Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Salisbury, MA
Salisbury Beach State Reservation covers 3.8 miles of white sand along the Atlantic, from the Merrimack River mouth to the New Hampshire line. A 484 site campground sits right behind the beach, and the shops, arcades, and restaurants at the end of Broadway are a short walk south. Lifeguards work the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Nearly four miles of open sand make it easy to find space, but the busy Broadway end and steep non-resident parking fee keep it from ranking higher.
How we score beachesWeekday mornings are the calm window, well before the Broadway crowd arrives. Use the boardwalks from the lot instead of cutting across the dunes.
Daily parking runs $14 for Massachusetts residents and $40 for non-residents in season, paid by card only with no cash accepted.
Boardwalks lead from the parking areas over the dunes to the sand, which makes the walk workable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 15, service animals excepted. Leashed dogs can stay at the campground.
Gulf of Maine water warms slowly and usually tops out in the mid 60s in August. Summer weekends bring the biggest crowds, while fall days are quiet and often clear.
More Atlantic Coast beaches
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Surfside Beach
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