Thursday, July 24, 2014

Get Up & Go!: Beach Day Bonanza!

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.



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.



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.



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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