🌤 Weather at Nantasket Beach Reservation by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–68 °F | 57–83 °F | 35–74 °F | 22–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Hingham, 4 mi away, elevation 35 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 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.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Fort Revere Park (a short drive away) or Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park (a short drive away).
Wildlife & Nature
Nantasket Beach Reservation — a 1.5-mile crescent beach on Hull’s peninsula. The beach’s sand, rocky shore, and ocean support harbor seals (winter), piping plovers, and horseshoe crabs. Migrating shorebirds stop in spring and fall.
Nearby Attractions
Hull — surrounding. Paragon Carousel — adjacent (1928 — one of the few remaining antique carousels in the US). Fort Revere Park — 1 mile north. Boston Harbor Islands NRA — accessible by ferry.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Nantasket Beach Reservation
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash of no more than 10 feet in on-leash areas; dogs must be on-leash in all parking areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed on DCR coastal beaches or in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15; shorebird-nesting beaches are closed to dogs April 1 - September 15.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed in cabins, yurts and the encompassing areas (no pet-friendly cabin program).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash areas at ~20 properties (e.g. Bark Place at Breakheart Reservation); max 4 dogs per person; dogs banned entirely at Walden Pond, Moore State Park, Sandy Point and Boston Harbor Islands.
Are dogs allowed at Nantasket Beach Reservation?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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