Our beaches just may be the gateway drug for lovers of the north shore

Pack the cooler, pick a good book, fold up your beach chair and load the car: the beaches of the North Shore beckon!

The North Shore is a popular – some would say too popular – destination for beach-goers year 'round, but especially on weekends in the summer. There's little mystery why. Our pristine sand, pounding surf and salty breezes beckon visitors from around the world. 

Unlike Cape Cod with it's go-on-forever barrier beaches, the North Shore's beaches vary from tucked away coves on Cape Ann to the long stretches of sand of Plum Island. We're sharing a few of our favorites here to help you plant your beach blanket at just the right spot.  If you can get away on a weekday in July, so much the better!