Nahant Beach is DCR's long ocean-facing stretch along the causeway, backed by a nearly two-mile paved promenade that draws walkers, joggers, and cyclists year-round. The sand runs wide at low tide and narrows near the seawall at high tide, and the huge main lot still fills by mid-morning on summer weekends.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot MA residents $10/day; non-MA residents $40/day, 8am-5:30/6pm, roughly May 23-Oct 12
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Dawn to dusk, year-round
Accessible
Wheelchair access noted
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
Walking/Jogging/Biking
Allowed year-round, on the ~2-3 mile paved promenade
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)
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)
Common questions
Is Nahant Beach in Nahant open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-07-16). 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.
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