The Beach & Swimming

Salisbury Beach State Reservation has 3.8 miles of Atlantic coastline in Salisbury, Massachusetts, running south from the town's beach center to the mouth of the Merrimack River. DCR runs the beach and opens it from sunrise to sunset. The state swimming season starts on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and ends on Labor Day, and the Salisbury Beach Partnership says lifeguards cover the beach center daily from mid-June to Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where to Swim

The reservation's own entrance is on State Reservation Road at the south end, near the river mouth, where DCR's day-use lot, boardwalks and comfort stations sit. The busiest stretch of sand is a few minutes north at the Salisbury Beach Center, at the top of Broadway, which the Partnership names as the lifeguarded area. The sand is one continuous beach, so you can walk between the two.

Lifeguards and the Swimming Season

DCR opened its designated swimming areas on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend in 2026 (May 23 to 25) and runs the swimming season through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Salisbury Beach is on DCR's list of North-region beaches it staffs with lifeguards. DCR does not post hours for this beach; the Salisbury Beach Partnership, the nonprofit that runs events at the beach center, gives them as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from mid-June to Labor Day. Outside those hours, and outside the season, no one is watching the water.

Swimming Safety

This is open Atlantic surf. The Partnership warns swimmers to watch for rip currents and rough undertow and to stay near the water's edge. Swim near a lifeguard, keep children within reach, and stay well away from the stone jetty at the south end, where the river's current meets the ocean.

Beach Facilities

DCR lists restrooms, showers, a boardwalk, a picnic area, a playground and scenic viewing areas at the reservation. At the beach center, the Town of Salisbury runs a Welcome Center with family and accessible restrooms and rinse stations, open daily 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Accessibility

DCR lists a beach mat, beach wheelchairs, accessible restrooms, accessible camping and an accessible nature center at Salisbury Beach. Call the park at (978) 462-4481 to check that a beach wheelchair is free before you travel.

Beach Rules

• No dogs on the beach from April 1 to September 15, except service animals. When dogs are allowed, they must be leashed. See dog rules.
• No alcohol anywhere in the reservation.
• No littering. DCR cleans the beach daily, the Partnership says; carry out what you bring.
• Open sunrise to sunset. Overnight stays are for registered campers only.

Parking for the Beach

DCR charges a daily parking fee from May 23 through October 12: $14 for Massachusetts plates and $40 for out-of-state plates. The town's lots at the beach center charge by the hour. See parking and directions.