The 10 Best Beach Day Trips from Boston (By Car & Train)
When the summer sun beats down on the Boston pavement, there’s only one thing on everyone’s mind: escape. The salty air, the sound of crashing waves, and the feeling of sand between your toes are closer than you think. But does Boston have nice beaches? The answer is a resounding yes! A short trip by car, train, or even ferry can transport you to some of New England’s most stunning coastlines. This guide is your ultimate ticket to planning the perfect beach day trip for Summer 2025, with all the logistics, costs, and insider tips you need.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closest Beach Escape | Nantasket Beach, Hull (~45 min drive or 35 min ferry) |
| Most Beautiful Scenery | Crane Beach, Ipswich (Pristine dunes and 4 miles of sand) |
| Best for No Car | Rockport/Gloucester (Commuter Rail) & Nantasket Beach (Ferry) |
| Best New England Charm | Cape Ann (Rockport & Gloucester) |
| Typical Weekend Parking Cost | $25 – $45 (Reservations often required) |
Quick Guide: Comparing Boston’s Best Beach Day Trips
Short on time? This table breaks down our top picks to help you choose your perfect seaside escape in seconds.
| Destination | Vibe / Best For | Drive Time (No Traffic) | Public Transit Option? | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockport/Gloucester | Classic New England Charm | 1 hour | Yes (Train) | $$ |
| Crane Beach, Ipswich | Pristine Natural Beauty | 1 hour | No | $$$ |
| Ogunquit, ME | Scenic Road Trip & Walk | 1.5 hours | Yes (Train + Shuttle) | $$ |
| Nantasket Beach, Hull | Easiest & Fastest Getaway | 45 mins | Yes (Ferry) | $ |
| Martha’s Vineyard | Ambitious Island Adventure | 1.5 hr drive + ferry | Yes (Bus + Ferry) | $$$$ |
How to Get to Boston’s Best Beaches
Navigating your way out of the city is half the battle. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to reach the coast.
By Car
Driving offers the most flexibility for your beach day, allowing you to pack coolers, chairs, and umbrellas with ease. The main downside is the infamous New England summer traffic and the high cost of parking. Popular routes include MA-128 North for Cape Ann and I-95 North for the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine. Our top tip: Leave Boston before 8:00 AM on a summer weekend to avoid the worst of the traffic jams.
By Public Transportation
For a stress-free journey without the hassle of traffic or parking, public transport is a fantastic option. Boston’s network of trains and ferries makes some of the best beaches surprisingly accessible.
| Destination | Method | Departing From | Travel Time (One Way) | Approx. Round-Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockport | MBTA Commuter Rail | North Station | ~1h 15m | ~$25 |
| Gloucester | MBTA Commuter Rail | North Station | ~1h 5m | ~$25 |
| Nantasket Beach | MBTA Ferry | Long Wharf | ~35m | ~$20 |
| Ogunquit, ME | Amtrak Downeaster | North Station | ~1h 30m (+ shuttle) | ~$50+ |
The 5 Best Coastal & Beach Day Trips from Boston
Ready to explore? Here are our top 5 picks for an unforgettable day trip from the city.
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Cape Ann (Rockport & Gloucester): The Quintessential New England Experience
If you close your eyes and picture a classic New England coastal town, you’re probably thinking of Cape Ann. Just an hour north of Boston, this rocky peninsula offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches and historic charm. In Gloucester, families flock to the wide, sandy expanses of Good Harbor Beach, while explorers love the tide pools and dramatic rock formations at Wingaersheek Beach. A few miles away, the impossibly quaint town of Rockport awaits. Stroll down the art galleries of Bearskin Neck, snap a photo of the iconic red fishing shack known as Motif No. 1, and indulge in a fresh lobster roll with a harbor view.
Pro Tip: Visit Wingaersheek Beach at low tide. The water recedes to reveal massive sandbars, allowing you to walk for what feels like miles out into the ocean.
