Revere Beach Boston
America's first public beach, a 3-mile sandy crescent offering historic charm, unique plane views, and lively summer vibes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Revere Beach Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's first public beach, a 3-mile sandy crescent offering historic charm, unique plane views, and lively summer vibes.
"This is my favorite beach on the east coast. It's a quick subway ride and a huge beach with plenty of space."
🧺 Blanket Hack
Fold your blanket corners inward to keep it from blowing away in the wind. :beachwithumbrella:
🚇 Public Transit is Key
Take the Blue Line T to Wonderland station for easy access and to avoid parking woes. :train2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Public Beach
Entire beach area
Stroll along the first public beach in the U.S., a 3-mile sandy crescent with a lively atmosphere.
Annual Sand Sculpture Contest
Main beach area
Marvel at incredible sand sculptures created by talented artists during this popular summer event.
Planes Overhead
Near the water
Enjoy the unique spectacle of planes flying low overhead, a thrilling sight for many visitors.
Kelly's Roast Beef
Boardwalk
Savor classic New England seafood and roast beef sandwiches at this iconic beachside eatery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Weather
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Blanket Hack
Fold your blanket corners inward to keep it from blowing away in the wind. :beachwithumbrella:
🚇 Public Transit is Key
Take the Blue Line T to Wonderland station for easy access and to avoid parking woes. :train2:
🚗 Parking Tips
If driving, consider parking at Wonderland T station or further down Orient Heights if beach parking is full. :car:
🐚 Shell Collector's Paradise
Revere Beach is known for its abundance of large shells, perfect for collectors. :shell:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Blanket Hack
Fold your blanket corners inward to keep it from blowing away in the wind. :beachwithumbrella:
🚇 Public Transit is Key
Take the Blue Line T to Wonderland station for easy access and to avoid parking woes. :train2:
🚗 Parking Tips
If driving, consider parking at Wonderland T station or further down Orient Heights if beach parking is full. :car:
🐚 Shell Collector's Paradise
Revere Beach is known for its abundance of large shells, perfect for collectors. :shell:
🌊 Water Quality
Water quality is generally safe for swimming, with good numbers reported for the season. :droplet:
🍽️ Local Eats
Don't miss Kelly's Roast Beef for a classic beachside meal. :hamburger:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Revere Beach is praised for its vast sandy expanse, historical significance as the first public beach in the U.S., and the unique spectacle of planes flying overhead. Visitors enjoy the clean water, abundance of shells, and convenient access via public transit. Some find the water cold and the area can feel less vibrant in the winter months.
"This is my favorite beach on the east coast. It’s a quick subway ride and a huge beach with plenty of space. If you like to collect shells… this place is a gold mine. They’re ginormous.
The best thing about this beach is the planes flying overhead. It’s clean and an overall amazing place to visit."
Christina Broecker
"A great beach on the east coast. Clean and peaceful with amazing sand sculptures adding beauty to it. The water is clean, cold breeze making the stay absolutely serene."
Sara Tankiwala
"Very nice, clean quiet beach. No undertow. Not cluttered with shops. Ate at Kelly's roastbeef and it was delicious. There were sand sculptures on the beach."
CA B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the MBTA Blue Line to the Wonderland station, which is right at the beach. The trip from downtown Boston typically takes about 25 minutes due to track work, but it's a reliable and affordable option.
Yes, there is parking available, including a garage at the Wonderland T station. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during events. Many visitors recommend using public transit to avoid the hassle.
The Blue Line is highly recommended for travel between Revere and Boston, especially if you're heading to areas like the Aquarium. For other destinations, you might need to transfer to other lines. +1
Yes, ride-sharing services are available, but they can be more expensive than public transit, especially during peak times.
Absolutely! The Wonderland station on the MBTA Blue Line is located directly at Revere Beach, making it very accessible from Boston and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Revere Beach is a public beach and there is no entrance fee to walk on the sand or enjoy the ocean.
Revere Beach is open 24/7 as a public space. However, lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer months, and amenities like restrooms and concessions will have specific operating hours.
The annual sand sculpture contest is a free event to view. You don't need tickets to admire the sculptures.
Revere Beach hosts various events throughout the summer, most notably its famous annual sand sculpture contest. Keep an eye on local event listings for other activities.
Yes, Revere Beach is typically lifeguarded during the summer season, providing a safer environment for swimmers.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The sand at Revere Beach is described as sandy and wide, perfect for walking and sunbathing. Many visitors also note the abundance of large shells. +1
Yes, there are several restaurants and food stands along the boardwalk and across the street from the beach, with Kelly's Roast Beef being a popular choice.
You can swim, sunbathe, collect shells, walk along the 3-mile stretch, and enjoy the unique sight of planes flying overhead. There are also playgrounds and picnic benches.
Revere Beach is generally considered family-friendly, with lifeguards, playgrounds, and plenty of space. However, some visitors mention the water can be cold even in July.
The beach offers amenities such as a boardwalk, picnic benches, playgrounds, and a pavilion. Restrooms are also available.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic planes flying low overhead, the impressive sand sculptures (during the contest), and the expansive sandy shores. The boardwalk and beachside eateries also offer great shots. +1
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photography. During the sand sculpture contest, any time of day will provide unique photo opportunities.
The proximity to Logan Airport makes the low-flying planes a distinctive photographic subject. The historic nature of the beach and its vibrant summer atmosphere also provide ample visual interest.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and the sky. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing the planes. Don't forget a polarizing filter for reducing glare on the water. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's always best to check current rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near the beach or airport. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to check the schedule for the annual sand sculpture contest, which is a huge hit with kids. While there are food options like Kelly's Roast Beef, bringing your own picnic can be a budget-friendly option. Consider bringing a beach blanket with a wind-securing hack to make your setup more comfortable.
💰 Budget Travelers
Parking can be expensive and time-consuming, so opting for public transit is the most economical choice. The beach itself offers plenty of free space for relaxing, sunbathing, and shell collecting, making it a great way to enjoy a day without significant spending.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Many solo travelers appreciate the opportunity to collect shells or simply enjoy a long walk along the shore. While the area is generally safe, especially during the day and in summer, it's always wise for solo travelers to be aware of their surroundings, particularly after dark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Revere Beach: A Historic Gem
While it has faced periods of decline and a mixed reputation, recent efforts have focused on revitalization. Today, Revere Beach is often described as a pleasant and accessible beach, particularly during the summer months when it buzzes with activity. It's a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the ocean breeze and the simple pleasures of a day by the sea.
Navigating Revere Beach: Transit & Parking
Parking is available, including a garage at Wonderland, but it can become extremely congested, especially during peak season and special events like the sand sculpture contest. Driving and parking can lead to significant delays and frustration. If you do choose to drive, be prepared for potential traffic and consider parking further afield and walking or taking a short ride.
When considering public transport, it's worth noting that while the Blue Line is generally reliable, occasional track work can extend travel times. Using the MBTA Trip Planner app can help you navigate routes and estimated times.
Revere Beach: Safety and Reputation
While isolated incidents can occur, as with any urban beach, the overall sentiment from those who frequent the area is positive. It's often described as a pleasant place for a walk or a day out, with clean water and a relaxed atmosphere. The key seems to be visiting during busier times and being aware of your surroundings, much like any other public space.
During the off-season, there might be a more visible presence of individuals experiencing homelessness, which some may find adds to a 'sketchy' feel. However, these individuals are generally not a threat to visitors. The beach's reputation is slowly shifting towards its positive attributes as a historic and accessible public space.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit