Outdoor Recreation

Beaches
One of the nicest beaches in the area is Crane's Beach on the North Shore, a few miles from the town of Ipswich. The beach itself extends for several miles of unencumbered walking and sand, and the entire peninsula is a state-protected, natural area. If you've got a car, head east on Argilla Rd. from Ipswich. You can also bike the 4 1/2 miles from the Ipswich Commuter Rail Station. Also try the beautiful Plum Island Beach nearby. Several beaches are accessible by subway. These include the Orient Heights Beach and Revere Beach, both on the T's Blue Line. It's not exactly ocean front, but you can also take a dip at none other than Henry David Thoreau's haunt, Walden Pond. Just take Route 2 west for about 15 to 20 minutes and follow the signs to Concord.

Cycling
If you're a bit wary of negotiating the roads of Boston and Cambridge on your bike (see Bicycling in this guide), head for one of the many bike trails in the area. The closest bike trail is the Dr. Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path, which completes an 18-mile circuit on the banks of the Charles River from Science Park in Boston to Watertown Square. Starting just across from the Alewife T Station, the 10-mile Minuteman Commuter Bikeway follows an old railway line through Arlington, Lexington, and Bedford. This trail can get quite crowded on nice days, so be prepared for bike traffic.

Hiking
The Middlesex Fells Reservation in nearby Medford is the closest place for nice hiking. Further away, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are a great place for a hike at almost any skill level. Even further, Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine provides great scenery and excellent walks, hikes, and mountain biking (not to mention great whale watching and lobster).

Cross-Country Skiing
When snow carpets the ground, head out on the Commuter Rail to Lincoln. Across from the station you can rent skis and head out into the woods. During the summer, this area serves as a mountain biking trail, but it's a wonderful and convenient place to get a good workout in beautiful woods on a snowy day. Be prepared for a good workout.

Downhill Skiing
The entire New England area is covered with ski slopes for every ability and adventure level. The Blue Hills Ski Area on Rte. 128 is a good close option for varied skiing. The Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard contains extensive information about the best slopes throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.