Singing Beach

Named for the sand that squeaks underfoot, this half-mile beach on Cape Ann is a half-mile walk from the Manchester stop on the Rockport commuter rail line. Lifeguards run the swim area in summer, and rafts, boogie boards, diving off the rocks and swims out to the island are all prohibited. Take the train if you can, since non-resident parking is weekday-only.

Directions

Photo: Pi.1415926535 · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 70/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 15°C, wind 25 km/h, waves 1.8 m, UV 1. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Getting in: Town beach at 121 Beach Street. Walk-on passes are required for ages 13-65 from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day when staff are on duty (9 a.m.-5 p.m.): $10 a day or $35 a season in 2026. From Boston, take the Rockport Line from North Station to Manchester and walk half a mile up Beach Street.
Parking & transport: The beach lot is resident-only except weekdays June 15-Labor Day, when limited non-resident spaces cost $35 (cash or check, not on holidays). Limited 3-hour non-resident spaces at Masconomo Park and 2-hour spaces downtown are alternatives.
Lifeguards: Lifeguards are on duty in summer and have jurisdiction over the beach and swimming area while on duty.
Water quality: Massachusetts rules require marine beaches to be sampled for enterococci within 5 days of opening and at least weekly in season; beaches are posted when results exceed state standards, and some are posted preemptively after heavy rain.
Season: Staffed Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day. Dogs allowed Oct. 15-April 15 only.
Watch for: Rocks and an offshore island: climbing or diving off rocks and swimming to the island are prohibited
Facilities: 1920s bathhouse with restrooms, showers and changing stalls · Snack stand · Accessible restroom with baby changing station