Singing Beach

Public beach · Manchester-By-The-Sea

Singing Beach

Public beach · Manchester-By-The-Sea

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119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944

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Singing Beach by null
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Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
Singing Beach by null
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Highlights

Public beach with sound-making sand, refreshing water & snack bar  

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119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944 Get directions

manchester.ma.us

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119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944 Get directions

+1 978 526 2019
manchester.ma.us
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@SBlifeguards

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Sep 8, 2025

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Dry sand that “sings,” a 1920s bathhouse, and small-town charm define this North Shore classic. Highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler and managed with 2025 walk-on tags and weekday nonresident parking per town updates.

https://www.manchester.ma.us/facilities/facility/details/Singing-Beach-11
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Katarina Milojević

Google
The beach itself is very nice. The showers could be better because not everyone wants to wash their hair there, they should have the removable part. Other than that, this was my first time on the ocean and the wildlife here was subtle but still present.

J La

Google
This is a beautiful place to spend the day. We got there by train, so parking was not an issue. The sand squeaks more than sings, but was easy to walk on. The water was refreshing and waves just right for a bit of body surfing.

Lache Birkett

Google
Probably my favourite beach in the US to date. Taking the commuter rail in the morning from North Station in Boston to the town of Manchester-By-The-Sea was easy and enjoyable. The beach is about a 15 min walk from the train station. Make sure to take $10 cash with you to access the beach (before Labor Day) so go to an ATM or cash out from the supermarket in town before walking there. Changing facilities were a little untidy and old considering the beach access fee but the beach itself was beautiful. Water temp 68F, and on a hot day like last weekend it was incredibly refreshing. Will be coming back here many more times.

Tracie Ellison

Google
The sand was so soft and it’s fairly quiet (at least the time of day I went). It was so relaxing. However, the water is extremely 🥶I put my feet in the water & my ankles were frozen 😂 Probably best to go in on a 90/near 90 degree day rather than 80s when we went. The walk from the parking lot to the beach is very short. A few things to consider: parking is free around 7pm but limited for non residents & no beach fee around that time also. Only if an attendant is still there on site will you be charged, according to the website. The bathrooms/changing areas, although purported to close at 7pm actually close earlier because we arrived minutes before 7pm & they were already closed. They do have a porta potty to use if necessary. It’s about an hour drive from surrounding Boston points south.

Ayia Elsadig

Google
Very quiet and serene. I went on Labor Day and was expecting a huge, loud crowd. But instead it was very calm and peaceful. It was beautiful.

M C

Google
Wonderful Beach Day — But Plan Ahead for Parking! Visited on July 4th with our toddler and had an amazing time! The beach had a great vibe — friendly crowd, clean water, and soft sand made it perfect for families. Our little one absolutely loved it. The only downside was the parking situation. If you're visiting from out of town, be aware: parking right by the beach is restricted to residents or club members. Street parking is also off-limits for non-residents, which isn’t clearly posted anywhere. Tip for Visitors: The best non-resident parking option is near the Dunkin’ at Harbor Point (40 Beach Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea). Alternatively, you can take the MBTA and get off at the Manchester-by-the-Sea stop — it’s just a 0.7-mile scenic walk to the beach. Wish the beach authorities had clearer signage or a website note about parking restrictions for non-residents. Still, a fantastic beach day overall — just go prepared!

Austen Groff

Google
We had a great time with our golden retriever there. Only one entrance and exit so you can just let the dog off the leash and run the beach, it's very clean and everyone there was so friendly.

Elliot Roth

Google
Wonderful beach, definitely the best in the Boston area accessible by public transit (well, by commuter rail) if you’re ok with a 20 minute walk.

James M.

