Summer is here and we’re heading to the beach for our monthly themed-road trip. Living on the South Shore of Massachusetts, there are a variety of excellent beaches to choose from. From the most well-known such as Duxbury Beach and Nantasket Beach, to small private beaches and free lesser-known gems. Whether you’re sunbathing or simply exploring, there’s a beach for you. Of course, we couldn’t make it to every beach in the region, but here’s a sampling of our favorites.
Nantasket Beach – Hull
If one beach on the South Shore conjures up images of a mini-Jersey Shore, it would be Nantasket Beach in Hull. Hull is a long peninsula that sticks out into the bay and the portion of the north side of this peninsula is Nantasket Beach.
The public is welcome here for all your favorite beachside activities. In addition to the beach, this area of Hull in the summertime is teeming with restaurants, souvenir shops, and beach-themed bars. It has all the facilities for a day at the beach or if you’d prefer, a vacation destination.
Sandy Beach – Cohasset
Situated on the impressively exquisite Atlantic Avenue in Cohasset, this beach lives up to its name, it’s full of fine sand. This fills up quickly on summer weekends and for out-of-towners, you’re only allowed in with a Cohasset sticker. For the rest of us, we are still allowed to drive by and enjoy the pretty view while meandering our way along the coast of Cohasset.
Duxbury Beach – Duxbury
If Nantasket Beach represents the popular honky tonk version of the beach, Duxbury is at the other end of the spectrum. It’s a gorgeous swath of sand without the beach town amenities. Another ever-popular destination in the summer, it’s a large beach so with a little walking, you’re to find your private patch of sand.
For kids, the bay side of Duxbury Beach is just as fun. It might not have the expansive ocean views but is perfect for little legs to romp around in. With a permit, this is also an area with shellfish digging and there are fewer crowds. Arrive via the Powder Point Bridge, an unfathomably long wooden bridge, and get ready for a bumpy ride!
Nelson Park – Plymouth
Enjoy the free beach at Nelson Park along with a playground and splash pad. It’s a perfect beach for the kids with plenty of exploring in the sandy and grassy terrain. At low tide, one can venture far out in the bay. With the other activities here, Nelson Park will entertain the kids for hours.
Long Beach – Plymouth
Plymouth’s Long Beach is a three-mile peninsula that juts into the bay. For out-of-towners, the first parking lot is for the public. Pay your admission, park, and enjoy beautiful Long Beach. Walking a little further out, you’ll be able to find a place to set up shop to call your own. If you are able to, with a beach sticker it allows you to venture to the point. At the end of Long Beach, what is known as the crossover, is in my opinion, the prettiest ocean views in the region. Sparkling, turquoise water lapping fine, white sand.
Although downtown Plymouth isn’t far, this area of Long Beach is not full of amenities. What it does have though is a restaurant, Sandy’s. It’s the perfect place for a lobster roll or some kind of fried seafood. The views of the ocean can’t be beaten.
Center Hill Preserve – Plymouth
For a completely different beach, check out Center Hill Preserve also in Plymouth. This preserve features a short, wooded path that takes you right out to the ocean. Not the most comfortable for sunbathing since it is incredibly rocky. What it lacks in typical beachy features, it makes up for in wildlife as there are often seals basking in the sun on the rocks at this beach. The kids will presumably, also enjoy throwing the rocks into the sea.
Certainly, this isn’t an exhaustive list of South Shore beaches but it gives a sample of some of our favorites. From the ever-popular to the hidden gems, there is plenty of surfside exploration to be had on the South Shore.
Although the June trip to the beach has come to an end, check out these articles for more beachy fun. Plymouth Long Beach, White Horse Beach, and a Tour of Southern New England Lighthouses
