July 20, 2022

Best Beaches on the North Shore

Are you looking for the best beaches on the North Shore during your stay at Briar Barn Inn? We’ve put together a list our favorite spots and the best way to access them.

Crane Beach

Located on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, this beach offers over 1,200 acres of beachfront, dunes, and maritime forest.

Parking: Advance Pass required. Passes are released at noon on Mondays (for the following Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and noon on Thursdays (for the following Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). Discounted passes for Trustees members.

Purchase Pass

Crane Beach
Crane Beach. Image courtesy of Trustees of the Reservation

Good Harbor Beach

One of Cape Ann’s most popular beaches with sprawling beachfront. Enjoy views of Twin Lights, explore Salt Island (only accessible at low tide), or grab a refreshment from the snack shack.

Parking: Advance Pass required. You can also purchase tickets for Wingaersheek Beach and Stage Fort Park through this site.

Purchase Pass

Good Harbor Beach
Good Harbor Beach. Image courtesy of Good Morning Gloucester

Plum Island Beach

If you’re looking for a smaller, more low-key beach, this is your spot! Located on Plum Island in Newburyport, this beach sits on the mouth of the Merrimack River and it is great for boat watching. Make sure to stay close to shore when swimming since the current can be very strong!

Parking: Purchase on-site. This is a smaller lot, so the earlier you arrive the better. Weekdays -$15 / Weekends – $20. Make sure to bring cash.

Plum Island Beach
Plum Island Beach. Image courtesy of WBUR

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