Yelp
Alright, buckle up, because Singing Beach isn't just a beach--it's a *transcendent experience* that will leave you questioning reality itself. Let's start with the cleanliness. This place isn't just clean; it's *surgical-grade pristine*. I'm talking about sand so spotless you could eat off it (and honestly, you might want to, because it probably tastes better than your last takeout). The water? Oh, the water. It's not just clear--it's *crystal-clear, X-ray-vision, you-can-see-the-mermaids-playing-poker-on-the-ocean-floor* clear. I half expected to find a secret underwater city or at least a lost treasure chest, but no, it's just *that* perfect. Now, let's rewind a few years. The first time I visited Singing Beach, it was like stepping into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Trash everywhere, water so murky it looked like it was brewed by a swamp witch, and--oh yeah--*a literal body floating in the water*. I'm not kidding. I thought I'd stumbled onto the set of a crime drama. But fast forward to today, and it's like someone hit the reset button on Mother Nature herself. The transformation is nothing short of miraculous. Whoever's in charge of this place deserves a Nobel Prize in Beachology. But wait, there's more! Singing Beach isn't just about the sand and surf--it's a *vibe*. The energy here is electric, like the beach itself is alive and plotting something. Maybe it's the way the waves crash in perfect rhythm, or the way the seagulls seem to be in on some cosmic joke. Whatever it is, it's addictive. I left feeling like I'd been baptized in saltwater and sunshine, reborn as a beach deity. So, if you're looking for a beach that's equal parts paradise and enigma, Singing Beach is your spot. Just don't be surprised if you leave with a newfound appreciation for cleanliness, a slight fear of floating bodies, and an unshakable urge to come back for more. 15/10, would recommend to anyone who's ever dreamed of finding Atlantis--or at least a really clean beach.
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D P.

Yelp
Elitest pieces of shit preventing the public from swimming at their beach. Good luck parking at one of four spaces two miles away from the beach on a weekend.
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Molly B.

Yelp
Such a lovely beach in such a great town! I visited this past weekend for the first time and adored it. Parking can make things a little tricky, but you won't need to walk for more than 10-15 mins from your spot to access the beach. Beach access is $10 a head, which may seem steep but I think is pretty average for beaches nowadays. The sand was nice, the beach staff was friendly, and the water was SO clean. We even spotted a couple of seals. Will go back!
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Erica L.

Yelp
The most stunning beach!! The sand is nice, the water is pretty clear and the view is incredible. There is a parking lot- it's $30 for non-residents and they only sell 40 nonresident tickets so go early if possible. If you do not park there, you still have to pay a walk on fee but it is well worth it. There is a bathroom with showers and some changing stalls- not the nicest, but gets the job done. There is also a snack shack and even a little free library if you need a book! 10/10 the best beach in MA that isn't on one of the islands or the cape.

Shamira C.

Yelp
The beach staff are incredibly entitled and rude. They complained about doing their basic job like sweeping the sand. The price we paid was $65 dollars for the parking and the beach fees. While chilling in our spot our tent/canopy was blown over by the wind and the people who were maybe 10 feet away YELLED about us purposely hitting the 5 year old with the tent. Even though it was an accident they threaten to tell the staff. We apologized but they still claimed it was on purpose (we can control the win). OVERALL PEOPLE ARE REALLY RUDE AND ENTITLED. Used to love this beach, but I will no longer be coming to this beach ever again.
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Alice W.

Yelp
Gorgeous and sandy beach, great views! Parking is limited but the walk is also very short.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
It's a pretty beach but wow, $10 to walk on? That seems like a lot. There is no parking and they don't even allow drop offs in the loop. That's weird. But if you park down the street, you can walk and there is a secret path that you can skip the walk-on charge. Or don't, if you're not sneaky. I managed to luck out and snag a parking spot on the street when someone departed but there didn't appear to be any other parking close enough. I was lucky. You might also get lucky. [Review 18586 overall - 1168 in Massachusetts - 2108 of 2022.]
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Connor G.

Yelp
Overall, great beach! Only complaint would be the amount of dogs that were off their leashes and far from owners... slightly annoying.
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Matt S.

Yelp
Great location and nice beach The only issue is the non-resident parking. The town website states the lot next to the entrance is for everyone, but if it's a nice day the town closes it to be resident only despite it only being half full... so you have to park a half mile up the road at the park or shopping plaza.

Julie T.

Yelp
Beautiful beach and locals seem to take good care of it. I do hate the fact that you have to pay $10.00/ person to enjoy it... in addition to not being allowed to park in the lot next to the beach. ( even on a day when there's an empty parking garage) I feel bad for the kids who sit all day under the sun to just guard this empty space. Anyway- aside from all the complicated systems that humans create, this is an absolutely beautiful beach. I didn't really pay attention to the fact that the sand is supposed to "sing " as you walk on it but I'll try to next time ...
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Nicole G.

