In Scituate, life is different. During the summer we go to the beach, live by the currents, enjoy the breeze, plan by the tides and follow the sun. Recently I was asked which one of Scituate’s beaches is my favorite. I truly cannot answer that question. The beaches in Scituate all have pros and cons and it comes down to what fits your beaching needs.
Egypt Beach: This is a beach that is great at low tide and can be a challenge and a potential fitness workout when the tide is high. At low tide this beach offers a flat sandy bottom, packed sand, tidal pools, and a spacious area to enjoy your day. Egypt Beach is a popular spot among surfers. I always want to learn how to surf whenever I see these folks in action. Maybe one day. When the tide is high this beach is very rocky and has a steep incline from the shore to where you set up your chair. This would be ok if the incline consisted of packed soft sand. However, it is a steep incline of rocks. No sand just rocks. If you are trying to get back to your beach chair after taking a dip at high tide you will feel like you are hiking the slope of a rocky mountain while barefoot. As you are trying to get up this rocky slope watch out! A bunch of rocks will start to cascade onto those delicate newly pedicured toes of yours if you don’t choose your steps wisely. If you want to plunge into the ocean this beach has a deep drop at the shoreline during high tide, which is a fun experience. If you are a parent with small children please use caution during high tide. This beach is also great for beach combing and a perfect place to be proposed to …..at least I thought it was the perfect place.
Humarock: When the tide is out the beach is perfect! The sand is packed and you can comfortably walk for miles, enjoy a game of paddleball, and not feel that cramped Nantasket/Coney Island feeling. There is also a general store, gift shop, and restaurant within waking distance. Humarock Beach is an open ocean beach so the water is always “refreshing”. This is a nice way of saying it can be bloody cold. At high tide you will be pressed against the rocks hence the name Humarock and find yourself stepping on lots of rocks, broken shells, cursing to yourself or at least saying ouch, ouch, ouch as you run back to your beach chair and elevate your feet on your beach cooler. You will then wish you opted to buy those water shoes that you made fun of your retired father for wearing last weekend.
Minot: The water tends to be warm and the views of the beach, Minot Light, and Massachusetts Bay are breath taking. Located in a charming beach community this destination offers gigantic rocks to make your beach day an adventure and is a family beach. I am a grown adult without kids but if I had kids this is the place to go. The rocks are a blast to climb and there are plenty of sea critters to catch with your net. The beach area is separated into two water areas by the large rocks. These large rocks are often used as a natural water slide at high tide because of the way the rocks are formed. I have thought about trying this Mother Nature made slide myself but feel it would not be age appropriate, which is why I have held back. If the beach is not crowded and you see some thirty something year old trying out the water slide it is probably me. Just ignore and keep walking. You will also hear the soothing tunes of the ice cream truck several times throughout your day and see all the kids running to get their ice cream. Although I consider this a family beach it has a very calming atmosphere. I find it to be one of the most peaceful beaches around with the best views. If you enjoy taking photographs this is a place you don’t want to miss. You will often see teenagers writing on the beach wall with charcoal. I was horrified the first time I witnessed this and couldn’t figure out why the lifeguards didn’t address this matter. I quickly learned that it was charcoal and wasn’t permanent and I actually now enjoy viewing this artwork while I sit and people watch.
Peggotty- This crescent shaped beach is very popular among all walks of life. Families, college kids, teens, young couples, and the old salts all come here to have some fun in the sun. The water is protected which makes it a safe place to swim or wade. The sand is coarse but the water is on the warmer side. This beach is full of energy throughout the season. It is a great place to people watch and be captured into the culture of the community. However on high traffic beach days you will find yourself packed like a sardine and being a little too close for comfort. Some people don’t mind. However, I need some space or I get grumpy If you like your space at the beach I would suggest going down to the far right of the beach or avoiding this beach on busy holiday weekends. There is also a porta potty in the parking lot, which can be a bonus. If you are looking to take a break from the beach and go for a walk I highly recommend walking a loop around second cliff. The views are spectacular and you will feel a cool ocean breeze. If you didn’t have time to pack a lunch or are anxious to get to the beach and can’t be bothered with making your own lunch Front Street Gourmet will make your day. They have a staff usually some attractive, tan, physically fit, under the age of twenty-two beauty that spends the day pacing the beach, passing out menus, and making sure your food is delivered right to your chair. The sand may be coarse but other than that what is not to love about this townie beach?
The Spit- If you are a boater you have most likely been here at some point. This boaters’ playground is located on the mouth of where the North and South Rivers meet. On a nice weekend day you will have to get here early to find a spot. Boats of all sizes anchor up on the sand and boaters spend the day feasting and enjoying the sun. On weekends it can get crowded and “energetic”. For the most part everyone is responsible but there always seems to be that one person or group that gives it a bad reputation by being irresponsible. If you do not have a boat you can kayak from the driftway boat ramp or rent a boat from Herring Marina on Scituate’s New Driftway. The Spit is a great place to boat watch, people watch, have a picnic, and have the feeling of being on an island. Remember to take out anything you bring in and be respectful of this natural paradise.
Sand Hills Beach- This is a small beach that is community oriented. Most people who go to this beach live close by in one of the detailed saltboxes or nearby cottages. There is not a lot of room as the tide creeps up but the beach is always tranquil and picturesque. Overall this beach is a gem. This is a great place to go to read a book and take it the beauty of Scituate’s coast.
The summer is short. Enjoy the beach and don’t forget your sunscreen!
