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 paralleling Nahant Rd. and Lynn Shore Drive for nearly 3 miles. Alongside that, 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 Nahant. See our route there.