Yelp
I love this beach. It's a residential beach but anyone is welcome to come visit. I believe there might be a fee if you come during the day but I'm not quite sure. When I came it was on a holiday and that was free. Recently, when I visited, we came around 7 pm when it was closed and we were able to park nearby and walk to the beach. It's so beautiful and peaceful here and the sunset was lovely. They have some benches that you can sit on by the grass. Supposedly it's called singing beach since I think the sand makes sound when the water passes by it. I was never quite sure but I could kind of see what people meant. Nevertheless, it's a beautiful beach that I enjoyed visiting. It's also along the scenic highway that extends along the coast :) definitely come here for a peaceful or fun time too.
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Zach S.

Yelp
Can't park you're car along the ring, but they're is a parking lot next to the public restrooms(I think that is what that structures is-hadn't visited it) Beach is beautiful!
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Tracey C.

Yelp
Idk about you but the pictures of the reviews on here was what drawn me to go to this beach. $25 parking a mile away from non residents and it's a $7 entrance fee per person. Talk about a scam Let's just say it's a residential beach for a reason, and they make sure it stays that way. There's absolutely no parking for non-residents beach goers. The parking is about a mile away from the beach, heading back into the center of the town. The boys scouts charge $25 for parking at the train station. Which is absolutely ridiculous, considering we all head to the beach with many bags and things to bring with us and unload. It's impossible to do that here. My brother in law had to drop us girls off, we took what we can and left the rest for the guys to bring on their way back. Luckily a kind woman gave them a ride back to the beach, even she knew how far of a walk it was. I was really hoping for the beach to be as beautiful as the pictures I saw on the reviews here but it wasn't. I'll give it that it was a really clean beach and the sand was way finer and smoother then the beach up at Hampton. The water was somewhat clear enough to see through. And it was also really cold, but decent enough to acclimate and be able to ride the waves. Which is pretty awesome to be able to do up in Massachusetts at the beginning of June. The beach was busy but not packed compared to what I'm used to. It makes sense why only residents go there. To be honest I probably won't ever go again. It's just too much money spent for such a hassle just to have a decent beach day. I prefer to go to Good Harbor Beach or Half Moon Beach.
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Karen 2.

Yelp
to the people not from around here: it's called SINGING beach because when you frisk your feet when walking, the sand sings! the sand is grainy and makes a zipper-like noise if you walk across it and drag your feet fast enough. the prettiest sunsets are here!! also there is a back trail you should check out that runs parallel to the beach! the parking is usually a force for the summer season tho..
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Alexander P.

Yelp
Best spot to get it on perfect at night time when no ones around perfect place to get it kinky with special someone if you know what I'm talking about

Jolene N.

Yelp
Nice clean beach with a lot of dogs running around off leash. Though, not sure how anyone can say the sand sings as you walk on it.
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Kelly B.

Yelp
Wow. Ok. So $7 a person to get onto the beach and $25 a vehicle to park?? No thank you. At least the other beaches that you pay $25 for parking that includes the beach access. We went up the street to a free beach.
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David C.

Yelp
Ice cold and the people of Manchester want AND will take your money. I parked a good distance away not knowing I would have to pay a walk on fee on TOP of parking. (If you park in there, pretty much the same). So yeah, it can be expensive, but the beach is beautiful and very very cold, so you're money isn't going to waste.

Florian P.

Yelp
You won't be able to park unless you're a resident, and on top of that they'll charge you $7 each (cash only) just to walk in. Go somewhere else, where they're not as hostile to outside visitors.
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CY H.

Yelp
They're charging $$$$ for just being there. Used to be free!!! The parking is limited n expansive! With all the charges, it's better to go to Cranes Beach or Hampton beach. It doesn't worth it!
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Loxocele R.

