Massachusetts Beach Bummer: 46 Spots Closed for Swimming

Massachusetts beach blues: a whopping 46 beaches are closed for swimming this Thursday. Why? Blame those pesky high bacteria levels, says the state's Department of Public Health (DPH).

Summer kicked off with the Department of Conservation and Recreation opening 81 fabulous freshwater and saltwater beaches. Initially, only about 20 beaches faced closures at any time. But as of today, the closures soared, peaking now at 46.

Testing the waters isn't a one-size-fits-all affair. Each beach has its own schedule, from daily to monthly checks, based on its water quality risk. If bacteria levels spike, they test until it's safe to dive back in.

Amherst:

Ashby:

Ashland:

Boston:

Clarksburg:

Dartmouth:

Gardner:

Greenfield:

Hingham:

Lynn:

Nahant:

North Andover:

Pittsfield:

Quincy:

Rutland:

Scituate:

Shutesbury:

Taunton:

Templeton:

Townsend:

Wellfleet:

West Stockbridge:

West Tisbury:

Winchendon:

Winchester:

Worcester:

Yarmouth:

And it’s not just bacteria we’re worried about. Harmful cyanobacteria blooms have shut down:

Ashland:

Framingham:

Oxford:

Plus, a few more beaches closed for other reasons:

Braintree:

Concord:

Dartmouth:

Salem:

Swampscott:

Truro:

Beach closures often follow a rainstorm, DPH tells us. Rain washes bacteria and nutrients from the land into the water, causing bacteria to multiply. Swimming in these waters can make you sick with symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, sore throats, skin rashes, and even flu-like symptoms.

Most of these illnesses are minor, but kids, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems should be extra cautious.

Three New England Airbnb rentals top the best in the United States. And we couldn't be prouder! (Also, we're not surprised. We have some serious coastal bragging rights.)

Conde Nast Traveler recently ranked the Best Airbnbs Beach Houses in the United States. New England is home to three.

The website found "22 of the best beach houses in America that offer everything you need for a perfect summer vacation—or any other season for that matter."

Conde Nast weighed the pics on ratings, response rates and Superhost status.

"All this means that you’re virtually guaranteed to get what you see online, and have smooth communication with the host," cntraveler.com reported.

As you know, Airbnb swooped into New England like a boss, shaking up the hotel scene big time. Cozy cabins, quaint cottages, and historic homes popped up on your screen, all ready for a stay.

The cookie-cuter hotel rooms became a thing of the past. Now your neighbor's beachside cottage was up for grabs.

Tourists ditched the traditional hotels for a taste of local life. They wanted more than just a bed; they wanted an experience. And Airbnb delivered, offering unique stays that screamed personality.

Suddenly, every spare room became a potential goldmine. It was like a game of Monopoly, but with real houses.

Why settle for an expensive, small hotel room when you could snag an ocean-view Airbnb. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing, with the salty breeze right there. You can split the cost with more than one person. You can do laundry without breaking the bank. There's no kids running around in the hallway outside your door at 6 a.m. And no wild parties keeping you up at night (unless it's your own!)

Plus, you'll have all the comforts of home, from a fully stocked kitchen to quirky decor.

Conde Nast says this one bedroom, one bathroom cottage is "prime Cape real estate: Colonial Acres Beach, where you can lay in the sun or dive into the ocean, is just steps from the shared patio. And don’t worry about having to bring your own beach chairs or umbrellas—the host has them on hand."
And according to the listing, "Take in endless views of the ocean walking up to this quaint cottage. Here, the pace is leisurely – sip coffee on the deck, watch the sunrise, and swim in the warm waters of Nantucket Sound just outside." It starts at $165 a night.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/25421494

Wait, what? A cottage near Taylor Swift? (The singer has a place in Westerly. Currently not listed on Airbnb. But this one is! According to Conde Nast, it's " favorite of Traveler senior commerce editor Madison Flager. The cozy coastal home is just a short drive to the beach and downtown Westerly, giving guests the opportunity to explore more than just the sandy shores. The front porch is a fantastic spot to sip coffee in the morning or take in the evening sea air before heading out to dinner."

It's two beds, two and a half baths and starts at $280 a night.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/46709470

Conde Nast says "this cozy cape house makes the perfect home base for spending a night or longer in the area. Its inviting salmon pink doors, charming glossy black shutters, and cozy knotty pine beams and ceilings feel like they were swiped straight out the pages of your beach read and brought to life by a New England fairy godmother. " It's three bedrooms, two baths and has a kitchen equipped for a pro. They're also located at the end of a quiet road with large yard and surrounded by woods. It's a mile from Dock Square and the beaches. 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/31039419