Top Picks for Family-Friendly Beaches North of Boston
Crane Beach steals the show with its ample play space, snack bar, and upgraded facilities. Photo by B Handelman
1. Crane Beach - Ipswich
Top-Rated Family-Friendly Beaches Near Boston Perfect for Day Outings in 2025
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Crane Estate, this pristine beach boasts four miles of pristine sandy beaches, perfect for families. The gentle waves are great for young ones, and the beach offers a snack bar, renovated restrooms with changing areas, and ample space to play. Why not incorporate a dune hike or a stroll through the historic mansion grounds into your beach day? Tip: Plan your day to maximize your beach time and historic exploration.
2. Plum Island - Newburyport
Ideal for beachcombing, Plum Island offers miles of picturesque sandy shores. The island is also home to the Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary and the fascinating tidal pools at Sandy Point. Time your visit to coincide with low tide to explore the marine life. Afterward, head to nearby Newburyport for a delicious lunch or snack. Tip: Prepare for an unforgettable day filled with beach adventure, wildlife, and scenic sights.
3. Singing Beach - Manchester-by-the-Sea
Singing Beach is famous for its "singing" sand that produces a squeaky sound when you walk on it. This half-mile beach features lifeguards, a snack shack, restrooms with accessible changing rooms, and nearby train access. Tip: Beat the crowd and arrive early to secure a spot in this beloved family-friendly beach!
4. Salisbury State Beach - Salisbury
Situated at the mouth of Merrimack River, Salisbury State Beach offers multiple parking lots, restrooms, changing rooms, and a classic boardwalk arcade with a carousel. For the ultimate family beach day, don't miss out on Joe's Playland just off the sand! Tip: After a day in the waves, let the kids enjoy some old-school arcade fun before you head home.
5. Good Harbor Beach - Gloucester
Good Harbor Beach offers brilliant white sand, shallow waters, and a fascinating sandbar to explore at low tide. Restrooms, showers, and a concession stand are available. Arrive early to secure a parking spot, as space tends to fill up quickly. Tip: Reserve parking up to 10 days in advance via Blinkay and make your beach day hassle-free!
6. Wingaersheek Beach - Gloucester
Wingaersheek Beach is another family-friendly haven, featuring soft sand, idyllic views, and calm waters suitable for younger children. At low tide, the beach transforms into a tide-pooling paradise, revealing rocks and shallow pools teeming with marine life. Tip: To avoid parking issues, arrive early and explore the endless tide-pooling possibilities!
7. Revere Beach - Revere
Dubbed America's first public beach, Revere Beach stretches over three miles and offers lifeguards throughout the summer season, paved walkways, restrooms, and easy access via the Blue Line T. Tip: Plan a four-hour visit if you're parking along the boulevard, or take public transportation for a stress-free day at the beach, followed by the annual sand sculpture contest.
8. Winthrop Beach - Winthrop
This open-ocean beach offers safe swimming zones thanks to the protective offshore "Five Sisters" breakwaters. Winthrop Beach features lifeguards, restrooms, free parking, and nearby parks for the whole family to enjoy. Tip: Stay late to catch special events such as the beloved Sandcastle Festival and Family Beach Day, often held during the summer season.
9. Devereux Beach - Marblehead
Experience seaside charm at Devereux Beach, which offers a combination of sandy and cobblestone shores. This picturesque beach features picnic pavilions, playgrounds, restrooms, and parking. Tip: Although there are no lifeguards on duty, the water tends to be calm, making it perfect for family picnics with onshore activities.
Family-Friendly Beaches South of Boston
10. Duxbury Beach - Duxbury
Duxbury Beach stretches for six glorious miles, offering the perfect opportunity for families to swim, tide-pool, and search for sea treasures. A convenient bathhouse and snack shack are available for added convenience. Tip: Bring buckets and shovels to keep the little explorers busy in rocky areas at low tide.
11. Nantasket Beach - Hull
A classic South Shore escape, Nantasket Beach features gentle slopes, tide pools, and a 1.5-mile promenade. The beach also offers restrooms, arcades, the historic Paragon Carousel, and summer concerts. Tip: Stick around after sunset to catch family-friendly concerts right on the sand.
12. Quincy Shores Reservation - Quincy
This 2.3-mile stretch offers breathtaking views of the Boston Harbor Islands, lifeguards, playgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, and local fried-clam stands just steps from the beach. Tip: Spend a perfect day by combining beach and land activities-start with a refreshing swim, followed by a tasty local seafood feast!
A family seeking to enrich their lifestyle might consider incorporating home-and-garden activities into their beach visits. For instance, after enjoying the sandy shores of Crane Beach in Ipswich, they could explore the historic mansion grounds, thus adding a touch of culture to their day.
If an adventure filled with travel and exploration appeals to them, a day trip to Plum Island in Newburyport could be an ideal choice. Post-beachcombing, the family could unwind in the charming town of Newburyport, savoring a delightful meal or snack.
