With 15 saltwater ocean beaches to more than 50 inland fresh-water beaches, residents and visitors alike flock to the beautiful beaches in Massachusetts. The Bay State brings a pretty strong beach game from the Cape to the North Shore and all of our beautiful islands, we have no shortage of stunning ocean views and beautiful seasides. Check out this mix of classic favorites and lesser-known gems for a great summer beach hit list, and soak up the sunshine all season long. Here are just 10 of the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts.

1. Revere Beach, Revere

If you wanna build a sandcastle, this is the place. The annual Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival brings together local sculptors and artists of all levels from everywhere, providing the public with a chance to marvel at incredible works of art and whimsy. This is also the nation's first public beach; it was established in 1896 and has been a local and state-wide attraction ever since. Visit the official website of Revere Beach.

2. Mayflower Beach, Dennis

Welcome to one of the hugest beaches in MA. You'll have almost limitless space to fly kites, play some beach sports, or just stroll about.

The sand is clean and white (almost powdery) with barely any rocks, seashells, or seaweed to get in your way.

The water is quite warm in the summer and the snack bars serve a variety of food and beverages in case all that sun gets to your stomach. The one drawback might be the parking situation: Prices can get steep during peak times. So bring friends and split the cost! Read more about Mayflower Beach on the Town of Dennis website.

3. Crane Beach, Ipswich

Out of all of the Massachusetts beaches, this beach strikes the perfect balance between recreation and conservation.

Crane Beach is among the world's most important nesting sites for piping plovers, an extremely endangered bird that was almost hunted to extinction in the 19th century.

Besides an ecological conscience, this place offers gorgeous sands, beautiful vistas, and plenty of trails and boardwalks through a landscape of sand dunes and salt marshes. Learn more on Crane Beach's web page.

4. Aquinnah Public Beach, Martha's Vineyard

This is probably the most dramatic seaside setting in Massachusetts. The sedimentary deposit of clay that form the cliffs are layered in bright streaks of yellow, red, green, and white. The colors become doubly striking as the sun sets; you won't be able to decide between looking out over the water or gazing at the brilliant rainbow behind you. One of the best beaches near me is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, so be prepared for a quick jaunt there and back. Discover more on the Town of Aquinnah website.

5. Mayo Beach, Wellfleet

This spot is perfect for grabbing a seafood platter and watching the waves roll in. Check out Mac's on the Pier for a local favorite that makes for an authentic Cape feast in an incredible setting. Discover more on the Birding Hot Spots’ website.

6. Houghton’s Pond, Blue Hills Reservation in Milton

This place is beautiful in all seasons!

Just 12 miles from Boston, this family-friendly kettle pond boasts sandy shores, lifeguards, and LOTS of free parking.

A roped-off shallow swimming area is perfect for younger kids and less-confident swimmers of all ages. There are changing rooms too, so no need to stay in your soggy bathing suit after the fun is through. Read more on the Blue Hills Reservation web page.

7. Madaket Beach, Nantucket

Catch the best sunset in New England at this stunning spot. A beach with tremendous natural beauty, Madaket is perfect for a romantic picnic, complete with wine and cheese. For more information, visit Madaket Beach's web page.

8. Spectacle Island Beach, Boston Harbor Islands

You don't need to brave Cape traffic to get your beach fix this summer. This gorgeous island is just 20 minutes from downtown Boston!

Set sail for Spectacle Island and have a beach day close to home (if home is the Boston area, of course).

Take in panoramic views of the harbor and the city from the tallest hill on the Boston Harbor Islands. The marina makes it a popular destination for boaters and there is a nearby visitors center where you can learn about the local ecology and the best places to hike, fish, and catch some rays. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and the beach officially opens in May. Find out more on Spectacle Island's web page.

9. Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Chatham

This is one of the top-rated beaches in Massachusetts, and with good reason.

Besides spectacular views of the ocean, this beach has some of the most picturesque sandbars you'll find anywhere.

Go at the right time and you may catch sight of hundreds of seals swimming towards Chatham Harbor or sunning themselves on the sand. Once you've had your fill of the sun and surf, you can head up the beach and check out Chatham Lighthouse. Discover more on Chatham Beach's web page.

10. Menemsha Beach, Martha's Vineyard

If you're looking for a quieter alternative to the busier beaches on Martha's Vineyard, the town beach of Menemsha is a real gem.

Take in the fantastic island sunset without jostling for a blanket on one of the prettiest beaches in MA.

And be sure to check out the local Menemsha Fish Market. Learn more about the beaches on Martha's Vineyard's website.

We're so lucky to have such beautiful beaches in Massachusetts right in our backyards! Which do you think are the best beaches in MA? Let us know in the comments below! If you're looking for a quieter spot, head to this little-known beach in Massachusetts this summer.