Yelp
Singing Beach is lovely, but probably not worth the trip for non-residents unless you can go at weird/off-peak times. As of July 2016, the sign at the lot right next to the beach says "RESIDENTS ONLY" for the duration of the season (which ends 30 September). There are free 2-hour spots along Beach St, but moving your car every 2 hours is a drag when it takes 20-30 min to walk (round trip) from beach to car. The real trick is Masconomo Park half a mile away: while *most* of the spots there are resident only, there are a few that aren't. Come on a random 90-degree Tuesday, read the signs carefully, and you might be one of the lucky ones. Walk-on fee is $5 for the over-12 crowd. Once you get to Singing Beach, it's great. The sand is somewhere between "tropics" & "playground"; the dry stuff will scorch you good, but it's still soft & the wet sand feels great to walk on. The beach is clean (no trash), and--likely because of the parking situation--not crowded, at least on a weekday afternoon. The water, otoh, is COLD COLD OH GOD COLD--cold like eventually your feet will ache; cold like if the air temp weren't 90-whatever degrees, it'd be hard to go in past your knees. (The sign at the entrance said water temp today is 64, which *sounded* warm when I read it; shows what I know.) That said, the bottom is soft, the water is clear, & there's minimal sea debris. I spotted a few creatures in the water, too: little centipede-looking waterbugs, schools of tiny shrimp-shaped critters, and one orange crab the size of my hand. Awwwwww. Other notable wildlife includes the seagulls, which are ballsy as fuck & too smart for their own good. If everyone in your party goes to the water at once, the gulls will come and they will go through your stuff and when they find a bag of chips in your bag, they will *recognize it as a bag of chips* and abscond with it to go rip through the packaging. If you bring food (even unopened food), bring it in a zippered bag or latched cooler unless you're intentionally catering for your web-footed friends. (There were a few flies that appeared by mid-afternoon, but they were easily dissuaded even by herbal DEET-free bugspray.) All in all, a great place to spend a day swimming & reading *if* you're up for driving all the way to Manchester w/only slim chances of finding a parking spot.
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Lin Z.

Yelp
They limit this to resident only during covid. You need a beach pass to get in. Pretty bad decision that will limit the local economy and make this place appear very closed off. Any beach will be better than this since other beach would be open. Disappointment in the town folks that approved this decision. Long term damage for sure
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Laura B.

Yelp
One of my favorite beach to be on in Manchester-by-the-sea Massachusetts every year our family rents a home near the beach Love this beach. Have our family friends here‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

Amy P.

Yelp
The beach was beautiful. I went for the first time and was a little hesitant because many of the reviews complained about the price. We got there around 11:00 and found parking in the main lot next to the beach. It was $25 which to me is no big deal since many beaches in the area charge around that price. The $25 included the walk on fee so we didn't have to pay extra. The beach itself was clean and big. It wasn't very crowded considering it was a hot summer day, but it was the middle of the week so maybe it's more crowded on the weekends. I loved this beach and would definitely come back.

Ashley C.

Yelp
Such a beautiful escape from the city! Clean, not overly crowded and just a Cali feeling escape. Tips -Drop off and then go park at Masconomo Park. Nice, shady walk to/from the beach. -Narrow beach, so check to see the tide times before setting up.

Deborah R.

Yelp
It's really nice taking the commuter rail from Boston to Manchester by the Sea. Then it's about a half mile walk to the beach. Keep in mind if you are bringing a lot of stuff or small children. Last time I drove there the parking was outrageous, but I am not sure how much it costs now. There is a 5.00 walk on fee but I'm sure they use the money to keep the beach clean because it is pristine. Gorgeous beach! Watch out for the sea gulls there because they were very aggressive. Just don't leave bags with food or coolers unattended because the sea gulls will help themselves! But the beach is so beautiful and the water is very clean. Plus, the waves when I was there reminded me of Maine. It is a wonderful day trip and the downtown area is very nice too. Homemade ice cream shop on the corner and it is absolutely delicious.
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Julie R.

Yelp
I found Singing Beach on a list of the best beaches in New England and after visiting this weekend, I can see why it made the cut. The water was so clear and beautiful that it reminded me of a beach in Malibu; it was hard to believe I was still in Massachusetts. The sand was incredibly soft and I loved the squeaky noises it made. I was really surprised that it wasn't more crowded. Maybe it's not as busy in September? The water at Singing Beach is COLD! I enjoyed wading in the ocean though. The only downside was having to take 3 trains from Cambridge to get to the beach; I wish they had some parking for non-residents on weekends but at least the beach is close to the train station. I am so glad I found Singing Beach and can't wait to go back next summer! Update: I found out there is some parking for non-residents at Masconomo Park, which is about a half mile away from the beach. Be sure to park in the middle of the lot or in one of the yellow spaces. White spaces are for residents only so you would be ticketed and towed if you parked there as a non-resident. Update on 7/7/15: There is $5 walk-in fee so bring cash. Well worth it!
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Alexandra M.

Yelp
Beautiful. Worth the $5 for a day or $12.50 for a season pass. Yes, it's small, but walk a bit down and it won't seem any worse than any other beach in MA in the summer. If you drove and don't want to pay $25 for parking you can park at the school which is about a mile away.
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Kendall C.

