Bearskin Neck Reviews

Entire family loved the visit. It’s a challenging adventure jumping across the rocks but kids absolutely loved it. Beautiful views. Great little town!

Took our 2 older kids ( 16,20) had fresh lobster, yummy ice cream, loved all the store fronts. You can eat, shop and enjoy water sports. Walked along the beach and rocks and had wonderful views of Rockport and the ocean. We will be back!

Very nice street of shops and eating places right on the water. Managed to get a pair of 2 1/2 lb lobsters at Roy Moores - yummy. Realize that you must pay for parking at a kiosk. I didn't see the kiosk or a sign explaining and got a $30 ticket.

Did my Christmas shopping early at the beautiful shops -- The Red Tractor, The Pewter Shop, Scott Tubby gallery, The Art Nook, and Kaihlanen Gallery. People are so friendly and I had great conversations. Had a delicious cuppa Ginger & Peach tea with lemon pound cake at Bean & Leaf at the end. "-) Lovely afternoon.

First time ever visiting Rockport and it is indeed scenic. Here is what I learned about the local legend, Bearskin Neck received its name from a fisherman who saw the bearskin that Ebenezer Babson left on the rocks to dry. The story goes that Ebenezer had witnessed his nephew getting attacked by the bear and Ebenezer intervened, luring the bear into the water. Nice area to stop and take in the scenery, enjoy the smells wafting about and do some people watching.

This is a quaint little shopping/food area not to be missed! From Ole country store candy to the talented works of local artisans and more, one can find just about any gift you are looking for. Be sure to walk the entire strip so you don't miss anything... including the beautiful ocean views at the tip!

Quaint and charming area for shopping and dining. It’s a fairly compact area, so it’s an easy walk to most places. Parking is limited.

Cape Ann has so much to offer during the annual statewide spring ArtWeek festival and Bearskin Neck offerings that you don’t get during the season! Plein air demos and classes, mini demos (Susanne white canvas stretching w hemp, red tractor, original beach dog demo, Scott Tubby, history walks, etc!), lodging specials and more throughout Cape Ann. Great pre-season effort by the community to give special access to see creativity in action before the season crowds - worth checking out!

A thriving artist community with quaint little studios, shops, and restaurants that coexist with a traditional commercial fishing fleet that line its narrow roads

Stroll along Bearskin Neck and if they don't have it, you don't need it! Shirts, sunglasses, strudel, lobster, I've cream, "penny" candy, not dogs, ect, and friendly people!

We have been here many times since 1970. The Motif is still as beautiful as always and we saw the original!

Cute town with many scenic routes off the main street that provide beautiful views of Cape Ann. There are local shops and restaurants and the New England style homes made the waterside town more enjoyable. There's a lot of artistic creativity and art galleries as well. I don't think you need to spend more than a weekend here, but it's a great getaway from the city of Boston.

Really excellent people watching and novelty shopping. Very cute little area with shops and restaurants along the way. Great views to Motif #1 and the waterfront.

Parking is sometimes an issue, but during the summer there is a trolley that runs regularly from a large parking lot just a couple of miles away - it's definitely worth it to use the trolley for a very minimal fee and avoid the hassle of finding parking. This is such a quaint little seaside village. The store owners are all friendly and chatty. Each shop is unique and range from your typical tacky tourist stops to unique specialty shops as well as a large selection of artwork and eateries. A wonderful place to wander!

Great day to visit. A little cold and gray, but lights are up, shops are open, and lots and lots of parking! This is the best time to visit and do your holiday shopping.

Had a brief stopover here. Great views and a selection of craft shops and eateries extended our stay. We caught it right at the end of the season (Oct 31st) so not sure how busy this place gets at the height of the season???

The reason for the one star missing is cause when we went everything was closed and it was still light out. I wish the shops and restaurants would have stayed open later. On a sunny day, its a great place to walk around. Lots of trinket shops, candy shop and places to eat. I went to this one shop who sold paintings and got a small painting to remember the area. It was beautiful.

Many interesting little shops and artist venues. Great food in little venues. Lots to see and do in a compact area right by the ocean.

Went during 4th of July. Really a cute place to be. Lots of little shops to explore for all ages, restaurants to grab a bite, even a country store with lots of throwback candy items for a summer treat! Friendly folks willing to answer questions as well. Quaint New England spot.

Bearskin Neck was so quaint and fun! It had great shopping and ice cream shops. We ate at Roy Moore's and it lived up to expectations. We would love to go back...

Nice place to walk with a beautiful view of the ocean. Lots of stores offering many different things.

I have to admit, I had no idea that downtown Rockport had transformed into a tourist trap. So I was very unpleasantly surprised to see that Bearskin Neck was really just a series of small shops selling stuff aimed at tourists. Yes, it is a bit nicer than just t-shirts. It has a more "upscale" feeling to it, but it is still just "stuff" and for me, there was really nothing that seemed unusual or worth looking at. This small road, that is not closed to traffic, has become a very busy quasi-pedestrian walkway. There are parts of Rockport that seem much more charming, but Bearskin Neck wasn't one of them. There is some public parking down at the end of Bearskin Neck and Motif #1 -- which gets its name from one of the Rockport artists who painted here in the 1930's who claimed it was the most painted building in Rockport -- is located on the right side of the street behind the shops.

Adorable area to stroll, poke through shops and experience the charm of Rockport. Motif No. 1 is down one of the small side streets. Roy Moore Lobster is a great little place to experience a divine lobster roll! Get your food and head out the back door for an outdoor patio! We spent about two hours enjoying the ambiance. Found parking on a side street just down from the center of town.

Many small shops in a typical Mass.coastal village.A compact ,very touristy area that my wife loved,i presume yours will too!

Galleries, boutiques, restaurants, stunning views. We felt very safe; everyone was wearing masks, social distancing, hand sanitizers at every store (required for entering), and only a very small number of people allowed entry at one time.

Harbor view is beautiful. Very difficult to find parking. Most parking is residence parking only. Mostly meters. Very few lots.

Breakneck is quite colorful and quaint with souvenir shops, novelty stores, art galleries etc. all housed in 19th century original houses. Very photogenic but go early, the place gets mobbed and parking nearby is at a premium.

Bearskin Neck is the perfect place to browse wonderful small shops, the typical tourist shops, small restaurants and, of course, the beautiful ocean views at the top of the neck. Sunrises and sunsets are both visible from this scenic spot.

Beautiful setting, great place to enjoy a walk, sitting and watching the ocean, boats coming and going, shopping and visiting with the locals.

I had not been at Rockport in a couple of years and it is keeping its unique quietness and relaxing walks and views. Not a lot of people because of they are in off-season but that makes it even more interesting, you have time to stop and admire the streets, stores and places that were there but I had not seen before. The walk to the end of the neck with views of the lobster's fisherman and the open ocean are amazing. Bring in your camera because you will need it!

Bearskin Neck has a variety of restaurants and shops. It has a kitschy quality, but it is fun and at the end is a beautiful waterfront.

This is a huge tourist draw with the famous picturesque waterfront, the restaurants, shops etc.... from coffee shores, to fine restaurants, to fresh seafood markets to farmers market in Saturday, it's a lively time. Front. Each is right in town too

After touring college in the morning, drove for about an hour out to enjoy the afternoon at a quaint seaside town away from the Boston traffic. Had coffee and sweets, and then dinner. The weather happened to be sunny and warm- perfect visit during a midweek. The shops close up early- not a bar scene/late night type of place. Drove back after dinner to the uninteresting hotel at the airport for an early flight out.

It is a wonderful way of walking, browsing curious stuff and buying whatever you need from the stores. You can also have an ice cream or eat a lobster on the way to the point.

Fell in love with this charming and authentic village rich in culture and charm......my favorite place ever!

I LOVE this villiage. You can find something for everyone!!! The best souvenirs. Views every where you look. Ice cream shops at every corner! You'll want to spend a couple days venturing around.

Nice area. Plenty of shops to walk through. Restaurants with boiled lobster ! Sweet shops, coffee, local artists. Nice water views. Parking can be a challenge on busy summer weekends. Lodging available, call ahead during peak season. Good area to take photos. Some businesses close early November.

We have been coming here for over 40 years and this year there was a different feel........quite a few shops have closed, not as many people walking around or shopping. Hmmmmm...

This is a fun excursion for window shopping, local arts and crafts, sweet treats and nautical souvenirs. The pewter shop is especially worth visiting and the taffy at The Fudgery is fantastic (especially the chocolate, vanilla and peppermint).

