Who else needs a summer tan? With sunny weather and warm temps in our weekend forecast, there’s no excuse to sit inside. Fortunately for Bostonians, many of us live within walking distance – or at least MBTA distance – of a nearby beach. Which means that we can enjoy the sand, the water, and the hot sun in all of its summer glory! And to make your beach planning a bit easier, we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up a few of the Boston area’s best beaches. Happy weekend, everyone!

Boston Harbor Islands

Hop a ferry from Long Wharf to one of the Boston Harbor Islands – we recommend Spectacle Island or Lowells Island – for some serious beach time. Needless, to say there’s also plenty else to do on the islands if you don’t feel like basking in the sun all day.

Carson Beach

South’s Boston’s Carson Beach provides a sandy beach along with a bathhouse for guests. It’s a favorite among locals because of its short distance and convenience. Beach goers also enjoy the chess tables, bocce courts, and plenty of swimming!

Castle Island Beach

Talk about close! Located in South Boston, Castle Island’s beach provides the perfect beach day escape right in our own backyard. Grab a lobster roll from Sullivans, take a walk around Fort Independence and enjoy basking in the sun on one of their many sandy beach areas.

Crane Beach

Located just a short drive away from Boston, Crane Beach is certainly a North Shore gem. There’s a small fee to park your car but the clean, picturesque beach makes this drive up to Ipswich totally worth the trip.

Revere Beach

Located just outside Boston, “America’s first public beach” offers locals a larger stretch of sandy beach and plenty of entertainment. It tends to be a bit more crowded than other local beaches but folks will also find rides and other activities in addition to a great beach.

Singing Beach

This old school beach, complete with a 1920’s bathhouse and a small canteen and snack stand, charges a walk-on fee of $5 per person – but it’s worth the money. The Manchester, MA beach may be a little far away but it’s accessible by commuter rail and offers a beautiful escape out of the city.

Winthrop Beach

If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate beach, we recommend heading to Winthrop Beach in Winthrop, MA. The beach is popular among locals – not so much with tourists – which makes it a bit more relaxing than other crowded beaches. If you go, we recommend bringing a picnic and enjoying the day!

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