Forty Steps Beach is an ocean beach in Nahant, Massachusetts.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
No posted gate hours; open access
Season
Open access, year-round; no gate
Dogs
Prohibited May 1-September 30 (town-wide rule); leashed permitted October 1-April 30
Scuba Dive
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Town of Nahant
(781) 581-0088 · WebsiteGetting in
Access points along this beach
Stairway from Nahant Rd
The namesake stairway down to the beach from Nahant Rd
What's here
Not here
No drinking water
Not listed among this beach's amenities on the town's official beaches page
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Forty Steps Beach in Nahant open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
What rules should I know at Forty Steps Beach?
Rocky/pebbled beach; no lifeguard.
Can you swim at Forty Steps Beach?
Forty Steps Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Forty Steps Beach?
Prohibited May 1-September 30 (town-wide rule); leashed permitted October 1-April 30
Is there an entry fee at Forty Steps Beach?
None