Yelp
I hail from Manchester by-the-sea, so it's no surprise this beach is my favorite. Sure, it isn't the nicest beach out there, or holds the friendliest staff, but it does hold its hidden treasures. Parking IS an issue, so take the train in or get their early. As far as environment goes, this beach is VERY clean. We don't get a lot of litter and we like to keep it that way. Although we do get more litter in the summer than we do in the winter because of tourists. The beach is great for younger kids because the waves are never all too big. It's rare to get a wave that will knock you over. The beach is exactly half a mile of a narrow bar of golden-yellow sand that squeaks under your feet. To your left, are big boulders and rocks that the local kids climb on. Although the lifeguards don't like it. To your right, are softer waves and more boulders that are covered in rockweed and snails (great tide pool hunting!) you enter at the left side of the beach, so it's best if you walk over to the right for less of a crowd. When you visit in the summer, there are A LOT more people. It takes away from the beach's serenity, but it's still a great place to go. "The Laughing Gull" is the concession stand by the entrance. The food is pricy and average. If your looking for something small, it's great, but it's best to bring your own food. For non-locals, the beach passes can be pricy, but that's how we keep it in such good condition. The beach is great for little kids as long as you keep them away from the sharp rocks at either end of the beach. If you are a non-local, and you're not much of a swimmer, come to singing beach in the winter. It is so calm and serene, and all the locals bring their dogs to get fresh air. Yes, we do have life guards, but they only stay until 5pm. The best time to come to singing beach? 1.) winter (October to April) in the mornings to see the sunrise 2.) Summer after 5pm (tourists tend to leave around then and we get less foot traffic) Knowledge is power, and you have been clued in on the knowledge of the locals. Please keep our beaches clean!!!!
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Linda E.

Yelp
The most perfect little beach. If you're in Boston & want to head to the beach, this should be your first choice. It's about an hour on the rail & even less if you're driving. They do have parking & walk on fees, so plan accordingly. The water is nice and clear and plenty of sand space. It does get pretty crowded on good sunny days, but what beach doesnt. The crowds are friendly and overall a great beach!
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Morgan P.

Yelp
Beautiful beach and quiet. FYI You CANNOT access the beach unless you are a resident or have a beach pass. Thankfully we had a beach pass through our air bnb.
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Alexandra B.

Yelp
If you're a New Englander you HAVE to visit here. This is the best beach in the area. The view is wonderful. The sand squeaks when you walk on it (hence the name) tons of wildlife. We saw butterflies, crabs, sand dollars, snails galore, and other beautiful birds. The water was clean and wasn't cold. Just enough space. Parking was a minor issue but we found a free spot at Masconomo Park, and it's about a .5 mile walk up. There's a little snack bar called Laughing Gull that has stuff. For $5.m, this beach is to totally worth it.
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Dominic M.

Yelp
Such a great beach! For all, for families, single people, older people, even dogs after 10/15. Nice waves, beautiful sand, a treasure
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Karla T.

Yelp
Singing Beach is a beautiful beach in the quaint seaside village of Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts. Take the commuter train when you go. The train station is about 1/2 mile from the beach, and you will save your $25 parking fee. The sand is so fine, that the ocean creates a high pitched "singing" as the tide rolls in - true to its name. Don't forget to walk around Manchester by the Sea, have lunch, and look inside the used book store.
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
This is a great beach. The sand is truly beatiful and they keep it very clean. There are great little places to grab lunch, etc. in Machester by the sea as well. Downside: It's often crowded, and there is an enterance fee - and parking is quite a hike and a huge fee.

D M.

Yelp
Nice beach in the winter to just chill and walk. Clean and dogs cheer you up! Nice neighborhood and restaruants.
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Dogen B.

Yelp
Steep parking fee plus fee to walk on the beach? Why not charge fee for breathing or for looking at the ocean? Manchester-For-The-IDIOTS!!!
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Heather B.