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Crane Beach (Ipswich): The Most Beautiful Beach Near Boston
For sheer, breathtaking natural beauty, nothing comes close to Crane Beach. Managed by The Trustees of Reservations, this destination boasts four miles of pristine white sand, rolling dunes, and protected conservation land. It’s less about the boardwalk and more about the birds, waves, and wide-open space. This is the place you go to unplug, read a book, and truly soak in the wild beauty of the Massachusetts coast. Because it’s so protected, services are limited, so pack what you need for the day.
Pro Tip: Parking passes for summer weekends in 2025 must be booked online weeks in advance—they sell out fast! If you miss out, check the website for late afternoon slots (after 3 PM), which are sometimes released on the day.
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Ogunquit, ME: The Perfect New England Road Trip
Looking for a great road trip from Boston? Head north to Ogunquit, Maine. This vibrant beach town is famed for three things: the magnificent 3.5-mile stretch of sandy Ogunquit Beach, the charming fishing village of Perkins Cove, and the 1.25-mile paved cliff walk that connects them, the Marginal Way. The walk offers some of the most dramatic coastal views in New England. Spend the morning on the beach, walk the Marginal Way to Perkins Cove for lunch, and spend the afternoon browsing its unique shops and galleries.
Pro Tip: Start your walk on the Marginal Way from Perkins Cove and head towards the beach. This orientation ensures the stunning ocean vistas open up directly in front of you as you walk.
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Nantasket Beach (Hull): The Easiest Beach to Get to From Boston
For the quickest and most enjoyable escape from the city, Nantasket Beach is the undisputed champion. The secret? The journey is part of the fun! Hop on the MBTA ferry at Long Wharf in downtown Boston, and in just 35 scenic minutes, you’ll be deposited in Hull. The beach itself is a long, sprawling stretch of sand with a classic public beach vibe. Don’t miss a ride on the historic Paragon Carousel, a beautifully preserved relic from a bygone era.
Pro Tip: Be sure to sit on the top deck of the ferry. The ride offers unparalleled views of the Boston skyline, the Harbor Islands, and Boston Light as you cruise out to sea.
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Martha’s Vineyard: The Ultimate Island Day Trip
While it’s an ambitious and pricier option, a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard is an unforgettable adventure. The journey involves a drive to Woods Hole (~1.5 hours), a shuttle to the ferry, and the 45-minute ferry ride itself. But once you’re there, it’s a world away. For a day trip, skip the car. The island’s VTA bus system is excellent (an $8 day pass gets you everywhere). Focus on two towns: explore the whimsical “Gingerbread Cottages” in Oak Bluffs and the stately, historic whaling captains’ homes in Edgartown. Renting bikes is another fantastic way to see the island.
Pro Tip: To maximize your exploring time, avoid a long sit-down lunch. Instead, grab incredible fresh seafood from a market like Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha (a scenic bus ride away) or get a famous late-night treat from Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs.
Sample Itinerary: A Perfect Day in Rockport by Train
Want a foolproof plan? Here’s how to spend a perfect, car-free day in Rockport.
- 8:45 AM: Board the Newburyport/Rockport Line Commuter Rail train at Boston’s North Station.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Rockport. Enjoy the pleasant 15-minute walk from the station to the downtown harbor area.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the unique shops and art galleries of Bearskin Neck. Grab a coffee and take the classic photo of Motif No. 1.
- 1:00 PM: Time for lunch! Get in line at Roy Moore Lobster Co. for a no-frills, incredibly fresh lobster roll. Remember, it’s cash-only and BYOB!
- 2:30 PM: Walk over to Front Beach, a small but lovely sandy cove right in town, for a refreshing swim and some relaxation.
- 4:30 PM: Begin your walk back towards the train station.
- 5:00 PM: Depart Rockport, arriving back in Boston with plenty of time for dinner.
Planning Your Perfect Boston Beach Day
Where to Eat: Our Favorite Coastal Bites
No beach day is complete without some classic coastal cuisine. Here are a few can’t-miss spots.
- Cape Ann: Roy Moore Lobster Co. (Rockport, $$ – Cash-only, BYOB) and The Clam Shack (Gloucester, $$ – Classic fried seafood).
