14 Places to Explore on Massachusetts' North Shore

Want to visit some cool spots on Massachusetts' North Shore? We've got you covered.

  1. Crane Beach, Ipswich, Massachusetts: When you think beach in Massachusetts, you don’t usually think North Shore! But you should because Crane Beach is one of the best. Four miles of sandy shores and gentle surf along Ipswich Bay make it a perfect spot for sun seeker and kids to explore with sand buckets. The first three weeks in July – watch out for the green head flies, because that’s when they out and biting. If you plan to visit then, Avon’s Skin So Soft spray keeps them away. If you are a Yogi, Crane is doing yoga classes on the beach, too, so check the website for details.
  2. Russell Orchards, Ipswich, Massachusetts: A must stop to or from the beach is Russell Orchards. They have all kinds of wine and local produce. But the biggest draw is their Homemade Cider Donuts. Simply Amazing! Learn more here.
  3. First Period Homes, Ipswich, Massachusetts: Love history and appreciate architecture? Come visit Ipswich because they have the most first period homes in the country – 60! Located up on High Street very close to downtown, you can admire a bunch of them. The Ipswich Museum host’s tours daily of The Whipple House and Knight House where you can see what life was like back in those olden days. Click here for more.
    http://ipswichmuseum.org/
    First Period Homes, Ipswich, Massachusetts: Love history and appreciate architecture? Come visit Ipswich because they have the most first period homes in the country – 60! Located up on High Street very close to downtown, you can admire a bunch of them. The Ipswich Museum host’s tours daily of The Whipple House and Knight House where you can see what life was like back in those olden days. Click here for more.
  4. Appleton Farms, Ipswich, Massachusetts: It’s the oldest continually working farm in the country, with more than 1,000 acres of rolling hills great for hiking. On Saturdays through October, they have a kid’s event called The Hay Bale Hangout where little ones can get up close with farm animals and even pet a goat. Click here for more. 
  5. Wolf Hollow, Ipswich, Massachusetts: It's one of New England’s most unusual attractions. Visitors can view pack-mate gray wolves in close range in a safe controlled setting. Tours happen Saturday and Sunday weather permitting. Learn more here.
  6. Cape Ann Golf Course, Essex, Massachusetts: Looking to tee it up? Here is a North Shore hidden gem of a small golf course. The family-run public, nine-hole course has been open since 1913, and golfers agree the sweeping views of the Essex River and Marsh make any bad game good. The number four hole is their signature that famed author John Updike enjoyed frequently playing. Learn more here
  7. White Elephant Shop, Essex, Massachusetts: Welcome to what some call the antique shopping capital of America, packed with more than 25 stores all within a stones throw of each other. The White Elephant Shop is the first one you will hit on Route 133 and it's perfect for bargain hunters – they even have a dollar table. Want something locally made? Check out the hand painted clamshells. Click here for more.
  8. Woodman's Of Essex, Essex, Massachusetts: Want clams? This is the place! In fact, Chubby Woodman invented the fried clam back in 1916 and the place has been packed ever since. If you prefer lobsters, they’ve got those too. On a hot day in the middle of summer they claim to sell up to 500 pounds. Learn more here.
  9. The Beauport, Gloucester, Massachusetts: Want a five-star nautically decorated hotel on the water? This place is for you! There's a stunning lobby and bar, complete with pool and hot tub up on the roof for overnight guests to enjoy. If you can’t spend the night, you will still love the fire pits on the porch over looking Gloucester harbor. Click here for more.
  10. 7 Seas Whale Watch, Gloucester, Massachusetts: When on the North Shore you’ve got to go see the 40-ton whales. Seven Seas Whale Watch takes visitors out daily through October, weather permitting. These beautiful floating behemoths like to hang out 15 miles off the shore of Gloucester, making this area a perfect place to hop a tour. But bring a sweater; it’s always 20 degree’s cooler out on the water. Learn more here.
  11. Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, Massachusetts: A great public beach in Gloucester is New Harbor Beach, complete with bathrooms and snack bar. It’s a great place for people watching and viewing the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the near by rocks. If you happen to be there at low tide you might get lucky and be able to walk to Salt Island right off the shore. Click here for more.
  12. Rocky Neck Art Colony, Gloucester, Massachusetts: Enjoy art? This is one of America's oldest active art colonies that has been drawing artists and visitors for more than 100 years. It’s a great place to browse galleries and have lunch at one of the local restaurants on the water. Keep your eye’s peeled because you might even see the Wick Tuna boat parked out on one of the docks. Click here for more. 
  13. Bearskin Neck, Rockport, Massachusetts: Rockport is a seaside gem not to be missed when touring the North Shore of Massachusetts. Bearskin Neck is sort of where the action happens packed with people, stores, lobster and ice cream. When leaving the neck pop into Tuck’s Taffy Factory and watch them make the salt-water desert right in the window. Learn more here.
  14. Motif Number 1, Rockport, Massachusetts: If you haven’t seen it in person you must visit. The most photographed shack in the United States. Sitting out on Bradley wharf in Rockport Harbor. The boats and the sunlight that surround it make it a breathtaking view to admire. So pull out your phone and snap a picture – we promise you won’t be the only one doing it. Click here for more. 
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