Discover the beauty of the East Coast with the best places to paddle board in Massachusetts.
Imagine gliding through Cape Cod’s scenic waterways or exploring historic harbors near Boston.
The Bay State offers picturesque paddleboarding destinations suitable for all levels.
Come along as we uncover Massachusetts’ hidden gems. Your paddleboarding adventure awaits!
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Massachusetts
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Cape Cod
- ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: West Dennis Beach (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Varies by location, calm bays to ocean swells
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, various seabirds
- ????️ Landmarks & Views: Lighthouses, beaches, quaint towns
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, adhere to local regulations
Cape Cod is a beloved paddleboarding destination in Massachusetts, offering a variety of locations to suit different skill levels.
From the peaceful bays to the mesmerizing Nauset Marsh, the Cape promises stunning views and unique wildlife encounters.
#2 Charles River
- ️Location Type: River
- ???? Access Point: Community Boating, Inc., Boston (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, swans
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Historic Boston landmarks, skyline views
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect no-wake zones
Paddleboarding on the Charles River offers a breathtaking urban experience.
Glide through the heart of Boston and Cambridge, taking in the stunning skyline views and historic landmarks like the Longfellow Bridge.
#3 Martha’s Vineyard
- ????️ ️Location Type: Island
- ???? Access Point: Bend in the Road Beach, Edgartown (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean swells, sheltered bays
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, various seabirds
- ????️ Landmarks & Views: Island coastline, historic towns, lighthouses
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, respect local regulations
Martha’s Vineyard‘s picturesque coastline offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience.
Enjoy exploring sheltered harbors, pristine beaches, and stunning lighthouses on this idyllic island retreat.
#4 Nantucket
- ????️ Location Type: Island
- ???? Access Point: Jetties Beach, Nantucket (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean swells, sheltered bays
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, various seabirds
- ️Landmarks & Views: Island coastline, historic towns, lighthouses
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, respect local regulations
Nantucket’s pristine waters and charming coastal towns make it a paddleboarder’s paradise.
Meander along the island’s peaceful harbors and stunning beaches while taking in historic landmarks and unique wildlife encounters.
#5 Boston Harbor
- ????️ Location Type: Bay
- ???? Access Point: Tenean Beach, Dorchester (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, mild ocean swell
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, various seabirds
- Landmarks & Views: Historic landmarks, skyline views
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to local regulations
Paddleboarding in Boston Harbor offers a unique urban adventure. Navigate the harbor, taking in historic landmarks, beautiful views, and an abundance of marine life.
Discover hidden coves and islands while staying close to the bustling city.
#6 Buzzards Bay
- ????️ Location Type: Bay
- ???? Access Point: Old Silver Beach, Falmouth (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean swells, sheltered inlets
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Various seabirds, occasional marine life
- ️Landmarks & Views: Picturesque coastlines, bays, beaches
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be aware of changing tides
Buzzards Bay, located on the south coast of Massachusetts, offers a diverse range of paddleboarding locations.
Its sheltered inlets and bays provide stunning coastal views and opportunities for paddlers to explore at their leisure, while observing an array of marine life.
#7 Plum Island
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Sandy Point State Reservation (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean swells, sheltered inlets
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, shorebirds, terns
- ????️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Coastal landscapes, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect wildlife and protected areas
Plum Island, a barrier island in Massachusetts, offers a blissful paddleboarding experience. Glide alongside seals and shorebirds while taking in the scenic beauty of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
Be sure to tread lightly and respect the delicate ecosystem as you explore.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Massachusetts?
Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Charles River, and Mystic Lake are excellent places to paddle board in Massachusetts.
Do paddle boards need to get registered in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, paddle boards do not require registration.
When is the best time to paddle board in Massachusetts?
Late spring through early fall offers the optimum conditions for paddle boarding in Massachusetts.
