Winthrop Beach
Considered the “main” beach in town. Located on Winthrop Shore Drive, it features giant rocks for climbing and sandy stretches for relaxing. The water is clear and clean. At low tide, you can walk out to the “Five Sisters” breakers. Lifeguards are on duty through most of the summer. It features free on-street parking and is accessible by public transportation. 

Yirrell Beach
On Shirley Street runs down to Point Shirley. It is popular with families and children for its large sandy beach. The water is shallow and usually quite warm for New England. The largest summer celebration, the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce’s Family Day at the Beach, is held here. Yirrell Beach is within walking distance of the Winthrop Public Landing, stores and restaurants. Note – depending on the air traffic patterns, you’ll spend the day getting a close look at arriving or departing aircraft at Logan International Airport.

Donovan’s Beach (on Pleasant Street) and Pico Beach(hidden among the side streets near Cottage Park) are tiny spots that serve primarily to provide fantastic views of the Boston skyline (Donovan’s) and Winthrop Harbor/Point Shirley (Pico). Halford Beach, in the Winthrop Highlands, provides an inlet beach with views of RevereBeach, Lynn and Nahant.