- Ipswich: The Clam Box (Ipswich, $$ – Award-winning fried clams in an iconic box-shaped building) and Russell Orchards (Ipswich, $ – A must-stop for cider donuts on your way home).
- Ogunquit: Barnacle Billy’s (Perkins Cove, $$ – Famous for lobster and rum punch) and The Lobster Shack (Perkins Cove, $$ – A tiny, rustic spot with big flavor).
Insider Tips for Your Boston Beach Day
- Leave Early, Return Late: To beat the traffic, be on the road by 8 AM and plan to leave the beach after 7 PM. You’ll be rewarded with a smoother ride and a beautiful sunset.
- Book Everything in Advance: For popular spots in 2025 like Crane Beach (parking) and Martha’s Vineyard (ferry), reservations are absolutely essential and non-negotiable for a weekend trip.
- Beware the Greenheads: The North Shore (especially Ipswich and Gloucester) can have biting greenhead flies for a few weeks in July. They are not deterred by bug spray. Check local reports before you go.
- Check the Tides: Beaches like Wingaersheek and Crane are dramatically different at high vs. low tide. Low tide is always best for walking, exploring tide pools, and enjoying the maximum amount of space.
- Cash is King: Many of the most beloved, old-school clam shacks and lobster pounds are cash-only. Come prepared!
What to Pack Checklist
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses
- Beach Towel & Blanket
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Snacks & Drinks
- Cash
- Portable Phone Charger
- A Good Book or Podcast
- A Light Jacket or Sweatshirt (coastal evenings can get cool)
- Change of Clothes
Budget Breakdown (Per Person Estimate)
A day at the beach can be as affordable or as lavish as you make it. Here’s a sample breakdown.
| Expense | Budget Trip (Nantasket by Ferry) | Mid-Range Trip (Rockport by Train) | Splurge Trip (Crane Beach by Car) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | ~$20 | ~$25 | ~$50 (gas + parking) |
| Food & Drink | ~$25 (packed lunch + treat) | ~$40 (lobster roll + drinks) | ~$50 (nice lunch + snacks) |
| Activities | ~$5 (carousel ride) | $0 | $0 |
| Total Est. | ~$50 | ~$65 | ~$100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do people from Boston go to the beach?
Bostonians have a wealth of options! The most popular spots are typically north of the city on Cape Ann (like Gloucester and Rockport for classic New England charm) and the North Shore (like Crane Beach for natural beauty). To the south, Nantasket and Duxbury are popular. For a longer trip, many head to the iconic beaches of Cape Cod or the coasts of Southern Maine and New Hampshire.
What’s the best day trip from Boston?
It truly depends on your style! For quintessential New England charm with shops and great food, Rockport is the best. For pure, unspoiled natural beach beauty, it has to be Crane Beach. And for the easiest, most scenic trip without a car, Nantasket Beach via the ferry is the winner.
What is the easiest beach to get to from Boston?
Without a doubt, Nantasket Beach in Hull is the easiest and most pleasant beach to access. The 35-minute MBTA ferry ride from Long Wharf in downtown Boston lets you skip all traffic and enjoy a beautiful boat ride. For a true public transit option, Revere Beach is accessible directly via the MBTA’s Blue Line, though it has more of a city-beach feel than a true “getaway.”
What island is 2 hours from Boston?
While the ferry ride itself is shorter, the total journey time to get to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston is typically between 2.5 and 3 hours. This includes the drive to the ferry terminal in Woods Hole, parking, taking a shuttle, and the 45-minute boat ride. This makes it the closest and most popular major island destination for a (long) day trip.
TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to Boston’s Beaches
In a hurry? Here’s the final word. Go to Rockport for charm and lobster. Go to Crane Beach for stunning nature (and book parking now!). Go to Ogunquit for a scenic road trip. Go to Nantasket for the easiest and fastest escape. And go to Martha’s Vineyard if you’re feeling ambitious and ready for an adventure.
