Waikiki Beach (Winter Island)
Salem, MA
Waikiki Beach is the sandy swimming beach at Winter Island Park, a Salem Neck peninsula with a pier, a boat ramp, a playground, restrooms, and a campground. Fort Pickering Light stands just offshore, and the island's fishing heritage runs through the whole park. Pebble Beach and South Beach are also on the island but are rockier.
Sand, lighthouse views, a pier, and camping in one park make it a Salem favorite, though the parking fee and dog limits apply.
How we score beachesNon-residents pay to drive in, so bring cash or a card and plan a longer stay to make it worthwhile. The other two beaches on the island are more pebbly.
Non-resident parking runs $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends.
A paved park area and restrooms are on site, and the beach is a short walk from parking over sand.
Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash, but not on Waikiki Beach in the summer when lifeguards are on duty.
Summer weekends are busy, and camping season adds crowds. Fall is quiet and the water is still swimmable into September.
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