Enjoy the Northeast’s most spectacular beach and follow trails and boardwalks through a landscape of sand dunes and salt marsh. At Crane Beach, you’ll enjoy one of the finest beaches and outdoor recreation destinations on the East Coast. With its clean, inviting water, miles of shoreline, and mesmerizing views, Crane Beach has been a favorite with the ocean-loving public for generations. There’s more to see here than sun and sand. Crane Beach is managed for both recreation and conservation – people and ecology – through careful planning. Crane Beach is fully staffed and offers the following visitor services and amenities: parking attendants, EMT’s, interpretive rangers, lifeguards, ecologists, bathhouse and maintenance technicians, and membership and visitor services representatives. Crane Beach Store offers refreshments and merchandise including produce from nearby Appleton Farm. More than 5 miles of trails traverse dunes and track the beachfront on both the Ipswich Bay and Essex River Estuary sides of the Castle Neck peninsula for moderate hiking. These trails are part of the Bay Circuit Trail. And, Castle Neck is the site of the North Shore’s largest pitch pine forest.
Address
219 County Road Ipswich, MA 1938
Driving Directions
From Rt. 128 North Exit 20A, take Rt. 1A north for 8 mi. to Ipswich. Turn right onto Rt. 133 East and follow for 1.5 mi. Turn left onto Northgate Rd. and follow for 0.5 mi. Turn right onto Argilla Rd. and follow for 2.5 mi. to entrance and parking (1,300 cars) at end of road.
Notes & Advisories
Crane Beach is also among the world’s most important nesting sites for piping plovers, a threatened bird that was nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century for its eggs and feathers. Crane Beach has been nationally recognized for its successful shorebird protection program. To protect these threatened shorebirds, we ask that you avoid the fenced nesting areas and the wrack, the line of washed-up organic debris where the birds feed and hide. To help keep the beach operation running smoothly and beach-goers happy all summer long, here are a few friendly reminders from The Trustees: Please leave dogs and floatation devices at home. The beach trash policy is carry-in, carry out but recycling receptacles are provided. The Trustees recommend arriving early on weekends and holidays, carpooling and/or using public transportation.
Categories
- Beaches
- Great Marsh
- Historic Resources
- Natural Resources
- Parks
- Swimming & Boating
- Wildlife Viewing
Accessibility
- Accessible/ Wheelchair or Stroller Accommodating
- Appropriate for all ages
- Dog Friendly
- Parking Available
- Restrooms Available
- Self-Guided