Fun things to do in Ipswich: 18 fun attractions and activities

I have visited Appleton Farms twice and enjoyed both visits. This is a good walk for those who enjoy a variety of trail types, whether you want to see the animals as a family or take a long trek through the pasture. Trails are general flat, well-maintained, and well-marked. However, the map is not always accurate. I found one path flooded over, causing one of my walks to become unexpectedly long. An area of picnics is available, along with public bathrooms.

Unbelievably beautiful place to go for a walk, hike, or trail run. We got 6 miles in and there were plenty of trails we didn't explore. The farm store had a lovely selection and it was so fun to say hi to some of the animals.

Our first visit to this vast and beautiful farm. After a hay ride we enjoyed the tasty wood fired pizza 🍕 and walk down to the farm stand...sadly it was closed at 4 pm on Sunday. We can't wait to come back for Octoberfest.🌞

Beautiful farm with lots of trails & features to check out!

Nice month (August) to visit the farm. Lots of vegetables, plants and flowers to observe.

Fantastic pumpkins and wonderful apple orchard. Delicious cider and WoW hot doughnuts! Great for kids too.

Bring the kids to a working dairy farm where you can pet the animals and have fun with creative activities. It's a great place to visit, have a picnic and walk the paths and trails. The Farm store sells milk, cheese and meat from the farm, the visitors center is a museum and you will always find the staff friendly and helpful.

$25 dollars for each car. Very popular and crowded, but has lots of space and a long strip of sandy beach to accommodate almost everybody.

I love this beach. They've got everything you expect of a privately run operation. The trustees do an excellent job with daily upkeep of the premises. You must order a "day pass" online "The Trustees of Reservations at Crane Beach" website where you can see in and off season rates and availability. Plenty of parking. Changing rooms with bathrooms, no flush composting toilets, and plenty of sinks with always full soap dispensers and multiple hands driers. Changing stalls are convenient so you can easily put on sun tan lotion properly everywhere and change into your swimsuit privately. They also have multiple outdoor shower head wash stations for after your day is done you can get that clammy beachy feel off of your body (would advise to bring some body wash as that helps to have a quick sudsy clean). They have a shop to commemorate your day at the beach with t-shirts, hoodies, and such like. They also have a place to eat if you don't come pre-prepared with food. There are miles of sand dune trails with the trailhead marker in the back right corner (as you come in at your 4 o'clock, roughly) of the main parking lot to access them all. Be prepared and pace yourself as a few miles will feel like more due to the nature of sand, and there are some tough trails that will leave you huffing and puffing if you try to run them for any length of time.

Pretty big beach, shallow beach, calm waters, life guards, need parking pass!

We drove for 3 hours and the manger didn’t allowed us to get in because it was full and no exceptions… this was my first time ever, I wasn’t aware that you need to buy a ticket a head of time… I wish people were nicer at the gate …. however the land around was beautiful such as Caste Hill House Great House… highly recommended it… the workers were much better and friendly…

Huge beach with fine sand. Ample parking available. Water is clear but a bit cold (came in mid June). Great for me but my girlfriend only went in and out. Parking requires prior reservation and is not cheap on weekends ($40) but overall well worth it

It is one of the best beaches in New England. I have come here a few times with my family already, and we always have a great time. The water was a bit chilly today, but the views are picturesque, and the sand is perfect for making sandcastles.

This is one of my favorite beaches! From the scenic drive into the area, you will find a huge parking lot. The parking is by reservation only, so you must plan ahead. There are very clean restrooms, changing areas, and outdoor showers. There is a snack Shack where you can even order ahead to save time. The store offers all the things you may have forgotten like sunscreens, pails and shovels, towels as well as novelty items such as Crane Beach clothing, gear and even lovely created lotions an scents that will remind you of the beach every time you wear them! The walk to the beach is a bit long, but the mats through the dunes make it quite easy to get your carts to the sand. Once you are on the sand, you will feel it it very soft! The lifeguard tower serves as a nice reference point for choosing your spot. There is also an ATV that will shuttle the disabled, limited mobility, and elderly, so an extra 5-Stars for being accessible to everyone! The expansive beach has plenty of room for swimming, boogie boarding, and walking the shore to collect sea treasures. The waves and the shore slope are gentle, so getting in and out of the water is not a chore. Highly recommended and is almost always on the Best Beaches of New England list!

The Crane Estate is one of the most breathtaking locations I’ve ever photographed. I recently captured an engagement session here, and it truly felt like stepping into a European estate without ever leaving New England. The sweeping views, the grand architecture, and the rolling lawns leading down to the ocean create the most romantic atmosphere. Every corner of the property offers a new backdrop—whether it’s the mansion, the gardens, or the dramatic ocean views. My couple absolutely loved their photos here, and it’s easy to see why this estate is such a dream setting for both weddings and portraits. If you’re looking for a venue that feels elegant, timeless, and cinematic, Crane Estate is perfection.

