Get Ready for Beach Season! Here Are Some Local Beaches to Visit

With the temperature finally rising, it’s time to start thinking about the beach! Here are some ideas for family friendly beaches in the Boston area:

Castle Island in Boston is a great shoreline beach spot with views of planes landing at Logan, beaches, walkways, and Fort Independence.

Crane's Beach is located in Ipswich and boasts four miles of white sand and gentle surf. Bath houses, lifeguards and a concession stand are onsite making it convenient for families but parking is expensive ($25 on the weekends) Spots are available if you arrive early enough and since beach stretches for miles it’s not hard to find a spot even on the most crowded beach days!

Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the Sea is a beautiful sandy beach with restrooms and a nice concession stand. The rocky cliff makes the beach feel like it’s part of the Maine coastline. Parking can be an issue but you can find limited metered spots in the nearby downtown area if you beat the crowds. Also, the commuter rail is just a short walk away, originating from North Station.

Duxbury Beach in Duxbury offers two beaches in one as the beach is a thin peninsula with a parking lot in the middle. Outer Beach offers a great spot for sun-bathing, walking and swimming. Inner Beach has protected clam beds, kayaking, a boat launch and some ideal bird-watching opportunities.

It’s also the perfect time to make sure you have all the gear you need for long days in the sun. Whether you’re poolside or spending the day at a local beach, being organized and prepared is the best way to ensure a happy day for all ages. Summer essentials include waterproof sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Fruit, granola bars, and individual packs of crackers are easy, portable snacks, and of course, you’ll want to bring plenty of water. Don’t forget to tuck in a magazine or book, and keep your cell phone accessible but out of direct sunlight. With a little bit of planning, you’ll have everything you need to stay safe and have fun this summer.

To see the Summer 2013 line of stylish, versatile SCOUT beach bags, totes, and coolers, check out Jennifer's Scout shopping website, or e-mail Jennifer Mingolelli at jenniepstyle@gmail.com. Readers who enter summer at checkout will receive a 10% discount and 5% of sales will be donated to the Parent Talk organization.