Charming walk with harbors on both sides of the neck. Private owned shops with shop keepers in house. Not your usual chain stores. Several restaurants as you walk down Bears Skin Neck. People love to stoop and talk awhile-locals and travelers.

What is there not to love at Bearskin Neck?? You have food, fun, people watching, shopping and scenic views!

Visiting this quaint, historical picturebook place was a great way to fill in my Sunday. Bearskin Neck and its interesting little gift and novelty shops,galleries, book stores and the sweet shop which is celebrating 95 years of confection making can certainly make the afternoon a well spent one.
Not to mention a bowl of the best Seafood Chowder at "My Place By The Sea " an old world charm overlooking the ocean.
Rockport is certainly not to be missed

Rockport and Bearskin Neck was a blast. We went with our older children (20's). There was a lot of shopping and some great food. I guess my only warning would be that if you have young children they could get bored kind of quickly. If you wanted a fun place to hang out and relax with some nice views and strolls then I'd say staying there would be great. We just hit it for the day while staying in Boston. The drives not bad and we actually took the scenic highway back to Boston. This was a longer drive but was very fun.

Yes, its touristy but it is full of charm and the working harbor is worth seeing (I could spend all day watching the boats). The area has character, from the store fronts to the weathered boats. As a photographer I wish I had more time in the area but will definitely spend more time here next trip!

On a pleasant day, it is a great way to spend a day strolling around the shops and restaurants. Several good food options and the views of the harbor are wonderful.

Great place to shop. Lots of little shops and restaurants. Very scenic also. Good variety of things to buy.

Rockport is a lovely little town. Because people actually live and work the sea here, there's a depth to the feeling of Rockport. It's more than a tourist spot.

Walking down to the stores is a very quaint and old school place. We had loads of fun looking at the different shops but parking is tough and you may walk a ways.

Cute boutiques near the harbor. Mostly small shops with many selling art. Street parking with payment via kiosks.

Awesome place to spend the afternoon. It's not huge, so don't plan a full trip around this, but it's a gorgeous spot for a quick day trip with plenty of browsing to do. And make sure you make your way out to the rocks to sit at the edge for a bit and soak in the serene surroundings.

We travel to Bearskin Neck about once per year and are never disappointed. The views of the harbor, bay area, Headlands, and sunsets are spectacular. Many interesting shops for everyone. Many places to eat lunch and dinner that are top rated, friendly staff, with excellent sea food. Don't skip the Fish Shack and Top Dog!

Shops are nice lots of items for sale. Prices are high in some of the shops, Some stores very friendly and helpful

If you are near the Rockport Mass. area, you must go to Bearskin Neck to see all the shops and restaurants. Numerous restaurants to stop and get a bite to eat and many shops to pick up a memory of your trip.

Located on a peninsula sticking out from downtown Rockport. There are several dozen shops, some touristy and some artsy. Several restaurants or food related businesses dotted in between. Along the way are vistas of the Rockport harbor and quaint cottages.

Nice area to walk around with gift shops, few restaurants and beautiful ocean scenery. Parking is pretty easy on the street with pay kiosks. We were disappointed with the selection of places to eat. Went back in the evening for an ice cream at the ice cream store which wad excellent. Make sure you walk down to end for beautiful views!

Cute little tourist area with dozens of small shops, galleries and ice cream places. Fun for a couple of days, but no more. Parking is tight and there are no bars where you can sit out and watch the water unless it's within a restaurant. There's a nice sandy beach northwest of the shopping area which is worth a visit.

From art galleries to ice cream, candy and jewelry stores to restaurants and t-shirt galleries, you can spend hours browsing the dead end street. The shopkeepers are colorful natives who are helpful and quirky. Good values abound and the pace is relaxing. Enjoy some time here. Parking is tough to find. You have to pay for parking seven days a week.

My family and I visited Bearskin Neck two nights in a row. It's a beautiful area with lots of shops and little eateries. Views of the water at almost every turn. The town of Rockport is a very artsy town, and it's great to be so immersed in the livelihood of the area, which is fishing, crabbing, and catching lobster. I would highly recommend spending some time here.

Bearskin Neck is a nice place to visit. Nice shops, places have lunch, and a nice walk it to the rocks. Parking is terrible though!!

There are a lot of little shops & boutiques here. Several ice cream shops, coffee shops, art studios & restaurants all within walking distance of each other. Parking is tough during the busy hours.

Labor Day weekend...crowded. It should be a pedestrian area only. Cars trying to get through beeping horns. Lines for restaurants and food stands. Not the quaint historic area we expected. Couldn't wait to leave for the quiet scenic drive 5 minutes away.

Bearskin Neck is a quaint little shopping opportunity. There is water on both sides and several places for a meal or a snack right on the water. I love to pick up unusual Christmas gifts for my family because most of them have been there w me at one time or another! I especially love to pick up pewter Christmas ornaments there.
The best part about Bearskin Neck is the people. The shopkeepers are so friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is like a small neighborhood and is very conducive to making new friends. It's always my first stop when I visit Rockport.

This is the perfect example of New England charm. It has been a set in a number of movies...even was the setting for the movie, The Proposal, with the signs changed from rockport the Sitka, Alaska.

Charming village area to leisurely stroll, shop and eat. At the end of bearskin neck road is a small parking area a perfect place (among many others nearby) for looking at the harbor and snapping a few photos. Quintessential New England! Some shops are new and others have been there for years such as my favorite, The Pewter Shop. Enough benches so you can sit, have an ice cream or just people watch!

Beautiful weather if not a bit nippy. Most shops were still open but a few were getting ready to close for the season. This narrow stretch of land or peninsula jutting out into the harbor is packed tight with artists, apparel, candy, seafood, inns and bed and breakfast sprinkled in with a few private cottages. No sidewalks. Just a narrow in lane road winding along up next to the stores. Plenty of good photo op locations.

Very relaxing and beautiful views. We took many photos at sunset walk and morning after. Named from a bear caught here by the tide and killed in 1700.

Have been coming here for over 50 years. It has changed over the years, but still has the nice Pewter shop, the Lobster place (which was great for lunch), and Helmut's Strudel Shop. We also enjoyed the Pottery shop. Some places were not open for the season yet when we went.

This area doesn't come alive until after 10 am when most shops open. There are many unique shops and places to eat. If you walk to the end of the peninsula you will some great One caution - there are no public restrooms.

We strolled through the area late afternoon. Popped into a few shops and galleries. I imagine it's quite crowded during the summer. A typical tourist street but pretty to wander through. Be selective about where you dine.

A street leading to a viewpoint over the ocean.
The street is picturesque with many shops and cafes along it. Very few vehicles use it but not pedestrinised. Seems to attract a lot of overseas visitors.
Nice sea views from end of street.

If you love seaglass, this is the place to go. Lots of shops selling interesting jewelry, pottery, art, bags, nice clothing, etc - plus the quintessential t-shirt shops. Plenty of places to get a meal or a snack, too. Just watch out - cars can and do drive down the road!

We spent the early afternoon walking through the neck and all of the shops. So many talented local artists have their work on display.

Loved this area. Wish I could have spent more time browsing and eating. My favorite area out of Boston, Portland, Portsmouth, and Gloucester.

Always nice to stroll along this area, takes you back to when this was a working fishing and seaport.

There are a variety of specialty shops and restaurants . Or you can just sit by the water and relax .

The lovely Little street is typical New England. There are lots of little shops to browse around in. Leads to an area that is great for fishing. So there is something for everyone.

Great area, shopping can turn up surprises, good seafood, coffee shop, novelty foods. Enjoyed returning after I dismissed it as a tourist trap. It is, but it’s also a very nice place.

Lots of cozy shops and restaurants. We always enjoy a stroll to the water and a tour of the galleries.

Bearskin Neck has many great small shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, art galleries and even Hekmul’s Strudel Shop!

Great place to stroll and shop by Rockport harbor with wide scenic views at the end the the wharf.

Great to get a perspective on Rockport by walking along the rocks to the end, via the long shopping road.

Very nice collection of shops to browse and enjoy a meal or desert. This is the location of Motif #1, which is a former fishing shack, and is well known as the most painted building in America.