I cannot emphasize enough that you should wear comfy shoes, bring water, and take your time. The name should give it away but if you’re not from the area (like me) you wouldn’t know that the estate is really built on a HUGE hill. Several hills actually. It is not for the weak if you choose to see more than the house😅 Just wow 🤩 the views, the architecture, the history, and stunning landscape. You could spend the entire day here exploring or having a picnic. It has some amazing spots for a special occasion or proposal 😍. It was only $10 to get in per car unless you are a trustee. If it’s open (which it was!) you can explore the first floor of the 59 room estate. You can see the upper floor(floors) for an additional fee. We will definitely be going back to do the whole tour but we ran out of time that day. So I’m not sure what the price is for the whole house tour. But to walk/hike the grounds is just the $10 per car. There are some tables and chairs so you can sit and enjoy the scenery. There is a little gift shop with 20s everything you could imagine 🤩 very pricey but that’s to be expected. Definitely worth the trip to explore some beautiful scenery and to see a piece of history.

We had seen this on a TV show and knew we wanted to visit it. This estate has beautiful views of land and water. We came close to the building closing time but had enough time to do a quick self tour. Once the building closed, we were still able to walk on the grounds. The scenery is beautiful and a fun stop to make when in this area!

Beautiful estate, very neat place and love the history. We highly recommend you plan to get there for one of their tour times. The tour takes you to parts of the estate that regular guests can’t see. Definitely worth it and the staff were great and made the experience fun. We spent 3 hrs here and loved every minute of it.

Me and my husband stopped here after the beach since it was right down the road. We wandered the gorgeous grounds and the first floor, for the price its worth the stop. The landscape was breathe taking we were in aw!

Lovely grounds, but a cautionary tale about the falsehood of handicapped accessibility. I went today expecting I could easily push my way up a wheelchair ramp into the front doors to visit a beautiful home and gardens. Unfortunately, that's not the case. The gravel driveway is the worst for wheelchairs, walkers, canes, strollers, and any other mobility aid. You have to cross a very narrow stone path to the back across grass that's slick, then go over a large concrete lip to the backyard, where there's a narrow, non-permanent wheelchair ramp. Forget about seeing anything else on the grounds. Although the scenery is stunning, it’s definitely not accessible for disabled folks or tiny children in strollers with ease. I'm disappointed because it says 'accessible' on their webpage. They do have portable toilets, which might be fine for able-bodied people, but not for disabled folks like me. To their credit, the woman on duty (though I don’t know her exact position) was so embarrassed by the lack of access for disabled visitors that she told me they’ve petitioned to install a safe ramp. Unfortunately, it has fallen on deaf ears with the trust committee. Still, it's a beautiful place, and that doesn't change the fascinating history. The size is phenomenal, and I truly appreciated what I saw. Entrance fees are nominal.

Had so much fun exploring the rich history of the Crane estate. We had a wonderful time with our tour guide who provided an interactive experience for all of us ranging in ages 7-65+. We really felt the time travel vibe. And afterwards, we explored the many corners of this estate, including some giant chess, rose garden exploring, and trail hiking. Could have spent all day here!

We came for lunch on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The decor is typical brewery; Edison lights, some high tops, some low tops, lots of wood, you get the idea. Our server came right over for a drink order. I had a lemon blueberry shandy and then a raspberry berry sour. Both beers were good, but nothing special. I enjoyed that the raspberry wasn’t too sour. We started with a poutine appetizer which was delicious, and entrees included a burger, a fish sandwich, and a Korean bowl. No complaints. My fish sandwich was really good, and the tater tots were perfectly crispy. The server didn’t write anything down, and got everything right, very impressive! We will definitely go back.

