Donovan's Beach
Winthrop, MA
Donovan's Beach is a tiny public spot on Pleasant Street at Brookfield Road in Winthrop, facing west across Winthrop Bay. It is small enough to walk end to end in a minute, but locals know it for one thing above all: an unobstructed view of the Boston skyline over the water.
One of the best free skyline views on the North Shore side of the harbor, but it is small and not much of a swimming beach.
How we score beachesCome at sunset with a chair. The skyline lights up across the bay, and you will likely share the spot with a handful of neighbors at most.
Street parking only on Pleasant Street and nearby residential blocks. There is no lot, so plan a short visit and follow posted signs.
It is a very short walk from the street to the shore, though the beach itself is small and the surface is uneven.
The bay side is sheltered, so it stays calm on windy days when the ocean side is rough. Golden hour in summer and early fall is the draw.
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