Nantasket Beach Reservation

Stretching along the Hull peninsula in Plymouth County, Nantasket Beach Reservation packs a surprising amount of coastal charm into its compact 39 acres. The real draw here is the beach itself — a long, wide crescent of sand facing directly into Massachusetts Bay, offering some of the best ocean swimming on the South Shore without the Cape Cod bridge traffic.

The beach runs roughly a mile and a half, with calm-enough waters for families and enough wave action to keep things interesting on windier days. A paved promenade runs parallel to the shoreline, popular with joggers, cyclists, and anyone who wants to stretch their legs with an ocean view. Behind the beach, you’ll find picnic areas, restrooms, and a bathhouse — practical amenities that make full-day visits easy.

What sets Nantasket apart is its accessibility. You’re just 15 miles southeast of downtown Boston, reachable by car or by the seasonal MBTA ferry from Long Wharf — arriving by boat adds a genuine sense of adventure to a beach day. The surrounding village of Hull has ice cream shops, seafood joints, and the restored Paragon Carousel, a 1928 gem worth a ride.

Summer is peak season, with lifeguards on duty from late June through Labor Day. But shoulder months — May and September — reward visitors with quieter sand and striking light over the bay. Water temperatures peak in August, hovering around the mid-60s.

Come for the beach, stay for the boardwalk atmosphere and easy Boston escape.

Explore Nearby

• Spectacle Island Range Lights — Lighthouse in Massachusetts
• Boston Light — Lighthouse in Massachusetts
• Meteor Lakes Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Old Kings Highway (Route 6A) — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts
• Swamp Meadow Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina