Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Yirrell Beach sits along Winthrop's quieter eastern shore, a neighborhood strand where you park along Yirrell Street and walk directly onto sand that smells of salt and eel grass. Families arrive with coolers and folding chairs, staking out spots near the concrete seawall that holds back the road. The beach runs narrow—maybe forty feet from wall to waterline at high tide—but stretches long enough that you can always find an uncrowded patch, even on August Saturdays when the Blue Line delivers beachgoers from downtown Boston in twenty minutes. The bay bottom slopes so gradually that children wade out to their waists while still visible from shore. At low tide, sandbars emerge and hermit crabs scuttle between tidal pools. Gulls work the wrack line, and if you time your visit for early morning, you'll watch the sun climb over the Atlantic while planes descend toward Logan across the harbor, their landing gear catching the light. This is beach-going stripped to its essentials: no lifeguards, no concession stands, no volleyball nets. Bring your own shade, your own snacks, and your own sense of when the tide turns. The locals who return every summer know the rhythm—arrive mid-morning, swim before lunch, pack up when the afternoon wind picks up and sends napkins cartwheeling down the sand.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Yirrell Beach.
Photos
Yirrell Beach is generally calm and family-friendly, making it suitable for children. The beach faces Boston Harbor rather than the open ocean, so waves are typically gentle. However, always supervise children closely as there are no lifeguards on duty. Water quality can vary, so check Massachusetts Department of Public Health beach water quality reports before swimming. The shallow areas near shore are ideal for young kids to wade and play. Jellyfish occasionally appear in late summer, so scan the water before entering.
Summer months from June through August offer the warmest water temperatures and best beach weather, with highs in the 70s-80s°F. However, Yirrell Beach is accessible year-round and quieter during shoulder seasons. Early fall provides pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds. Winter visits appeal to walkers and photographers seeking solitude, though swimming isn't recommended. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends. Arrive early during summer for optimal parking and beach space, especially on weekends and holidays when locals flock to this neighborhood gem.
Yirrell Beach has limited street parking along Yirrell Street and nearby residential roads. Parking is free but competitive during summer weekends, so arrive early. From Boston, take Route 1A North into Winthrop and follow signs toward the beach areas. The beach is about 15 minutes from Logan Airport. Public transportation options include MBTA bus routes that serve Winthrop Center, followed by a short walk. Respect residential parking restrictions and avoid blocking driveways. Consider biking as Winthrop is relatively flat and bike-friendly.
Yirrell Beach has minimal on-site facilities, so plan accordingly. There are no public restrooms or concession stands directly at the beach. Winthrop Center, about a mile away, offers various dining options including casual seafood restaurants, cafes, and pizza shops. Belle Isle Seafood and other local eateries are popular choices. Bring your own food, water, and beach supplies. For lodging, Winthrop has limited hotels; most visitors stay in nearby Boston or East Boston and make Yirrell Beach a day trip destination.
Yirrell Beach remains relatively unknown compared to Winthrop's larger beaches like Winthrop Beach and Short Beach. This small, tucked-away spot offers stunning views of the Boston skyline across the harbor without the crowds. Its residential location means mostly locals know about it, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for families seeking a quieter beach experience. The beach's compact size and neighborhood feel provide an intimate alternative to busy tourist beaches, while still being just minutes from Logan Airport and downtown Boston.
