Last week I listed a few summer fun activities to help fill out the calendar. But, let’s face it, sometimes the best part of summer is grabbing a towel, a chair, the cooler, and heading toward the beach to put your toes in the sand. You can stretch out under the sun and spend the day doing absolutely nothing. And here in eastern Massachusetts, we’ve got so many beaches to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to name the best.
Nearly, but not totally impossible. At least not according to Best of Boston, which has named Crane Beach in Ipswich the best beach for the last three years. The four miles of white sand include lifeguards, outside showers, and bathhouses (with toilets and changing areas). There’s also the Crane Beach Store where you can purchase refreshments. Crane Beach is a recognized conservation area with over five miles of trails that move through the dunes and along the coast on both sides of the Castle Neck peninsula.
Another consistent winner is Coast Guard Beach, which is always at the top of the list for best family beaches in the country. Coast Guard Beach is one of several within Cape Cod National Seashore. Keep in mind, during the summer season there is no parking at Coast Guard Beach but there is a shuttle from the Little Creek Parking area.
The best surfing is found at Long Beach or Good Harbor in Gloucester. Both offer restrooms, showers, and food vendors. Parking can be expensive and crowded so plan your arrival early. And, if you’re making the trip to surf, there is no surfing from 9-5, so you can get in and out early before the crowds descend.
Want to include a little camping with your sunbathing? Head over to Horseneck Beach State Reservation, at the western end of Buzzards Bay in Westport. The park includes picnic areas, showers, a dishwashing station, a playground, and trailer/RV dumping. During the summer the beach has public restrooms and lifeguards on duty.
Don’t feel like heading all the way over to the coast? Check out Cochituate State Park. The park has swimming, fishing, some light hiking, and boating (with rentals).
There are places to go and plenty to do in Massachusetts this summer, so don’t get to September and lament that summer passed you by.