This is a quaint area in Rockport. It has many shops and restaurants. It has been a long time between visits, and of course there are more low end kinds of trinket shops. But there are nice galleries and better stores too. Fortunately it has maintained its rustic charm and the old buildings. You can find all kinds of souvenirs, or a gorgeous oil painting from a local award winning artist. There are many restaurants and snack shops, pastry, lobster rolls, ice cream etc. You can go all the way to the end, and just sit on rock benches, enjoy the breeze, sea air, and just watch the boats and seagulls go by. And of course the iconic much painted Motif # 1. Make sure you get a souvenir that has this image on it. We also found a nice small boat ride here. Interesting retired guys with a lobster boat, converted for tourists. Just four of us. An old salt with lots of neat stories. He took us out to see a big group of seals. It was a very nice afternoon excursion, and not pricey.

This little shopping area has art galleries, stores, coffee shops, etc.
Great place to spend the afternoon.

I really loved this town. Just quaint character old buildings , interesting harbour and sea views. Plenty of shops and galleries to visit. Several food choices. We ended up in Roy Moore Lobster. Very different.

IF you like shopping or watch other people shop, then you've found your perfect setting. These shops hold all kinds of treasures for the curious, trendy or just buying. Plan to have lunch, dinner or snack because there is lots to choose from.

Rockport is a quaint town along the ocean. Bearskin Neck is a great place to stay with restaurants and gift shops. It is within walking distance of the beach and nearby kayak and bike rentals. Parking is a bit tight but definitely doable. Would visit again!

The sounds of ocean,birds &boats so beautiful.Clean and fresh ocean breeze .Light House & beautufl homes alone
the incredible New England Rock Coast.Rockport Mass and the neck a must stop if your in Mass.Great shopping,restaurants,art and much more a must visit on 4th of July!!!!!!

Unique shops with local artisans. Enjoyed a nice stroll through the shops and purchased special gifts to commemorate our trip!

A typical tourist place. However, lots of vacant storefronts. Entered one store showing rain coat outside only to find only one other piece of tin gear inside but a lot of sweatshirts. I was surprised since this is the start of high season one would think there would be a good selection.

View from the point is still great.

The Proposal was filmed here. It is so beautiful you must see it in person. It was my second visit and if we are ever there again I will definitely spend the night again.

There are many shops and galleries which are fun to wander through. However, we did find that quite a few of them close pretty early on weekdays or are not open at all certain days of the week. We ran into the same problem with many of the local restaurants as well. We visited Sunday to Tuesday so we may not have had that problem if we had stayed over the weekend.

I love all the cute little shops and restaurants along Bearskin Neck. It is a great way to spend the day browsing and eating seafood and yummy treats. The little shops are absolutely adorable!

Food, shopping and sightseeing all located within a few blocks. A great place to take photographs, people watch and find a gift or two. Charming merchants abound.

Great place to stroll and enjoy the fabulous New England atmosphere. Just go you won’t regret it! Go to Roy Moore’s lobster shack and check out the myriad shops.

We love Bearskin Neck. It's cute, charming and very dog-friendly. We met many dogs there and wish we had brought our own. Our favorite little shop is Floating Lotus. Its selection of clothing and drafts is far superior to other stores.

Enjoyed walking around the shops at Bearskin neck, and walking out on the rock wall. People were physically distancing. Although I was there during mid week so the crowds were light. Not sure what a weekend would be like.

Great food along here and so many shops to visit. At the end is a breakwater that you can walk out onto.

Spent a week in and around this historic spot. Glad I went will do it again. Colorful environs colorful people.

Absolutely hands down our most favorite place to shop in New England!! All the shop keepers are friendly and helpful in finding that perfect gift! I love the unique items each shop has! We've been going to Rockport for years and no matter how many people have come and gone the shop owners still remember our kids! They've watched them grow up since they were 2 years old and it's just heart warming to see how much they love our children. We look forward to next year because our eldest will be starting college and of course we will deck his room out in Rockport EVERYTHING!

I loved Bearskin Neck. The weather was miserable, but I love the wild ocean! The shops so cute and indescribable views. As others reviewers have said, the parking is very limited and crowds huge.
I want to state though that it is very unfriendly to people with mobility issues. The sidewalks in the square are a high step and there are few cut throughs. Many, I would say most of the shops and restaurants there have granite slab steps with no railings. And the steps are high! Some of the shops along the neck itself have lower steps. There is one restaurant, Moore’s Fish Shack that was accessible from the sidewalk.
So I think if you use a walker, canes or chair stick to the stroll out the neck to the end. There aren’t sidewalks to contend with, just a lot of people. And there may be a few shops that are accessible.

Our family really enjoyed Bearskin Neck. There are many shops, restaurants, along with beautiful vistas. Definitely worth a visit.

What a treat today to spend time on Bearskin Neck! There are so many interesting people to watch, galleries to admire, and stores to shop. It is an eclectic mix of quirky, elegant, playful, whimsy, and more. There are many places along the way to buy candy, ice cream, coffee drinks, or any meal. The art galleries are lovely, and there are some very interesting jewelry stores too.

People watching is fun here too!

Perfect spot to see the colourful painted fishing village shops, restaurants and homes. Walk out to the end and see all of the harbour and the north shore. Best time for photos is early before the stores ooen and there are fewer people.

We enjoyed strolling the shops and having a leisurely stroll looking at the rocky coast. There were many interesting stores and we found lots of treasures. Found a couple of clothing stores "Floating Lotus" and "Blue Lantern Clothing" that had funky clothes. Got some great pics here. We parked on one of the metered parking spots.

Bearskin Neck is a great place for shoppers , photographers and artists.Everywhere you look there is something interesting...lots of little art galleries, gift shops, and places for food.There is a wharf and at the end there is a long jetty of rocks where you can watch a beautiful sunset.You can also see the colorful kayaks and boats in the harbor.

We stayed in a little VRBO in Bearskin, the houses are so cute, the water is beautiful, shopping plentiful, but go between 9-5pm, as the stores close early and always have -I’ve been told. The lookout is great, there are a few paid spots maybe 10 which you can try to get at the point, and is free after 6pm if you plan to go to a restaurant as there is no parking in Bearskin.

Great area to walk around, grab lunch, shop or just enjoy the waterfront! So many quaint shops! Plan on spending a few hours here! Great food, candy shop & ice cream, trinkets & souvenirs!

Lots of little artsy shops, some a bit touristy, but many with nice things. In addition there are some good places to find a treat of various kinds (we enjoyed ice cream). Plus this is home the what is claimed to be the most painted building in the world, a fishing shack known as Motif No. 1. The whole place has a terrific artistic vibe.

One of the last weekends of the season that shops were open. Lots of sales, but very crowded also. Nice place to stroll.

Park your car and Walk out the rock pile for an excellent view of the Rockport Harbor! The rocks are large and flat enough that they are not challenging.

The town had quite the variety of shops, which kept us busy all day - many closed by 6:00ish since off season. Shopkeepers were friendly and helpful. Beautiful ocean view at the far end of town. Will definitely return!

Great views, lots of history going back to 1700s and lots of small local shopping - that sums up Rockport for you.

You will enjoy the drive to reach Rockport and the Bearskin neck point, where there are lots of color changing trees during this time of the year and an unadulterated small town.

Go to this place for the views, local shopping and great home cooked food in few restaurants.

My husband and I had such a wonderful time exploring the many different shops here at Bearskin Neck. And the shop keepers were very friendly. I can't wait to go back and shop some more.

It's a fun scenic quaint shopping area without tourist kitsch. We enjoyed walking around, shopping, and people watching. A trolley takes you from a parking area outside of town right to the corner. It's a fun spot to slow down and enjoy the day.

Fun place to stroll, with water on both sides, quaint buildings housing shops, galleries, restaurants. Weather was perfect during our visit, but would be great rainy day activity too.

Strolling through Bearskin Neck in downtown Rockport is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. There is something here for everyone - sandwich shops to upscale restaurants; ice cream shops; silversmith and jewelry shops; clothing, toys, novelties, unique and awesome souvenir and gift options, and much more. All set in a beautiful and picturesque little town on the water. You can spend an entire day just browsing, eating, and sight seeing in this little hidden gem of a town. Have an old time picture taken donning the attire of forgone eras. Enjoy the beautiful paintings in the many art shops, have some made on the premises fudge from the the Rockport Fudgery. There is free parking in a town lot about a mile away with regular trolley service in and out of town all day.

So much to see in a short stroll - views, walk on the rocks, shops, high quality art & craft galleries, eateries. We enjoyed clam chowder one day, ice cream the next. A little haven that still makes me smile to think of it. Go!

Definitely bring your camera with you to Bear Skin Neck. The scenery is right out of a movie set of New England; fishing boats, small artist shacks and beautiful granite breakwater.
The shops are all worth going into and you will find unique things that are typical of the area. The car parking is tough although there is free parking two miles away with free shuttle bus. If it is the weekend plan on using shuttle bus because this area is extremely busy May-August on the weekends.
This is a great half day area for shopping and to a lesser extent food.

