It's hot! With close to 200 miles of coastline, Massachusetts boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the USA. The wide variety of beach landscapes makes the Bay State unique. Granite boulders on the North Shore are in stark contrast to the miles of wide, sandy dunes along Cape Cod. Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket add award-winning beaches that regularly appear on "Best of" lists.

Tidal pools, seafood shacks, historic lighthouses, and impressive surf add further interest. Of course, choosing the best beach is a very personal choice, and no two people would agree, but you can save yourself some time figuring out where to go with our list of the best beaches in Massachusetts.

1. Crane Beach, Ipswich
2. Race Point Beach, Provincetown
3. Chatham Lighthouse Beach
4. Singing Beach, Manchester by the Sea
5. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
6. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
7. Head of the Meadow, Truro
8. Old Silver Beach, Falmouth
9. Madaket Beach, Nantucket
10. Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor
11. Cisco Beach, Nantucket
12. Rock Harbor Beach, Orleans
13. Plum Island, Newburyport
14. Marconi Beach, Wellfleet
15. Lighthouse Beach, Edgartown
16. Horseneck Beach Reservation, Westport

Click here to find out more about these beaches?

Source: planeware.com

Summer can bring hot temperatures, and working or playing in the heat can be dangerous. As you head out this summer, remember to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related injuries when you're far from climate-controlled environments. The good news is that you can prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.

Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

Protect against sunburn.

Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain an average body temperature.

Take extra precautions with certain medications.

Ask your health care team your medications can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

Never leave anyone in a parked car.

This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F in 10 minutes. It's unsafe to leave a person or pet in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. Keep your car locked to prevent a child from getting inside when it is parked.

Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day.

If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Get acclimated.

It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather. Limit time spent working or exercising in the heat until you're conditioned to it. People not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Be cautious if you're at increased risk.

If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure medical services are available in case of a heat emergency.

Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Left untreated, it can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Source: mayoclinichealthsystem.org

In 2023, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States—a 25% increase in vehicle theft totals over the previous few years. Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar crime, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion each year. Summers prove to be the worst season for vehicle theft. So, to help drivers keep their vehicles safe, NHTSA is continuing its annual Vehicle Theft Prevention Campaign during July — National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

Ozone layer depletion decreases our atmosphere's natural protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This Web page provides an overview of the major health problems linked to overexposure to UV radiation. Understanding these risks and taking sensible precautions will help you enjoy the sun while reducing your chances of sun-related health problems.

Sun Safety Tips

Do NOT Burn

Sunburns significantly increase one's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.

Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds

UV radiation from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling.

Generously Apply Sunscreen

Generously apply about one ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.

Seek Shade

Seek shade when possible, and remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand

Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Check the UV Index

The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA.

Get Vitamin D Safely

Get Vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Don't seek the sun.

Source: EPA.gov

It’s hard to believe that the Fourth of July is only a short week away. Independence Day is one of my favorite days of the year. All year long, I look forward to the parades, the picnics, and of course the fireworks. Due to safety concerns, it is illegal to set off fireworks in the Bay State. However, there are many amazing displays taking place throughout Massachusetts in July 2024. If you have been wondering, “Where is the best place to watch fireworks near me,” don’t sweat. Only In Your State has you covered with our list of the best July Fourth fireworks displays in Massachusetts.

1. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Massachusetts’ biggest Independence Day Celebration takes place at Boston’s Charles River Esplanade. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a must-see event if you live near the city. This year’s celebration features music by The Mavericks & Kelli O’Hara, Darlene Love, and the spectacular Boston Pops. The Fireworks explode over the Charles on July 4 starting at 8 p.m., but if you want to snag a seat, you will want to come much earlier in the day.

2. Plymouth 4th of July

Is there a more patriotic place to celebrate the Fourth than Plymouth? The city hosts an all-day Plymouth 4th of July celebration on the Fourth with a 5K road race, a colorful holiday parade, food trucks, and a concert by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. The jaw-dropping fireworks display takes place at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park and begins around 9:15 p.m.

3. Star Spangled Springfield

Star Spangled Springfield has been going strong since 1991. This family-friendly celebration takes place in 2024 on the Fourth from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Come to Riverfront Park for an evening of music, entertainers, food, and fun. The fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. and are free to view.

4. Salem’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

The patriotic fun in Salem takes place at Salem’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Children’s activities kick off the celebration at 4 p.m. and are followed by some fantastic live music, opening ceremonies, a concert by the 40-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra, and a fireworks extravaganza starting at 9:15 p.m. There is no fee to view the fireworks and concert.

5. Fall River Fireworks Display

For a unique fireworks experience, be sure to attend the Fall River Fireworks Display celebration at Battleship Cove in Fall River. During this special event, you will be able to view the colorful sky from the deck of the battleship USS Massachusetts. The fun takes place on the night of the Fourth. The gates will be open from 7:30-8:45 p.m. The admission price is $15 per person (children under two are free). Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

6. Amherst Independence Day Fireworks And Celebration 2024

The town of Amherst will be celebrating America’s birthday early this year. Amherst Independence Day Fireworks And Celebration 2024 will take place on July 2 at UMass Amherst’s McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with lawn games, live entertainment, and food trucks. Fireworks begin at dusk. This event is free (including parking) for all.

7. Six Flags New England July 4th Firework Celebration

Enjoy three nights of fireworks this year at Six Flags New England. The Six Flags New England July 4th Firework Celebration displays will take place at 9:30 p.m. July 4-6, 2024. Spend the day riding the coasters and other amusements and then sit back and relax and view the show. Admission to the display is included in your regular Six Flags ticket. However, you can rent Premium Fireworks Seating for an additional fee.

8. Falmouth Fireworks

The Falmouth Fireworks celebration is considered one of the most spectacular displays in all of the nation! This magnificent volunteer-run event takes place on the Fourth at 8:30 p.m. at Falmouth Heights Beach. Attending this classic oceanfront event is always a great way to kick off a summer on the Cape.

Be sure to check individual event pages for the most up-to-date information as the weather may impact dates and times. And don’t forget to pack a comfy blanket to lie on while you gaze up at the magnificent light show in the sky.

Source: onlyinyourstate.com