Boston Beach Bummin'

Boston is cold. No one really prepared me for this when I moved to Boston from sunny Alabama. I have a college degree, but I'm telling you that I didn't know Boston was in New England until my dad called me during the 2012 Superbowl to see if Boston was pumped that the New England Patriots were playing. So not only am I apparently geographically challenged, but I was also unprepared for the weather that is typical of New England– which is apparently where I live. While there's something to be said for those (loooooong) months of hibernating under a winter coat and eating mac and cheese for every meal to pack on those insulating pounds, there's honestly nothing better than Boston in the summer. 

I've been loving exploring beaches this summer, and one of my new favorite beaches is Long Beach in Nahant, MA. It's the perfect place for day trips because it's only about 30 minutes away from Boston so you feel like you've escaped the city without going too far. If you like to spend your beach trips laying in the sun, there's a huge shoreline for that, with packed sand for running around and playing soccer, and soft sand for lounging in. If you like to spend your beach trips hunting for little critters (like I do) there's an abundance of snails, baby hermit crabs and other creatures that you can check out on the giant rocks at the edge of the shoreline. 

Long Beach parking is only $5 (but I think it may be free on weekdays?!) which is a bargain for Boston area beaches, which usually can run up to $25 for day parking. Before you park, stock up on snacks at one of the various convenience stores around the area, and grab take out lunch at Seaside Pizza , a local eatery that has awesome sandwiches, subs and pizza.

If you don't have access to a car (you can take public transit to Nahant, but it's a little tricky) you can hit the beach at the Boston Harbor Islands instead. The ferry runs from Long Wharf for about $15, and you can hop around the Harbor Islands. Spectacle Island is the closest, and it's only about a 20 minute ferry ride. BONUS: the ferry sells beer. Stock up during those 20 minutes. There's a lifeguarded swimming section, acres to explore, a snack shack and a rocky beach to lounge on. You can see the Boston skyline from the beach, which is so beautiful, and you don't get the enormous crowds that you usually see at a typical beach. 

These two places are super beautiful and fun areas to enjoy summer and take advantage of the warm weather while it's here!

Exploring Boston is one of my favorite things to do, and I'd love to hear if any of you have any favorite outdoor summer spots!