In Massachusetts, day trips to the beach are a
summertime tradition. That’s because our state is incredibly blessed to have dozens
of seaside beaches along more than 1,500 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coastline,
not to mention countless freshwater beach options at local lakes and ponds.
With just a bit of advance planning, beach outings are easy
fun. Make lunch the night before, chill
your favorite beverage in the refrigerator, pack up the beach towels and
sunscreen, then set the alarm early enough to get a jump on traffic. Before you
know it, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free adventure filled with blue
skies and smooth sand.
Of course, leave the destination to us. This week’s “Get
Up & Go!” gives you plenty of beach selections that are close to home, less
than 30 minutes away or if you’re up for a longer trip, roughly an hour from
the Commons.
Ah, summertime at the beach – it’s a breeze!
Weymouth Beaches, North
Weymouth
Weymouth beaches are lesser known than some in other
towns but the small, sandy George Lane Beach and Wessagusset Beach in in North
Weymouth have a lot to offer. Lane Beach features a large parking lot for town
residents, a public boat ramp and is a great place to kayak. Both beaches offer
lifeguards and bathroom amenities. Lane Beach has outdoor showers. Beach parking passes from the town are available
for all residents. Both beaches are less than 20 minutes from The Commons.
Wollaston Beach,
Quincy
The largest public beach around (2 ½ miles long!),
visitors to this Quincy landmark enjoy free parking, plenty of lifeguards and public
restrooms. The beach also hosts an amazing amount of events (volleyball
tournaments, kite and car festivals, art days and more), so check online
calendar listings here
before heading out. If you’re in the
mood for a real local delicacy, check out the famed seaside seafood stops – Tony’s Clam Shop
and The Clam Box.
Wollaston beach is roughly 30 minutes from The Commons.
Carson Beach, Boston
The locals say Carson Beach is the best in Boston
because it has soft natural sand, a picnic area with stunning views of the
Harbor, and a great bath house equipped with restrooms and showers. They also
have nice walkways to check out the view, pretty landscaping and athletic
courts to work up a sweat. Parking is free and the beach is accessible via the
Red Line and JFK/UMass station. Plan on a 30 minute drive from The Commons.
Nantasket
Beach, Hull
Yet another South Shore gem, historic Nantasket Beach on
a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, is a haven for sunbathers and
swimmers, plus sailing and kayaking enthusiasts. While 100-foot tall ‘Giant
Coaster’ was relocated to Six Flags Amusement Park more than 20 years ago,
families can still enjoy the historic Paragon Carousel,
which has been around since 1928. The weekly Sunday concert series at the
Bernie King Pavilion features concerts every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. . Parking is
$10, $35 with MassParks pass. Plan on a 30 minute drive from The Commons.
Boston Harbor Islands, Boston
The Boston Harbor islands are a unique local treasure,
offering a one-of-a-kind beach experience. Part of the federal government’s
National Parks system, visitors must take a ferry from Boston’s Long Wharf ($15
for adults. $9 for children, see schedule here: http://bit.ly/1qP1EAn.) Ferry
travel is very convenient, with boats running every half hour during the
summertime. Check out Spectacle Island and Lovells Island, which feature sandy
beaches and majestic cityscape and ocean views. Spectacle Island has a snack
shack, a visitor’s center, restrooms and scenic walking trails. Lovells Island,
best known as the site of legendary shipwrecks, is more rustic and does not
offer full bathhouse facilities.
For other nearby day trip options, follow these links
for more information on Duxbury
Beach, Plymouth
Long Beach, and Sunset Lake (just a 10 minute drive!)
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