Best of Boston

Best Beach, within Reach

2002 Best Beach, South

Duxbury Beach

Duxbury
Pillow-soft sand, uncluttered dunes, clean bathrooms, and a sparse crowd that's as consistently eye-catching as the surroundings—Duxbury Beach epitomizes the symbiosis of civilization and nature. [...] read more»
2001 Best Beach, North

Crane Beach

Ipswich
Four miles of white sand, more than 200 species of birds, and awesome striper fishing in the flats. And, if you have a boat, you [...] read more»
2001 Best Beach, South

Duxbury Beach

Duxbury
With pristine dunes surrounded by windswept marshes, a lighthouse at its far end, public parking, and a refreshment stand that serves a mean chocolate frappe, [...] read more»
2000 Best Beach

Crane Beach

Ipswich
The long, winding boardwalks and grassy dunes at Crane Beach can magically readjust the tired mind of even the most citified creature. After sinking your [...] read more»
1999 Best Beach

Crane Beach

Ipswich
The white sand goes on forever—or at least for four-and-a-half miles. This North Shore strip has the dunes, the best-blended concession stands, the most peaceful [...] read more»
1996 Best Beach, Alternative to

Arnold Aboretum

Jamaica Plain
Looking for nature close to the city? Grab your walking shoes and head for the Arnold Arboretum. This "museum of living plants" provides you with [...] read more»
1986 Best Beach

Crane’s Beach

Ipswich
Public parking, fine sand, and dunes with little hollows perfect for trysting the afternoon away. A gem in the heart of John Updike country. read more»
1974 Best Beach

Long Nook and Balston Beaches

Cape Cod
Nudism unhampered, wine, smoke, beautiful waves, monstrous cliffs. All ages, sizes, shapes, types. Volleyball and dry-humping major sports. read more»