Overview
Nahant is a small town in the US state of Massachusetts with a population of about 3,000 (2020). It used to be a resort town, but changes in vacation preference and modes of travel left the town behind. Now the town is a charming suburb of Boston, with a very small population, a rocky shore, a small-boat "harbor" and direct-vote town meeting.
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Mar. (climate data from nearby Marblehead)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 19 mi away. Directions
The only way to drive in is to take Nahant Road from the rotary between Lynnway and Beach Road in Lynn. This is the preferred method to get to Nahant.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
The town would be an island offshore from Lynn, but for the 3 mile beach, causeway and parking lot that ties the two together. Nahant once served as pastureland for mainland farmers. They enjoyed the security of bringing their cattle to the island at low tide, and then being isolated on the island until access was restored at next low tide.
Get in
By car
The only way to drive in is to take Nahant Road from the rotary between Lynnway and Beach Road in Lynn. This is the preferred method to get to Nahant.
By bus
The MBTA operates the 439 bus route to Nahant; however, it is mainly a commuter service, with only very few morning and afternoon trips.
Nearby
Lynn
City / town · 11 listings · 3 mi away
Winthrop
City / town · 7 listings · 5 mi away
Revere
City / town · 9 listings · 5 mi away
Saugus
City / town · 8 listings · 5 mi away
Marblehead
City / town · 17 listings · 6 mi away
Salem
City / town · 91 listings · 7 mi away
Everett
City / town · 14 listings · 7 mi away
Peabody
City / town · 12 listings · 7 mi away
My experience
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