Massachusetts is nicknamed “The Bay State” because of the large bays that shape its breathtaking coast. With 1500 miles of coastline to choose from, Boston.com (The Boston Globe) was able to select the Top 10 Beaches in Massachusetts for 2011.  Judging by the article’s photos of these spectacular strands of sand, I’d guess that it wasn’t very easy to pick the Top Ten Beaches in Massachusetts!  Someone probably had to visit each beach and check out the sand, surf, and coastal vistas from every angle.  Yup, it’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it! 😉  (Where do I sign up?)

Of the Top Ten Beaches in Massachusetts, three are located on Cape Cod, two are on Martha’s Vinyard, and two are on Nantucket Island. The remaining three beaches are within a 60 mile drive from Boston.

#6 - July Sunset, Race Point Beach, Provincetown, Massachusetts (Photo by SeduisantRedux/Wikimedia Commons)

10) Menemsha Beach, Martha’s Vinyard – Known for its calmer waves and famous sunsets.

9)   Madaket Beach, Nantucket –  A more remote beach with fabulous Nantucket sunsets.

8)  Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Westport (60 miles S of Boston) – A 600 acre barrier beach, perfect for windsurfing  and beach birding.

7)  Katama (South) Beach, Edgartown, Martha’s Vinyard (aka: South Beach) – A three mile barrier beach with good surf on one side and a protected salt pond on the other.

6)  Race Point Beach, Provincetown (Cape Cod) – Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point Beach has a vast sandy shoreline.

5)  Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea (24 miles NE of Boston) – Singing Beach, with its rocky coastline, has stunning views and pristine sand.

4)  Cisco Beach, Nantucket – A long sandy beach on Nantucket’s south shore, well-known for its heavy surf. 

3)  Coast Guard Beach, Eastham (Cape Cod) – A prime summer swimming beach. Part of Cape Cod National Seashore, this beach made “Dr. Beach’s” top 10 list.

2)  Cahoon Hollow, Wellfleet (Cape Cod) – It’s all about the sand cliffs and amazing views.

#1 - Crane Beach, Ipswich, Massachusetts (Photo by Jrpvald/Wikimedia Commons)

1) Crane Beach, Ipswich (28 miles NE of Boston) – This beach does appear to have it all!  Crane Beach is managed for both conservation and recreation.  This year-round destination boasts 4 miles of  clean, white sandy beachfront and 5½ miles of hiking trails. Crane Beach parking fees are steep on peak season weekends and holidays.

Many of the Top Ten Beaches in Massachusetts have parking and/or entry fees.  You’ll want to check out individual beach websites for additional info, parking situations and most importantly, their swimming conditions.

Check out the entire Boston.com article (with website links) on the Top 10 Beaches in Massachusetts 2011.

Have a great day at the beach!