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Adventures Out
It's a Beach Day
Pack up the beach towels, sunscreen, shovels, and pails and head to one of these family-favorite beaches, all within easy driving distance of Boston.
North of Boston
Watching piping plovers darting in and out of the water at Crane’s Beach reminds me of young children when confronted by ocean waves. This sand-colored bird with the black band across its forehead is one of the many protected wildlife you’ll see within the 1,234 acres that comprise Crane’s Beach, and the adjacent Castle Hill and Crane Wildlife Refuge, which are owned by the Trustees of Reservations.
With more than two miles of shoreline, you’ll find that even if the parking lot is jam-packed with cars, you can still find your own private oasis for sandcastle building and swimming in the shallow water. (Skip the high parking fees and take the Ipswich Essex Explorer shuttle bus from Ipswich Train Station to the beach instead.) The beach has lifeguards, restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and concessions. In August, check out Sandblast!, Crane Beach's annual sand sculpture contest. It's worth the trip to see the professional artists and hobbyists carve their designs. By early August the greenhead fly season should be over; but call first because these biting insects are out for blood!
Take a curvy roadtrip to Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, a North Shore city famous for its shipbuilding and fishing industries. Climb the boulders that dot the beach, each carved by the waves. Find seashells and starfish washed up on shore or play in the warm inlets and tidepools. The water is shallow here, and during low tide, you can almost walk through the water to the Annisquam River. The beach features lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and concessions. Parking is limited, so arrive early or late in the day.
South of Boston
Since the early 19th century, Boston city dwellers have been planting their beach umbrellas in the sand at Nantasket Beach in Hull. Over a mile long, a trip to this historic beach often includes a ride on the restored Paragon carousel. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms, and concessions. There are also concerts and events at the Bernie King Pavilion. At low tide, there are warm tide pools to play in.
With 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island has plenty of beaches to choose, but the Narragansett Bay beaches are sheltered by breakwaters, making them more suitable for young swimmers. With little surf and shallow water, Roger W. Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett is the ideal choice for kids. The beach features lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and concessions. For extra diversions, the park includes a playground, ranger-led beach walks, and a nature center in the pavilion.
If you want a family-friendly beach with old-time boardwalk fun, then try Atlantic Beach Park near Westerly, Rhode Island. You’ll find amusements for all ages, including an old carousel, kiddie rides, bumper cars, miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, waterslides, and even an ocean view cocktail lounge. The beach also has lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and concessions.
(BPP, 8/08)
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