3 ‘secret’ Massachusetts beaches you need to see this summer

With summer 2026 almost here, it’s time to start thinking about what beaches you want to visit.

The website Frugal Flyer is willing to give up some of best “secret beaches.” Based off a survey of over 3,000 voters, Frugal Flyer released a list in 2025 of the 95 best secret beaches in the United States.

And three of them are in Massachusetts.

“This summer, something different is happening. Instead of heading to the usual hotspots, Americans are rediscovering the quiet charm of their local, quieter, lesser-known shores,” the website said.

Here are the three Commonwealth secret beaches that were dubbed some of the best in the country.

Madaket Beach

Ranked 21st on the rankings, Madaket Beach may be one of the more eroded beaches on Nantucket; however, that doesn’t mean it’s without its merits.

The Insider’s Guide to Nantucket said the soft sand makes it perfect for a seaside picnic.

The guide also said that beach has beautiful sunsets. For these reasons, it makes sense it landed at No. 21 on the best secret beaches list.

“While there are no accessible features here this is a great place to go and watch the sun set either in your car or just outside your car,” the Nantucket government website said.

It apparently has a strong surf and is known for big waves, which is good for surfers and bodyboarders, according to the Safe Beach Day website.

Bound Brook Island Beach

Among Cape Cod’s natural gems, Bound Brook Island Beach is one of the best-kept secrets of the area. Set down a dirt road, it’s worth the adventure for breathtaking views of the bay, sweeping sand dunes and serene quiet. 

Ranking 78th on the Frugal Flyer list, the Wellfleet beach is secluded for sure, save for some private properties in the area. That type of solitude can be a very lovely thing.

If you’re trying to find it, the beach located in the northwest corner of Wellfleet, bordering Truro. The easiest place to park, according to the Cape Cod Times, is a little dirt lot at the base of the island, though there are other parking spots in the interior. As with a true secret place, it’s possible you’ll get lost on your first try.

Plum Island Beach

North Shore’s Plum Island Beach in Newburyport still ranked 95th on the list of the top secret beaches.

“Discover amazing bird watching and the natural beauty of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge,” the coastal lifestyle website Newburyport.com said. “Enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking or just chill out on the beach and make sure to visit the cool Plum Island restaurants.”

The refuge also offers beach access from parking lots 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Lots 1 and 4 as well as the maintenance area for the refuge have restrooms, and all of their restrooms are wheelchair accessible

The North Point of Plum Island has some very pretty scenic views for guests to peep, the website said. Visitors out on the water should be careful to stay close to the shore because the tides can rapidly change and swimming there can become very dangerous.

Cemile Kavountzis contributed to the reporting of this story.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.