10 Reasons Massachusetts Has the Greatest Beaches in the U.S.

Massachusetts is a state in New England with its entire east coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Although the state is known for having a cold climate in the winter, its summers are warm. That means people flock to its beaches to make the most of the weather. Today, we’re going to look at 10 reasons Massachusetts has the greatest beaches in the U.S. That way, people in the state can appreciate what they have, and potential visitors can get excited about everything they have to offer.

1. Visitors Experience Next-Level Fishing at the Beaches

People love traveling to Massachusetts’ beaches because they provide a great place to go fishing. The state’s coastline stretches for over 1,500 miles, offering many places to fish from the shoreline or set off in a boat.

Anglers in Massachusetts pursue many different saltwater species in the ocean, including sharks. Not only are the beaches a great location to seek out fish, but the coastal towns and cities have a distinct culture centered on fishing. Many of the beaches are close to lakes, bays, and other inlets.

2. Deserted Beaches Top the Reasons Massachusetts Has the Greatest Beaches

Places like New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida all have amazing beaches on the East Coast. However, they can each get very crowded in the summer. They’re popular places to go, and they are near highly populated areas. The beaches in Massachusetts can be crowded, but many of them are not. In fact, you can find some very remote beaches along the coast of the state.

A tradeoff exists in this case, though. The most remote beaches lack some of the amenities that people enjoy at more populated beaches. Such amenities include stores, boardwalks, and readily accessible bathrooms. It is important to be mindful of one’s safety in remote areas, too.

3. Some Beaches Are Popular, Amenity-Driven Vacation Spots

A large portion of the people in Massachusetts live in the Boston Metropolitan Area. That does not mean they have to travel to the remote beaches on Cape Cod to soak up the sun and spread out on the beach.

While some of the beaches in Massachusetts are far from everything, others are close to cities and beach towns. For people that want to bask in the sun and then go out to dinner or find other distractions, beach towns with amenities are the best option even if they are busier than others.

4. The Beach Towns Are Quaint

A large part of the Bay State’s history has centered on the coastal regions. As a result, many small beach towns have sprung up on the coastline. Places like Provincetown, Wellfleet, Chatham, and many places on the famous Martha’s Vineyard are quaint, small towns that travelers can enjoy.

These charming, picturesque towns dot the coast. Each has a unique history, interesting places to see, and more to share with visitors.  

5. Visitors Get Amazing, Fresh Seafood at the Local Restaurants

Another one of the reasons that Massachusetts has the greatest beaches in the U.S. is that the restaurants near them have amazing seafood. After all, the state is one of the top seafood-producing states in the country.

Seabass, tuna, shellfish, lobsters, and many other creatures from the ocean are captured each day, traveling from ship to port to plate in short order. The quality and freshness of the seafood at the restaurants on these beaches are impossible to match.

6. Massachusetts Has Beautiful Beaches

Massachusetts has light-colored, sandy beaches from which people can gaze out into the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean. Anyone who loves nature can appreciate the natural beauty of these beaches.

The Cape Cod National Seashore is in the easternmost portion of the state. Aside from being picturesque and a beautiful place to take in the sights, the shoreline is dotted with historical towns, ports, and lighthouses.  

7. Sightseers Love the Beaches for Their Lighthouses

Massachusetts has 50 lighthouses along its coast. Some of them are still in operation and privately maintained while others are mere skeleton lighthouses. Either way, they are structures that people love to visit. The large number of standing lighthouses is certainly one of the reasons Massachusetts has the greatest beaches in the U.S.  

8. Summer Festivals at the Beach

Summertime is special in Massachusetts. Visitors will find several festivals occurring along the water. One of them is the annual International Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach. Many other local festivals occur throughout the summer, bringing art and music to the beaches.

9. Gorgeous Sunsets

Another one of the major reasons that Massachusetts has the greatest beaches in the U.S. stems from the availability of places to take in beautiful sunsets. Many of the beaches in Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard have beautiful sunsets each day. People enjoy the natural beauty of these events and use them as backgrounds for photographs.

10. Explore the History of the State

Massachusetts is steeped in history, from Boston Harbor to the towns that sprung up in the wake of the whaling industry. A great deal of the state’s history took place near its coast. So, people that love history or anyone looking for something to do at the beach on a stormy day can explore the historical areas of this state.

Natural beauty, solitude, and abundant fishing are the biggest reasons Massachusetts has the greatest beaches in the U.S. People who come from out of the state can all find something to love about the state’s sandy shores. Even though this is not the largest state in the country, it can take some time to get to the far reaches of the state, like Cape Cod.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Dan Hanscom/Shutterstock.com