Finding a place to let your dog go swimming in Boston during the summer months can be a bit of a challenge. However, if you have been keeping up to date with Fido loves, you would know that I have been on the hunt for places around Boston to take your dog to cool off on these hot summer days. Well, today let me introduce one of the closest places to a “Dog Beach” near Boston, Squantum Point Park in North Quincy.

This seemingly forgotten park, hidden from the mainstream by a nightmarish network of roads, has stunning views of the city, sand beaches and is well isolated. For dogs, the beach is perfect. Though there are a few issues you should know about, if you have good control of a well behaved dog, you will be pleased to have read this article and ready to enjoy a fun afternoon at the beach with your dog.

Squantum Point Park, managed by the DCR, is located on the northernmost tip of Quincy. It sits right next to Marina Bay. If you do not know the roads, use a GPS or print out this map. Once you arrive in the huge parking lot that is always empty, park your car at the very back corner and follow one of the trails to the northern most point of the park. Make sure you bring water for your dog to drink as there are no facilities along the trail. You will find garbage cans but no poop bags in both the parking lot and the beach area.

A Word of Caution For Dog Owners

Ticks!  A number of people warned me about the amount of ticks in the area, so keep your dogs out of the tall grass on the way to the beach. Coyotes have also been reported here. I am unaware of any attacks, but with the recent media attention it is worth mentioning. If you have a small dog consider carrying it to the beach.

At low tide, the beach is huge and covered with shells. Our dog’s feet had a few small nicks from his sprinting across the broken shells. Another person mentioned they had a tough time removing the mud found at low tide from the long hair of their dog. You will find most of the regulars head to the beach at  Mid to high tide. Consider planning your trip around the tide. Squantum Point Park is nothing close to the white sand beaches of Nantucket. But for a city dog looking for a place to go swimming this is a very popular spot.

Our Dog On The Beach

I have taken our dog to this beach a few times now. He absolutely loves playing on the beach with the other dogs. Anyone who says dogs lack feelings clearly have not watched dogs playing on a beach. I love it and I know my dog loves chasing sticks into the ocean.

The regular crowd of dog owners take great care of this section of the park. I have also met some very cool people who are very involved with the care of their dogs. If it were not for the regular crowd, I find it hard to believe this beach would be as great a place to go with your dog near Boston.