Great for time outside to shop and eat. Great area to walk around. Beautiful fishing community with great ocean views.

Was manageable Saturday as it was off season. Really just a selection of shops but largely along similar themes. Nice to look out and see the water. Every shop has at least one step up so no friendly to people with mobility issues.

This area is so nice. Walking thru bearskin was such a nice walk. Such cute shops, cafes etc. something for everyone to see. The view at the end of the street is stunning!

Looked on Trip Advisor for "Things to do" and decided to try Rockport. What a quaint and picturesque town. Bearskin Neck is a beautiful stroll with yummy restaurants and ice cream shops. There's a great variety of artists and galleries and eclectic stores to poke around in. The whole area is very people-friendly and dog-friendly. Slow down and enjoy the surroundings. Bring your camera, your appetite and save room for ice cream. 😋

This section of Rockport is hopping, packed with little shops, galleries, restaurants, wharves and harbor views. It is difficult to drive or park on Bearskin Neck, so find some metered parking on the mainland and then walk out onto this little peninsula. You will find some jewelry you love, that perfect t-shirt or hoodie, or maybe a piece of art or home decoration. There is ice cream or lunch or dinner. My favorite shop is Floating Lotus-great jewelry, singing bowls, clothing and home decor.

Lots of places to get souveniers of Rockport. Lots of ice cream places and really good seafood in the rough

Great shops and worth the walk to the end for spectacular ocean views! You can walk the breakwater at your own risk and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor.

We have been to Bear Skin Neck many times. Our visit today was just as special as it always is. It is a quaint area with shops, ice cream places, restaurants, art galleries, houses, museums and the famous Motif Number 1. Lots of things are packed into a small area. The Atlantic Ocean is either in view or just a few away at all times.

The road is lined on both sides with cute shops and places to eat, all of which are decorated with flowers and a nautical theme. The road leads down to the water. Perfect for strolling.

Had fun walking the narrow streets going in and out of the shops. Great place to satisfy your sweet tooth and do some shopping.

Not only did we enjoy seeing sights from 'The Proposal' - there are tons of shops, eateries and beautiful scenery. There is metered parking and a little something for everyone.

A great destination ...been coming for years..very touristy but a fun place to visit and stay...great ocean views nice beaches...and you’ll find all the cute shops you want...you’ll certainly go home with a new t shirt

We have been here a number of times and we love to walk and shop in the stores. There are many galleries as well as other stores. The Old Country Store is fun with items from the past. Along the way, you can stop and look at the boats and the beautiful scenery.

For many visitors Bearskin Neck IS Rockport, and it is a pleasant place for s stroll. You can shop (local shops, not chains), you can eat (from a coffee shop to a full meal many with views), and you can enjoy the views of the harbor, and the open ocean from the end of Bearskin Neck. You can also wander the side streets which are quieter and more atmospheric. Remember that Bearskin Neck was the location of the old fishing shacks (not homes) in earlier days. Park in town, before the Neck, and after walking the Neck continue walking toward Front Beach to see the rest of town, with more galleries, shops and food.

There is a diversity of shops and galleries on the Neck as well as Motif 1. It is a beautiful setting for casual shopping, eating and just enjoying the scenery.

We spent almost two full days here. Lots of shopping and restaurants to choose from. Prices are excellent considering location, holiday.

It’s always a fun time to walk around the many shops and art dealers. Plus for us we love being around the ocean. Can’t forget the Motif #1!

I can not shower enough praise on Rockport or Bearskin Neck. Its stunningly beautiful, quaint and met all our expectations of New England all at once. We toured New England for 7 days and Rockport / Bearskin Neck was our highlight. Some lovely cafes, shops too. Wonderful.

This is a picturesque little tourist trap in one of the most dog unfriendly towns I have every visited. It is a pretty little shopping area and wonderful if photography or shopping is what you are looking for. Like the rest of Rockport, it seems most suited to 65 year old tourists that are ok with artsy shops and early nights when everything shuts down at 6:00 p.m.

I love Rockport. And Rockport is Bearskin neck. You make your way up the path, meandering in and out of art galleries and small shops, perhaps stopping for ice cream. Then you can climb out to the point and enjoy the view and the smell of salt water and the cool breeze.

Think of this as a boardwalk of shops. There are tons of stores, restaurants, and some accommodations.
It's paved and pet friendly!

I can’t say enough good things about this place! What a nice area! Super cute shops and restaurants, all with amazing views. The Pewter Shop is awesome! Very nice things to buy.
In one of the cafes, we bought lavender lemonade and breakfast sandwiches and sat by the rocks near the water to enjoy our food, it was amazing! The smell of fresh seafood is delicious and the views are breathtaking. I have to go back soon!

This is one of the most stunning stops in Rockport to visit. You could just sit and look out forever. Definitely take a camera and make some great memories!!

The beauty of Rockport and Gloucester warms the heart and calms the soul. And the food sates the belly! Nate’s, Seaport Grille and Passports top our favorites. Love all the beaches, Front, Good Harbor, Half Moon and Pebble just a few❤️

Lovely area to walk around and check out some shops. We had lobster rolls at Roy Moore lobster and enjoyed a few hours in this bustling area. Parking is VERY difficult, though.

Browsing the shops is one of my favorite things to do when I visit Rockport. Interesting little shops, something for everyone. Unique buildings with pretty planters will make you want to pull your camera out and snap photos often!

I've been coming here for 45 years and it's still a great place to visit. However parking has sure. Hanged from the days when you could pull right up to the end of the neck and maybe encounter one other vehicle! Some cute shops. Lo
Very view. Worth the visit. I didn't see any tour buses but there was an enormous group of elderly folks on a tour who comp,steely clogged the street and sidewalks. Might go off season and off weekend.

Our family always enjoys taking a walk down Bearskin Neck and visiting all the shops. It is fun and relaxing. When we get to the end of the street, my husband always dares our kids to run to the end of the rock breakwater. Don't worry, they are smart enough not to try. They do like to walk out on it though and the views are beautiful.

Lots of art galleries and stores with trinkets. Views of the harbor and ocean. Historic location including a fort ("fencible") used during the War of 1812 (it was overrun by the British). Very popular scuba diving location, although permission is required from the Board of Selectmen. Parking can be a challenge, but a nearby park and ride is available. Also accessible by commuter rail.

Bearskin Neck is quite crowded on a summer weekend day, but it's so quiet at night. It was fun to explore the more residential area. And every view of the water is unique and beautiful.

Stayed on Bear neck and the view was amazing. Walkable town and some good restaurants and shops. Lots of dogs which is great, as we had our puppy. Wish more were dog friendly like they are in England. We tend to favour those shops even if our pup isn’t with us. People have been very friendly and kind and helpful. Parking is tight and that is one of the stressors. But other than that and some noise in the place we stayed, it has been wonderful so far.

Rockport is one of my fav spots!! It may look a little touristic but the layout of the little town center is just to die for!! Never mind the amazing view and the few coffees or lobster places that make it a wonderful stop for everyone!! Highly recommended if you wanna have a little taste of New England!!

Many trinket shops. Many candy shops. Many ice cream shops. Cool place but very much filled with sightseers. Good photos can be had there.

Nice place to visit. Shops are nice but nothing special. The views are awesome ! The shops are mostly nautical themed jewelry. A few food shops the most notable was the fudge and pastry shop. Worth the trip but not sure I will go back anytime soon. The same kind of stores are down the Cape or Hampton Beach.

Awesome area with lots of shops, ice cream and fudge. Lots of people waking around window shopping and enjoying the scenery. Great for families a day couples who want to go for a leisurely walk. Make sure you go to the end where you can sit on the rocks and look over the ocean.

This thin strip of land has dozens of art galleries and a few tourist shops, a some ice cream possibilities and a restaurant jammed together in a delightful shopping street. Browse and buy to support the local arts community.

A very pleasant street lined with galleries, boutiques, gift shops, cafes and dessert stops. We thoroughly enjoyed a leisurely stroll up and down both sides of the street visiting all the quaint shops.

We always plan a stroll/shopping trip/lunch at Bear Skin Neck when we visit the area. This year many of the places were closed, going out of business, etc. We did sit and wait for one store to open at 11:00 AM. A walk to the tip results in some great scenery, and lunch at RoyMoores was delicious as always. A nice area to spend time.

