Nahant Beach is an ocean beach in Nahant, Massachusetts.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot MA residents $10/day; non-MA residents $40/day, 8am-5:30/6pm, roughly May 23-Oct 12
In effect now · free after Oct 12Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Dawn to dusk, year-round
Season
Open year-round, dawn to dusk
Entry fee
None to enter; parking fee only, 8am-6pm, roughly May-September (mobile YODEL app or gate)
Accessibility
Two beach wheelchairs (one floating, one sand) available at the reservation; the Nahant Causeway path is a wide, paved, ~3-mile ADA pedestrian recreation path with ocean/bay views and beach access
Lifeguard
On duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, roughly 10am-6pm
Dogs
No dogs or other pets, except service animals, April 1-September 15; leashed dogs permitted the rest of the year (September 16-March 31/April 1)
Kayak/Boat Launch
Allowed year-round
Getting in
Parking
Paid lot
CostMA residents $10/day; non-MA residents $40/day, 8am-5:30/6pm, roughly May 23-Oct 12StickerMA state parks annual parking pass or senior lifetime pass accepted
Long Beach main lot (DCR)
Long Beach main lot (DCR)
CostMA residents $10/day; non-MA residents $40/day, 8am-5:30/6pm, roughly May 23-Oct 12Spaces~900
Largest lot in town by far, but still routinely full by mid-morning on hot summer weekends
Street parking, Lynn Shore Drive
CostFree, first-come-first-served
Access points along this beach
North of Bathhouse
Sampling point north of Ward Bathhouse, on the Nahant Bay side of the reservation
Parking Section 12
Sampling point near the main Long Beach parking lot
South Site
Sampling point at the southern end of the reservation, toward the Lynn town line
Flagpole
Sampling point near the reservation's flagpole, close to Ward Bathhouse
Access Point 2 (beach mat)
Seasonal beach mat (Memorial Day-Labor Day) rolled out over the sand for a firm, stable path from the walkway to the water
Access Point 7 / Carbone Lifeguard Station
Seasonal beach mat plus a staffed lifeguard station where visitors can check in to borrow the loaner beach wheelchair
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Ward Bathhouse (visitor center, near park headquarters)
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Nahant Beach in Nahant open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Where do I park if the lot is full?
Free first-come street parking runs along Lynn Shore Drive north of the fee lot; there is no other designated overflow on busy summer weekends.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Two beach wheelchairs (one for sand, one that floats) are available at the reservation, and a wide paved path runs the length of the causeway; call 781-485-2803 to arrange the beach wheelchair, or check in at the Carbone Lifeguard Station near Access Point 7 in season.
Are there restrooms at Nahant 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 Nahant Beach?
Swim only when lifeguards are on duty in season. No alcohol, open fires, or glass containers.
Can you swim at Nahant Beach?
Yes. Nahant Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Nahant Beach?
No dogs or other pets, except service animals, April 1-September 15; leashed dogs permitted the rest of the year (September 16-March 31/April 1)
Is there an entry fee at Nahant Beach?
None to enter; parking fee only, 8am-6pm, roughly May-September (mobile YODEL app or gate)