Peggotty Beach
Scituate, MA
Peggotty Beach is a protected half mile of hard packed sand at the end of Peggotty Beach Road in Scituate, where the water tends to be warmer than the open bay beaches. The walk in feels calm, and the Scituate Harbor shops and restaurants are close enough to wander to after a swim.
Hard packed sand, warmer water, and harbor shops nearby make it one of the best local family beaches, though non-resident access is hard.
How we score beachesWarm water and gentle waves make it the local pick for kids. Check the town's sticker rules ahead of time, since visitor parking is limited.
A large lot of about 200 spaces, with a town beach sticker or day pass required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visitor spaces without a sticker are very limited.
A short walk from the lot to hard packed sand, with porta potties on site. Hard packed sand is easier for strollers than soft sand.
Warm water by midsummer, and calm sunsets over the harbor in early fall.
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