Black Rock is Nahant's small pocket beach off Castle Rd, known locally as Doggie Beach because it is the only town beach where dogs run off-leash year-round. The sand is modest and gets rocky at the edges, with open water views toward the Boston skyline and no lifeguard or restroom on site.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker Free for residents with sticker
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
No posted gate hours; open access
Dogs
Off-leash exercise allowed year-round -- the only Nahant beach with this exception (town-wide, all other beaches ban dogs May 1-Sep 30)
Off-Leash Dog Play
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Town of Nahant
(781) 581-0088 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
CostFree for residents with stickerStickerNahant resident sticker
Lowlands Park lot (resident)
Details unconfirmed
Access points along this beach
Castle Rd entrance
Direct entrance off Castle Rd opposite the former Coast Guard station
Common questions
Is Black Rock in Nahant open today?
Under a swimming advisory as of the latest MA DPH posting. The beach itself stays open, but swimming isn't recommended (updated 2026-07-16). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Can I bring my dog, and when?
Yes, year-round and off-leash -- Black Rock (Doggie Beach) is the only Nahant beach where this is allowed; every other town beach bans dogs entirely from May 1 through September 30.
Is there parking at Black Rock, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker (Free for residents with sticker). Lowlands Park lot (resident)
What rules should I know at Black Rock?
No lifeguard on duty. Dog walkers must remove waste from public and private property.
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