Revere Beach Reservation

Revere Beach Reservation holds a distinctive place in American history as the site of the nation’s first public beach, established in 1896. Spanning 84 acres along the Suffolk County coastline just minutes from downtown Boston, this state park offers one of the most accessible ocean experiences in New England — reachable by the Blue Line subway, no car required.

The reservation’s crescent-shaped shoreline stretches nearly three miles along a wide, sandy beach facing the open Atlantic. It’s a genuine urban beach park, where the sound of waves mixes with the energy of a surrounding community that has loved this stretch of coast for over a century. The boulevard-style promenade running parallel to the sand is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, and the beach itself draws swimmers, sunbathers, and kite flyers throughout the warm months.

Every July, the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival transforms the shoreline into an open-air gallery, attracting master sculptors from around the world and hundreds of thousands of visitors. It’s one of the best free events in Greater Boston.

Facilities include bathhouses, restrooms, and nearby restaurants — the area is famous for its roast beef sandwiches and Italian food. There’s no camping at the reservation, but the trade-off is urban convenience: parking, transit access, and food are all steps away.

Visit between June and September for beach weather, or come in the shoulder months for quieter walks along the waterfront with views toward Nahant and the harbor islands.

Explore Nearby

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• Egg Rock 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