Constitution Beach, Boston - Beach in the winter with Santa Severa Castle in the background
1 / 10

Constitution Beach Boston

4.5
·1k reviews·Boston, United States

A unique urban beach offering thrilling plane spotting, a large playground, and harbor views with ample free parking.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more plane action

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Constitution Beach, Boston - Beach in the winter with Santa Severa Castle in the background

Constitution Beach Boston

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more plane action

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique urban beach offering thrilling plane spotting, a large playground, and harbor views with ample free parking.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"It's a great beach for what it is, a small, nice, local, secluded city beach."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Beach Shoes

The beach has small rocks, so beach shoes are recommended for comfort.

✈️ Plane Spotting Spot

Best spot for plane watching, especially takeoffs.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Logan Airport Views

Logan Airport Views

Eastern edge of the beach

Witness planes taking off and landing up close – an exhilarating experience for aviation fans.

Instagram+1
Shay's Beach Playground

Shay's Beach Playground

Adjacent to the beach

A large, fully fenced playground perfect for families with young children.

Instagram
Harbor Breezes & City Views

Harbor Breezes & City Views

Along the shoreline

Enjoy a peaceful retreat with calm waters and views of the Boston Harbor.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plane Spotting Paradise

Constitution Beach is a prime spot for plane enthusiasts! Its proximity to Logan Airport offers incredible views of takeoffs and landings. Arrive early for the best vantage points and be mindful of seagulls if you bring snacks. Instagram+1

Beach Day Essentials

This city beach is great for a relaxed day. Pack beach shoes due to small rocks and bring your own food and drinks, though a concession stand is available. Free parking is a major plus! Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more plane action
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour for plane photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, lifeguards
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Boston 4th of July USS constitution turn around is a fun and action packed way to celebrate the fourth before the fireworks. #boston #fourthofjuly #ussconstitution #charlestown
@maddygardenrose
35.7K likes • 358.4K views

👟 Wear Beach Shoes

The beach has small rocks, so beach shoes are recommended for comfort. Reddit

✈️ Plane Spotting Spot

Best spot for plane watching, especially takeoffs. InstagramReddit

Hidden Gem In Boston: Constitution Beach Park 👙🏝️ 🌿 What Is Constitution Beach Park? Constitution Beach Park, affectionately known as “Shay’s Beach” by locals, is a serene, crescent-shaped shoreline nestled in East Boston’s Orient Heights neighborhood. Established in 1952, this man-made beach offers a peaceful retreat from other, more crowded Boston beaches. Its calm waters, protected by a cove, ...
spoteasybos
12.3K likes • 1.1M views
Constitution Beach is one of my favorite places in East Boston because it’s close to public transportation and most importantly you can see Logan Airport with the planes coming and going around the world. Check it out! If you bring snackies, watch out for the seagulls! #Puppy #Boston #Bostongay #gay #gaypuppy #leatherpuppy #gayleather #gearfetish #eastboston #constitutionbeach #fallvibes #infl...
acelapup
268 likes • 2.2K views

🚗 Free Parking Galore

Ample free parking available, a rarity in Boston! Reddit+1

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Bring snacks and drinks; watch out for seagulls! Instagram

Constitution Beach Playground; lots of parking; fully enclosed with two gates to enter/exit from but both gates currently won’t shut so I’m planning on reaching out to the individuals in charge of maintaining the playground to fix ASAP. #autism #adhd #kids #parents #autismparent #autismmom #autismdad #boston #toddlers #massachusetts #fullyfenced #loganairport #constitutionbeach #constitutionbeachp...
fullyfenced
8 likes • 621 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Beach Shoes

The beach has small rocks, so beach shoes are recommended for comfort. Reddit

✈️ Plane Spotting Spot

Best spot for plane watching, especially takeoffs. InstagramReddit

🚗 Free Parking Galore

Ample free parking available, a rarity in Boston! Reddit+1

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Bring snacks and drinks; watch out for seagulls! Instagram

🚆 Easy Public Transit

Accessible via the MBTA Commuter Rail for a convenient trip. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Constitution Beach is praised as a clean, accessible city beach with ample free parking and unique views of planes at Logan Airport. Visitors enjoy the calm waters, playground, and picnic areas, making it a great local spot for families and aviation enthusiasts. Some note the presence of small rocks and recommend beach shoes.

