Nantasket Beach, Boston - a person standing on a beach flying a kite
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Nantasket Beach Boston

4.6
·617 reviews·Hull, United States

A beautiful, classic New England beach town offering swimming, sunbathing, and a lively boardwalk just south of Boston.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more beach space

CrowdLow
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Nantasket Beach, Boston - a person standing on a beach flying a kite

Nantasket Beach Boston

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more beach space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautiful, classic New England beach town offering swimming, sunbathing, and a lively boardwalk just south of Boston.

4.6
(617 reviews)

"It's the nicest beach closest to Boston imo."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check the Tide Schedule

Crucial for maximizing beach time! Low tide offers the most space.

Arrive Early for Parking

Beat the crowds and secure a spot, especially on weekends.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Low Tide Shoreline

Expansive Low Tide Shoreline

The entire beach

At low tide, the beach stretches hundreds of feet, offering ample space for games, sunbathing, and exploring.

Reddit
Boardwalk Ambiance

Boardwalk Ambiance

Along the beach

Enjoy live music, food, and shops along the paved walkway, creating a lively resort-like atmosphere.

Instagram
Stunning Sunsets

Stunning Sunsets

Western-facing areas

Witness breathtaking sunsets over the water, a perfect end to a beach day.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything: Tide & Crowds

Nantasket Beach's shoreline dramatically changes with the tide. Low tide reveals vast sandy expanses perfect for activities, while high tide can significantly reduce beach space. Weekends and holidays are busiest, so consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Reddit+1

Parking & Access

Parking can be challenging, especially on peak days. While some lots offer paid parking ($15-$40 depending on residency), street parking is also available. Arriving early or on a weekday is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more beach space
Crowd
Low
When
Low tide hours
Why
Maximum beach area
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps, sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I love it here🫶🏻 #nantasketbeach #massachusetts #massachusettstiktok #mabeaches
@briannewestguerrero
35.5K likes • 513K views

Check the Tide Schedule

Crucial for maximizing beach time! Low tide offers the most space. Reddit+1

Arrive Early for Parking

Beat the crowds and secure a spot, especially on weekends. Reddit+1

We went to this beautiful beach which is just a beautiful 45 mins drive from Boston. The beach was super calm, clean with beautiful Atlantic ocean shoreline. The place is a small and cute beach town with a picturesque harbor. There were places where can you see water on both sides of the road. Must visit if you live near Boston !! Location: Nantasket beach @indiangirlstravel @travelgirlsindia @...
divi_11208
81 likes • 2.2K views
•• Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts •• One of the busiest (and cutest!) beaches outside of Boston that we enjoyed for two days on our road trip! Between dinner at @theparrothull indulging in seafood and Prosecco buckets (love you Brian!), and the @vitaminseabrewing DUCK TRUCK doing a @bissellbrothers tap takeover (thank you Dino, Rob, and Mike!), we had ourselves a TIME. 🙌🦞🍾🍺 I plan to act...
hoppyhayes
162 likes • 3.2K views

Embrace the Boardwalk

Enjoy food, shops, and occasional live music for a classic beach town vibe. Instagram

Water is Refreshing!

The Atlantic water is cool, even in summer. Perfect for a refreshing dip! Reddit

My TOP 3 Sunsets near the city of Boston (so many of them) 1. Halibut Point State Park- Rockport, Ma north of Boston 2. Nantasket Beach- Hull, Ma south of Boston 3. Worlds End Park- Hingham, Ma south of Boston These are probably some light favorites but how about YOU? What are some of your favorite spots to see a sunset, Boston or anywhere✍️ 👇 Let’s create the Life we Love, Merrill #world...
cushmanexpedition
29 likes • 813 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check the Tide Schedule

Crucial for maximizing beach time! Low tide offers the most space. Reddit+1

Arrive Early for Parking

Beat the crowds and secure a spot, especially on weekends. Reddit+1

Embrace the Boardwalk

Enjoy food, shops, and occasional live music for a classic beach town vibe. Instagram

Water is Refreshing!