One of the oldest ports in Rockport, today you will find the street lined with local art studios, an array of shops, and a fine selection of dining options. This is THE place to visit and stroll along when in Rockport.

If you like to browse and shop at small shops,this is the place ,right by the water.Eating and desserts also. Beautiful shopping area,all clustered on a jetty of land surrounded by water. Very enjoyable day trip for mass and surrounding states.

Quite touristy but for a good reason. Quaint shops, art galleries and a spectacular waterfront to experience. A visit well recommended.

This area of Rockport has several interesting shops, great views, some excellent restaurants, and is a fun place for "people watching". Fortunately, we were able to walk there from The Tuck Inn as parking is limited.

people watching"!

This was a very interesting place to visit. Many shops and art galleries and restaurants. We enjoyed it very much.

First time for me and my husband to visit the area. We totally fell in love with it. We loved all the little shops and the views. Highly recomend making it a stop.

I love the neck, being a local I bring people here from out of town. The shops have many unique offerings at reasonable prices and the food never disappoints. I buy something every time I visit.

My wife and I enjoyed a walk through the streets of Bearskin Neck. We parked on Mt Pleasant St near the corner of Atlantic Ave. Parking is very limited in the area - the parking on Mt Pleasant St is metered (cost about $1 for an hour). We walked down T-Wharf (where there happen to be free public bathrooms that are open 6am-6pm) and found about a dozen free public parking spots on one side of the pier with MA Resident parking on the other side. There is parking on Bradley Wharf, but it is restricted to MA Residents. The parking circle at the end of Bearskin Neck Rd (past the Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge) also has a dozen or so metered parking spaces - that is about the extent of parking availability. Today's date is 13 Oct 2021, and many shops and restaurants are either closed for the season or open only on Sat-Sun. We purchased a t-shirt at a business and the owner said he was closing for the season on 23 Oct 2021. A person could easily spend an entire day visiting the many shops and restaurants during high season - a very nice historic area.

Perfect place for wandering around exploring each nook and cranny. Gorgeous views of the ocean, friendly people, super cute cottages, and so many unique shops and eateries. It is a must do for the Rockport area!

This little town of Rockport Massachusetts is like stepping into a story book or a movie set from the beautiful views to the small tight streets of shops and restaurants.
Definitely a place we will revisit!!!!

The bay is beautiful. The shops are charming. I particularly like all the art. The clam strips we had were outstanding.

We spent part of Labor Day weekend in Rockport MA and, of course, visited lots of shops on Main Street & Bearskin Neck. My two favorite shops were Sea Blue Silver and Kala Roopa, both located on Bearskin Neck. . Sea Blue Silver had a large selection of quality merchandise, tradition pieces as well as quite unique ones. Being it was Labor Day weekend, there were large crowds but an associate was there helping all the customers with their needs. Not far from Sea Blue Silver is Kala Roopa, a shop filled with colorful handmade earings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and all sorts of other lovely items. Definitely a fun place to browse. I did not realize until I returned home and contacted Sea Blue Silver and spoke with Heather Sood about ordering another necklace that she is associated with my two favorite shops in Rockport. Her customer service on my follow-up order was exceptional. Thank you, Heather. I look forward to returning to both Sea Blue ilver and Kala Roopa soon.

Nice shops throughout the small town. Some unique. You can view the Motif Number 1 from here. Everyone is very friendly.

First, if you go to Rockport know in advance you will need search for parking. Parking on the street requires that you will need to pay at kiosks located on the street. In this respect, the signage is VERY POOR! If you do not notice the kiosk and walk in the opposite direction or just are not paying attention you will not have a slip to put in your window. In my opinion, there must be many, many people who get tickets because they overlook the pay kiosk. In my opinion, that is one way the town collects money.

We went to Rockport, which includes Bearskin Neck on a beautiful Sunday. I had been there many times in the past but, this time I noticed lots of shops that were empty. In addition, there was a shop right on the water with boxes of misprinted tee shirts etc for $1.00. Yes, for me that spoiled the ambiance. It had more of the feeling of a flea market than a picturesque fishing village. A question, how many Village Silversmith Shops does one need in the space of one or two blocks? Apparently at least 2! How many Tuck's Candy Shops does one need in the space of one or two blocks? Apparently 2! There are a couple of new restaurants which gave the place an upgrade but, I but even though in my opinion, many of the tourists think this is the 'Nantucket of the North' it's not.

The views are beautiful but, I feel that the character is being compromised by a shabbiness that has nothing to do with chic and while a location cannot control its visitors, I noticed that many of the self-designated 'beautiful people' there felt that they were above common respect and decency. I went to the ladies room at the beach and some woman was washing off the sand from the beach with her feet in the sink right under the sign that said that there was a foot washing station beside the building. Directly outside on the grass adjacent to the bathrooms there was a three or four-year old boy on the grass standing naked and urinating while his parents laughed and proclaimed, "when you gotta go you gotta go." Really? BESIDE the public restrooms? This was not cute and what about the unsuspecting beachgoer that walks through the grass barefooted after you leave?
All in all I spent less than an hour there. I will go back when the tourist season is over or to go to the theatre but, all in all don't waste your time if you can find something better to do!

A multi multi inventory of stuff. You cannot walk out without buying something. We bought a couple of nic nacs, Christmas ornament and of course, some penny (sort of) candies

Bearskin Neck is a wonderful shopping experience with numerous quaint shops and restaurants. Walk to the end and enjoy the view!

Nice walk on a sunny day. Lots of shops and galleries to browse. Plenty restaurants and cafes to keep you satisfied.
The harbor was really small and unimpressive but the views from the end of the street of the vast see beyond were beautiful.
The shops open pretty late. Some were still opening as we were walking back after 11.
The Leaf and Bean cafe opens at 7 am

There are some perfectly nice boutiques and restaurants lining the neck, and great views at the end. But the mobs of people in good weather are a real detriment.

We actually came for a jazz concert but were blown-over by the walk down this unique street that feels like a fishing village turned into a lovely tourist attraction. We enjoyed a great seafood lunch and then yummy ice cream.

This is a wonderful little place to shop and grab a quick bite to eat or have an ice cream. It's a short walk to the waterfront where you get a beautiful view of the breakwater and the marina areas.

Parking in town is tough to find but it was much better in the evening right before dinner time.

We actually had breakfast with Sophie S. at our B&B! Wonderful weekend overall.

Once we realized that the best way to visit was on foot, we thoroughly enjoyed it! While there are a few parking spots at the end of the street, it's not worth it to try to drive to them in my opinion. Lots of cute shops and galleries, food galore.

There were the usual touristy shops, but also plenty of art, jewelry, carvings, and other artistic items. We spent a couple of hours in a silver/pewter shop and found a beautiful chain with an anchor charm.

This is the very heart of Rockport and a must-do to hang about here, for its food, coffee, desert and the sights of old life, and "rocky" port. Motif #1 is here too.

The only downside is parking out far but anyway, let's walk this area out and it's worth your time if you are in town.

Totally inept and poorly run. Better off fighting with traffic and parking issues. Took an hour to get one way and wait in hot sun AT THE TOWN DUMP. Rude person driving trolley who seemed to wish you would visit another town.

We lucked out and visited on a sunny early June day. The temperature wasn't too hot and it wasn't too crowded so shopping and taking in the charm of Bearskin Neck was a pleasure.

There are restaurants and shops along with glimpses of boats and water. It is very dog friendly. It's easy to wander over to Motif #1 and the end of the "neck" has a great spot to sit and watch the boat traffic and relax.

While you can drive a car on Bearskin Neck, I wouldn't advise it. It is really suited to pedestrians and it's probably quicker to walk it than try to navigate around people, strollers and dogs with a vehicle.

Quaint and unique (during the less busy season). Thankful that we visited just before the really busy season hit. Wonderful to walk around with endless photography opportunities. Small and walkable with lots of beautiful, historic homes and different areas to discover. Be sure to visit and photograph Motif #1 morning and evening for gorgeous light. Lots of artists around painting the various scenes. We were so impressed that everything looked virtually the same but better after 20 years!

This area has the quintessential seaside shops with many choices for dining and especially ice cream. I have never seen so many ice cream shops in one area before. The evening is especially nice for sunsets and a few shops stay open later but many do close down at five. Of course Motif No 1 is a must photograph, although, one of the days I was there a couple cabin cruisers were tied up next to the building messing up the view of the beautiful landmark. It is a great place to just walk around for the whole family.

Very quaint and utterly charming spot. We visit every Summer. Cute shops for buying some unique items. Love the restaurants along the street as well. A very beautiful setting for shopping, picture taking, or just admiring the beautiful view of the ocean and boats. Wonderful stop to visit.

