Singing Beach
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
Singing Beach gets its name from the squeak the fine sand makes underfoot when it's dry, a small, crescent shaped cove backed by granite outcrops in one of the North Shore's wealthiest towns. It's a short walk from the commuter rail station, a rare beach this nice that doesn't require a car.
The singing sand and the easy train access are genuinely unique this close to Boston, though limited non-resident parking makes driving there a real gamble in summer.
How we score beachesTake the commuter rail from Boston instead of driving. Non-resident parking is limited, expensive, and only available when an attendant is on duty, while the walk from the train station takes about ten minutes.
Non-resident parking is limited to weekdays only in summer, $35, space permitting. The beach is a short walk from the Manchester commuter rail station.
The beach is small and flat, reached by a short walk from the parking area or train station.
Dogs are allowed October 15 through April 15, on or off leash under voice control. They're not permitted April 16 through October 14.
Water stays cool, generally in the 60s, typical of the North Shore. The off season dog months double as the quietest, least crowded time to see the cove.
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