Best Massachusetts Beach: Crane Beach takes top honors

Considered one of the best beaches on the East Coast, Crane Beach features miles of shoreline and clean waters perfect for swimming or playing in the sand. Five miles of trails wind through the beach dunes–an important nesting site for threatened piping plovers.
Photo courtesy of Trustees

Situated on the western end of Buzzard's Bay, the 2-mile-long Horseneck Beach offers excellent windsurfing conditions throughout the year. It's also one of the best birdwatching spots in New England.
Photo courtesy of Peter Galvin / Flickr

Coast Guard Beach near the town of Eastham boasts large dunes and golden sand that make for a picture perfect setting. Swimming is excellent during the warm summer months and the beach is sufficiently long to accommodate a large number of people without seeming crowded. The beach serves as a great spot for observing wildlife including dolphins, seals, a large variety of shorebirds, and for exploring the salt flats.
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

During low tide, visitors to Gloucester's Good Harbor Beach can walk all the way to Salt Island. The rest of the time, the white sand and lifeguarded waters make the beach popular for swimming, body surfing or boogie boarding.
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

A boardwalk, concession stands, showers and restrooms make Mayflower Beach a popular option for families heading to the northside shores of Dennis. At low tide, it's possible to walk for miles on the tidal flats.
Photo courtesy of Jones Road Caddie / Flickr

Open throughout the year (with lifeguards on duty during the warm summer months), Nantasket Beach has been drawing beach goers since the mid 19th century. Kids love the historic Paragon Carousel, built in 1928 with 66 carved horses.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Maria_Eugenia_R

A 10-minute walk along a cleared path leads to this scenic Martha's Vineyard beach with stellar views of the Gay Head Cliffs. Full restrooms are available at the parking lot.
Photo courtesy of iStock / ViduGunaratna

The active Chatham Light stands watch over one of the largest beaches in the region. When not basking in the sand, beach goers can walk to Monomoy Island or keep an eye out for migrating seals or fishing boats passing by.
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

This popular public beach features miles of grainy sand, ideal for sandcastle construction. During the summer, the beach features life guards, beach equipment rentals, a snack bar and free outdoor concerts in a gazebo.
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

Located at the end of Katama Road on Martha's Vineyard, Katama Beach (a.k.a. South Beach) comprises 3 miles of barrier beach with surf to one side and a protected salt pond to the other. 
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism