Niles Beach
Gloucester, MA
Niles Beach is an East Gloucester beach on Eastern Point Road, mostly used by residents but open to anyone who arrives on foot. It has lifeguards from Father's Day to Labor Day and portable toilets, and no frills beyond that. Families settle in for the calmer water and look out across the harbor mouth.
A quiet, neighborhood beach that locals like, though limited parking and few amenities mean it is mostly for those who live nearby.
How we score beachesParking here needs a Gloucester resident beach sticker, so plan to walk or bike in from the East Gloucester side. Go on a weekday when the sand is quiet.
Parking is limited and requires a Gloucester resident beach sticker.
Expect a short walk from the street to sand, and only portable toilets on site, with no other amenities.
Water is at its warmest in August, with lifeguards from Father's Day through Labor Day. Off season mornings are peaceful.
More Atlantic Coast beaches
Coast Guard Beach
Eastham, MA · Atlantic Coast
A National Seashore beach backed by grassy dunes and a tidal marsh, with clean Atlantic surf and one of the Cape's most scenic approaches on foot from the parking area.
Surfside Beach
Nantucket, MA · Atlantic Coast
Open Atlantic swell and a wide sandy shoreline about three miles from Nantucket town, popular with locals for its bodysurfing waves and quieter, less commercial feel.
Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY · Atlantic Coast
A classic Long Island beach with six and a half miles of shoreline, a landmark water tower, boardwalk, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts through the summer.