Boston's largest DCR saltwater beach, a long sandy stretch on Day Boulevard facing Old Harbor with volleyball courts, wide lawns and a straight skyline view back toward downtown. It's the default summer beach for South Boston, busy but with more room to spread out than the smaller coves nearby.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Season
Year-round, dawn to dusk; lifeguarded Memorial Day-Labor Day
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), South Region
WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Costpaid
Metered street parking along the beach
Metered street parking along the beach
Costpaid
DCR posts metered street parking along the beach on Day Boulevard.
Moakley Park lots (Saunders Stadium / roller hockey rink)
CostFreeSpaceslimited
Nearby overflow option when Carson Beach lots are full
Access points along this beach
Edward J. McCormack Bath House
Restrooms, beach wheelchair and beach mat available on request
What's here
Facilities
Edward J. McCormack Bath House
seasonal
Edward J. McCormack Bath House
Drinking water
Available at McCormack Bath House
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Carson Beach in Boston open today?
Carson Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Where do I park at Carson Beach?
Small free DCR lots line William J. Day Boulevard; they fill up by mid-morning on summer weekends, with Moakley Park's lots as a nearby backup.
What rules should I know at Carson Beach?
Dogs are prohibited on DCR coastal beaches May 1 through September 15 unless otherwise posted.
Can you swim at Carson Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Carson Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Carson Beach?
No, entry is free.