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Water Wizz August 2026

South of Boston/Plymouth beaches offer excellent sand, swimming and water sports

Massachusetts > South of Boston > On the Water > Beaches
Wollaston Beach - Discover Quincy - Quincy, MA
Discover Quincy

City of Quincy Welcome Center - 1259 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-471-1700

Beach-goers will not be disappointed, with a vast variety of ocean and river locations

With its 27 miles of picturesque shoreline, Quincy visitors are bound to find a beach that suits their recreational needs. Over 11 municipal beach areas, beach-goers will find places with tidal pools, near playgrounds and picnic tables and with spectacular water, island and skyline views. The popular Quincy Shores Reservation, in addition to its sandy beach, features a jogging and biking trail, lookout tower and play area. Nickerson Beach offers grand views of Boston Harbor and Marina Bay. A ferry ride out to Spectacle Island gets you to a lovely sandy beach. The Quincy RiverWalk includes a natural beach to launch and land your canoe or kayak. Or launch your boat from Quincy out to the Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park to explore its shoreline and tide pools.
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Stephen's Field Park Beach - See Plymouth, MA
See Plymouth

4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100

Swimmers and hikers, kids and adults will find that perfect beach in Plymouth

Check out some more great things to do while visiting Plymouth County, MA!

Whether you want to set up your chair and umbrella on the sand, plunge into the water for a swim or just stroll along the shore looking for shells, Plymouth’s beaches offer relaxation and recreation for visitors and locals alike. At Nelson Memorial Beach Park, kids will love the playground and splash pad area, and adults will love the spectacular ocean view and biking and hiking paths. Plymouth Long Beach and Stephen’s Field Park also offer great stretches of beach. In the summer, picnic by the pond at Jenney Pond Park or play horseshoes, tennis or basketball at Hedges Pond Recreational Area & Preserve. In the fall and winter, get a glimpse of harbor seals off the barrier beach at Ellisville Harbor State Park. Please visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.
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Nantasket Beach Reservation

Nantasket Avenue Hull, MA Phone: 781-925-1777

Ocean beach; open year-round; life guards on duty June to September

Nantasket Beach has been a popular summer destination since the 1850s. The reservation covers 25 acres across more than a mile of ocean shoreline. Riding the Paragon Carousel, band concerts and public dance lessons are popular . Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Lifeguards on duty from late June to early September.
Daily parking fee is $10 for Massachusetts-registered vehicles and $12 for out-of-state vehicles
Scusset Beach - Scusset Beach State Reservation - Sagamore Beach, MA - Photo Credit Greta Georgieva
Scusset Beach State Reservation

20 Scusset Beach Road Sagamore Beach, MA, 02562 Phone: 508-888-0859

At the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, Scusset Beach State Reservation is popular for swimming and trailer camping. There is a two-mile frontage along the canal as well as a picnic area. People enjoy watching the variety of boat traffic up and down the canal.
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Onset Beach

Onset Avenue Wareham, MA Phone:

Sandy beach on Buzzards Bay; concessions and life guards

Onset Beach, on the warm and sheltered water of Buzzard's Bay, is smooth and sandy. Prepare to share the beach with lots of other people, because it is a popular one. There is a bandstand for summer events. Lifeguard, food concession, bathrooms, charge for parking.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation - Westport, MA - Photo Credit MA State Parks
Horseneck Beach State Reservation

MA Route 88 South to John Reed Road Westport, MA, 02790 Phone: 508-636-8816

Horseneck Beach State Reservation has handicap-accessible beaches. At the western end of Buzzards Bay lies a two-mile beach area. Pets not permitted on beach.
Plymouth Beach

Warren Avenue (Route 3A) Plymouth, MA Phone:

The entrance to Plymouth Beach is just past Plimoth Plantation (137 Warren Avenue). Life guards through the summer but not past Labor Day. There are restrooms and a snack bar at the beach. From April 1 through September 30 leashed dogs will be allowed on Ryder Way and the beachfront from the main parking lot north to the day parking area, excluding areas closed for shorebird nesting.
Fees: Weekdays, $10; weekends, $15
Duxbury Beach and Duxbury Beach Park

Canal Street Duxbury, MA Phone:

Oceanside barrier beach; parking fee; bathhouse and services

Duxbury Beach is a sand barrier six miles in length, extending from Marshfield to Gurnet Point and Saquish (part of Plymouth). Life guards, bathhouse, restrooms, showers, ice cream, snacks, and Blakeman’s restaurant.
Access" People with parking stickers (resident and oversand) should go to the beach via the Powder Point Bridge in Duxbury. People who want day parking at the Duxbury Beach Park should go through Marshfield and take Canal Street to Gurnet Road in Duxbury.
Parking Fees: Daily fee is $15 per car. Non-resident parking stickers for the season are $294-$325. Contact Town of Duxbury.
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.