July 8, 2025

North Shore Beach Guide: What to Know About Parking, Passes, and Fees

The North Shore of Massachusetts boasts some of the most picturesque and diverse beaches in New England — from soft, sandy stretches to rocky coves to sweeping salt marsh views. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the region’s standout beaches and the best way to access them in summertime.

Ipswich

Crane Beach

Crane Beach is a 1,234-acre conservation and recreation property with a four-mile-long sandy beachfront. Restroom and snack bar are available. Passes are released at noon on Monday for the upcoming Tuesday - Thursday and noon on Thursday for the upcoming Friday-Monday.

Reservations: Required Friday-Sunday & Summer Holidays from Memorial Day – Labor Day.

Price: $35 Weekday, $45 Weekends & Holidays for non-Trustees members.

Beach Passes

Gloucester

Gloucester beaches use Blinkay, a beach parking reservation system, for non-resident beachgoers.

Check beach availability   |   Blinkay Login

Good Harbor Beach

Good Harbor is a scenic, family-friendly destination known for its soft white sand, clear water, views of the Twin Lights, and walkable access to Salt Island at low tide. It offers amenities like restrooms, showers, and a concession stand.

Reservations: Required Memorial Day – Labor Day.

Price: $40 Weekday, $45 Weekends & Holidays.

Wingaersheek Beach

Wingaersheek is a picturesque 0.6-mile stretch along Ipswich Bay and Annisquam River, renowned for its soft white sand, calm waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. At low tide, expansive sandbars and tide pools emerge, offering opportunities to explore marine life. The beach provides amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a concession stand.

Reservations: Required Memorial Day – Labor Day.

Price: $40 Weekday, $45 Weekends & Holidays.

Newburyport & Newbury

Plum Island Point Beach

Plum Island Point Beach is located at the northern most point of Plum Island at the mouth of the Merrimack River and across from Salisbury State Beach. Great for boat watching, but sometimes the current can be too strong for swimming.

Reservations: No

Price: $20 Weekday, $25 Weekends & Holidays for non-residents.


Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge offers several lots for beach parking (1,2,3,6, and 7) with additional access to boardwalk trails, scenic marsh views, and Sandy Point State Reservation. This area is also popular for biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Public restrooms are located at lot 1, lot 4, and the Refuge maintenance area.

Reservations: No, lots fill up quickly.

Price: $5. Cash only.

Beverly

Lynch Park  - Lynch Beach & Woodbury Beach

Lynch Park offers access to two great beaches - Lynch Beach and Woodbury Beach. Amenities include a snack bar, bathrooms, playground, splash pad, rose garden, and kayak/paddle board rentals.

Reservations: No

Price: $15 Weekday, $20 Weekends & Holidays for non-residents. Cash only.

Manchester-by-the-Sea

Singing Beach

This picturesque half-mile crescent-shaped beach is nestled between rocky promontories, offering stunning ocean views. The beach is family-friendly with amenities such as a historic 1920s bathhouse with restrooms, showers, and a seasonal snack bar. Accessible via a short walk from the MBTA commuter rail station. 

Reservations: No, lot fills up quickly for non-residents.

Price: $30/Car or $10/Walk-on. Cash or check only.