Readers had some thoughts about our best beaches list
last week, I wrote about 16 excellent beaches for families. I’m accustomed to reader feedback — good and bad! — but last week was special. the sea was angry that day, my friends. beaches provoke strong, sometimes salty, emotions.
A few people were enraged by the inclusion of Cahoon Hollow Beach in wellfleet (1120 cahoon hollow Road, www.wellfleet-ma.gov/beaches), which is the oceanside equivalent of a frat party, according to some curmudgeons.
others were surprised that the coarse-sanded Nahant Beach Reservation made the cut (Nahant Road, www.mass.gov/locations/lynn-shorenahant-beach-reservation). still others expressed dismay to find their favorite secret beach on the list. Don’t worry; I won’t name it twice … but, um, it’s in Rhode Island.
And so, the globe asked readers to weigh in on the selections that I overlooked — plus their preferred beachside snack shacks, beach-day hacks, and even the best sand.
In general, beaches on the cape get a bad rap due to parking woes. however, West Dennis Beach (Davis beach Road, www.town.dennis.ma.us) receives high marks for sheer size: “parking isn’t a problem, and the beach is swimmable,” fans say.
Mayflower Beach, also in Dennis (Dunes Road, www.town.dennis.ma.us), earns a shout-out for soothing sunsets — can’t say the same for the parking, which fills up by mid-morning — and a classic vibe. It’s “the epitome of what you think of when you think ‘beach,’” says one fan.
one enraged commenter wonders why Good Harbor Beach in gloucester (thatcher Road, www.gloucesterma.gov) wasn’t on the original list. “Are you from Iowa?” they fume. No, but I could probably drive to the Midwest quicker than it would take to find a parking spot on a saturday. (It’s possible for non-residents to reserve a space in advance, but what if it rains? No refunds.)
speaking of geographic conundrums: one enterprising sunbather recommended visiting the beaches of playa, Ecuador, which does sound lovely, but might not work for a day trip.
Long Sands in York, Maine (long beach Ave., www.yorkmaine.org), got high praise both for expansiveness and family-friendliness. farther north, Popham Beach State Park in phippsburg, Maine (711 popham Road, www.maine.gov/dacf ), near bath, earns points for pristine white sand and tidal pools. Ditto Ridgevale Beach in chatham (Ridgevale Road, www.chatham-ma.gov), home to a standout snack bar and plentiful marshes for wading.
In Middletown, R.I., Sachuest
Beach — also known as second beach — earns raves for a large parking lot, soft sand, and a tasty concession stand. but “thieving gulls” are problematic, so be vigilant (315 sachuest point Road, www.middletownri.gov).
speaking of fearsome creatures: Another reader claims that Nauset Beach in orleans “has everything: sun, sand, facilities, and sharks,” but, on the plus side, a relatively straightforward parking situation (250 beach Road, www.town.orleans.ma.us).
Crane Beach in Ipswich (310 Argilla Road, www.thetrustees.org) also generates mixed reviews; some people think it’s iconic, despite requiring advance passes, while others are less kind: “the greenheads are terrible, it’s dirty, and there’s dog and horse poo everywhere,” gripes one unimpressed commenter.
Old Silver Beach in falmouth (296 Quaker Road, www.falmouthma.gov) gets lots of love, but savvy seafarers prefer Wood Neck Beach (98 wood Neck Road, www.savebuzzardsbay.org), which is quieter and “terrific for young kids and families,” thanks to warm, shallow water and crab-filled estuaries. plus: there’s sometimes an ice cream truck. similarly subdued is secluded Reid
State Park in georgetown, Maine (375 seguinland Road, www.maine.gov), which has just the right mix of sandy beach, rocky coastline, and, according to one fan, “majestic pines.” scenic!
last but not least: some respondents were miffed not to see Hampton
Beach in hampton, N.h. (160 ocean blvd., www.hamptonbeach.org) on the original list. they love its nostalgic boardwalk, long beach, “fine-grain” sand, and plentiful accommodations. point taken.
As for parking, the bane of any beachgoer’s existence? Nauset gets high marks despite the sharks, as does west Dennis beach, long sands, and Nahant.
I also asked readers to reveal their best beach hacks. I’m a fan of this tip: put your sunblock in the cooler. “later in the day, when one needs to reapply, it feels refreshing,” says one savvy sunbather. Also: A pat of baby powder is excellent at removing sticky sand. who knew? And hungry travelers recommend plunking down near plover areas. “they’re feisty little devils that keep the seagulls away from your tuna sandwiches and bags of chips,” says one.
And so, last but definitely not least: beachside food. classic boardwalk beaches like Old Orchard Beach in Maine (11 first st., www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com) and Salisbury
Beach in salisbury (15 broadway, www.mass.gov/locations/salisburybeach-state-reservation) score points for fried dough, fried seafood … really, fried everything. Long Sands in York, Maine, also earns another mention or two. Visit the goldenrod (2 Railroad Ave., www.thegoldenrod.com) for oldfashioned taffy. Revere Beach (Revere blvd., www.revere.org/revere-beach) is another favorite thanks to proximal pizza and roast beef. “bianchi’s and kelly’s? Yes, please!” says one ravenous Revere reveler. plus: on-street parking. finally, the aptly named Mayo Beach in wellfleet (kendrick Ave., www.wellfleet-ma.gov/beaches) gets a recommendation thanks to Mac’s on the pier, serving sweet fried clams.
Even sweeter? No permit required.