It's worth the effort to walk out to get a different view of the town and it's suprisingly accessible although not eveyone would be happy walking across all the rocks.

Parking is difficult, you have to pay the meters if you can find a spot. On weekends it's extremely difficult and the parking authority is always on duty! If you go up to Atlantic St or Norwich and walk down a few blocks you can probably park for free.
Lots of cute little shops to buy shirts, jewelry, souvenirs and foods and sweets. There's different eating options available, do your research!! It's a great place to walk in the evening, and is much less crowded during the week.
We stayed above one of the stores in an air bnb and when we arrived on a Sunday you could barely walk it was so crowded. It was nice when Monday came.

The Main Street leading to the end of the harbour, crammed full of tourist emporiums but to be absolutely fair a lot of what is on sale is good quality. The clothes shops had some lovely stuff and we actually bought a lovely portrait of a 'Boston terrier' for my sister who has two of real Bostons from the gallery dedicated to dogs - different to say the least and my sister back in England was thrilled.

The views at the end of the street of Cape Ann are fabulous. Rockport is a very scenic area and even the ordinary streets around the town are lovely and the typical New England Style architecture is glorious. We understand this area can be very busy in the summer, but in September it was fine.

Bearskin Neck is the place to view a sunrise from, and to watch boats and people. There are benches to sit and enjoy your ice cream, fudge, strudel, etc.

Bearskin Neck is a nice little "neck of the woods" that offers plenty of sights, food, and shopping.

Charming historic Bearskin Neck received its name from the killing of a bear by a man weilding a fishknife. Lured into the water by the uncle of the boy the bear was attacking, following the skinning, the pelt was left to dry upon the rocks, hence the name. Other stories exist of its namesake, all interesting. Locate the mural hanging above the entry to "The Pewter Shop" for an image of the event, but do enter as the shop offers the perfect pewter souveniers. Lined with rustic fishermen's and lobster trappers' shacks, this is a charming point of land jutting out to the sea, which now houses quaint shops, artist's studios, restaurants and coffee shops. Dating back to the early 1700's, this is also the site of the Old Stone Fort, where in 1812 rock-hurling townsmen assisted a frigate in capturing Bristish warships. Many interesting historic events surround this area. Everything you would expect from the lovely Rockport/Cape Ann experience, picturesque New England at every turn, and colorful. Don't miss Motif Number 1, regarded as the most photographed and painted building in the United States

This is a short peninsula that sticks out into the ocean, that has a couple of streets lined with shops and restaurants. It is a classic tourist area, but it has charm and locals like it too. The streets are narrow, so get parked and walk around.
At the end of the neck is the breakwater where the views are great.

Crowded by day, wonderfully quiet closer to sunset. The view of sunset was wonderful. Shops remained open til 8, restaurants 9. The usual tourist shops, but the setting is what makes this area special.

LOVED this charming little village!!! Such fun walking long, stopping in the shops, enjoying the views of the harbor and ocean! Chairs in front of almost every store, lots of dogs, which I love, top of the street comes right to a view of the ocean and lighthouse! Absolutely beautiful!

Visiting our daughter in South Hamilton
Decided to drive up to Rockport for lunch. Have been there during the season when it is packed and crazy.
Well, this was a welcome visit with a HUGE difference... Absence of crowds, though many shops had not yet opened for this season.... And parking right at the top of Bearskin Neck,
Leisurely lunch was at 'Bean and Leaf' overlooking the harbor. Kinda cozy seating in the back. Surprise - the owner originally hails from Syracuse and so did the helper behind the counter. SMALL world.
Anyways, had wonderful stroll up and down Bearskin Neck and a VERY PLEASANT DRIVE along the 'North Shore Coast' - Gloucestershire, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and everywhere in between and beyond

Review of Bean and Leaf also follows

Only disappointment was the lack of Ice Cream shops (on a chilly day, no less) but really, our Latte shop hadn't opened yet for the season

Will be back with family visitors from India in June... Please hold a parking spot for me, LOL

A very attractive place to stop off and take a stroll. Enjoy the views,the nick nacks and idiosyncratic artwork in the shops. Parking is a nightmare though, so be prepared to drive around a while or walk a distance from where you left your car.

Very cute little town, worth the drive from Boston. A lot of Art shops and souvenir stores. Got lucky with the parking on one of the side streets. Can definitely be an issue as we had no idea where or how to catch the bus for the tourists.

Wound up here twice- once by accident. The residents don't realize not everyone may be from the area and may not park the best ways. I had to do some fancy driving to get out of there my first time in. It was a little hairy.

One of our favorite place to walk and shopping. Shops are just lovely. We stay at Tucks Inn. Just perfect to to the Bearskin Neck. Just lovely

If you love to shop then this is the place for you. There were tons of shops to check out and we ended up spending so much money. For the most part everyone was super friendly and the views of the water were perfect! You can see motif no. 1 from here as well as the break water at the end of the shopping section. Parking is a pain so be sure to arrive early. We were lucky enough to catch a spot as someone was leaving but most of the available Parking was a good distance away. Parking is metered and runs about $1 an hour so not too bad.

You’ll see quite a few shops, stop in eateries that sell lobster, fudge, ice cream, strudel, etc and if you continue walking to the end, the ocean. To get here, you may want to park outside of Rockport at the park and ride a little past the Visitor’s Center, as parking is very difficult to find. Be sure to bring change for the shuttle. I don’t recall the price, but something like $1.50 per person.

Whether Christmas shopping or window shopping, there is plenty to see and great food along Bearskin Neck. Family friendly options or up scale shops and dining. And at the end of the neck, gorgeous views. Loved the Neck and the rest of the town so much, we relocated here when our kids were young. Now we live 1/2 mile from dock square and my kids can walk to town, library, school, beaches, woods, horse farm - paradise. My kids were lucky enough to get summer jobs on the Neck from business owners that were generous in providing training and opportunities. Along with the kid-centered schools, they are thriving in high school and college as resourceful young adults.

Great seafood restaurants, cute shops and lovely art galleries. Takes a good half day to go through all the stores and galleries - could take a whole day if you really take your time and eat too!

Enjoyed walking around and browsing in all the shops. Several little novelty store, Plenty of ice cream shops there. At the end there are some beautiful views of the harbor. The breakwater is there that protects the harbor from waves. Beautiful scene.

Nice walk with artsy and touristy shops along the way. Great ocean views at the end. Been coming here for over 30 years. I found it disappointing that by 7pm many of the shops closed up. I’d say 20% never opened or had no hour signs on their doors. Never used to be like that. Parking is a nightmare when visiting so best to stay at an inn in the village so you can walk. This is at best a 2 day stay unless you venture to the parks or beaches. I’ve stayed in many of the inns over the years and everyone of them has been a good experience. Woodsman’s in Essex is a must.

Bearskin Neck has so much to offer. Great little boutiques and art galleries, restaurants and ice cream. There is so much here you need a full weekend to fully appreciate it.

This area has lots of shops - art galleries, t-shirt shops, jewelry. Most of the restaurants are clustered here. You can get anything from an ice cream cone to a lobster roll to a high-end dinner with an ocean view.

This is a fun area to explore with the mix of quaint buildings, the harbor, and boats. Being off season, several shops and restaurants are closed, but that also keeps it from being too crowded. In the shops that were open, it was nice to chat with owners about the area and hear about life here...probably not possible during peak season.

Gorgeous beach views, cute shops and nice places to eat! We really enjoyed the easy access to beaches as well. I loved everything about this place, just be prepared to walk and not drive.

This is just a lovely little city to walk around. There a number of eclectic shops featuring local art and jewelry. it sits at the edge of the harbor and has a very nice vibe going on.

Awesome row of shops and sights to see near the Atlantic Ocean. Beautiful downtown but very limited parking so snag the first spot you find

This is what you dream of when thinking about a New England seaside village. The walks along the harbor offer many photo ops especially of the famous Motif No. 1-a popular artists' subject. The shops has many items-some handcrafted and all tasteful. The funky Country Store with old time games and penny candy is a fun stop. The restaurants along the way offer drinks and great food.

Pretty place lots of cute shops and yummy food ....parking is tricky some times but worth it and close by is excellent state park o explore...

Quaint pier/street for shopping, food and sunsets. You’ll find light food restaurants, touristy and clothing shopping and great atmosphere .

This was my 2nd visit here. This time stayed in a cottage right on the neck. Wonderful experience. All the small shops, restaurants, and scenic views you want.