Yelp
Singing Beach is such a pleasure. Yes, there is a $25 parking fee. Yes, the non-residential parking is a mile away on the weekends. Yes, there is a $5 walk-on fee per person. But you know what? Its worth it. You're paying for a nice scenic area with warm sand, great tide pools, and lower crowd density (which means more beach blanket real estate for you). The fees must deter a lot of would-be beach-goers, because on a scorching summer day we still had plenty of room to stretch out. And the other end of the beach was only dotted with a few people here and there. Plenty of space. The mile walk from town is a breeze - even in the summer heat - because most of it is shaded. Singing Beach does not allow pool toys, and as a result, I think it deters a lot of families with children. For someone like me who doesn't want to listen to screaming kids while I'm relaxing, its heaven. So, if you're looking to party all day for free, and make a lot of noise, and bring your floaties with you, Singing Beach is NOT for you. But if you're looking to get away for a relaxing day at the beach, Singing Beach is an excellent choice.
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Nina-Marie C.

Yelp
I will admit that it's a beautiful beach. However - they are ripping people off. Charging $25 to park 10 minutes away... then $7 to walk on. It's not worth it.
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Leighann F.

Yelp
A beach day swooped down upon me with little notice and my roommate and I pondered the possibilities of the 'close' beach and the 'nice' beach, both of which I'd never been (for beaching purposes) and both of which, I've learned, are kinda of mutually exclusive. This review is for the 'nice' beach, which is not so close and also not so cheap. Though we somehow evaded the obscene $25 parking fee (of which I was not privy to until scanning these reviews after the fact), we were told by the high schoolers manning the cash box at the entrance to the parking lot that we could not park in the close parking lot because it was for residents only. We stared at the empty parking lot in disbelief and found other means of vehicular storage: a lot by the train tracks a good 20-25 minute walk from the sand. Free. But far. You know what's not free? The actual beach. It costs $5 a person just to touch the sand. Despite the parking problems and costs, Singing Beach gets my approval. Not overly crowded, extremely clean and utterly gorgeous. A 360 degree scan of the layout left me wondering if we were still in MA. The walkway with cute benches overlooking the beach would make a nice perch for a lunch and the general noise level is pretty low, despite the influx of teenagers and families in the early afternoon. Pack a lunch, because the concession stand doesn't offer much, but leave room for something sweet: slushies! Totally worth spending a few more dollars for the complete beach experience.
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Laura R.

Yelp
This beach is absolutely AMAZING! Parking is $25.00 in their lot, but if you are smart, you will get there early (I arrived around 9:30am) and park at Masconomo Park, which is about a 1/2 mile walk from the beach. Parking there is free and there is no time limit. There are only about 25 spots, so arriving early is key if you want to save $20. You will have to pay a $5 walk on fee, but trust me it is worth every penny!! Keep in mind that I went on a Wednesday. I'm sure weekends get busy much earlier. Pros: This beach is picture perfect. The islands and surrounding rocks make it feel like a tropical ocean. The water was a little chilly, but I went in and went under 5 times. Nice, clear water. Bathrooms available, snack stand, italian ice. Cons: VERY HOT SAND. Basically burned the bottom of my feet leaving. On very hot days I would suggest setting your site close to an exit. OUCH! Also - hide your food...seagulls are on the PROWL. The couple next to me went in the water, and 5 minutes later they came back to an empty bag of chips.... Overall - GREAT FUCKING BEACH! Please note - I visited this beach on a Wednesday. I could foresee weekends being very packed here. Arrive early :)
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Julie A.

Yelp
Nice beach. Can get there via train, shuttle walking or permit parking. Seems to be getting more and more crowded year after year from it's popularity by city people taking the train, but it remains clean. I think it's pretty retarded/bullshit that they charge a walk on fee. Good water, super nice sand, and a good time.
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Sarah M.

Yelp
I can definitely see why people love this beach. It's clean, it's gorgeous, and it's very easy to get to if you don't have a car (just a ten-minute walk from the Manchester stop off the Rockport commuter rail line). This is how a beach should be! I didn't realize how perfectly cerulean and beautiful the water was until I went home and uploaded pictures onto my computer...wow. There are also picturesque rocky cliffs and boulders that border the beach that add to the ambiance. The bathhouse facilities are well-maintained and clean, and I couldn't help but notice that they actually smelled GOOD--really good, like weather-aged wood. There was also a very cool stand sponsored by the local library of paperbacks to borrow in case you forgot your "beach read". So clever! More beaches should do that. HOWEVER, unless you are a resident of Manchester, it will cost you a wee bit to spend your day at Singing Beach. Commuter rail from Boston is a cool $17.50 round trip, and then you'll tack on the additional $5 beach walk-on fee. If you choose to drive, parking is $25 and according to the sign at the beach, is only a non-resident option Monday-Thursday during the summer season. So, despite the cost, I would tend to utilize commuter rail. It's a beautiful ride and it really couldn't be easier to access the beach from the station. Definitely check this place out if you're on a "Beaches of MA" tour like I am this summer!
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Ryan W.

