When you head to the beach, you’re probably expecting to hear the crash of the waves and the calls of hungry seagulls. However, the soundscape of this Massachusetts beach is utterly unique and unexpected. There’s a rare phenomenon at work here that is only found in a few other places on the planet. Read on to learn about the strange and lovely reason to make this seaside spot your next day trip destination.

There’s something incredibly special – and bizarre – about this one North Shore beach.

Yelp/Julie R.

It’s home to a wonderful phenomenon known as “singing sand.”

Yelp/Ally G.

Due to the unique makeup of the beach’s sand, a unique “singing” or squeaking sound can be heard when the wind moves across the beach.

Flickr/Ryan Dickey

The effect can also be created by rubbing your feet across the sand.

Yelp/Xia L.

When conditions are right, the singing sounds like an eerie (but beautiful) song. At other times, it’s more of a high-pitched squeak.

Photo Credit

Scientists aren’t entirely sure what causes this phenomenon. One theory is that the sound is a result of high levels of silica and exceptionally round sand grains.

Yelp/Loxocele R.

For your best chances of hearing the beach sing, come on a dry and windy day.

Yelp/Jennifer G.

No matter what the cause, the strange but lovely sound of the wind making this beach sing is utterly unique, and definitely worth hearing.

Yelp/Kendall C.

And even though the sand gets all the attention, the water here is pretty spectacular as well.

Yelp/Xia L.

That special sand is exceptionally soft, and gives the water an almost tropical look.

Yelp/Julie R.

The summer admission fees are as stated below, but checking out this incredible beach in the off-season is totally free!

Yelp/CY H

While it’s hard to capture the sound of the wind making the sand sing, the video below demonstrates the effect that walking on the beach produces. You’ll get an idea of what the true wind song sounds like:

Yelp/Julie R.

Yelp/Ally G.

Flickr/Ryan Dickey

Yelp/Xia L.

Photo Credit

Yelp/Loxocele R.

Yelp/Jennifer G.

Yelp/Kendall C.

Yelp/Xia L.

Yelp/Julie R.

Yelp/CY H

For another unbelievable phenomenon in Massachusetts, check out this hill where something happens that is too weird for words.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.