Even though Boston is a waterfront city, its location on a harbor means that you need to go beyond the downtown area to find Boston beaches for swimming. No problem - you'll find a number of terrific sandy beaches within a short subway ride away. Three of the best are Carson Beach in South Boston, Savin Hill Beach in Dorchester, and Revere Beach just north of the city in Revere.

Carson Beach is one of 4 adjacent beaches that look out onto beautiful Dorchester Bay. It's part of an uninterrupted swath of shoreline that extends down from Castle Island at the tip of a lagoon that's been a favorite site for Sunday strolls since the 19th century. Carson Beach has recently been upgraded with new sand, plenty of benches, good lighting, shade shelters, and a very nice bathhouse with changing rooms and restrooms. You'll also find chess tables, bocce courts, a fishing pier, and water fountains nearby. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months.

Savin Hill Beach is next to Malibu Beach in Dorchester, and you'll have a hard time knowing where one ends and the other begins. Both of them have great swimming areas and playgrounds for children, and both have had significant upgrades in recent years, including new sand. Malibu beach also has a bathhouse with changing and restroom facilities. You'll find picnic tables, a tot lot, and nice lighting. The local gas company's gigantic gas tank, painted with rainbow strips, is also close at hand, reminding you that you're at a city beach.

Revere Beach, 5 miles north of Boston, enjoys sweeping views of Massachusetts Bay. Formed in 1896 after authorization by the Massachusetts legislature, the 3-mile long crescent soon became filled with carousels, roller coasters, amusement parks, and numerous nearby cottages, hotels, and eateries. Families flocked to the area for entertainment, amusement, and perhaps even a dip in the water. All of those things are gone now and the beach is back to being an uninterrupted swath of sand. On hot summer weekends, as many as 100,000 sun-lovers still pack the beach and swim in the relatively warm (considering that this is New England) water. On weekday mornings, though, you can still enjoy having this glorious beach almost to yourself.

3 Bonus Tips for Enjoying Boston Beaches:
1) If you love the excitement of big crowds, come on summer weekend afternoons and holidays such as July 4. For a more secluded experience, come during the week or early in the morning on weekends.
2) Water quality is generally good to excellent, but be sure to check the flags at each beach. Avoid coming right after a heavy rain.
3) Remember to bring sunscreen!

Susan writes about Boston beaches and other attractions, restaurants, hotels, and fun things to do in http://www.Boston-Discovery-Guide.com, where she provides more information about other Boston beaches plus lots of other great places to go and things to do in Boston.