Ipswich Ale Brewery in Ipswich, MA for a flight+ & a pint of some delicious New England suds. This was my first trip here so I was like a kid in a candy store except there was no candy, just a bunch of craft beer. I hadn't tried anything from these guys either, but saw they were only 45min from where I moved recently so I figured I'd make the trip. I had no idea that they had been in operation since 1991, making them the Massachusetts North Shores oldest brewery. They have a bunch of different styles, with ales seemingly being the main focus, but I figured I would try as many as I could. This job is hard, but somebody has to do it. 🍻🍻🔥💪☘ The first taster in my flight of four was the AMERICAN LAGER that I personally thought was excellent & a above average lager for sure. My second 4oz taster was the IPSWICH PILSNER that was another good light offering from these guys. Definitely off to a good start beer wise here so far. The third taster was the BLUEBERRY SHANDY that was just okay, but I'm not big into shandy's or radler's, I may just need to find the right one. The last 4oz I scooped was the CRANBERRY BERET Fruited Sour which was a average sour, I enjoyed it more than the shandy though. I then grabbed a pint of the flagship IPA simply named IPA, a above average delicious offering as far as American IPAs go. I finished off my visit with another 4oz taster of the HELLBOUND Barleywine, a yummy barleywine packed with tons of flavor & notes raisins & caramel. 🍻🍺🔥☘☘ I got a cheeseburger for lunch with tots (one of my many weaknesses) as a side to soak up the beer. The burger was good, but nothing crazy that I would go out of my way for again if I returned to the area. All the usual seating options with a big bar, hightops, tables & patio. The bartender was super friendly & sociable letting us know what was most popular beers were & the beers he personally liked himself. Plenty of beer to go as well for home or tastings with friends. Well worth checking out if you're in the area, they have a style of beer for everyone. 🍻🍻🔥☘✌♥️🍺 BEERGASM RATING - 69/90 🍻🍻🍻🔥🔥🔥🍆🍆🍆💦💦💦🏆☘✌♥️🍺 #wildweekend #craftbeer #supportlocal #beerstagram #BeerGoals #untappd #NewHampshire #newengland #newhampshireeats #beer #brewery #brewerylife #bartender #nhbrewed #nhbrewery #food #foodporn #beergasm #foodgasm #drinklocal #eatlocal #burgers #Massachusetts

My Boston native friend Janelle and New Yorker native me enjoyed the experience at the Ipswich Ale Brewery. Staff are friendly, beer selections are great, and we had a great time tasting beer flight with hearty sandwiches on Sat afternoon. (My fried chicken sandwich was a bit overcooked, but it's ok.) The bar counter is nice and interesting with an old fashioned car inside. There's outdoor seating available, too! This place is very relaxing and good for couples/friends/families!!

We've been relying on the Ipswich Ale Tapmobile for years to bring delicious beer to our annual summer party, and they always deliver an outstanding experience! This year, for our approximately 100 guests, we served three fantastic types of beer: Blueberry Shandy, American Lager, and RT 101 WC IPA. All three were a huge hit, and the quality of the beer is consistently wonderful – everyone always raves about the options. Our bartender this year, Cheryl, was absolutely great. She was incredibly friendly, kind, and handled our lively crowd with ease. She was even kind enough to take photos of us upon request, so we could remember that wonderful day! We were also thrilled that our neighbors, who happened to own corny kegs, were able to take home the leftover beer, which was a fantastic bonus! We highly recommend the Ipswich Ale Tapmobile to anyone looking to elevate their party with delicious craft beer and excellent service.

Beautiful night out on the deck with our puppies. Food came out quick, friendly, attentive servers. Menu is diverse with a few gluten-free and generally healthy options. Everything we ordered was delicious. Those tater tots were perfectly crunchy. Tried a new beer and was not disappointed.

Very cute place. The ac works really well. We got the Thanksgiving egg rolls and they were delish. The brewers burrito was good but he chicken was a bit dry and stringy. Tater tots crunch was on point. I enjoyed the blueberry shandy too! The waitstaff was great.

Awesome fries. Nice spot. My nashy chicken sandwich was pretty darn good. I'd go back.

Scott’s the man (great tour guide!) I was given an information rich tour of the 2 buildings across the street. My experience could not have been better and, as a newer north shore resident, I loved learning so much about the incredible historical events that took place in Ipswich. Ps. It took a 20 min scavenger hunt and an ask a friend at the Ipswitch library, but I found the devils footprint!!

If you are a fan of quaint small historical town museums….this is a gem. Bob, one of the volunteers working the entrance, is a a local treasure to speak with. If you are up in The Swich on a weekend afternoon and get rained off the beach….visit this fantastic little museum….and support the magnificent history of this town. Ipswich is far more than beaches. Do yourself a favor and explore the history. Fun fact, Ipswich was a town 150 years before America was a nation & almost 250 years before Texas was even heard of.

Presenters have strong knowledge based and share stories . You are free to walk around some, and the guide described a lot of details you would not get from the placards or Google. I recommend some time to wander and read, it's not everyday you see a four hundred plus year old home

Was here a week ago and it's truly a must see. Staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. Includes the earliest, best preserved home in America from c.1677, the Whipple House. Well done!

I came to Ipswich because, like many others, I could trace my roots to the early settlers. I stumbled into this museum hoping for a glimpse of what my ancestors experienced. I got far more than that! The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and so eager to share. They explained things in a way that was easy to follow and understand and were open to answering all the questions I had. They were welcoming and kind and so helpful. They even helped me pinpoint where my ancestors lived and gave me directions to find them. I took the tour of the homes and it was a profound experience to feel that close to my past. I would highly recommend the museum and tour for anyone remotely interested in learning more about the history of Ipswich. If Bob is there, ask him about the architecture and Bill can tell you about their lifestyles. It truly is fascinating.

