So you want to spend some time at the coast, but you don’t want to brave Cape traffic or contend with the crowds at the super popular South and North Shore beach towns. A visit to this tiny town may be the perfect solution.

The town of Nahant covers a mere one square mile, but it’s packed with natural beauty and beachy atmosphere. Read on to learn why this low-key coastal town may be your next favorite summer destination.

Nahant offers island fun without the inconvenience.
Flickr/Holly Ladd
The first thing you should know about Nahant is that it’s tiny. Only 3,410 residents call this town home. This gives Nahant a small town vibe that is sometimes lost in the more populous coastal spots.
The second thing you should know is that Nahant is barely attached to the mainland.
Wikimedia Commons
In fact, its name is derived from the Native American phrase for "almost an island." It’s connected to the rest of Massachusetts by a tiny strip of land, but feels worlds away from the busy pace of life in nearby communities.
So what can you do here? The answer is pretty much anything – as long as you do it outdoors.
Flickr/Zach
Nahant is perfect for outdoorsy types, as the stunning coastline and dramatic rocky cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean provide a gorgeous backdrop for hiking, sailing or picnicking.

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Nahant Beach is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Flickr/Asten
The soft white sand, sweeping ocean views and picturesque coastline make it the perfect place to lounge in the sun, play in the surf and take some killer vacation photos.
One hidden perk of Nahant? It’s not super easy to get to.
Flickr/Nick
The closest rail service is in neighboring Lynn or Swampscott and there isn’t a direct bus line into the city. This means that many casual day tourists from the city skip this town in favor of more convenient destination, so the crowds here aren’t nearly as stifling as those nearby beach towns. Of course, if you have a car reaching Nahant will be no trouble at all.
This small coastal spot won't stay a secret for long, so get there before everyone else discovers how great it is.
Flickr/Johan Bilien

Looking for another amazing spot to fill your summer vacation days? Check out this top secret beach that offers gorgeous views and quiet seclusion.

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