Yelp
Singing Beach is one of only a few beaches you can reach by pubilc transportation, but it is still spotless, quaint and family-oriented. Step off the Rockport line in Manchester-By-The-Sea and grab your beach supplies at the small shop nearby, then head through the parking lot and hang a left on the aptly-named Beach Street. After a half-mile walk through a pretty little neighborhood, where you'll pass Captain Dusty's Ice Cream Shop (stop in on your way back for a late afternoon treat) and a view of the marina, you'll come upon the beach shack of Singing Beach. Here you'll find free showers, a snack shack with both healthy and junk food snacks, and a give-a-book, take-a-book box run by the local library, all of which give this beach a hospitable feel (despite what the locals might say). The beach itself is striking, bookended by a cliff on one side and a hill on the other, with mansions and beach houses so numerous and distant that from here they seem to spill off the sides into the ocean. Camped in the sand you'll find mostly families with small children; this is a beach to relax, rather than see-and-be-seen. And as far as I know, the water's fine--it's far enough from the red-tide, bacteria-paranoia of the city here (I hope). If you get hot and hungry during the day, consider packing it in and heading to Rockport, only a few stops down the line. This artsy-touristy community houses a plethora of creative shops for late-afternoon browsing, and some relatively cheap seafood options if you're going for the complete Cape vibe. Who knew that you could be carless and still so care-free?
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Teri D.

Yelp
It really does make a noise but it is great to go here!!! If you drive then you will pay $25 to park unless of course you live there or know someone who does. You can take the train from Boston to here as well and just walk from the station for about 15 minutes or so through the quaint neighborhood (who are rumored to not be terribly fond of people walking to the beach) This is a you bring it in you take it out beach. If you didn't bring it with you then you will either go without or pay a big arm and leg to get it (at the beach they told us a beach towel would cost $50 - WTH! !!) oh and you pay $5 to enter the beach unless you buy a yearly pass (forgot that price) There are restrooms and changing areas there and lifeguards and one snack place - that's about it. But once on the beach it is bliss! Soft squeaky sand, plenty of room, beautiful ocean, rocks to sit or climb on and the view of all the killer houses up on the rocks above the beach. Even with a lot of people there it did not feel crowded. The water was beautiful and clear and a bit rocky but freaking cold!!! I salute the people who were actually out there swimming. It is a beautiful beach and lovely town.
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Silvia V.

Yelp
Singing Beach is my favorite North Shore beach. It is long, clean, it sings as you walk on the dry sand, it has decent amenities and it's full of hip, young, skinny people who take the train from Boston. I know most people complain about the parking situation, but it doesn't bother me. I usually park in town, make sure there are no "no parking" signs around, and walk for a mile or so to get to the beach. It's called exercise. :)
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
This place is awesome! A group of friends and I decided to meander on up to get our beach fix in this past weekend, and we were def not disappointed! What a gem! First of all, Manchester By the Sea is a cute little town, and was all decked out for the 4th. The parking situation is a little less than stellar because you have to park in town and then walk up, but it really does only take ten minutes and then you're golden. The beach is really pretty, with rocks and "cliffs" surrounding it. We got there super early, around 8AM, so we missed out on the $5 walk on fee...but that doesn't exactly break the bank. The beach itself is fairly small but got pretty crowded, but everyone was really nice and friendly. GREAT family friendly beach. There's little in the way of food and amenities, but it's fabulous all the same and it's also just a 15 minute drive to Gloucester/Rockport. This will be absolutely be my local haunt this summer!
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Paul S.

Yelp
Awesome beach but they shouldn't be charging money to use a public beach. It's public beach .
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Craig C.

Yelp
This is the one nude beach on the North Shore where everyone is singing. All the time. Showtunes mostly but some rock and heavy metal too. I once saw a family from Peabody and a guy from Newburyport do a rendition of blue moon acapella that brought tears to my eyes. They were all nude even the dog which sang baritone. Just kidding but it is a GORGEOUS beach. Go this summer. It is one of the many things that make New England great. ps. You can go nude no one will mind.