May 13, 2025

Your Ultimate Summer Guide to the North Shore: What to See, Eat & Do

Looking for the best things to do on the North Shore of Massachusetts this summer? This guide blends seaside charm, outdoor adventure, seasonal activities, and local gems. View upcoming events, explore local attractions, discover the region's best seafood, and see why the north shore is a top summertime destination.

Events & Things To Do

June

  • Cider Hill Outdoor Hard Cider & Free Live Music - Amesbury  |  June-August Every Saturday & Sunday
  • Salisbury Beach Fireworks Show - Salisbury  |  June-August Every Saturday & Sunday at 10:15pm
  • Art Fest Beverly - Beverly  |  June 14
  • Topsfield Drive-In Movie Nights – Topsfield Fairgrounds  |  Starting June 19
  • Amesbury Days - Amesbury  |  June 26-July 4
  • North Shore Pride Parade and Festival - Salem  |  June 28
  • St. Peter’s Fiesta - Gloucester  |  June 28-30

July

  • Marblehead Festival of Arts - Marblehead  |  July 3-6
  • Gloucester Waterfront Fireworks & Concert - Gloucester  |  July 3
  • Rockport Firemen’s Parade & Bonfire - Rockport  |  July 4
  • Newburyport Yankee Homecoming - Newburyport  |  July 26 - August 3

August 

  • The Roaring Twenties Lawn Party at Crane Estate - Ipswich  |  August 3
  • Salem Heritage Days - Salem  |  August 2-10
  • Illumination Night - Rockport  |  August 9
  • Classic Car Show - Newburyport  |  August 21
  • Gloucester Schooner Festival - Gloucester  |  August 27-31
  • Riverfest Music Festival - Salisbury  |  August TBD

Explore Beaches & Trails

Trails & Sightseeing

  • Coolidge Reservation "Ocean Lawn" - Beverly
  • Halibut Point State Park - Gloucester
  • Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary - Ipswich
  • Maudslay State Park - Newburyport
  • Motif #1 - Rockport
  • Newburyport Whale Watch - Newburyport
  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Newbury
  • Rocky Neck Art Colony - Gloucester
  • Schooner Thomas E. Lannon - Gloucester

BEACHES

  • Crane Beach - Ipswich
  • Good Harbor Beach - Gloucester
  • Plum Island Beach - Newburyport
  • Singing Beach - Manchester-by-the-Sea
  • Wingaersheek Beach - Gloucester

Dine at Top Seafood & Patio Spots

Finding fresh seafood and alfresco dining across the north shore is a summertime must!

  • Bob Lobster - Newbury
  • Clam Box - Ipswich
  • Grove - Rowley
  • J.T. Farnham's - Essex
  • Lobsta Land - Gloucester
  • Roy Moore Lobster - Rockport
  • Sunset Club - Newbury
  • The Deck - Salisbury
  • The Lobster Pool - Rockport
  • Woodman’s - Essex

Looking for a sweet treat? Checkout the North Shore's Best Ice Cream Spots!

Need a place to stay for your summertime travel? Briar Barn Inn is centrally located on the north shore with a 30-room inn, on-site restaurant with outdoor dining, relaxing spa, and seasonal pool.

Stay with us

Rowboats with people in the sea under a cloudy sky, viewed from the shore.
Blue lake surrounded by lush greenery under a clear sky.
Boats docked in a calm marina under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Pathway by a lake, surrounded by trees, with pink flowers and a clear blue sky.
A small, gray diner with red and white striped awnings, surrounded by trees.
Whale tail emerging from ocean water.
Sailboat docked beside red wooden building at sunset.
Sailboats with white sails on a blue sea under a clear sky.
1/

Article Categories