Nantasket Beach Reservation is a 26-acre ocean playground. From the late 1800s, Hull (known by the Wampanoags as Nantasket, meaning “at the straight” or “low-tide place”), was the place to see and be seen. It had the largest summer hotel in the nation, and in its golden age, luminaries such as President Grover Cleveland and President Calvin Coolidge visited. At one point, there was an amusement park—the historic Paragon Carousel is a landmark to that era and still brings thrills to small kids.

Today, besides swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles, you can enjoy concerts and public dance lessons in summer. The 1.5-mile promenade trail along the shore is great for people-watching and enjoying the views.

Remember: Lifeguards are on duty from late June to early September. At other times, swimming is at your own risk.

Visit the Hull Lifesaving Museum, where you can learn about the region’s lifesaving tradition and maritime history.

A number of options for dining are along the beach.