If you’re in search of a simple and enjoyable household street journey within the Boston space, positively contemplate a drive to Rockport, Massachusetts. I’d lived in Massachusetts for over a decade earlier than visiting this seaside city, however now we attempt to go at the very least a few times a yr. It’s an excellent day journey possibility within the Boston space and is a brief drive.
It’s such a enjoyable, quaint place to go to, and has a lot of nice issues to do. This previous Labor Day weekend, we headed out for yet one more summer season afternoon in Rockport. Listed below are a few of my favourite issues to do in Rockport, Massachusetts.
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks, together with on the embedded map. Buying and/or clicking on among the hyperlinks could lead to a fee paid to us. All opinions are our personal. We attended a complimentary press journey to the realm a number of years in the past however have visited many instances on our personal.
Issues to Do in Rockport MA
Like most outside locations in Massachusetts, the small city of Rockport is finest visited within the spring, summer season, and fall months. Among the outlets and actions are seasonal, whereas few are open year-round. If you wish to go to the seaside, summer season is basically the best choice, when there are many issues to do.
Location of Rockport MA
Rockport Massachusetts is a little bit city positioned on the Cape Ann peninsula, which is north of Boston on the north shore. It’s much less well-known than the extra well-known Cape Cod in MA, however continues to be lovely with a lot of nice issues to do, particularly in the summertime.
You’ll discover each Rockport and Gloucester on Cape Ann inside Essex County, MA. These cities are positioned on the tip of Cape Ann.
Bearskin Neck is the identify of the downtown space of Rockport. That is positively one of many locations you’ll wish to go to. When visiting Bearskin Neck, it’s finest to park in a single central location after which stroll round. You’ll discover public metered parking spots alongside the principle avenue, in addition to paid parking heaps.
Go to the Seashore in Rockport, MA
We don’t go to the seaside in Rockport, however there are a number of choices, together with Entrance Seashore, a small seaside positioned proper by downtown Rockport. I in all probability wouldn’t spend a complete seaside day there, however it’s a pleasant spot to take a look at the water and luxuriate in a fast dip. There’s additionally Pebble Seashore, which is lined with clean pebbles.
Lengthy Seashore, one other widespread spot, is positioned in each Rockport and Gloucester. This seaside presents lifeguards, and company can see the dual lighthouses that are on Thatcher Island.
There are additionally a number of nice seashores in close by Gloucester. They might be nice to go to if you’re planning on staying in Rockport in a single day, or plan to stand up early and drive in for a seaside day.
Our favourite sandy seashores in Gloucester are Wingaersheek Seashore and Good Harbor Seashore, that are excellent for a household. These seashores are very talked-about within the scorching summer season months, so I’d advocate going early to verify you’ll be able to get parking within the heaps, particularly on a sunny day.
Locations to Eat in Rockport MA for Scrumptious Meals
Seafood followers positively received’t wish to miss out on consuming scrumptious, freshly-caught lobster in Rockport. Lobster rolls are in all probability the preferred entree within the space, however the entire native seafood, together with the clam chowder, is scrumptious.
Essentially the most well-known of the native eating places in downtown Rockport MA is Ray Moore Lobster Co, which normally has a protracted line out the door. I really like the lobster roll at Roy Moore’s. On considered one of our journeys, we opted to eat at their sister restaurant, the Roy Moore’s Fish Shack Restaurant, which has indoor seating.
Our meals was fantastic, they usually have a number of kid-friendly choices too. Save room for dessert although, as a result of there are many cute ice cream outlets inside strolling distance. Seize a cone from an area ice cream store, and stroll over to the Rockport harbor waterfront to absorb the scenic views.
Different widespread eating places in Rockport embody the Pink Skiff Restaurant, the Whale’s Jaw Cafe, and the Blue Lobster Grille.
Buying in Rockport MA
My favourite factor to do in Rockport, Massachusetts is store. Bearskin Neck, which is the downtown space of Rockport, has a lot of cute present outlets and boutiques. I usually take the chance to purchase distinctive presents whereas I’m in Rockport as a result of there are such a lot of various things that you simply simply can’t discover elsewhere.
My favourite of the Bearskin Neck Outlets is the Pewter Store, pictured above. It’s so quaint, and I all the time discover nice presents there. It’s positively value strolling via, particularly if you’re out there for a present.
The realm additionally options artwork galleries. It’s a beautiful place to buy from native artists, together with painters, potters, and jewelers. On my final journey, I bought an exquisite clay seashell full of colourful blue resin.
Take Pictures in Rockport, MA
Downtown Rockport is residence to Motif no. 1, a crimson fishing shack that many declare is the #1 painted constructing within the US. The present constructing is a precise reproduction of the unique.
With the waterfront, the fishing boats, and the quaint buildings, Rockport is a superb place to take photos. If you’re an beginner photographer or have children that like taking photos, it’s the right spot for a photograph stroll. Even within the winter, the harbor is simply so picturesque.
Kayak
For many who wish to discover the water a unique manner, Northshore Kayak presents leases and excursions. They’re open from June via Labor Day. Kayaking could be an effective way to take pleasure in a pleasant day on the water. They provide quite a lot of totally different choices, together with a kayak tour that features a tenting in a single day.
Take a Stroll
Proper past Bearskin Neck are the Headlands, a brief stroll from downtown. There you may take a stroll down a path to a rocky space the place you’ll get to see incredible views. It’s not a strenuous stroll, however it’s a good suggestion to put on comfy sneakers.
Go to A State Park in Rockport, MA
Drive to Halibut Level State Park the place you’ll discover a customer’s heart and remark tower. On a pleasant, clear day, you might be able to see Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire.
This former granite quarry additionally presents excursions the place you may find out about Rockport’s granite historical past. There’s a parking price from Might to October. Swimming will not be allowed within the quarry.
Go on a Whale Watch
If you wish to see whales, there are a number of choices for whale watches in Cape Ann. These whale-watching journeys depart from Gloucester and are typically about 3-4 hours lengthy. One of the vital widespread whale watching firms is Cape Ann Whale Watch, however there are another choices. You too can e book fishing charters in Gloucester, the place you may take pleasure in ocean views and catch fish.
Tour the Paper Home
As you drive out of Bearskin Neck, it’s value a brief detour to the Paper Home if you’re curious about quirky little roadside stops. This home, which was inbuilt 1922, is made with paper partitions and furnishings. It’s a enjoyable, distinctive vacationer attraction, and is a fast cease.
It’s tucked away in a residential neighborhood and infrequently operates on the consideration system for the admission price ($2 for adults and $1 for teenagers). Though it simply has two rooms, my children loved seeing the layers and layers of paper. It’s open from 10 am to five pm via the spring, summer season, and fall.
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Issues to Do in Rockport in Winter
Many of the Rockport actions are finest in the summertime, however it’s nonetheless enjoyable to go to Rockport within the low season. Whereas most of the eating places and companies do shut seasonally, there are nonetheless some locations open. It’s additionally a lot much less busy and really easy to park.
Just a few years in the past, we have been invited to Rockport to attend their New Yr’s Eve celebration, New Yr’s Rockport Eve. This occasion options music, leisure, and different actions. It’s a well-liked occasion, and most of the people within the space attend.
Have you ever been to Rockport, Massachusetts? What was your favourite factor to do?