Very knowledgeable and helpful staff! We learned more about our ancestors, very interesting!

Wonderful personal tour of the Whipple House. Thank you!! Learned so much!

Amazing trail, so calm and Woody! Some party of trails are so dense that you feel deep inside the forest. The afternoon sun dappled the forest floor, painting the packed earth of the trail in shifting patterns of gold and shadow. Stepping into Willowdale was like entering a different, quieter world, the sounds of Boston melting away behind the first stand of white pine and oak. The air was cool and carried the rich, clean scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. I followed the winding path, my footsteps a soft crunch alongside the cheerful babble of a hidden brook. Sunlight burst through a break in the canopy, illuminating a carpet of emerald moss so vibrant it seemed to glow. It was a complete and sudden sense of calm, a gift from the woods.

Nice. It’s a trail that suitable for anytime, even snowing!

Genuinely a great place and unwind. Not too crowded, and the bathrooms and trails are always clean!

Great parking for all hiking/ biking adventures

An amazing place to walk, hike, and mountain bike. Miles and miles of awesome singletrack. This is where I grew up mountain biking. I feel so lucky to have been given access to this park and it's amazing dirt!

Willowdale State Forest is very large and spreads from both sides of route 1 and the paths throughout the woods can take you from town to town so make sure to have a map of some sort. The side near Marini Farm in Ipswich is great for mountain biking snow, rain, or shine.

Huge reserve with tons of trails. We hike here often and almost never walk the same set of trails twice. There is always something new to see or a new entry to try. Lots of variation from wetland to old growth pine forest to riverside and open field. We see horses, bikers, hikers, and runners. Highly recommended. Most of the trails are identified by numbered intersections. The trails themselves vary in difficulty and range from singletrack to pavement. There's no good trail map at the trail heads so it's recommended to download the map to your phone before you go.

I came to the beach with my family in Ipswich Area 4, where I parked It was a local police officer eating a pizza in the police car, I was not aware that it was for residents only parking, the sign was too far for me to see, what I can say, the police officer wasn't nice to us, he know that it was resident-only, he was able to let us know, but instead he waited for us to leave the car, while we parked beside him and gave us ticket. I hope he enjoyed it because this is how he welcomes Ipswich guests.

Nice exhibit space for my niece's accessible fashion projects. The space allows rotation of local artists' work. Also helpful tourist info, maps, and brochures.

Visited a photography exhibit here, the House was a small, but lovely space for such gatherings, it offers information on historic Ipswich, and has parking for events. The wooden beam interior is beautiful!

The lady that was here was so nice and gave us some information about the town.

I stopped by the visitor center as you do when you, you know, visit a new town. I walked in and a very old woman who was reading a book looked up and very unenthusiastically asked me "can I help you with anything," to which I explained I was stopping by before I left the town because I'd never been here. She then proceeded to stare at me like I had three heads, saying nothing, until I left the building out of awkwardness. Way to welcome me to Ipswich, lady.

Great people volunteering there. Very helpful and knowledgeable of the area and of the building.

Cute spot! Limited parking but it was nice visit around the area. Easy to walk to.

Fantastic artisanship. Don't let the small size of the tasting room fool you. This guys are legit and their meads are delicious. Viking Victory had been my favorite for a while but after todays flight it has moved down to third or fourth place behind Hatchet Hannah, Blueberry Cream and Strhuberry. The Mead Master who I caught working on a new batch also served me and was really helpful and knowledgeable. It's always a treat when I come in.

Not what we expected size-wise (we were thinking it would be in a bigger building), but great things do come in small packages! It's cute and cozy, making it a great spot for a casual drop-in if you fancy a flight or two 😄 All puns aside, it was a great visit. The owners were on site, ensuring guests were satisfied and helpful with selecting meads that matched what the customer taste preference was. My partner and friends loved the mead flight as it has a broad spectrum from dry to sweet. Sampling was definitely encouraged, especially for people coming in not knowing what mead is. Prices are fair - flight, glasses, bottle. We even found a couple of off-season flavors in their gift shoppe and had a blast trying to pick which bottles to take home. If you are looking for something different that hits that sweet spot, this is the place you're looking for!

