Discovering 10 Best Beach Photography Spots in Massachusetts

Massachusetts boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the United States, making it a haven for photography enthusiasts. Whether you're chasing the soft hues of sunrise, capturing reflections at low tide, or composing moody seascapes in fog, the Bay State's coastline delivers.

From the golden sands spanning across Cape Cod, to the North Shore, and the South Shore of Massachusetts, here’s your go-to guide for the the top 10 best beach photography spots in Massachusetts.

Exploring Cape Cod's Pristine Beaches

Cape Cod is the quintessential New England destination, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, charming villages, and historic lighthouses. 

Cape Cod’s beaches are iconic
— known for their stunning natural beauty, classic New England charm, and a wide variety of coastal landscapes. From wild oceanfront surf spots to calm bayside shores, Cape Cod offers something for every beach lover and photographer.

Here’s a deep dive into some of the most famous Cape Cod beaches

1. Race Point Beach – Provincetown

Highlights:

• Located at the northern tip of Cape Cod National Seashore.
• Famous for expansive dunes, wild ocean waves, and often dramatic weather.
• Great spot for whale watching from the shore and seal sightings.

Why photographers love it:

• Sweeping dunes and wild grasses provide excellent foregrounds.
• Vast ocean views perfect for minimalist compositions.
• Sunrises and sunsets are unforgettable here, especially with clouds.
  
  

2. Nauset Beach – Orleans

Highlights:

• Popular for surfers due to consistent Atlantic swells.
• Long sandy shoreline stretching several miles.
• Famous lighthouse nearby (Nauset Light) adds charm.

Why photographers love it:

• Action shots of surfers with crashing waves.
• Dramatic light on the dunes and lighthouse.
• Great for capturing the rugged Cape Cod coastline.

3. Craigville Beach – Barnstable

Highlights:

• One of the Cape’s largest public beaches.
• Wide sandy shore with gentle waves.
• Family-friendly with nearby amenities.

Why photographers love it:

• Sunrise shots with soft light reflecting off gentle waves.
• People enjoying beach activities add life to photos.
• Sand textures and tidal pools at low tide.

4. Mayflower Beach – Dennis

Highlights:

• Known for its stunning tidal flats and sandbars.
• Calm, warm water perfect for wading.
• Iconic rock jetty and colorful beach huts.

Why photographers love it:

• Low tide reveals huge expanses of wet sand perfect for reflections.
• Soft pastel colors at sunrise and sunset.
• Great compositions with people, kayaks, and paddleboards.

In these beaches you will find expansive sandy shores and serene dunes. Here, the morning light can create ethereal images with soft hues and delicate shadows.

Hidden Gems Along the North Shore

The North Shore of Massachusetts is home to some lesser-known beaches that are perfect for photographers looking to discover hidden gems.

Massachusetts’ North Shore is a treasure trove of beach variety—offering everything from rocky tide pools to soft sand, historical charm, and postcard-worthy vistas. It stretches roughly from Revere (just north of Boston) up to Salisbury on the New Hampshire border.

Here’s a breakdown of the most iconic North Shore beaches:

5. Crane Beach – Ipswich

Highlights:

• Pristine dunes, salt marshes, and miles of soft sand.
• Great for birdwatching and long walks.
• Managed by The Trustees of Reservations (small entrance fee).

Why photographers love it:

• Low tide exposes tidal pools and intricate sand textures.
• Ideal for golden hour shots with expansive dunes and skies.
  
  

6. Wingaersheek Beach – Gloucester

Highlights:

• Clear, shallow water—great for families.
• Large boulders and rock formations perfect for framing photos.
• Tide pools galore!

Why photographers love it:

• Reflective pools, rock patterns, and moody skies.
• Great foreground subjects for wide-angle compositions.

7. Good Harbor Beach – Gloucester

Highlights:

• White sand and accessible views of Salt Island.
• Walkable to the island during low tide.
• Very popular in summer—arrive early!

Why photographers love it:

• Sunset reflections on wet sand.
• Dynamic cloudscapes and silhouettes.
  
  

8. Singing Beach – Manchester-by-the-Sea

Highlights:

• Named for the “singing” sound the sand makes when walked on.
• Gorgeous rocky headlands and clear water.
• Just a short walk from the commuter rail.

Why photographers love it:

• Great mix of textures: rocks, sand, and sea.
• Early morning light or overcast days create serene vibes.
  
  

9. Plum Island / Newburyport Area

Highlights:

• Stretch of barrier beach with dunes and wildlife refuge.
• Part of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
• Quieter areas perfect for nature lovers.

Why photographers love it:

• Secluded feel, endless dunes, and shorebirds.
• Ideal for minimalist or wildlife photography.

A Quick escape from Boston: The South Shore Beaches

The South Shore of Massachusetts, stretching between Boston and Cape Cod, offers a beautiful mix of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and historic charm. These beaches are generally less crowded than Cape Cod and more accessible from Boston—making them great for quick escapes, family outings, and peaceful photography.

10. Duxbury Beach – Duxbury

Highlights:

• Six miles of sand dunes, long boardwalks, and the iconic Powder Point Bridge.
• One of the most picturesque beaches on the South Shore.
• Part of the beach allows off-road vehicle access (permit required).

Why photographers love it:

• Wooden bridge provides excellent leading lines.
• Sunset shots over the bay are dreamy.
• Peaceful marshes and tidal flats add compositional depth.

Best Times for Beach Photography in Massachusetts

Timing is crucial for capturing the best beach photos in Massachusetts. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to photograph, as the light during these hours is soft and golden, casting beautiful shadows and enhancing the colors of the landscape.

Summer offers the warmest weather and the busiest beaches, providing opportunities to capture lively scenes of beachgoers and activities. However, the off-season months of spring and fall can also be incredibly rewarding. These times offer fewer crowds, allowing for more serene and unobstructed shots. Additionally, the changing foliage in the fall adds a unique and vibrant element to your beach photography.