"A really nice and clean beach, fun to go with the kids, there is plenty of free parking.
The beach has small rocks so I recommend coming with beach shoes, and food and drinks.
Very close to the airport so you hear and see the planes which is really an experience in itself.
There is also a train near by so fun from all directions ;)"

Eyal Azoulay

"It's a great beach for what it is, a small, nice, local, secluded city beach. If you don't expect Wingaersheek beach You'll be fine. There's a decent size parking lot, some restaurants and restrooms. The water is super clear and the sand was clean. You can watch the planes taking off from Logan airport there. The water is calm and there were no waves when i was there."

diesse dasilva

"Such a nice beach area with a large free parking area. Plenty of sand and swim area with lifeguards. Bathrooms were decent too. There was a concession stand with lots of options if you're hungry. Picnic benches and sitting benches that look out on the sand and water. Seems like a great place to go and relax."

Christine Dey

What People Like

Free parking
Plane spotting views
Family-friendly playground

What People Dislike

Small rocks on beach

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Constitution Beach is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the MBTA Commuter Rail to the Airport station and it's a short walk from there. Instagram Driving is also an option with ample free parking available. Reddit+1

Yes, there is a large, free parking lot available at Constitution Beach, which is a significant advantage for visitors. Reddit+1

While specific bike lanes directly to the beach aren't highlighted, biking is a viable option in East Boston. Be sure to check local bike maps for the safest routes. Instagram

Information on specific wheelchair accessibility is limited, but the beach area is generally flat. It's advisable to contact the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for detailed accessibility information. Instagram

From downtown Boston, you can take the MBTA Blue Line to the Airport station and then walk or take a short bus ride to the beach. Alternatively, the Commuter Rail to Airport station is also convenient. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Constitution Beach is a public park and beach, so there is no entrance fee. Enjoy the amenities for free! Reddit+1

As a public park, Constitution Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours for lifeguards or facilities may vary seasonally. Reddit

No tickets are required to visit Constitution Beach. It's a public space open to everyone. Reddit

General park rules apply. It's advisable to check the Boston Parks and Recreation website for any specific regulations regarding pets, fires, or alcohol. Instagram

Yes, Constitution Beach has lifeguards during the summer season, making it a safe place for swimming. The water is generally calm. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ Plane Spotting & Views

The eastern edge of the beach offers the most direct views of planes taking off and landing at Logan Airport. InstagramReddit

Yes, due to its proximity to Logan Airport, you will hear and see planes frequently. This is a major draw for aviation enthusiasts. Reddit

You can see a variety of commercial aircraft as they depart from and arrive at Logan International Airport. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a fantastic location for aviation photography, especially during sunset. Instagram

While Constitution Beach is excellent, M Street Beach is another option, though Constitution offers better views of planes taxiing. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ Beach Experience

The beach has a mix of sand and small rocks. Visitors recommend wearing beach shoes for comfort. Reddit

The water at Constitution Beach is typically calm with minimal waves, making it suitable for families and relaxed swimming. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available at Constitution Beach, and they are generally considered decent. Reddit

Yes, swimming is permitted at Constitution Beach, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Reddit

Amenities include a large playground, picnic benches, sitting benches, and a concession stand. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a concession stand at the beach with various options. For more substantial meals, Royal Roast Beef is a highly recommended local spot just across the train tracks. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, but be mindful of seagulls. Instagram

There isn't a full-service restaurant directly on the beach, but a concession stand offers food options. Reddit

The concession stand typically offers a range of snacks and light meals suitable for a beach day. Reddit

Yes, Constitution Beach has picnic benches available, making it a great spot for a family picnic. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Constitution Beach is a gem for families! The large, fully fenced playground is a major highlight, offering a safe space for kids to play. Instagram Lifeguards are on duty during summer, making swimming in the calm waters more secure. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and be aware of seagulls. Instagram The ample free parking is a huge bonus for families juggling gear and little ones. Reddit+1

Consider bringing beach shoes as the sand has small rocks. Reddit The unique experience of watching planes take off from Logan Airport can also be a big hit with children. Instagram It's a great spot for a relaxed day of play and beach fun without the long travel often associated with finding family-friendly beaches.