"What's Mead?" you ask. That was my first question too. In simple terms, it’s honey wine. Not knowing what it is adds to the enigma and the satisfaction of discovering a whole new type of wine. 1634 Meadery is a hidden gem with a cozy, neighborhood-bar vibe that makes you feel right at home. The staff—and the owner—are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. We started with a sampler, which gave us the chance to try their most popular meads along with a few seasonal specialties. Each pour was unique and delicious. When we were undecided about what to purchase, the bartender went above and beyond, generously offering a few extra samples to help us choose. That level of hospitality is rare and truly appreciated. If you are ever driving through Ipswich, do not miss this place. Whether you’re a mead enthusiast or just curious, 1634 Meadery is an experience worth savoring.

We stumbled on this place, which was serving flights of mead. I didn’t think I liked mead, but have not changed my mind. We especially liked the honey-only “Wench” and cloves/cinammon flavored “Viking”. We ended up buying a couple of bottles for special occasions. The server was really well-informed, down to earth and helpful. What a fun little place.

Stopped by for an afternoon tasting after discovering 1634 at a local concert event. It was a beautiful spring day to sit out under the awnings provided, and Matt was prompt in welcoming our group and presenting our tasting options. We decided to try the flights for $12 which included a 6 sample variety. Matt was thorough and explained our flights with great detail, which we appreciated! We all enjoyed the samples and had a tough time choosing our favorites. We also met the owner, Dan, who was friendly and happy to share his passion, answer our questions, and told us more about their operation. Both Matt and Dan were gracious hosts and made our afternoon enjoyable! They also have a small bar inside for tastings year round. We all left with a bottle to bring home, and would certainly return. Highly recommend stopping by for a tasting and to pick up a bottle of their many offerings!

What a fantastic place! We really enjoy the historical charm of the tasting room. The staff is very knowledgeable and shares a variety of details about each type of mead. The meads are absolutely delicious, and there is a wide variety to satisfy all taste buds! We visit often and always enjoy the atmosphere, mead, and the company.

We had an amazing time here! We went on a Sunday afternoon in July and it was quiet, so we had the chance to talk for a long while with one of the staff. They were so kind and answered our questions about their mead and the process of making it. The tasting flight was a great way to taste 6 of their current meads and get a sense of the difference flavor profiles. Definitely needs to be on your list of stops in Ipswich, MA!

Love this beach, it's clean and not rocky, sand is fine sand and the waves are great for body surfing. Not a lot of parking so you need to get there early if you want a spot to park. Great place to chill with the family and have a fun day at the beach.

At the very end of the 6 mile Parker River Wildlife Refuge. Pristine, easy access. Limited parking, easily sold out..go early or later day. You won't be disappointed. Sandy beach. Portable toilets, clean on days I visited.

We have been coming here for the past three years with our young children. It is the perfect size beach with soft sand and calm waters for families. There is a sandbar 40ft out and the deepest it gets from the edge to the sandbar is maybe 1.5ft. My young kids now 3, 4, & 6 can splash and play in the water with almost no riptide and the tiniest of waves. The only downside is there isn't much parking so plan to be there early unless you don't mind a little walk on a gravel road. There is a porta potty but no changing rooms or rinsing stations. Not a big deal since the sand brushes off easily when dry. It costs $5 to park and there is a pay station at the beach entrance. Definitely recommend Sandy Point Beach and will continue to come here.

Stunning beach with a large salt marsh and trails. Peaceful and uncrowded, even on July 4th! Clean, clear water. Soft sand. There were areas with medium sized rocks (where I saw a few people fishing), and then areas with no rocks or shells whatsoever. Limited parking but we went around 1pm and had no issues finding a spot. Paid $10 in total to access (the state park charges $5 separately from the main beach entrance of $5). A bunch of the upper parking areas have no beach access right now due to bird nesting. The bugs were annoying, and unbearable once the sun stopped shining on our spot. Greenhead fly bites pinched! Wish we brought bug spray.

Located on the southern end of Plum Island, it truly is a gem of a spot. At low tide, ideal for kids playing in tidal pools. Nice Sandy beach. Outhouse at parking area. Small parking lot fills up quickly(lot of empty spots at 9 am Tuesday on July 18, 2023). Buy a season pass at the gate house (annual is $20). They will post signs if Sandy Point is filled, allowing you entrance to the major beach just on the left. Other beaches and parking areas are closed during bird nesting periods. Good nature trails and bird observation platforms. Green heads were a problem for us, even with a wind. Expect your auto to get dusty as the last several miles are packed gravel. Bring an extra bag and feel free to pick-up plastic and other debris that has washed ashore or discarded which is deadly to marine and animal life. We visited P.I again for a picnic on March 13, 2024 and met an aspiring gymnast as seen here. Two vids taken from an observation tower on the way to Sandy Point. Be sure and visit the memorial to “Bill Marble 1876-1953, Outward Bound” etched on a large rock at the edge of the woods.

Beautiful place. Tons of wildlife. No dogs allowed all year round. So quiet and peaceful ☺️

Unspoiled Ipswich beach at confluence of three small rivers where they empty into the Atlantic. Tricky currents. Parking for about 20 cars at end of NWR road. Enter from Newbury.

