One of a half miles of continuous, sandy oceanfront beach is a lot in the Boston area, so, to many, Nantasket Beach in Hull, Mass., comes across as a coastal oasis.

Open year-round from dawn to dusk with free foot access, Nantasket Beach is most popular for swimming, sunning and outdoor concerts during the summer,

but is also great for refreshing walks from fall to spring. Just be sure to choose a good weather day! The surrounding area is a bit of a mix with some ramshackle beach front elements left over from the Paragon Park amusement park days, but once you’re on the beach, you feel like you’re a million miles away from the fast pace of suburban Boston.

Additional note: during the warm weather season, put the Paragon Carousel on your must-see Nantasket Beach attractions. This historic carousel  from 1928 features 24 restored shiny horses and a Wurlitzer band organ!

Nantasket Beach is located on Route 3A, about 20 miles south of Boston

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