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Beaches

Nantasket Beach Reservation

212 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA 02045, USA

MA DCR: (781) 925-1777

https://www.mass.gov/locations/nantasket-beach-reservation

Owned By: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)

Nantasket Beach Reservation in Hull is a pleasant sandy beach. Open to the public, it can get quite busy in the summertime! It features a long stretch of shoreline, a 1-mile paved/concrete walking path, plus such amenities as shade structures, the Mary Jeanette Murray Bath House, the David Cook Comfort Station, the Jack Phillips Park playground, and the Bernie King Pavilion.

For up-to-date information about this large and wonderful property, including summer concerts and events, follow the Friends of Nantasket Beach.

FISHING ADVISORY: It’s important to know that some of our fisheries are contaminated with mercury, PFAS and/or other concerning substances. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an online database with up-to-date advisories regarding fish consumption, sorted by location. We recommend you consult this valuable resource when planning a fishing excursion.

Features

Hull was settled by Europeans in 1624, and referred to as the Nantasket Peninsula. It was incorporated as a town in 1644. In 1818, after steamboats began transporting passengers from Rowe’s Wharf in Boston to Nantasket Beach, Hull became a popular tourist destination. William Worrick’s Sportsman Hotel was established in 1825, with several others to follow. Railroads and trolleys soon increased the area’s accessibility.

In 1905, Paragon Park, a 10-acre amusement park, was established across the street from the beach. A carousel was added in 1928. While the park was closed permanently in 1984, the carousel was maintained as a historic site. It is open seasonally.

This land is within the region of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk). According to the United States Geologic Survey, the word “Nantasket” can be translated as “place of low ebb tide.” To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett and the Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag share information on their websites. 

Trail Description

Plenty of beach to walk upon. Some sections are rocky. A 1-mile paved/concrete walking path extends along the beach.

Habitats and Wildlife

Nantasket Beach is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, overlooking Massachusetts Bay.

  • A photograph of an ocean beach with rocks on one side and a row of seated individuals looking out at the water.
  • A photograph of a paved parking area at the edge of the shore.
  • A photograph of a picnic table beside playground in a grassy area.
  • A photograph of a stony beach with individuals by the water line.
  • A photograph of a playground with blue and beige features.
  • A photograph of a beach with a concrete entrance ramp and some individuals at the water's edge.
  • A photograph of a shade pavilion at the edge of a beach.
  • A photograph of ocean waves on a beach with a row of stones in the foreground.
  • A photograph of a stony beachfront with a row of individuals in beach chairs facing the water.
  • A photograph of a large bath house with a concrete walkway in front of it.
  • A photograph of a staircase leading down to a stony ocean beach.
  • A photograph of a paved walkway along the shoreline.
  • A photograph of a concrete ramp leading down to a stoney beach.
  • A photograph of a bath house with a property sign and ornamental plantings.
  • A photograph of a paved walkway along a shoreline with a row of rocks and stones.
  • A photograph of a lifeboat and a flagpole on a grassy area beside a beach.
  • A photograph of a property sign and a paved parking area.
  • A photograph of a paved walkway along a shoreline.
  • A photograph of a brick building with restrooms.
  • A photograph of a grassy area with a property sign and a building in the distance.
  • A photograph of a brick building and a shade structure beside a dune.
  • A photograph of a brick building with benches and a walkway, beside a beach.
212 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA 02045, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: Yes

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: Lifeguards in season.

Size: 26.5 acres, 1.3 miles of shoreline

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Large parking lots on Nantasket Ave. and Hull Shore Drive. Daily parking fees mid-May to Labor Day.

Cost: Free (parking may require a fee)

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Pavilion, shade structures, playground, volleyball court, bathhouses, restrooms, benches, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, drinking fountains. Beach wheelchairs available. 1-mile paved/concrete walking path.

Dogs: No dogs allowed from April to mid-September. Dogs must remain on leash. Please clean up after your pet!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: Yes

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Massachusetts Bay / Atlantic Ocean

Other Things to Do at This Site

Fishing
Nature Photography
Picnic Tables
Playgrounds