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All 10 Ipswich Attractions »

Crane Beach

Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 01938
978-356-4354
Ranked #1 of 10 attractions in Ipswich
4.5 of 5 stars 63 Reviews
Type: Beaches
Activities: Kayaking
Description: Enjoy the Northeast's most spectacular beach and follow trails and boardwalks through a landscape of sand dunes and salt marsh.
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63 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    47
    12
    1
    3
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Date Rating
Waltham, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW

This is great beach to visit and escape it all. Go early on the weekends to ensure a parking spot, the lot usually fills up by 11am on weekends throughout the summer. In order to escape the crowds you will need to walk a good amount down the beach but it is worth it when staying for the day. Just... More

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Danvers, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW

Beatiful beach with sand dunes ,Problem is walking to the beach on the board walk.It's hard with little kids and all your gear. Parking is expensive especially on weekends More

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Andover
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

Very poor facilities crowded near the entrance but the only beach in the area...compared to Revere; you car and your person is safe, probably because you have to pay to get in, but the days of great beaches for free are over. Bring everything you need...NOTHING local and the trustee's are interested in only one thing---> your money. Otherwise a... More

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Boston
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

best off season for more unique experience. park in lot and take back trails from back of lot along winding paths-- private, beautiful, then walk back along water. amazing, quintessential new england. don't miss crane estate whether the house is open or not, fabulous walking throughout estate. More

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Wellesley, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

No houses or honky tonk on the beach - just beach, sand, dunes, and wooden walkways to the ocean. Very Clean - with restrooms, and showers and refreshment stand. Great family beach - tidepools at low tide.. More

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Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012

Expensive parking but a gem. One of the nicest beaches around. The seagulls like to poach your food so bring a secure cooler and don't leave food around. Watch for greenhead season which will ruin your trip. You can call and find out, also if you go later in the day the parking price is reduced. Consider taking your dinner... More

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Gloucester, Massachusetts
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

A great place for walking, relaxing, year-round, and swimming in the summer. More

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See 2 more reviews by msmunich01930 for Ipswich
Massachusewtts
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Sand dollars, those little round silver dollar sized shells, that is, can be found on the south end of Crane Beach, in Ipswich, Mass. The beach, a fine white sand beach, runs nearly five miles long from the mouth of the Ipswich River to the mouth of the Essex River. As an Ipswich resident, we know how busy the beach... More

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See 3 more reviews by bschless for Ipswich
Boston, MA
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 March 2012

Great beach, but if you do not live/stay near the beach you better wake up EARLY to begin your drive, once its packed you will not be allowed to park and get in. More

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Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 March 2012

One of the nicest beaches I have been to anywhere. Parking is steep and the water is generally frigid but the beach is immense and very clean. I went to Gloucester beaches and they were nice and also pricey but did t compare. Crane beach and ipswich clams-- what a combination. More

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