Race Point Beach is wide open, stretching out from some of the highest dunes. You have to navigate the shifting sands for the long climb. Like Herring Cove, Race Point has the basics: simple bathhouse and restrooms. The Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum sits on a high point overlooking the wide Atlantic.

How to get there: Regular and high-speed ferries from Boston: Bay State Cruises leaves from World Trade Center, Northern Avenue (617-748-1428, boston-ptown.com round trip, adults $86, seniors $82, children $58, bicycle $12); Boston Harbor Cruises leaves from Long Wharf (617-227-4321, bostonharborcruises.comround trip, adults $86, seniors $82, children $58, bicycle $12); Plymouth & Brockton bus from Boston and other points (508-746-0378, p-b.com; round trip from Boston, $63 adults, $32 children). Boats and buses arrive at MacMillan Wharf. From here, take The Breeze shuttle to Race Point Beach; Adults $2 each way, seniors $1, children under three free. Beach admission $15.