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts

For plane spotters, Constitution Beach is a must-visit. Its prime location offers spectacular views of planes taking off and landing at Logan International Airport. InstagramReddit You can witness the entire process, from taxiing to ascent, making it an ideal spot for photography. Instagram The constant air traffic provides a dynamic and exciting backdrop. TikTok

Visit during weekday afternoons for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities. Reddit While the noise is present, it's part of the immersive experience. Bring your camera and binoculars to make the most of this unique aviation hub. The free parking also makes it an accessible and cost-effective outing for enthusiasts. Reddit+1

Budget Travelers

Constitution Beach is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers. The biggest perk is the abundant free parking, which is a rare find in Boston. Reddit+1 Entry to the beach and park is also completely free, allowing you to enjoy the amenities without any cost. Reddit+1

To keep costs down, pack your own food and drinks for the day. Instagram While there's a concession stand, bringing your own picnic is more economical. The beach offers a pleasant experience with its calm waters and playground, providing a full day of enjoyment without breaking the bank. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Plane Spotting Experience

Constitution Beach is a renowned spot for aviation enthusiasts, offering unparalleled views of aircraft at Logan International Airport. Its unique position allows visitors to witness planes taxiing, lining up for takeoff, and soaring into the sky. This makes it a prime location for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. InstagramReddit Many visitors find the constant activity of planes to be a thrilling and unique aspect of the beach experience, turning a simple beach day into an aviation spectacle. TikTok

For the best experience, consider visiting on a weekday afternoon when crowds are thinner, allowing for unobstructed views and better photo opportunities. While the noise of the planes is constant, most visitors find it adds to the energetic atmosphere rather than detracting from it. Remember to bring your camera and perhaps binoculars to fully appreciate the aerial displays. Instagram

It's worth noting that while Constitution Beach is excellent for plane spotting, it's also a functional city beach. The combination of beach relaxation and aviation excitement makes it a dual-purpose destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors. Instagram

Family Fun at Shay's Beach

Constitution Beach, affectionately known as 'Shay's Beach' by locals, is a fantastic destination for families. The park boasts a large, fully enclosed playground with two gates, providing a safe and engaging space for children to play. Instagram Parents appreciate the secure environment, especially those with toddlers or children who have special needs like autism or ADHD. Instagram

Beyond the playground, the beach itself offers calm waters suitable for swimming, and lifeguards are present during the summer months, adding an extra layer of safety. Reddit The presence of picnic benches and a concession stand further enhances the family-friendly atmosphere, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the amenities. The free parking is also a significant benefit for families managing multiple children and beach gear. Reddit+1

Families can enjoy a leisurely day building sandcastles, splashing in the gentle waves, and letting the kids burn off energy at the playground. The unique backdrop of planes taking off from Logan Airport also adds an element of wonder for younger visitors. Instagram

Navigating Constitution Beach

Constitution Beach offers a convenient and accessible urban beach experience. For those relying on public transport, the MBTA Commuter Rail to Airport station provides a direct route, followed by a short walk. Instagram This makes it an easy destination to reach from various parts of the city without the hassle of city parking. Reddit

Driving to the beach is also a popular option, primarily due to the abundance of free parking. This is a significant draw, as parking in Boston can often be expensive and difficult to find. Reddit+1 The beach itself is characterized by a mix of sand and small rocks, so wearing beach shoes is highly recommended for comfort. Reddit

While the beach offers a pleasant environment with calm waters and a playground, it's important to manage expectations. It's a local city beach, not a sprawling resort. Visitors who appreciate its charm for what it is – a clean, accessible spot with unique plane-watching opportunities and free parking – tend to have the most positive experiences. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2