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We love this run for its combination of boardwalk and runnable beach, with great water and Boston skyline views. There is a wide paved sidewalk/boardwalk alongside the beach for 3 miles. 1.5 miles is along Nahant Beach and 1.5 miles is from the rotary north along Lynn Beach and Kings Beach. It’s also possible to run alongside Nahant Rd., which is the 1.5 mile causeway linking to Nahant. There are great views of the sound and the Boston skyline in the distance.
For beach running, Nahant Beach and Kings Beach are wide and feature firm, packed sand that are great for running at most times. Red Rock Park is a particularly pretty spot mid-way along our route, jutting out above Kings Beach. There are wonderful, open views the whole way, and facilities in season. At the Nahant end, Tides Restaurant is a New England classic. At the northern end, Swampscott Center is lovely, with good restaurant and shopping options.
For a nice add-on, we recommend the residential neighborhood between the coastal road and the Swampscott train station. Lovely homes and windy, leafy streets in this Olmsted-designed neighborhood.
Longer Option: Continue onto the island of Nahant. See our route there.
- Up to 3 miles one-way or 6 miles out and back
- Flat - 52 feet
- Any spot between Swampscott Center and Nahant
- Parking: Along Lynn Shore Dr. Paid parking off Nahant Rd. at Nahant Beach; Commuter Rail: Swampscott
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