Very quaint New England village shopping area. Very walkable and diverse. Shopping, restaurants, candy and ice cream shops mixed together for a pleasant time.

Yes a tourist area with small shops, gift shops, eateries and a harbor view but just as much fun to stroll in the area in the Spring and Fall. There is an old-fashion taffy machine where kids can watch the taffy being made and wrapped. The flavors are to numerous to mention but it is a great gift. You are sure to find some lobster or clam chowder in one of the restaurants. Parking can be a challenge during the summer but don't let that stop you. You can see Motif #1 so bring your camera or phone for the photos.

The quintessential New England beach town - cute shops and art galleries, good restaurants and cafes, hard to find parking, boats, rocks, lighthouse. You'll like it.

If you like a small quiet sea towns. Stay away. We came looking for a quote neighborhood on the sea front. All we discovered is over parked, over crowded place with overpriced souvenirs.
The place doesn't leave up to the hype. Unless the hype is crowds. Just like being in a Central Park on a hot summer day.

We took the train from Boston to Rockford for the day. It was well worth the trip. Fun shops, beautiful scenery and delicious, fresh food. We will be back!

This place was at maximum capacity. Streets packed. Restaurants packed. Shops packed. First and probably last time visiting Rockport, aka "Overrated New England Land." Felt like I was in a New England themed theme park. Tacky and pretentious.

Great place to stroll and visit nice shops. Cupcake shop my favorite with delicious gluten free cupcakes.

Small street with cute shops, art galleries, restaurants and ice cream parlors. Go to the far end of the street and out on the jetty to breathe the salty air. Nice for an easy stroll.

Bearskin Neck has accomplished the near-miraculous! It is unrepentantly "touristy" but has retained all its charm and delight none-the-less. It shares with Marblehead and a few other places a real sense of history and a flower-enveloped set of quirky huts and cottages. Perhaps part of its charm is its scale: possibly three blocks long and two blocks wide, it is almost entirely pedestrian. The jewelry shops, restaurants, and art galleries happily co-mingle with sweatshirt stores and icecream shops. It even includes a couple historic sights, and an inn or two. I can remember back to the mid-60s, and Bearskin Neck is virtually unchanged--to all of our good fortune!

Bearskin Neck is like a quaint village on the ocean. There are shops of every kind and walking down the ‘road’ is like taking a trip through time. There is so much history and if you look carefully at the storefronts, you will find little hidden gems reflecting the many years this place has stood.
If you look closer you will also see this little ‘village’ is home to many. There are beautiful little homes nestled among the shops. The shop owners are welcoming and friendly and the view from anywhere is spectacular. Be sure to visit Tucks Candy shop and try their mints!!! Then be sure to walk the other way to the town. GREAT eats no matter where you walk in.

We try to go to Rockport every summer. Our 12 and 10 year olds love Bearskin Neck to explore and shop. They love the salt water taffy and walking around. Especially visiting the harbor and watching the boats! We highly recommended visiting Bearskin Neck!

We have been there several times. It is a favorite. We haven't been there for about 5 years because of health issues but I hope to get back to Rockport soon. I love that little town!

If you like walking by the ocean, and quirky little shops, this is an ideal place to spend a few hours. There are gift shops, art galleries, ice cream stores, small restaurants, etc., and a back view of Motif #1. The buildings are mostly old and worn, but this just contributes to the funky atmoshere. It is mainly a walking area, so I recommend not attempting to drive through. There is no where to park on the neck itself, so park elsewhere.

This is just a very cool area to walk. There's neat shops and restaurants, but we just enjoyed walking the whole area down to the end. It was pretty busy on a Saturday afternoon and hard to find parking. I would not recommend trying to park on the neck, as there's very few places to park there, and you'd feel like you're going to hit someone on the way as people are walking down the street. We found street parking about 2 blocks away.

Great place to shop and eat. Some stores are tourists traps but others are very reasonable. Everything in walking distance.

Bearskin Neck is arguably why my family preferred Cape Ann over Cape Cod when we were visiting Boston over Memorial Day weekend -- it is quintessential New England! Bearskin Neck is the name of a stretch of land reaching into the Rockport harbor filled with shops and restaurants. According to the historical marker at the start of the street, it was "named from a bear caught by the tide and killed in 1700", and it has been the "commercial and shipbuilding center of Rockport for 150 years" with the first dock built in 1743. Oh, and it's also the home of the famed Motif No. 1, which you cannot miss!

Our favorite parts were the pewter store and the Bean & Leaf Cafe, but there were also parts of the area we left unexplored due to unseasonably rainy weather. If Cape Ann is on your touring agenda, be sure to leave yourself several hours to explore Rockport and Bearskin Neck!

It can be crowded, it's geared towards tourists, but there's a reason Rockport is popular. This is a fun spot with good little places to eat and cute shops surrounded by idyllic scenes of shore life. I recommend Top Dog and Helmut's Strudel if you want something to eat. Just outside the Neck don't miss Lula's Pantry!

The ultimate in New England Fishing Village. There is plenty of shopping and then you end up here at the jetti. Just too pretty for words.

We visit once or twice a year and LOVE the history, the stores, and the people! The views of the boats and Motif 1 are spectacular!

Off season so many shops closed. We had fun in the ones that were open! Especially the Fudgery!!! Omg you gotta get some of this fudge and taffy!

Good for a stroll; the street has historic buildings and nice occasional views to the nearby water, but shops tend to have more kitsch than quality.

Love Rockport, especially this cute area. Lots of nice stores and restaurants. Lovely place to walk and explore.

Greatest place to stay on the neck! Clean comfortable rooms with incredible views. Cant wait to go back! Thank you

We happen to come upon this cute little part of downtown Rockport. Good for a stroll and checking out the shops. Walk to the end for a great view of the harbor.

Charming sea side village - like seeing photos from a New England magazine come to life. Fun talking to locals. Walking the rocks to experience the true water view is spectacular. I would love to visit this place again.

Just around downtown Rockport, several shops full of artists and restaurants. Easy to walk around, browse and kill some time.
Interesting name of the place based on a bear trapped in early days.
Walk around the bay and finish in this “tail” where you can shop and eat.
Everything is close by.

I live in Rockport and do not take this place for granted. It's an eclectic mix of small shops offering everything from upscale women's clothing to fine art to tourist souvenirs to ice cream, lobster rolls and fudge. During the season it's best to park on the outskirts of town at the park and ride lot, and take the shuttle bus to downtown. Or, try for a street parking spot-the meters take coin or credit cards. The famous Motif #1 is off of Bearskin Neck. There are clean, public restrooms. Plenty of places to eat for all tastes and budgets. Don't miss the Rockport Art Association and Museum. If you come by boat, hail the harbormaster and they are very accommodating for transients. Something for everyone, and a fun time for all!

Came on a weekday many shops were not opened ( weekends only until July). Typical touristy grouping of shops an eateries. Great view of the water at the end of the neck. Very walkable but no place to park

This is a fun place to walk around. There are shops to fit every budget. Parking can be a little tricky but with patience I have always found a meter spot. I always bring my out of state visitors to Rockport and it often turns out to be one of their favorite places.

Such a beautiful setting and so many interesting shops to visit. A great day of meandering through the town

The sights, shops, and restaurants in this area were wonderful! The beach was clean, the water wonderful and the people watching even better.

ou know how expectations don't always meet reality. We were her over 30 years ago and were now headed to Boston with the to kill. We decided to stop for a bit. As we drove through this crumbling town, we were getting dismayed by the minute. After 45 minutes of looking for a place to park, w e were getting ready to leave when a space opened up. We tied paying at a broken machine (all street parking is paid parking and I believe $1,25 an hour) and had to call the service number. Apparently they knew about the broken machine and said to use the one across the street. My wife went across the street, paid and as it turns out there was no paper left but the machine took our money. A second call where we told since we were in the system we wouldn't get ticketed- I am from the Metro NC area so I trust no one. We put a note on the window explaining the situation. We walked down to Bearskin Neck and wow what a disappointment. It was filled with junk shops and nautical themed crap as well as so-called galleries.There was no charm, just an air of desperation of those trying to make the day profitable. People were basically milling around and barely going into the "shoppes". We certainly did not go in any as none enticed us. the view at the end of the walk was a view I could no longer understand why it had been such a draw for artists and had been an artist colony at one point. This certainly wasn't as my wife and I remembered it;it was now a commercial and as tacky as the items being sold in the shops.

