Sandy Point

A barrier island off the coast of Mas­sachusetts, Plum Island has 9 miles of wide, sandy beaches surrounded by acres of wildlife sanctuary. These are among the nicest beaches on the North Shore, if you head to the furthest points on the island. Sandy Point, on the southern tip, is a state park that is popular for swimming, sunning and tidepooling. Parking is available at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Sandy Point or in private parking lots. Note: beaches in the refuge are generally closed April to June because of nesting piping plover, but you can go to the public beaches at the north end of the island, where there is a community of vacation homes.