Nice Trustees reservation. There is a loop style path that goes around the perimeter of the farm. There are lots of wild flowers and the farm is adjacent to the marsh created by the Ipswich River.

The 216-acre property contains a short, g-shaped walking trail and a pair of historic houses. Greenwood Farm is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. An unpaved lot provides plenty of parking. The lower portion of the trail can be slightly soggy after a long rain, so wear boots if you dislike damp socks.

Nice place for a stroll and some marsh views.

Nice short trail for a walk with a dog.

See the salt box all others are measured by or defy death on the antique stream crossings. Dog friendly.

Tasty little jaunt. Beware tick season! Beautiful scenery.

Always see deer!

Great trails with beautiful open views in some spots

Beautiful enormous park! We came for the splashpad for my 2 year old but the actual park and road in were amazing and beautiful. People were walking, hiking, and bike riding around. My 2 year old thought he was in a "jungle." When we got to the kid's area, there were bathrooms, a playground, and a giant splashpad. It is very clean and we had a wonderful time. I want to come back for a bike ride with my partner. It was so beautiful

Bradley Palmer is a great place to a walking, running, bike riding or even horseback riding. I’ve walked through many of the diet paths before. You can also find your way down and walk alongside the Ipswich river. I’ve been taking my son there to go bike riding a lot and he loves it. The Willowdale entrance to the splash pad entrance is 1 mile. So he’ll ride his bike and I will run along with him up and down the road at least 4 to 6 times. We get a good exercise. For the fall time in the off-season, this is the best time to go bike riding there because they take the speed bumps out and there’s no cars driving in there. You can still ride and everything in the summertime but they do put their speed bumps out and just need to be cognizant of cars driving through coming and going from the splash pad area. Otherwise, a beautiful park to enjoy. Plenty of shady area as you walk along the road and of course throughout the woods. Certainly good place to give your dogs some good exercise!

great place for walking, running, biking, kayaking, canoeing, stargazing, or having a picnic. lots of frogs, turtles, birds, and deer to see. it can get a bit hot and buggy in the summer but more deer come out at dusk anyway. awesome foliage in the fall!

📍40 Asbury St, Topsfield, MA 01983 @home.withlittles 💦Cool off at the fully fenced splash pad– perfect for hot summer days! 🛝 Shaded playground in the same enclosed area! 🍉 Bring snacks & enjoy a family picnic under the trees 🍦The ice cream truck makes visits from time to time! 🚻 Restrooms on-site for convenience 📚On select days the Topsfield Library has a storytime pop-up with games and books 🐾 Plenty of walking trails if you want to explore before or after!

Great place, more open fields than Willowdale. Has a nice paved path that is good to walk on. Open fields are great. A nice water park for toddlers is open summer months.

Yesterday was the 1st time visiting. It's free to visit until Memorial Day. Then there are fees. Something like $5 to park per day or they have bundle packages. If you are from out of state the prices get exuberantly expensive!! The park has a wide variety of trails. Also a water (park) area for kids. Plenty of picnic areas, tables & spots to cook. If you are looking for a place to cool off with the kids or go for a hike/ take in nature? This state park is perfect.

The Essex River Cruise takes you through one of the prettiest places on the planet It’s beautiful any time of the year and going on the boat is the way to see it. Everything runs like clockwork with tasty food selections, music, an attentive crew, and full bar. The boat is clean and spacious enough that the 40 of us celebrating a big birthday had plenty of room to dance, socialize and move about the boat. Everyone’s highlight was pulling up to the beach and walking for a while with absolutely stunning views in all directions. I HIGHLY recommend the boat, having had my 50th birthday on it, then recently my 70th. Oh forgot to mention taking my Dad on it for his 80th years ago!

We had a great time taking a narrated sightseeing river cruise. The staff was very nice and knowledgeable. Everyone enjoyed the tour.

Really lovely experience with a small, locally owned and staffed business. We cruised on a stable, safe, clean, comfortable craft. I have lived in Essex County most of my life so far and I am always astounded by the beauty of this area. Thank you ERC for a wonderful experience.

If you are thinking about having Essex River Cruises and Charters host you event, do yourself a favor and book it now! They hosted our wedding and it couldn’t have been more perfect! The customer service you will receive from Alex and Cliff is unmatched. Alex was always helpful and quick to respond to any questions or request I had leading up to the event. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and our guest are still raving about the entire experience! We are amazed how a group of four pulled off the most perfect wedding for 70 people! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving us such an amazing experience that we will NEVER forget! We will be back!

