun day at the beach. 

This includes shallow pools, plenty of sand, playground equipment, and picnic tables. Plus, this beach has no rocks or shells, so your feet won’t get cut up if you walk barefoot.

Conclusion

In general, there are many distinct beaches in Massachusetts to choose from. The most suitable beaches depend on what you’re looking for and where you live. You may want a secluded beach with white sand and clear water or a busy beach with restaurants, shops, and activities for kids.

It’s essential to keep an open mind about what kind of best beach experience you want when deciding which one is best for your family. Talk with friends who have visited different parts of the state or search online.

If you want to avoid this hassle and get the best deal possible when buying a home, then you need an experienced real estate agent who knows what they are doing. At HOMES by ARDOR, we specialize in helping people find their dream homes, including properties on the best beaches in Massachusetts.