Crane Beach - Ipswich, Massachusetts

Address:Ipswich, Massachusetts

Visited by over 250,000 people a season, Crane Beach is filled with exciting natural features that will delight kids of all ages. Whether it's a pristine getaway you seek, or towering sand dunes to scale and tidal pools to splash in, this beach has got it. Aside from two and a half miles of white sand on Ipswich Bay, Crane Beach boasts more than 1,200 acres of beachfront and maritime forest for great outdoor recreation. Hike over five miles of trails though the dunes and see insect-eating carnivorous plants like sundews. Check out unique and important nesting sites for the piping plover, which was nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century for its eggs and its feathers (nature lovers will appreciate Crane Beach's national recognition for its successful shorebird protection program). Should you get hungry for a nosh after a day of sunning, swimming and hiking, there's a big snack bar with picnic tables by the beach, or you can head out just down the road to Woodman's, the birthplace of the fried clam for a delectable treat. Crane Beach has bathhouses for changing and cold outdoor showers for rinsing off sand, salt and sunscreen before you venture off to eat. If you've come to Crane Beach to perfect your tan, keep your back towards the beach for the best sun soakage (but wear sunscreen!). And frugal travelers, you'll be pleased to know that post-3:00 pm arrivals are rewarded here with half-price parking. While you relax and enjoy, do remember to watch out for the buzz and sting of greenhead flies which make their presence well known in late July and early August.