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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more beach space
Nantasket Beach Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more beach space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, classic New England beach town offering swimming, sunbathing, and a lively boardwalk just south of Boston.
"It's the nicest beach closest to Boston imo."
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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Low Tide Shoreline
The entire beach
At low tide, the beach stretches hundreds of feet, offering ample space for games, sunbathing, and exploring.

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

Stunning Sunsets
Western-facing areas
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the water, a perfect end to a beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Tide & Crowds
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Embrace the Boardwalk
Enjoy food, shops, and occasional live music for a classic beach town vibe.
Water is Refreshing!
The Atlantic water is cool, even in summer. Perfect for a refreshing dip!
Tips
from all over the internet
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.
Embrace the Boardwalk
Enjoy food, shops, and occasional live music for a classic beach town vibe.
Water is Refreshing!
The Atlantic water is cool, even in summer. Perfect for a refreshing dip!
Family Fun at the Arcade
The arcade has been updated and offers indoor/outdoor fun.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
To avoid traffic, aim to travel on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Driving around Hull itself can be challenging, so patience is key.
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.
The paved boardwalk offers good accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers. Beach access itself may vary depending on the tide and sand conditions.
🎫 🎫 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.
No, you cannot prepay for parking spots. Payment is typically made upon arrival at the lot.
There are no direct entrance fees for Nantasket Beach itself, but parking fees apply.
Nantasket Beach is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities like restrooms or concessions may have seasonal hours.
Fridays, especially with good weather, can be busy. Some visitors have found parking available even at 1-2 PM, possibly as early beachgoers leave.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, beach games, and exploring the shoreline at low tide. The boardwalk offers shops and dining.
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.
The sand at Nantasket Beach is generally good, especially at low tide. It's a wide, sandy expanse perfect for relaxing and playing.
Restroom facilities are available, though some visitors have noted they could use updates.
Dogs are generally not allowed on Nantasket Beach after April 1st, so check local regulations for specific seasonal restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants located right across from the beach, offering a resort-like vibe and seafood options.
You can find typical beach fare, including seafood, snacks, and drinks. Some establishments offer indoor and outdoor dining options.
Yes, there are snack bars and concessions available near the beach and boardwalk.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted, but be sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
Yes, some establishments near the beach offer indoor and outdoor bars, with options like Prosecco buckets available.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire beach offers great photo opportunities, especially during low tide for expansive shots. The boardwalk and sunset views are also popular.
Absolutely! Nantasket Beach is listed as one of the top sunset spots near Boston, offering beautiful light over the water.
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.
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.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be bright, but low tide provides unique photographic perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Boston
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Nantasket's Tides
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.
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.
The Nantasket Beach Experience
The boardwalk is a hub of activity, featuring shops, eateries, and sometimes live music performances, creating a lively resort-like feel. For families, the updated arcade provides entertainment, and the surrounding area offers various dining options, from casual snack bars to restaurants serving seafood. 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.
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. It's a place that combines natural beauty with accessible amenities for a well-rounded day trip or longer stay.
Navigating Parking and Access
It's important to note that you cannot prepay for parking spots; payment is made upon arrival. 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. 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.
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. Planning ahead and being flexible with parking arrangements can help ensure a smoother visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit