The dog days of summer are in full effect, and we don't know about you, but all of us at getsugar have just one thing on our minds: BEACHES. So we asked around and found out some of your favorite places to cool your heels during summer heatwaves such as this. With this list of new beach options, plus some dining and shopping spots nearby, you might be tempted to play hookie tomorrow. Don't worry, your boss will understand (she's hot, too).

Points North
"Ogunquit Beach in Maine is great. There's a long beach walk called the Marginal Way and you can walk forever along the water. There's also a Ben & Bill's there, which is a cute little candy and ice cream place (they have lobster ice cream). And a fun seafood restaurant called Barnacle Bill's. It's in Southern Maine and only takes a little over an hour to get there from Boston." - Kristy, Boston

"By far my favorite beach on the Seacoast has to be Parsons Beach in Kennebunk, Maine. The road leading up to the beach sets the stage: huge, tall trees that create a frame of sorts. The setting is remote and private with white, fluffy sand (not at all the rocky coast). Afterwards you can easily pop into Kennebunkport for shopping, an early dinner or a drink. Abacus and Compliments are two great shops in the center of town. Both offer unique jewelry and original artwork. One other store not to miss if you want a special keepsake of Maine is Coastal Jewelers, just over the bridge as you enter downtown. It offers the state gemstone, tourmaline, in varying shades, at very reasonable prices. As for food, if you want to hang with the locals visit Allison's for a cup of chowder or Federal Jacks (Shipyard Brewing Company's restaurant), right on the water, for a beer. If fine dining and award winning offerings are more your style, try Hurricanes or Windows on the Water (the lobster stuffed baked potato is a must)." - Heather, Boston

"Footbridge Beach in Maine is great, and it's really only an hour from Boston. It's a large, pretty beach that is not too crowded, as local beaches in Massachusetts tend to get. Plum Island Beach near Newburyport is great too. It's not very crowded and it's a great place to bring dogs in the off season. Also, there is a restaurant there called Plum Island Grill that is really good and casual." - Natalie, Boston

"Devereax Beach in Marblehead is my favorite beach. There is a great little food shack called Flynnie's on the beach and cute stores in Old Town. I also like Crane Beach in Ipswich and like to go to Stone Soup or Agawam Diner." - Jess, Boston

"I really like Crane Beach in Ipswich. It's big enough so that even when it's crowded you can find a good spot. The food stand has healthy wraps and if you get a membership to the Conservation Society it is tax deductible and cuts the parking costs from $25 to $5 or $10. Woodman's and The Clam Box are fun clam shacks to stop by on the way back from the beach. And, there's Richardson's, which is a cute little farm stand with homemade ice cream." - Natalie, Boston

"Singing Beach in Manchester-By-The-Sea is in a picturesque setting and it's not all built up. And is has easily accessible bathrooms and changing rooms. Parking is a bit of a hike (you have to walk from town). Also, it's train accessible from Boston, which makes it an easy day trip." - Heather, Boston

"Captain Dusty's is THE ice cream place in Manchester-by-the-Sea." - Catherine, Boston

Points South
"Growing up, we always went to Nauset Beach in Wellfleet on the Cape. There are great waves there, so it's good for boogie boarding. There's also a great Drive-In movie theater to go to afterwards." - Sarah, Boston

"On the mainland, I am a HUGE Duxbury beach fan." - Kelly, Boston

"Sandy Cove in Cohasset." - Beth, Boston

"Horseneck Beach on Buzzard's Bay in Westport is beautiful. The combination of it being an ocean beach and a nature preserve makes it a really special place." - Natalie, Boston

Island Life
"On Martha's Vineyard, I love the beach at Lake Tashmoo." - Jay, Boston

"Getting sandwiches at Something Natural and then going to Steps Beach is one of my favorite things to do on Nantucket. Steps is a little off the beaten path but still close enough to town to walk to. And, it's really pretty and great for boat watching." - Kelly, Boston

"On Nantucket, we love Cisco Beach. It's right near our house and also, it's where all of the cute surfers go. And for lunch we always get sandwiches at Bartlett Farms, avoiding the busy downtown. At night, we go to the LoLa, Straight Wharf or 21 Federal outside." - Kate, Boston

- Anna Gustavson Boardman