Cute craft and artist shops dotted with ice cream shops, coffee shop and small restaurants. Perfect to get pictures of the dock, pier or port with boats when the sun comes up or goes down. My favorite shop was the Pewter Store.

Whenever you visit these shops you have to take some time to go to all of them you can. There is such a variety that it appeals to all types of people.

There are some interesting shops, but this is just an area with lots of tourists walking around.
Go to Halibut Point instead

Lots of shops with many different themes. Get an ice cream for Lobster bite and just walking around. Walk all the way to the end for a beautiful view of the ocean and harbor. Get there early, most shops close at 5:00.

Awesome area to walk around. Cute shops but only “okay” restaurants except... wedge and feather restaurant is a must!

Day after Labor Day, streets are empty and peaceful.
Sunset on painted houses is gorgeous, it’s a very inspiring place!

The vibe in the town was so cool. It had many little shops to go visit. It was beautiful and we loved just walking around and exploring. Highly recommend this cute little waterside town.

We were lucky and got a great parking spot on the street. lt is a very cute area for walking around strolling in and out of shops. Very pretty and great ocean views.

A great variety of shops and everyone was very nice. We enjoyed our day in Bearskin Neck so much that we spent another evening.

I revisited Lauri's shop in Bearskin Neck, which is a lovely shopping area.

I own works by Hilda (Lauri's mother) and her son, Lauri, the owner of the shop. Lauri is a terrific artist (bought one of his elephant prints many years ago, which still hangs in my now 25-year-old son's room), and I treasure one of his mother's winter scenes. A friend of mine also owns one of Hilda's prints (summer print), which is where I first saw Hilda's artwork, and have been a fan ever since.

Lauri is very friendly, and enjoys talking about Rockport, his wonderful mother, and his artistic work.

Please patronize this wonderful shop--it's a great experience!

This a fun place to visit. We come here every year and there is something for everyone. There were few new stores this year.

It was so lovely walking up and down Bearskin Neck! It is filled with charming little stores with special
Nicknacks and things to buy. It has great ice cream shops and restaurants . Some local artists sell their work.

Once you are at the end of Bearskin neck, the view of the harbor and put in the ocean is beautiful!

What a lovely town to visit. It is so lovely with lot of interesting things to look at. Plan to spend a couple days here at least!

A relaxing walk through Bearskin Neck. Lots of little shops, eateries. Not as stylish or high end as you would see walking through Provincetown. More tchotchkes than high quality pieces. The view at the end of the point is worth the walk.

We parked our car in a metered space at the neck. Credit cards are accepted.
We walked out onto the rocks. Just a fabulous natural walkway. Great views.
Afterwards we walked down the little road and stopped at some of the specialty shops. Some really nice art along the way and the proverbial t-shirt/hat/sweatshirt shops.

After a very pleasant hike around Halibut Point State Park, we drove directly into Rockport by way of Broadway. The street was lined with parking spaces, so when an empty one appeared, we took it. There were no parking meters, so we assumed that the situation was the same as another seaside town, Wellfleet on Cape Cod, with which we are familiar and in which all parking on-street and in the public lot is free. After a lovely lunch with a beautiful view we returned to our car to find a $30 ticket. We then looked around for any signs that we had missed. The only one was a very small one, three parking spaces down and ACROSS the street on a phone pole at the mouth of a driveway that read “Pay at Kiosk”. Why on earth would the signage not appear on the side with the parking spaces? We then looked back up the side of the street we were on and saw the kiosk about ten spaces away, but it had been utterly unnoticeable from the the street as we drove past it due to the cars parked along side it. (Furthermore, this was our first encounter with the arrangement of paying for on-street parking by kiosk-dispensed tickets!) The most charitable analysis of this situation is that it evinces shoddy town planning, a less charitable analysis is that it is perfectly strategic.

An absolute gem! Don't miss it..... A quaint little shopping district. The new breakwater opened in May 2017 and allows a much safer passage for kids to walk the rocks out to the end. Roy Moore Lobsters are a must visit too!!

The neck is really a short peninsula, less than half a mile long and one block wide at the widest, narrowing to a tip. There are lots of art and craft galleries, a few clothing stores, some other specialty shops (e.g., stuff for dogs), a few restaurants, and some snack (ice cream, fudge) shops. You can see the ocean every few feet and the breeze helps keep it refreshing. Parking is difficult as there is no parking on the neck and it jams up near the entrance to the neck. Even so, if you're in the area, it's worth a stroll. You can park at the lot on 127 and ride the trolley to the neck and other nearby stops.

Great area to meander through, lots of little shops for shopping and plenty of places to grab a bite.

We had visited this town about 10 years ago and the beauty of Rockport along the coast with all the little shops and every turn is a beautiful view to snap a photo with your sweetie! All the little shops employed the friendliest staff, which made each shop fun to enter and chit chat with as you perused the unique selections. The only downfall is beware of parking. It is hard to miss the sign that says pay for parking at the kiosk box? Well when you get out of the car you don't see the small sparse signage and are more caught up with the moment of how quaint and beautiful this town is until you find the fluorescent orange ticket under your wiper blade for $30!!! Yes, easy picking for us out-of-town tourists. How convenient when going to the village hall to pay the ticket... no one is working to take your payment and instead you have to send a check once you return from vacation.

Walking around here was so interesting and visually pleasing, the colours, the artists, the smell of the sea, the views, it has it all, probably our favourite place on the Coast of New England.

Bearskin Neck is beautiful even on a cloudy day. It is filled with local artists who have their work on full display, coffee shops and cafes, ice cream shops and candy bars, and, of course, has the wonderful feeling that comes with those hidden gem small towns. This was our first visit and we loved it so much we didn't want to leave!

Don't forget to find your way to Ship's Mast Light for amazing pictures and a relaxing rest by the ocean before heading over to The Headlands where you'll need to watch your step as you make the climb down in order to get closer to the water. Of course, the views from the top are spectacular and I guarantee they will leave you speechless.

The shops and the view from here are beautiful. Friendly, laid back atmosphere and so much to choose from

A wonderful place to walk and shop or in the evening dine and then watch the sunset looking out to sea

I have never been to Rockport before and this spot was beautiful and also really fun! They have lots of cute shops selling everything from tourist t's to imported goods and jewelry! The variety of Ice Cream, candy, and fudge shops is amazing! They even have a cute strudel bakery shop! They have some kayaking areas too. The waterfront view is absolutely beautiful! I would though recommend going on a less hot day unless you are headed for the beach. I admit we chose a very lousy day as the heat was oppressive and there was no breeze. Other then that the only other negative thing is restaurants. They are there but there is not a lot of variety and you are paying high tourist prices. As for parking its super easy to park at 2 Blue Gate Lane and you can park and ride in for only $1. There is no parking in the shops areas unless on the street and with kiosks and meters and I'm sure it gets much busier on weekends.Save yourself stress. Overall I would go back!

Traveling to Boston for our Anniversary my wife and I decided to leave the city and rent a car to check out Rockport. Best idea ever and Bearskin was the best! Defiantly check it out!

Loved visiting all the shops in Bearskin Neck. Very quaint New England style village of shops. Every shop and restaurant is unique in it's own way. Loved the scenery. Don't go too early because most businesses open around 11am. There is also metered parking at the end of the road and it's free before 10am.

Has many quaint little shops and different items that cannot be found elsewhere. There also many places to have lunch, dinner, or just a snack. I highly recommend Helmuts Strudel for a taste of Germany.

This is a fun place to walk around and visit the shops and art galleries. Many stores and restaurants are very overpriced though. It’s a very touristy area but some people like that. Great views of the water and boats.

If you are in he mood for a stroll next to many happy people this is the place! Love the little shops; the ice cream place; the ocean view at the top; and the crazy traffic in tight space. Sharing space with traffic has never been as perfect as here!
Don't miss a stroll either winter when all the lights are up or summer when the sun shines bright!

I only gave this 3 stars due to the fact that it is cool place to walk on and see the water but that is it. Took family here the last weekend of Summer and the place was mobbed!

Quirky shops and eateries. Good for browsing unusual stuff. Food from a lobster shack vis ice cream and strudel to high end dining. Mskes a change from the beach.

End of season but still enough shops open the make it worthwhile.
We've come back here for the past 20 years.

Drizzly Sunday so we took the drive up to rockport to visit Bearskin Neck. Hadn’t been up in a few years. Lots of meters available @ $1/hour, which seems fair. There were a few vacancies, but there are always a few vacancies. A few more restaurants than I remember towards the Music Hall, and more galleries vs. places to buy “stuff”, but still a good mix with good prices and good choices.