Crane Beach
The formerly exclusive Crane Estate in Ipswich is where Crane Beach is located. This beautiful public beach is now more than just a place to enjoy the sun; it serves as an important nesting location for the nearly extinct piping plover bird and has a shorebird protection program to ensure the safety of these feathered friends. Crane Beach has long been a favorite of the ocean-loving public, thanks to its clear, inviting water, miles of shoreline, and breathtaking views.
Visited by more than 350,000 people annually, Crane Beach remains a national model for balancing the conservation of diverse natural habitats and wildlife—more than 1,200 acres of beachfront, dunes, and maritime forest grace the property—with the management of active public recreation. Whether you want to take a refreshing plunge, play in the sand, or bask in the sun, this unparalleled seaside experience has provided fun and lasting memories for generations.
Crane Beach has received national recognition for its effective shorebird protection program and is one of the most significant nesting locations in the world for piping plovers, a threatened bird that was almost hunted to extinction in the 19th century for its eggs and feathers. You must stay away from the fenced nesting areas and the wrack, a line of washed-up organic debris where the threatened shorebirds feed and hide, if you want to preserve them during your visit. Crane Beach is unquestionably one of the best beaches near Boston.
- Getting there: Drive the scenic coastal road, or take the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail from North Station to Ipswich.
- Google rating: 4.6/5.0
- Location: 310 Argilla Rd Ipswich, MA 01938
