Hurricane Erin will be hundreds of miles from the Massachusetts coast, but it could still cause problems at beaches.

Last year, the state reported the third highest rate ever of beaches testing positive for dangerous levels of bacteria.

Over half of all Massachusetts beaches had an unsafe level of fecal bacteria last year, and 47 beaches reached the danger zone at least a quarter of the time they were tested, according to a

With Hurricane Erin lurking, her impact is beginning to be felt in Massachusetts even if the storm isn't expected to get close.

Heading into this weekend, 33 Massachusetts beaches are closed. Here's the full list. The following MA beaches, listed by town, are closed as of Thursday, July 24: Ashland: Hopkinton Reservoir Upper Beach (Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom) Cook's Brook (Bacterial Exceedance) Winchendon: Lake Dennison State Park at North Camp Beach (Bacterial Exceedance)

This short but worthwhile drive around an underrated corner of the Bay State offers stops at pretty seaside towns, stunning beaches, and seafood options.