Nantasket Beach Reservation
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 America’s Oldest Public Beach — Nantasket Beach — one of the oldest public beaches in America with over a mile of pristine oceanfront
Nantasket Beach Reservation protects over a mile of pristine oceanfront in Hull — one of the oldest public beaches in America. Nantasket has been a beach resort since the 1800s, when steamships from Boston delivered thousands of day-trippers. The legendary Paragon Park amusement park (1905–1984) made Nantasket one of New England’s most famous seaside destinations. The preserved carousel from Paragon Park still operates nearby. The beach offers excellent swimming, with views of Boston Light — America’s oldest lighthouse (1716).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Hull, Plymouth County, MA |
| Entry Fee | Parking fee ($5 MA / $20 out-of-state) |
| Beach | 1+ mile pristine oceanfront |
| View | Boston Light — America’s OLDEST lighthouse (1716)! |
| History | Paragon Park (1905–1984) — carousel survives! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the carousel still running?
Yes! The restored 1928 Paragon Park carousel operates seasonally at a nearby location in Hull. It’s one of the few surviving antique amusement park carousels in New England.
About Nantasket Beach
Nantasket Beach Reservation in Hull features a 1.5-mile crescent of white sand beach on the South Shore — one of the finest swimming beaches in Massachusetts. Once home to the famous Paragon Park amusement park, the beach has been a Boston-area summer destination since the 1800s. The beach faces the open Atlantic with views of Boston Harbor and its islands.
Things to Do
Swimming at the supervised beach, surfing, beach volleyball, dining at waterfront restaurants, and visiting the Paragon Carousel — the last remnant of the historic amusement park. The beach is accessible by ferry from Boston during summer.
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Boston
from $550
from $45
from $35