The Atlantic water is cool, even in summer. Perfect for a refreshing dip! Reddit

Family Fun at the Arcade

The arcade has been updated and offers indoor/outdoor fun. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(617 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nantasket Beach is praised as one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches south of Boston, offering a great resort-like vibe with nearby amenities and a nice boardwalk. While many love its proximity to the city and expansive low-tide shoreline, some find the water cold and parking to be a significant challenge with high costs.

"One of the cleanest and beautiful beach towards south of Boston. Highly recommended. A nice paved walkway for runners."

Aashay Joshi

"Great beach but water is cold even during summer. Parking is atrocious be ready to most likely pay around (25-30)."

Ernesto Soto

"Best beach in MA if you ask me, and I’ve been to a bunch. Ample parking, lots of nearby hangout options.

Sure, your buddy’s private beach in the banjo parts of the Cape is quiet and secluded, but enjoy the traffic, lack of bathrooms/parking, creeping boredom, and missing escape options from your in-laws’ prying questions."

Nathan Bishop

What People Like

Clean and beautiful beach
Close to Boston
Expansive low tide

What People Dislike

Cold water
Challenging parking
High parking fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nantasket Beach is about a 35-45 minute drive from Boston, depending on traffic. You can take I-93 South to Route 3A South. There are also ferries to Hull and Hingham, though getting to the beach from the ferry terminal might require additional transport. InstagramReddit

While direct public transport from Boston can be limited, ferries to Hull are available. Driving is generally the most convenient option for reaching Nantasket Beach directly from Boston. Reddit

To avoid traffic, aim to travel on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Driving around Hull itself can be challenging, so patience is key. Reddit

While specific bus routes from Boston might vary, checking local MBTA schedules for routes serving Hull is recommended. Driving or ferry services are often more direct. Reddit

The paved boardwalk offers good accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers. Beach access itself may vary depending on the tide and sand conditions. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Parking fees can range from $15 for MA residents to $40 for non-residents. Some random lots may charge around $20-$30. It's best to arrive early to find spots or be prepared for paid options. Reddit+1

No, you cannot prepay for parking spots. Payment is typically made upon arrival at the lot. Reddit

There are no direct entrance fees for Nantasket Beach itself, but parking fees apply. Reddit

Nantasket Beach is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities like restrooms or concessions may have seasonal hours. TikTok

Fridays, especially with good weather, can be busy. Some visitors have found parking available even at 1-2 PM, possibly as early beachgoers leave. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, beach games, and exploring the shoreline at low tide. The boardwalk offers shops and dining. TikTokInstagram

The Atlantic water at Nantasket Beach is considered cool, even during the summer months. It's refreshing for many, but some may find it cold. Reddit+1

The sand at Nantasket Beach is generally good, especially at low tide. It's a wide, sandy expanse perfect for relaxing and playing. Reddit

Restroom facilities are available, though some visitors have noted they could use updates. Reddit

Dogs are generally not allowed on Nantasket Beach after April 1st, so check local regulations for specific seasonal restrictions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants located right across from the beach, offering a resort-like vibe and seafood options. InstagramReddit

You can find typical beach fare, including seafood, snacks, and drinks. Some establishments offer indoor and outdoor dining options. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are snack bars and concessions available near the beach and boardwalk. Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted, but be sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly. TikTok

Yes, some establishments near the beach offer indoor and outdoor bars, with options like Prosecco buckets available. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire beach offers great photo opportunities, especially during low tide for expansive shots. The boardwalk and sunset views are also popular. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Nantasket Beach is listed as one of the top sunset spots near Boston, offering beautiful light over the water. Instagram

Capture beach life, ocean waves, boardwalk scenes, and stunning sunsets. The unique landscape with water on both sides of roads can also make for interesting shots. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so it's best to check with local authorities if you plan extensive shoots. TikTok

