Singing Beach Manchester-by-the-Sea
Discover Singing Beach, a unique Massachusetts shore with sand that 'sings' and refreshing Atlantic waters. Easy day trip from Boston!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Singing Beach Manchester-by-the-Sea
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Singing Beach, a unique Massachusetts shore with sand that 'sings' and refreshing Atlantic waters. Easy day trip from Boston!
"Probably my favourite beach in the US to date."
🎯 Commuter Rail is Key
Skip parking woes! Take the commuter rail from Boston; it's a scenic walk to the beach.
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring $10 cash per person for beach access before Labor Day. ATMs are available in town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Singing Sand
The beach itself
Experience the unique phenomenon of the sand squeaking or 'singing' as you walk on it. A truly memorable sensory experience!
Commuter Rail Access
Manchester Station
An easy and scenic 15-minute walk from the train station, making it a perfect day trip from Boston.
Refreshing Atlantic Waters
The ocean
Dive into the crisp, clear waters of the Atlantic for a revitalizing swim, perfect for hot summer days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Fees
Prepare for Refreshing Waters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Commuter Rail is Key
Skip parking woes! Take the commuter rail from Boston; it's a scenic walk to the beach.
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring $10 cash per person for beach access before Labor Day. ATMs are available in town.
🥶 Water is Chilly!
The Atlantic water is refreshing, but very cold! Be prepared for a brisk dip.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is limited and often resident-only. Try after 7 PM for free parking, but facilities may be closed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Commuter Rail is Key
Skip parking woes! Take the commuter rail from Boston; it's a scenic walk to the beach.
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring $10 cash per person for beach access before Labor Day. ATMs are available in town.
🥶 Water is Chilly!
The Atlantic water is refreshing, but very cold! Be prepared for a brisk dip.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is limited and often resident-only. Try after 7 PM for free parking, but facilities may be closed.
🍦 Post-Beach Treat
Don't miss Captain Dusty's ice cream shop after your beach visit!
🐶 Dog-Friendly (Off-Season)
Dogs are welcome on Singing Beach during the off-season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Singing Beach is a beautiful and unique destination, praised for its soft sand that 'sings' and refreshing Atlantic waters. Visitors appreciate the easy commuter rail access from Boston and the overall relaxing vibe. Some minor drawbacks include chilly water temperatures and occasional untidiness in changing facilities.
"This is a beautiful place to spend the day. We got there by train, so parking was not an issue. The sand squeaks more than sings, but was easy to walk on. The water was refreshing and waves just right for a bit of body surfing."
J La
"The beach itself is very nice. The showers could be better because not everyone wants to wash their hair there, they should have the removable part. Other than that, this was my first time on the ocean and the wildlife here was subtle but still present."
Katarina Milojević
"Probably my favourite beach in the US to date.
Taking the commuter rail in the morning from North Station in Boston to the town of Manchester-By-The-Sea was easy and enjoyable. The beach is about a 15 min walk from the train station. Make sure to take $10 cash with you to access the beach (before Labor Day) so go to an ATM or cash out from the supermarket in town before walking there.
Changing facilities were a little untidy and old considering the beach access fee but the beach itself was beautiful. Water temp 68F, and on a hot day like last weekend it was incredibly refreshing. Will be coming back here many more times."
Lache Birkett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Singing Beach from Boston is by taking the commuter rail from North Station to Manchester Station. The beach is then about a 15-minute scenic walk from the station. +1
Parking is available but very limited and often reserved for residents. Non-residents may find parking difficult, especially on weekends. It's often recommended to take the commuter rail to avoid parking issues.
Singing Beach is approximately a 15-minute walk from the Manchester commuter rail station.
While possible, ride-sharing services might be less reliable for drop-offs and pick-ups directly at the beach, especially during peak times. The commuter rail is a more consistent option.
The drive from Boston to Manchester-by-the-Sea typically takes about 40-50 minutes without heavy traffic. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Before Labor Day, there is a $10 per person entrance fee to access Singing Beach. +1
Parking fees can apply, and spots are limited and often prioritized for residents. It's best to check the official town website for current parking regulations and fees.
While the beach itself is accessible, the changing facilities and bathrooms typically close around 7 PM.
Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival at the beach, but it's advisable to have cash on hand for the entrance fee.
Some TikTok users mention a $10 weekend pass on the commuter rail, which can be a cost-effective way to visit.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Singing Beach is famous for its unique sand that makes a 'singing' or squeaking sound when dry due to its quartz content. It offers beautiful ocean views and refreshing waters.
The Atlantic waters at Singing Beach are known to be quite cold, even on warm days. Visitors often describe it as very refreshing but bracing.
Yes, there are changing facilities, restrooms, and showers available. However, some reviews mention they can be a bit untidy or close earlier than expected.
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks. There is also a snack bar or concession stand available for purchasing refreshments.
Singing Beach is a popular spot for families, offering a pleasant beach experience with clear water and soft sand.
🍽️ 🍦 Food & Dining
Yes, there's a snack bar at the beach itself. For more options, the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea has several local eateries and cafes.
Captain Dusty's is a highly recommended ice cream shop near Singing Beach, often cited as a must-visit after a day at the shore.
Absolutely! Many visitors bring their own food and drinks for a picnic on the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire coastline offers beautiful views. Capture the unique sand, the ocean waves, and the scenic walk from the train station. Drone photography can offer stunning aerial perspectives.
The beach faces east, making it ideal for sunrise photography. Sunset views can also be beautiful, with the town and surrounding coastline providing a picturesque backdrop.
Nature photography, seascape painting, and general beach lifestyle shots are popular. The unique sand and coastal scenery provide ample inspiration. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The convenience of the snack bar means you can easily grab a bite without leaving the beach. 🚶 Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
🚗 Road Trippers & Those Driving
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Singing' Sand Phenomenon
This natural acoustic effect makes a simple walk on the beach an engaging and memorable experience. It's a subtle yet fascinating aspect that many visitors are eager to discover. The sand is also noted for being soft and pleasant underfoot, adding to the overall comfort of the beach.
Getting There: The Commuter Rail Advantage
Upon arrival at Manchester Station, the beach is a pleasant, approximately 15-minute walk away. This avoids the stress and potential cost of parking, which can be a significant issue, particularly during peak summer season when parking is limited and often restricted to residents. Taking the train also aligns with a more relaxed, sustainable travel approach, making the entire day trip feel more seamless and enjoyable.
Beach Facilities and Amenities
However, some reviews suggest that the facilities, while functional, could benefit from updates and better maintenance, particularly the changing areas. Despite this, the presence of these amenities, along with the snack bar, contributes to a comfortable day out. For those seeking a quick bite or a cold drink, the concession stand is a welcome addition.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit