As long as you avoid weekends and holidays, the following beaches are conveniently located in the city and offer plenty of free parking.
Constitution Beach (East Boston)
Constitution (also known as Orient Heights Beach) is a family-friendly spot with a large 234-spot parking lot. We love that it also has a playground with a sandy floor, and bathrooms are onsite. It's super close to the airport, so if you love seeing and hearing low-flying planes -- this is a beach to visit. Since it's man-made the waves are pretty calm.
If you're unable to find parking in the lot, you may be able to find free spots on small side streets like Barnes Ave.
Castle Island (South Boston)
Castle Island is part of a 4-beach strip along William J Day Boulevard. It starts with Carson Beach, transitions to M Street Beach, then Pleasure Bay, and finally Castle Island. The four different beaches offer different vibes. For example, volleyball games are often hosted at Carson Beach and kitesurfers in wetsuits frequent Pleasure Bay. M Street Beach feels super peaceful and is perfect for walks along the shore. Castle Island has the playground and runners, joggers, and cyclists from all walks of life. Free parking can be found on the street or in one of the lots.
Castle Island - 240 spot parking lot + over 200 spots along drive up to lot
Pleasure Bay - 48 spot parking lot
M Street Beach - street parking
Carson Beach - has 2 lots, one with 47 spots and the other with 45
Tenean Beach (Dorchester)
Tenean Beach is a small beach on the Neponset River with a 96-spot parking lot. It's kind of hidden and frequently empty. The sand is a bit rocky. Overall it's a quiet space by the water.
Malibu and Savin Beach (Dorchester)
Malibu and Savin are conjoined beaches with a decent sized parking lot (54 spots). They do not have lifeguards, but they're fairly quiet and perfect for sunbathing. There is a playground onsite and a fairly new boardwalk wide enough for a double stroller.
If we had to pick one for our summer bucket list, we'd choose Constitution Beach. Castle Island is a close second, but it can get very busy in the summer. Tenean and Malibu are super small and best for staycations or quiet getaways.
It's also important to note that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has Tenean and Malibu beach listed on their 2024 beach closures list. This means that beach goers should not enter the water to avoid getting sick. High bacteria levels can cause fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and more. Please do not let this discourage you from visiting the beach or entering the water on safe days. In our experience elevated bacteria levels can often been seen, smelled, and there should be signage onsite. The state checks water quality every day during the beach season and keeps an updated list here.
When is Beach Season In Boston?
The beaches above are accessible year-round to the public. However, Boston beaches are most active during the summer months beginning Memorial Day (May) and ending on Labor Day (September).
Product Suggestions
Snack Bowl (won't spill when flipped upside down)
Our Fave Water Bottle (For Kids)
Tankini (2-piece swimsuit for last minute bathroom runs)
Hooded Cover-Up (wearable towel helps parents carry less things)
Beach Dump Truck (made with recycled plastic)
Curl-Friendly Goggles (easier to put on most hairstyles)
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