I cannot recommend Essex River Cruises enough! Whether it is a charter or private event, ERC is the way to go. My company held our summer event on an ERC Celebration Cruise, and it was a perfect way to enjoy a beautiful summer evening! The staff is helpful, kind, and friendly. They made it so easy to book! There are great food and drink options as well. Day of our captain and staff provided great service and even let us go over our time so we didn't miss the BALD EAGLE that was hanging out on a sandbar. 10/10 Recommend!

Excellent cruise. Very interesting explanation from captain, beautiful scenery. And the best cider and doughnuts I’d ever tried!

Essex River cruise is awesome! Sarah helped my sister find her glasses that fell into the river. She went above and beyond! The cruise itself was relaxing and informative! I would recommend it to anyone!!

My husband and me visited this beach every year, We love the tranquility of its waters and their crystal-clear waters. This beach is perfect for families with children or for people who don't know how to swim because it's flat and the water doesn't go deeper than knee-deep for several stretches. If you come during the summer, you'll find lifeguards and remember to reserve your parking online several days in advance. 100% recommended 💖

“Beautiful beach with stunning views and very clean surroundings. Parking is $47 on holiday weekends (usually $37).”

Awesome beach with very nice water. The beach runs shallow for almost a mile which provides a lot of playing ground for the kids. One of the downside is the parking which is just so costly ~$50 for non resident parking. However we went in evening at around 5 and at them it's free. There is proper washroom which gets closed by 6pm. There are couple of porta pottys which are available.

Honestly, the beach itself is beautiful—the sand sparkles, and the water is clear. Unfortunately, the experience is overshadowed by how crowded it gets, making it hard to relax. The facilities aren’t great, with bathrooms that aren’t clean and no rinse stations to wash off the sand. Because of this, I have mixed feelings about recommending it. If you’re looking for a calm, peaceful getaway, this may not be the right spot. But if you enjoy a lively, social, party-style beach vibe, you might have a better time here.”

Second or third time visiting one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. Parking lot has to be purchased online with ten days in advance, and it sells out fast. It's almost $50 per car, which would be okay if the bathrooms were in better condition or didn't close before 6pm, and the staff wasn't so utterly rude. This is the safest beach for little children to swim, explore and have fun during summer. I highly recommend it, but make sure to be ready to leave by 5pm or you'll be taking all the sand into your car/house.

Fine sand, big boulders and clear waters in Gloucester. Definitely one of the best beach in the state.

If you’re into a more peaceful ocean experience, this is the place for you! Calm pools and shallow, clear waters make for a delightful experience as you walk out towards the various rock formations. Super munchkin friendly! If you’re wanting to board, go somewhere else, as there are no breakers here, and watch out for the gulls. Those anarchists will snatch food right out of your box as you’re walking away from the snack bar, and should not be trusted. Their beaks are mad sharp yo.

I attended a plein air event with a friend, hosted by the Cape Ann Plein Air Association. The location was ideal for the demonstration painter who was describing his thought process as he was painting a local historical landmark situated on the grounds of the shipyard.

I simply just enjoy small town hidden spots. This is by far the best. Be sure to walk the yard as well.

Very interesting historical perspective of the local shipbuilding industry. Kid friendly.

We had a great time and met some lovely people! Thank you.

If you like history and boats, this place is a hidden gem. A true glimpse into what makes Essex so special.

The ship building museum is awesome, u can walk around on ur own and interact with many exhibits

We had a fantastic visit here. First, we received a friendly welcome and an informative tour inside the visitor center/museum. Then we spent a long time exploring the shipyard before heading to the schoolhouse. There, Jim spent a couple of hours- way past closing time- giving us a tour and sharing stories. It’s a wonderful place, highly recommended if you love maritime history!

Another excellent Historic New England property! A beautiful and well-kept and interpreted eighteenth-century home, there are beautiful grounds to explore as well.

I found such a cool spot for High School Senior portraits or Modeling headshots. @capeannwedding

Visited for Smithsonian Free Museum Day. A very interesting house with lots of New England art. I love that they left it as the Little family used it - even down to the weird plastic fruit on the tables and the stuffed parakeet in the antique bird cage.

Great history and worth the visit

On of the nicest places to ski rolling fields with great views. When there is snow, of course. Otherwise a scenic walk with the dog or to catch a starry night.

its a great place displaying art and other artisitic items and also describes a little bit about the houses history and my ancestors lived there.so it was great and good for anyone who likes history and/or art.

Interesting collection from the original owner of the house 🏡

This place is awesome! So many well maintained trails. We saw lots of birds and turtles. We brought a bag of seeds and peanuts with us to feed the birds. And several of the chickadees,titimice, and nuthatches landed on our hands. Really glad we got the Audubon membership.

