Sleepy Beach Town end of July

Question

I will be traveling with my brother and my 6 year old niece to Boston at the end of July. I was hoping to go to Cape Cod for the day but everyone seems to say that wont work because the traffic coming back on a Sunday is not worth the hassel. Is it the same issue coming back to Boston from Kennebunkport as well?

I'm looking for suggestion on beaches near or north of boston that would be good for a 6 year old. She likes to play in the sand, go in the edge of the water and find seashells. I willing to drive up to 2 hours away.

I'm looking for what I call a sleepy small town to stop in. We live in suburbia and I would love to find a few small towns with a main street that might have a few shops to check out. Possibly a toy store, candy store, a spot to stop for lunch.

Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like you're looking for a relaxing beach experience with a little bit of small-town charm, which sounds wonderful! While Cape Cod can be a bit challenging with traffic, especially on a Sunday, Kennebunkport and the surrounding area can be a more laid-back option, and the drive from there to Boston isn’t as bad as from Cape Cod.

As for Kennebunkport itself, it’s a charming and quieter town, and it may not be as crowded as some other tourist hotspots in the area. However, you might still encounter some traffic during peak summer weekends, particularly on the way back to Boston, as people head home after a relaxing weekend. If you're planning to leave early in the day or after lunchtime, it could help avoid the worst of the traffic.

Regarding beaches north of Boston that are great for a 6-year-old, here are a few options that could fit the bill:

Crane Beach in Ipswich – This is a beautiful, wide, sandy beach perfect for kids who like to play in the sand and explore. It’s about 45 minutes to 1 hour north of Boston, and it offers great tide pools where your niece can look for seashells. It’s a relatively relaxed area with a small admission fee for parking.
Revere Beach – If you're looking for a closer option to Boston, Revere Beach, just a 15-minute drive from downtown, offers a long stretch of sand and shallow waters. While it’s a bit more urban, it’s still a great spot for a 6-year-old to play and gather seashells. Nearby, there are several cafes and shops if you want to take a break.
Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester – About 45 minutes north of Boston, Wingaersheek Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches. The water is calm, and the sand is clean and soft. This beach is less commercialized, offering a great vibe for families looking to relax.

For small towns with a nice Main Street vibe, there are a few lovely options that will be perfect for a day trip:

Rockport – Located in Cape Ann, about 45 minutes north of Boston, Rockport is a small, charming seaside village with a lovely Main Street filled with shops, art galleries, and cafes. You’ll find a toy store and local shops, and it’s a great place to wander around after spending time at the beach.
Newburyport – This historic town is about an hour north of Boston and offers a picturesque downtown area with boutique shops, art galleries, and excellent spots for lunch. It's a great place to stroll and explore, with a waterfront area as well for a peaceful retreat.
Manchester-by-the-Sea – Just under an hour north of Boston, this small town is known for its beautiful beaches and quaint downtown. The town has a lovely Main Street, with unique shops, a toy store, and small cafes. The beach at Singing Beach is perfect for a relaxed day of sandcastle building and shell hunting.

These towns and beaches should provide the peaceful, small-town charm you're looking for, while also offering great spots for your niece to explore the sand and seashells. Enjoy your trip, and I hope you find the perfect spot for a relaxing and fun day!

Sleepy Beach Town end of July

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