best beach within reasonable drive?

[madscientist01]

I have some guests coming in next weekend and I'd like to take them to a nice beach. I'm not an avid beach-goer myself, nor am I from the area, so I have no idea which are better than others. I live in Somerville, but I have a car and am willing to drive a decent distance

Comments

[two_stabs]

It depends -- do you feel like impregnating some high schoolers while on the beach?

[richips]

whoa, Déja lu

[two_stabs]

Really?

[madscientist01]

I think I already missed out on that pact, no?

[anomie666]

If you are going for a city/beach combo that would be good. I think there are better beaches, but you don't have the same surrounding shops/ city.

BTW, its on the commuter rail and taking that might be better than driving/ trying to find parking.

[madscientist01]

What are the better beaches? If it's a great beach, we could get to the city another day.

[anomie666]

They have already been mentioned. Nahant is really nice, Crane Beach, even Singing Beach (Manchester by the Sea).

[shirt_seeker]

One should know these anyway if they were a "local" DOH

[bella_fox]

If shops by the water is what you're looking for, I'd head to Rockport which is near Gloucester. In Gloucester, head to the Visitor's Center -- they have a beautiful little cove; then head up the main drag to see the famous fisherman memorial statue and great water views.

[lizzielizzie]

I second Rockport. If you want to be near water but don't necessarily need the sandy beach thing, it is perfect. Lots of rocks to sit on and climb over.

If you're willing to go further north, I recommend Ogunquit, ME. Lots of cute little shops, and the softest sand you'll find in this area.

[failstoexist]

Ogunquit is great--my family used to go there every year in september or october for a week...I wonder if the water is warmer in the middle of the summer!

[littlestarletta]

crane beach in ipswich is one of the best beaches in the state

[ron_newman]

but no town to walk to from there (Ipswich center is miles away)

[ron_newman]

Beach is nice, but town is boring.