Constitution Beach is a state-run, crescent-shaped sandy beach in East Boston's Orient Heights neighborhood, known locally as Shay's Beach, where lifeguard-watched swimming happens in a protected inlet practically under Logan Airport's flight path, with jets passing roughly 2,000 feet away on takeoff and landing.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Beach open access year-round; lifeguards on duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10am-6pm
Season
Year-round open access; lifeguard/swim season is seasonal (see hours)
Accessibility
New playground (opened Nov 2025) is ground-level with PIP rubber surfacing and updated ADA parking, replacing the prior deck-and-sand structure
Dogs
No dogs allowed on the beach April 1-September 15 (statewide DCR beach rule); leashed dogs allowed September 16-March 31
Managed by
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
617-727-7059 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
DCR lot at Bennington St beach entrance
CostfreeSpacesunconfirmed
check current DCR advisory before relying on full lot availability
Access points along this beach
Bennington Street beach entrance
Pedestrian overpass over Blue Line tracks
connects the neighborhood to the beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
bathhouse near the playground/courts area
Showers
rinse showers at the bathhouse
Concessions
snack bar at the bathhouse
Picnic area
picnic groves with grills at the back of the beach
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Constitution Beach in Boston open today?
Constitution 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.
Is there parking at Constitution Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). DCR lot at Bennington St beach entrance
Are there restrooms at Constitution Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Constitution Beach?
Dogs prohibited on the beach April 1-September 15.
Can you swim at Constitution Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Constitution 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.
Are dogs allowed at Constitution Beach?
No dogs allowed on the beach April 1-September 15 (statewide DCR beach rule); leashed dogs allowed September 16-March 31
Is there an entry fee at Constitution Beach?
No, entry is free.