- Cape Cod has a wide variety of public beaches all along its peninsula. However, not all are public, but the majority are. All the beaches can be accessed along Route 6, which is the main thoroughfare along the peninsula. Public beaches include Bass Hole and Gray's Beach, both located along Cape Cod Bay. They both offer free parking and calm waters ideal for young children. Other beaches farther along the peninsula, such as Breakwater Beach, Cahoon Hollow Beach and Cape Cod National Seashore Beach include fee-based parking and offer common amenities such as picnic and playground areas.
- Martha's Vineyard is a picturesque island located just south of Cape Cod and is accessible by a ferry that can transport your car to the island. Parking fees for these beaches are also available for under $20 per day as of 2011. Surfers can rejoice in a designated beach called Aquinnah Beach. Meanwhile families can enjoy one of the more popular Martha's Vineyard beaches, Bend-in-the-Road Beach, where parking can often be difficult, according to the Massachusetts tourism guide. The waters here tend to be calm and safe for families with children. Eastville beach is a less congested, but much smaller beach area for those looking to be in a calm relaxing atmosphere. It's recommended for swimming and also fishing. Another popular Martha's Vineyard destination is the Menemsha Public Beach, which has public restrooms and showers on the premises as well as a harbor master's office that sell deli foods, fishing equipment and other supplies.
- Nantucket is a small island located east of Martha's Vineyard and is also accessible by ferry. The beach offerings here rival those of Martha's Vineyard and get a lot of visitors each summer. Surfers at Cisco Beach enjoy soft sand and strong surf on the south shore of the island. A popular destination for beachgoers due to the array of amenities, ample parking and the famous Nantucket lighthouse is Coskata-Coatue Wildlife refuge. White sand lines 16 miles of shore and gray and harbor seals frequent the area. Another calm water beach is Dionis Beach. It's located on the north shore of the island and is loaded with seashells and seaweed but the waves are small and the beach is long with restrooms and showers, and parking available for free.
- Carson Beach is the closest option near Boston to enjoy the sandy shorelines. The beach is maintained by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, and is considered one of the best swimming beaches in the area serving thousands of visitors each year. It offers views of Boston Harbor and contains plenty of on-site amenities, such as snack bars, public restrooms and showers. The beach is accessible by public transportation as well.