The 10 Most Memorable Things To Do on the Massachusetts North Shore

By Kim Knox Beckius, About.com Guide

The Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, is named for its unusual sand, which squeaks or "sings" beneath your feet. I was a bit dubious until we tried it for ourselves. You won't produce a tune by simply strolling along the sand (and it's not very musical when wet), but if you shuffle and scuff your feet on the dry sand with a bit of authority, you will, indeed, produce a distinct squeaking sound.

Musical sand isn't the only thing that makes this a special beach. Its small parking lot, which is open to the public Monday through Thursday but reserved for Manchester-by-the-Sea residents only Friday through Sunday, makes this Boston North Shore beach rather exclusive, although Manchester Parks & Recreation Director Matt Casparius assures me: "Anybody can go to the beach."

A few hints:

• Arrive early; the parking lot is usually full by 11 a.m., even on weekdays.
• Take the commuter rail from Boston to Manchester, and the Singing Beach is just under a half-mile walk from the station.
• Head to the Singing Beach in the off-season: before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.

As of 2012, admission to the Singing Beach is $5 for residents and non-residents; children under 12 and seniors 65 and older are admitted free. Parking for non-residents Monday through Thursday is $25 per car including admission.