Wollaston Beach is Quincy's big state-run beach, a roughly 2 mile curve of sand along Quincy Shore Drive that is part of DCR's Quincy Shores Reservation. It has lifeguards in summer, a bathhouse, free parking the whole length of the drive, and a wide paved path used as much for running and biking as for beach access.
What to expect
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
No gate; DCR reservation grounds are generally open dawn to dusk.
Season
Open year-round; lifeguard coverage runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Accessibility
DCR's Universal Access Program keeps beach wheelchairs (a floating chair and standard sunbathing wheelchairs) at Wollaston, available first-come first-served through waterfront supervisors when staffed. A Mobi-Mat isn't confirmed.
Dogs
Dogs are banned on the beach April 1 through September 15. Leashed dogs are allowed September 16 through May 1.
Kayak
Allowed year-round, car-top launch
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Department of Conservation and Recreation
617-727-5290 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Quincy Shore Drive roadside (full length)
Quincy Shore Drive roadside (full length)
CostfreeSpaceshundreds along the drive
Free DCR parking runs the length of Quincy Shore Drive.
Caddy Memorial Park lot
CostfreeSpacessmall
Small lot near the Furnace Brook Parkway end of the beach, also serves Black's Creek.
Access points along this beach
Wollaston Beach @ Channing Street
One of two DPH water-quality sampling points on Wollaston Beach.
Wollaston Beach @ Milton Street
Second DPH sampling point on Wollaston Beach.
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Brett Bathhouse; Center bathhouse (with concession stand and volleyball courts nearby)
Showers
Outdoor showers at the Brett Bathhouse.
Changing rooms
Enclosed changing areas at the Brett Bathhouse.
Dock
Car-top (hand-carry) boat ramp; not a trailer ramp.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Wollaston Beach in Quincy 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.
Yes. Entry and DCR parking along Quincy Shore Drive are both free; there is no beach sticker required.
Can I bring my dog to Wollaston Beach?
Only outside the warm season. Dogs are not allowed on the sand from April 1 through September 15, and must be leashed the rest of the year.
Where do I park when the beach is full?
Quincy Shore Drive parking runs the full length of the beach, so if one stretch is full it is usually worth continuing to drive to find an open curb spot rather than circling one lot.
Are there restrooms at Wollaston 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 Wollaston Beach?
Dogs prohibited on the beach April 1 to September 15.
Can you swim at Wollaston Beach?
Yes. Wollaston Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.