Set Sail on the Commuter Rail and Head to the Beach

Summer is in full swing! School is out for the kids, you’re taking some much-needed time off of work, and the whole family is ready for some summer vacation fun. So when it’s 90 degrees out and the sun is shining bright, there’s no better place to go for the day than the beach.

But how do you get there? Instead of sitting in beach traffic and paying expensive parking fees, pack your beach bags and just take the train!

The Commuter Rail has stations near some of the most popular beaches on the North and South Shore. Pack up your cooler and beach bags and hop on the train with your family or friends to skip the traffic. Instead of shelling out money on parking, spend some of it on a train ticket and still have money left over for ice cream. Taking the train is especially great for families, as kids 11 and under always ride for free! Spend priceless family time together as you travel to the beach. 

North Shore

The North Shore is home to some beautiful New England beaches that can’t be missed. Hop on the Newburyport/Rockport Line with your family and head off on a summer excursion that’s both relaxing and memorable. During the Sumner Tunnel Closure (Between July 5 – August 5), one-way and monthly travel from any station along the entire Newburyport/Rockport Line is discounted to the Zone 1A rate. This means the ride cost will be $2.40 one-way or any Zone 1A pass will be accepted.

Rockport Station

Rockport is a seaside village with plenty of shopping and restaurant options, and the beaches you can get to from the station are top-notch. Front Beach (0.4 mile) is a sandy beach perfect for unplugging from your busy life and just being in the present. Read a good book or build a sand castle with your kids for a relaxing and memorable summer experience.

Alternatively, head to Back Beach Landing (0.4 mile), which is a quarter-mile of sandy shore that slopes gently into the water, enclosed on either side by rocky points. Much of the beach disappears underwater at high tide, but as it’s right by Main Street, you can go shopping and hit the local restaurants. This way you’re still able to enjoy a full day of fun.

Manchester Station

Just shy of a half-mile wide, Singing Beach (0.65 mile) boasts beautiful sand and sparkling waters that reflect a stunning blue sky. Because of this, it’s an extremely popular destination during summer vacation. Walk-on passes are required for both residents and non-residents ages 12 to 65 at the beach, though you can also get a discounted season pass. Also, if you and your family are biking enthusiasts, it’s also a great spot for cycling, as there are several popular cycling routes nearby. The Commuter Rail allows bikes on the train on Saturdays and Sundays at the conductor’s discretion, so this is a great way to get a seaside bike ride.

Ipswich 

Visited by more than 350K people annually, Crane Beach (4.47 miles) is extremely popular, to the point where parking passes need to be bought in advance and sell out extremely fast. By taking the train, you skip that time and expense, ensuring you can spend your day at the beach.

At first glance, the beach might be a bit far from Ipswich Station, but on weekends through Labor Day, the Ipswich Essex Explorer is a shuttle that takes visitors from the train station to popular Ipswich destinations, including Crane Beach. Check the schedule and plan to soak up the seaside fun at one of the North Shore’s most spectacular beaches. 

South Shore

Hit the beautiful South Shore this summer for a spectacular day by the water. Take the Greenbush Line for a carefree and car-free trip to the beach with friends and family, basking in the sun and splashing in the cool, refreshing waters of the Atlantic.

JFK/UMass

If you live in Boston, you might not have a car, but that shouldn’t stop you from classic summer fun! Take the train from South Station to Malibu Beach (0.4 mile) and you’ll be right at the water. Kids especially love this beach because, on top of space to play frisbee and build sand castles, there’s a playground and ball field. By the end of the day, the kids will be completely tuckered out but have a smile on their faces as they fall asleep on the train ride home.

A little further from the train station is Carson Beach (1.1 miles), but you can easily skip the walk with a rideshare. Once you’re there, set up your beach towels and umbrellas to relax, or take a light walk around historic Fort Independence. Carson Beach is also extremely accessible, with a beach mat laid out and beach wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis so everyone can enjoy seaside summer fun.

Greenbush Station

Peggotty Beach (1.04 miles) is a busy, protected beach in Scituate, which is not only the most Irish town in America, but was named one of the best small towns to visit by Smithsonian Magazine. The beach is an excellent reason to visit, with a half-mile of sand and relatively warm water. Best of all, it’s within walking distance from Scituate Harbor, so you can explore the shops and restaurants of the bustling downtown area.

Nantasket Junction

Nantasket Beach (2.97 miles) is a popular destination to escape the summer heat. With a mile of sandy Atlantic shoreline and rolling waves, there’s tons of space to set up your chairs and towels. When you get off of the train, meet up with local friends and family at the station so you can all visit the beach together. They can either drive you or you can all chip in for a rideshare to the beach so you can reserve your energy for volleyball, swimming, frisbee, and more fun. Keep an eye out for special events and activities, as Nantasket Beach is also a popular spot for concerts and public dance lessons.

Want to see more beaches along the lines of the Commuter Rail? Check out this map and take the train to a summer adventure.