A rocky-sandy cove between Fisherman's and Phillips beaches, small enough that street parking is the only option and it rarely draws a crowd.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker free with Recreation sticker
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
No posted lifeguard hours; open access
Season
Open access year-round, no gate
Dogs
Dogs are barred from town beaches between May 20 and October 1. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Managed by
Swampscott Recreation Department
781-596-8854 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
Costfree with Recreation sticker
Humphrey Street
Details unconfirmed
Humphrey Street
Costfree with Recreation sticker
Access points along this beach
Getting to the beach
Off Puritan Road, adjoining Johnson Park
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Whales Beach in Swampscott open today?
Whales Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is there parking at Whales Beach, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker (free with Recreation sticker). Humphrey Street
What rules should I know at Whales Beach?
No lifeguard is posted at any time; the cove narrows and gets rockier at high tide. No dogs May 20-Oct 1; no open fires.
Can you swim at Whales Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Whales Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Whales Beach?
Dogs are barred from town beaches between May 20 and October 1. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Is there an entry fee at Whales Beach?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Whales Beach?
Yes, parking here uses a resident sticker. free with Recreation sticker.