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be bright, but low tide provides unique photographic perspectives. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nantasket Beach is a fantastic option for families. The low tide creates vast, shallow areas perfect for younger children to play safely. The updated arcade offers entertainment for kids of all ages, and the boardwalk provides a lively atmosphere with food and shops. Reddit

While the water is cool, it's refreshing for a dip on a warm day. Parents should be mindful of the tide schedule, as high tide can reduce beach space. Parking can be a challenge, so an early arrival is recommended to ensure a stress-free start to your family outing. Reddit+1

🚗 Day-Trippers from Boston

Nantasket Beach is an ideal day trip from Boston, offering a classic beach experience without a long drive. It's approximately a 35-45 minute drive, making it easily accessible. InstagramReddit Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid the worst crowds and parking hassles. Reddit

Be prepared for paid parking if you're not arriving very early. The beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and a lively boardwalk with food options, providing a complete day of relaxation and fun. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While parking can incur costs ($15-$40), Nantasket Beach offers value. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save on concession prices. TikTok Focus on enjoying the free activities like swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the beach at low tide. Reddit Visiting on a weekday can also help avoid peak parking fees and crowds. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Nantasket's Tides

Nantasket Beach is known for its dramatic tidal shifts. At low tide, the shoreline can extend hundreds of feet, revealing vast sandy flats perfect for walking, playing, and exploring tide pools. This is when the beach feels most expansive and offers the most space for activities. Reddit+1

Conversely, high tide can bring the water right up to the seawall or boardwalk in some areas, significantly reducing the usable beach space. Visitors planning to spend a lot of time on the sand should always check the tide schedule before heading out. Many Redditors emphasize that Nantasket is best enjoyed in the afternoon when the tide has receded. Reddit+2

This tidal phenomenon creates a dynamic environment, offering different experiences depending on the time of day. It's a key factor in planning your visit to make the most of the beach's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Reddit

The Nantasket Beach Experience

Nantasket Beach offers a classic New England beach town atmosphere, just a short drive from Boston. Visitors can enjoy swimming and body surfing in the Atlantic waters, which are known for being cool and refreshing. TikTokInstagram The beach is lined with a paved walkway, ideal for strolling, jogging, or cycling, and it connects to a vibrant boardwalk area. Instagram

The boardwalk is a hub of activity, featuring shops, eateries, and sometimes live music performances, creating a lively resort-like feel. Instagram+1 For families, the updated arcade provides entertainment, and the surrounding area offers various dining options, from casual snack bars to restaurants serving seafood. Reddit The beach is a long-time favorite for many families, offering a convenient escape without the long drive to Cape Cod or the North Shore. Reddit

While the beach itself is the main draw, the surrounding town of Hull offers picturesque harbor views and unique coastal scenery, with some roads offering water views on both sides. Instagram It's a place that combines natural beauty with accessible amenities for a well-rounded day trip or longer stay. TikTok

Navigating Parking and Access

Parking at Nantasket Beach can be a significant consideration for visitors. During peak season and on weekends, parking lots can fill up quickly. While there are paid parking lots, fees can range from $15 for Massachusetts residents to $40 for non-residents, with some random lots charging around $20-$30. Reddit+1 It's advisable to arrive early in the day, especially on perfect beach days, to secure a spot. Reddit

It's important to note that you cannot prepay for parking spots; payment is made upon arrival. Reddit Some visitors have found success finding parking by circling the area or looking for private lots, but driving in Hull can be a bit of a challenge. Reddit For those without a car, exploring ferry options to Hull might be an alternative, though it may require additional transportation to reach the beach itself. Reddit

Despite the parking challenges, many find the beach experience worth the effort. The availability of paid parking ensures that even if free spots are taken, access is usually possible, albeit at a cost. Reddit+1 Planning ahead and being flexible with parking arrangements can help ensure a smoother visit. Reddit

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