Audubon's Ipswich River is a fantastic nature preserve! It's full of wonderful trails and very interesting geologic formations that you can observe. If you know what to look for! Be sure and sign in and pay the fee if you're not already a member, but I really recommend paying the membership and becoming a member of the mass. Mass Audubon! The Ipswich riverer includes canes and eskers that can be seen plainly once you know what to look for. The wildlife is abundant and the birds are extremely tame and if you're eating any kind of a trail bar or snack they will literally follow you around the preserve. Watching for any crumbs that you make drop!

This is a beautiful place for a walk at any time of year. The bluebirds and hawks are my favorite, and I saw my first ravens here. It can be very busy during the weekends, and is very peaceful on the weekdays

Great place for a nice hike among the birds, the trees and beautiful ponds. Bring your friends and bird food for a chance to feed chickadees, woodpeckers and blue jays eating off your hand. 100% recommended. Make sure to support the sanctuary employees who are working unpaid during this painful shutdown.

Make your daughter feel like a Disney princess. Birds will eat out of your hand, chipmunks and squirrels will come right up to you.

Bring binoculars. We saw many bird species, but especially surprising was the barred owl in the daytime, close enough to photo. The hawks and their young were wonderful to see and listen to. The Rockery is magical and mysterious place to wonder and wander about.

Amazing place I love the nature the stone bridge was cool it felt like we were leaving that place behind and moving into a whole new area. The rock grotto was also pretty cool as well. Overall if your nearby check this place out!

Great place to rent a kayak for the day. Beautiful location and very friendly people.

It was a beautiful day to be out on the river and kayak. Not too hot not too cold. This was our first time kayaking down the Ipswich river from Foote Brothers and we had a blast. we did the Salem run. It took us five hours, but we did it really slowly. saw a total of 212 painted turtles. had to climb out and cross over maybe five different Beaver dams. The whole thing was a really fun obstacle course really lots of tree branches that you had to crouch down. lots of tight turns very windy river. Getting to see the freshwater flora and fauna variety of habitats was very exciting. There are multiple ways to do this to do it as short as you want and that as long as you want, you can even kayak to a campsite in the Audubon and stay overnight there. There were multiple picnics spots along the Audubon that you can stop and have lunch.

Great experience! Wild nature and a lot of animals and birds. We really enjoyed the time with friends in Foote Brothers Canoe! Highly recommend!

local never been here before though brother was visiting this weekend so we went for it. wow what a great time! staff was super helpful and friendly canoe was nice and clean as were the life jackets. impressed with your staff working in the heat and working hard. what a great spot for a solo trip to relax or bring the family

We went on the Willowdale Run and had a lovely time. The water was very calm and there were areas of shad to escape the sun. The staff were very kind and helpful. We can’t wait to go back!

Great service and located strategically on the Ipswich River. The shuttle upstream so that one can paddle one way is a great way to enjoy the river. Kayak is decent quality. Bring your own paddle and perhaps proper footwear to if you're paddling 3 hours or more, since the paddle provided is the sturdy but heavy type. You may need that sturdy paddle to help running your boat over beaver dams however. There are dams you may need to step out of your boat over the beavers' construction (branches and twigs), and drag the boat over. Can be unpleasant, if not unsafe, to do those maneuvers bare feet. Depending on the water level, you may encounter those situations several times in a 3 hour paddle.

This is a hidden gem of the local area. The Ipswich river inconspicuously snakes it’s way through the quaint country communities of Ipswich, Hamilton, Topsfield and Middleton. However, in the Ipswich and Topsfield section and where Foote Brothers Canoes operates, the river passes through the large conservation areas of Bradley Palmer State Park, Willowdale State Forest and the National Audubon Society’s wildlife sanctuary. These three conservation zones converge to create a large wildlife reserve, much of which can only be accessed by water. Foote Brother’s convenient shuttle drops you upstream where you can drift down through the entirety of the wildlife reserve back to their facility. In an increasingly busy world, finding places of quiet to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while slipping along silently on calm waters, is a rarity. Foote Brothers was founded as a family business and has remained so for more then half a century. They are involved in the public school system to provide educational trips for school children, they are active in conservation efforts and they are well known and loved generationally by the local communities.

A Beautiful Sunny 70* Degree Day...

We have an ancestry connection to this house but we stopped on a day that the house was closed. Only open Thursday through Saturday as is the museum across the street.

If you have any early ancestry in the US, chances are you have a relative from Ipswich. Lovely town, beautifully kept house.

The Whiple House is the best intact First Period museum house in the country.

Run by the Ipswich Museum, the Whipple house and Knight house are two gems of local history. The amount of information and items curated at these houses are amazing. Well worth the trip.

Impeccably maintained and thoroughly authentic first period experience. Fun for the whole family.

Excellent tour and a great way to spend the day!