Herring Cove is closest to town and provides the bare bones for a day at the beach. TA concession stand sells foods on weekends and daily starting at the end of this month. A blacktopped path overlooks the sloping beach for walkers who don't want the sand running through their toes. Lifeguards are on duty here and at Race Point from later this month through Labor Day.

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 Herring Cove Beach; Adults $2 each way, seniors $1, children under three free. Beach admission $15.