Get Up & Go!: Beach Day Bonanza!

In Massachusetts, day trips to the beach are a summertime tradition. That’s because our state is incredibly blessed to have dozens of seaside beaches along more than 1,500 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coastline, not to mention countless freshwater beach options at local lakes and ponds.

With just a bit of advance planning, beach outings are easy fun. Make lunch the night before,  chill your favorite beverage in the refrigerator, pack up the beach towels and sunscreen, then set the alarm early enough to get a jump on traffic. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free adventure filled with blue skies and smooth sand.

Of course, leave the destination to us. This week’s “Get Up & Go!” gives you plenty of beach selections that are close to home, less than 30 minutes away or if you’re up for a longer trip, roughly an hour from the Commons.

Ah, summertime at the beach – it’s a breeze!  

Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester

The ‘backyard’ beach option, Lake Quinsigamond is an ideal place to enjoy a lazy day on the lake. The water is clear and in the peak summer months, warm to the touch. For a $5 daily parking fee, Lake Quinsigamond offers great amenities like accessible fishing, a non-motorized boat launch, a picnic area, restrooms, and showers. And it’s just 10 minutes away from Shrewsbury Commons.

Cochituate State Park, Natick

It’s nearly impossible to pronounce, but Cochituate State Park is a Metro West beach haven, featuring a large lake that is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. In addition to sandy sunbathing areas that are great for building sand castles, the park has accessible restrooms and picnic areas in close proximity. In addition, Charles River Canoe & Kayak offers on-site rental service for boating fun. Parking is $5 per day. Plan for a 30-minute drive from Shrewsbury Commons.

Walden Pond, Concord

More than a beach, this National Historic Landmark boats a picturesque location at the former home of famed poet Henry David Thoreau. The small beach is just the start as guests can visit Thoreau’s cabin in the woods or take a leisurely stroll along wooded walking paths around the pond. Parking is $10. Plan for a 50 minute drive from Shrewsbury Commons.

Carson Beach, Boston

The locals say Carson Beach is the best in Boston because it has soft natural sand, a picnic area with stunning views of the Harbor, and a great bath house equipped with restrooms and showers. They also have nice walkways to check out the view, pretty landscaping and athletic courts to work up a sweat. Parking is free and the beach is accessible via the Red Line and JFK/UMass station. Plan on a 50 minute drive from Shrewsbury Commons.

Boston Harbor Islands, Boston

The Boston Harbor islands are a unique local treasure, offering a one-of-a-kind beach experience. Part of the federal government’s National Parks system, visitors must take a ferry from Boston’s Long Wharf ($15 for adults. $9 for children, see schedule.) Ferry travel is very convenient, with boats running every half hour during the summertime. Check out Spectacle Island and Lovells Island, which feature sandy beaches and majestic cityscape and ocean views. Spectacle Island has a snack shack, a visitor’s center, restrooms and scenic walking trails. Lovells Island, best known as the site of legendary shipwrecks, is more rustic and does not offer full bathhouse facilities. Plan on a 50 minute drive from Shrewsbury Commons, plus extra time to park and board the ferry.