In terms of quick trips for city dwellers, Carson Beach is like Revere Beach in that it is less than a half-mile walk from the Red Line's JFK-UMass station. However, unlike Revere Beach, there are no places to eat and no ice cream stands lining the boulevard. Just one, the Seaside Cafe, sells chowder, hot dogs, hamburgers, and cold drinks at outside tables.

How to get there: Short walk from JFK-UMass on MBTA's Red Line as well as Middleborough/Lakeville and Plymouth-Kingston commuter lines. Subway, CharlieCard $1.70; CharlieTicket or cash-on-board, $2; commuter line, $1.70-7.75 one way, depending on zone.