Best Beaches in SE Massachusetts

Southeast Massachusetts is one of the most popular spots in the world for beaches. In addition to the famous beaches in Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, there are a number of lesser-known spots to be found in Plymouth. People enjoy the beaches of Southeast Massachusetts year-round, and many might even run into the rich and famous at some of the attractions.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is an Atlantic Ocean peninsula offering a small town atmosphere along with all the views and luxury expected from a modern beach resort. This southeast Massachusetts beach community is especially known for its lighthouses, which can provide both history buffs and romantics with an authentic taste of New England history.

One of the most sea-worthy beaches on Cape Cod is Cahoon Hollow Beach in the community of Wellfleet. Some think the walk to the oceanfront is a bit long, as beachgoers have to descend a 75-foot sand dune along one of two trails, but the sand and sights make the journey well worth it. At the top of the dune sits a restaurant that offers not only fine food and cocktails, but also dancing for singles and couples alike.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an island near Cape Cod that can only be accessed by boat or air. It has had its share of both celebrity and tragedy over the years. Many famous people, including several members of the Kennedy family, have owned summer homes here. The most recent international tragedy to strike the island was John F. Kennedy Jr.'s death in a plane crash near Martha's Vineyard in 1999. While in office, former President Bill Clinton and his family frequently vacationed at Martha's Vineyard.

Norton Point Beach is one of the many public and semi-private beaches offered on this island and boasts more than three miles of sand. One part of Norton Point is reserved for surfing, while the other side is a salt pond. The beach is located on Katama Road in the Martha's Vineyard community of Edgartown.

Plymouth

Plymouth, the oldest community in New England, is best known for the pilgrims' landing at Plymouth Rock. The town is about 40 miles south of Boston and considered part of the city's South Shore. Its beaches are one of the many attractions offered in this historic municipality.

Nelson Beach offers some of the best and lesser-known surf and sand in southeast Massachusetts, along with free parking and recreation for children. Going in the winter months might not be the best idea, as Plymouth gets a lot of rainfall. Nelson Beach is located near Plymouth Center, where visitors can look at Plymouth Rock, Pilgrim Hall Museum, the Mayflower II and other historic spots.

Sources:

http://www.thebeachcomber.com/cahoonhollow/

http://www.nantucketsoundkeeper.org/environmental-protection-public-beaches.asp

http://www.salon.com/books/literary_guide/2006/06/15/martha_s_vineyard/

http://www.mvtimes.com/news/2006/02/02/norton_point_beach.php

http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/massachusetts/plymouth