Quincy Shores Reservation

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertMay 8, 2026 · Updated May 17, 2026

🏆🏆🏆 South Shore Beach — Public beach and promenade on Quincy’s scenic waterfront

Quincy Shores Reservation provides public beach access and a scenic oceanfront promenade along Quincy’s Wollaston Beach — the largest public beach in Boston Harbor. The 2-mile beach stretches along the shoreline with views of the harbor islands and the Boston skyline. Quincy is the “City of Presidents” — birthplace of both John Adams and John Quincy Adams, the 2nd and 6th Presidents of the United States.

Visitor Information

About Quincy Shores

Quincy Shores Reservation stretches along the Quincy Bay shoreline with views across Boston Harbor to the city skyline. The reservation includes Wollaston Beach — at 2.5 miles, one of the longest beaches in Boston Harbor. The beach is famous for its Asian restaurants along the boulevard — reflecting Quincy’s diverse community.

Quincy Shores Reservation provides 2 miles of ocean beach on Quincy Bay — just 10 miles from downtown Boston in the city where John Adams and John Quincy Adams were born. Quincy’s granite quarries — the first commercial granite quarry in America (1826) — supplied stone for the Bunker Hill Monument. The shore offers views of the Boston Harbor Islands and the city skyline across the bay.

Things to Do

Swimming and sunbathing at Wollaston Beach, cycling the waterfront boulevard, fishing, kite flying, and dining at the excellent Asian restaurants along the shore. Spectacular views of the Boston skyline, especially at sunset.

Beach swimming, fishing, walking the 2-mile promenade, kite flying, watching ships enter Boston Harbor, and beach recreation in the birthplace of two American presidents.

Insider Tips

Boston Harbor views: Quincy Shores offers panoramic views of Boston Harbor and the Boston skyline from the South Shore. Pro tip: Wollaston Beach — part of the reservation — is the largest beach on Boston Harbor. History: John Adams and John Quincy Adams both called Quincy home.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: Beach season. Fall: Harbor views with fall light. Spring: Migrating shorebirds. Winter: Bracing coastal walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

More parks nearby: Boston Harbor Islands NRA is a short drive away, while Abigail Adams State Park lies a short drive away.

Wildlife & Nature

Quincy Shores Reservation — Wollaston Beach — is the largest beach in Boston Harbor (2.5 miles). The beach’s sand, tidal flats, and harbor support piping plovers, horseshoe crabs, and harbor seals (winter). Migrating shorebirds gather in spring.

Nearby Attractions

Quincy — surrounding. Boston Harbor Islands NRA — visible offshore. Blue Hills Reservation — 3 miles south. Adams NHP — 2 miles north.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

View All Articles by Sarah Mitchell →