Crane Beach Reviews

This is the best beach north of Boston in Ma. Clean beach, clean water. Bathrooms, changing rooms, and concessions. 4+ miles of beach at your disposal. If you don't mind walking, you can always find a spot to have to yourself. 2 thumbs up! I

We’ve been to several beaches along the North Shore, and this beach is only average. It is quite a walk up stairs to get to the beach, easy for our family, but if you have a family with a beach cart or elderly who can’t do stairs this could be a problem. There may be a location where you could just walk out, but I did not see one. We did not test out the facilities so we can’t comment on those. The beach to us was just average as there was not much beauty to it, like there is with Good Harbor Beach and Wingaersheek Beach. It was very crowded, and we went on a Thursday. The sand is soft, the water is deeper so if you have young children not the best, and no wade pools, and there is a small undertow. It was still a nice place to relax, but nothing jaw dropping. Plus this was the first beach we experienced the greenhead horse flies- which were not that bad- but I wouldn’t sit back near the dunes, and we had a good wind the day we went. They are most prevalent in late July to August, which is when we went- but again only a few. There are so many other beautiful beaches in this area- we would not go here again. Cost $35- make reservations like the rest of the beaches online.

So lucky to have such a beautiful beach so close to home. Sometimes we actually kayak there and pull up on the beach and take a long beautiful walk, take a dunk in the water. The sand is so soft and beautiful and the beach goes on and on. Easy to walk from the parking lot to the beach.

It was crowded but still we could find parking and a place to sit on the beach. The cafe stops grilled food at 3pm for us was kind of surprise. But the quality of the food was decent. The ladies toilets were cleaner than many other beach restrooms I've been, even at 5pm. It is not true as some reviewers mentioned that when you visit the castle for $10 the entrance to the beach is free. They credit you for it. So you simply give the entrance ticket to the castle ground at the entrance of the beach and you pay extra $15 which adds up to $25.

$25 to park on our visit but worth it. White sands, clean, clear waters, beach facilities. Cool water find try to visit on an incoming tide as the hot sand heats the sea up a bit. Would go again.

It's a very beautiful beach. The water is very clear and very calm. We were there for almost 4 hours, and I didn't see a single wave. There are 2 footbridges that take you from the car parking to the beach. both of them are huddled together, causing the part of the beach at those points to be very crowded. However, if you are ready to walk up to half a mile along the beach, the crowd thins out significantly. Getting into the water is allowed, and there are lifeguards as well.

The road to the beach is beautiful, the parking ample if not pricey ($20.00 on a weekday for non-residents) and the facilities totally acceptable. Then you have the beach itself. It is lovely. Sandy and long. If you can, cross over the dunes from the parking lot and bang a right, walk a good distance over and you will find yourself on nearly a private beach (people with lots of kids and stuff are not fans of lugging things this far over). The tide goes way out and the beach is flat and sandy on this side. Water is chilly so come prepared with some beach games to help heat you up before diving in.

I spent a week in Ipswich thinking I could do some shopping and have long walks on the beach. This is NOT the place for that. There is only ONE BEACH with ONE ACCESS POINT that is $25 to enter on weekdays. Whether you are a car with one person or a car full, (which isn't really fair). Don't get me wrong, it's a BEAUTIFUL beach, but you can't see it from anywhere, you HAVE to pay. I was VERY DISAPPOINTED that I wasn't able to just walk on the beach every day without paying a small fortune. I will not go back.

What's even more upsetting, is that when I asked on this forum how far the beach was from one of the inns, some bozo had the snippy response "why don't you look at google maps." At the time, I felt like an idiot, duh. But that is NOT the case. You can look at the maps, but they don't tell you about beach access points, or how much it is.

It is lovely for a FULL day trip. They have clean bathrooms, showers, and a snack bar. But there is no place to just step onto a beach and walk without paying.

Crane beach is a treasure. It has gorgeous topography and a beautiful beach and challenging hiking trails. Fun for all.

I had to write a review after reading so much negativity! This beach is a gem and just requires a little planning to get to. I am a trustee’s member so parking during the week is $20. This is less than the Gloucester beaches. I have never had a problem reserving parking for a weekday. The only issue with crane and other north shore beaches is the green heads, so I never go in July. That being said, I went today and it was lovely. The beach is so big and since it is trustees property there is No development. So you can walk for miles and not be bombarded with ostentatious oceanfront homes , motels, souvenir shops, etc. The sand is soft, the water is clear and cold and the beach is immaculate. There are no waves so if you’re looking for that you may want to check out other beaches. But you won’t find a prettier beach in the area than Crane. And the facilities are clean and convenient.

This is a beautiful beach, with great views. It's peaceful and quiet during the week. Limited parking.

We went here for a sunset photo shoot. It is $20 to enter and the money is well spent as everything is well maintained. Sand is very fine and makes for a great beach. Water is cold but clean. Be sure to to the Clam Hut if you make it to the area.

Soft sand, quiet ocean, lots of space (at low tide). We walked for miles and enjoyed the tide pools, sandbars and (one you walk a bit) the piece and quiet!

Cranes Beach is in Ipswich Massachusetts and since I live in Ipswich we always marvel at it and try to realize how fortunate we are to live next to this great natural asset. The sand is very fine, probably created by the pounding of the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach faces Northeast and feels the affect of the Labrador. So the water is a bit cold. We feel Crane's is the finest beach on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Since we are able to travel a great deal we are able to make comparisons to a wide variety of beaches and are always finding out how spoiled we are.

Parking is $25; $15 if you are a Trustee member. Facilities are sssoooooo well maintained, clean, easy access, plenty of them. Food there is decent, as well as gift shop. Green heads are there: do NOT attempt to visit this beach with our plenty of bug spray! It really does work well if you have it though, bugs did not bother us since we kept on reapplying once out of the water. Water is freezing, like in any other New England beach, but it is very welcoming when you are having a 90+ degree day. Beach is so big and beautiful! Love it at any tide, plenty of space for a lot of people. We bring our beach tent and food: we can easily spend 6+ hours here with my 4 and 6 year old. They love it and look forward to going back every year.

This beach is most beautiful. The sand is great for long & interesting walks. We found interesting shells & sand dollars & there’s always the old ship wreak. While I like waves I still like the water here & by New England standards it’s relatively warm. An A plus beach choice!

A visit to this area of the coast would not be complete without burying your feet in the sand of Crane Beach. If you go early, you won't have as far to walk from the parking lot, because they file everyone into rows. We went around 9:30 and were thrilled to see a mist hanging over the water and beach that was simply magical. You can walk along the shore for miles, and there is a very unusual spot where there are two currents converging on a point. It is terrific to stand there and be mesmerized by the rippling waves. Also interesting are the sand bars, and the changing tide. If you are fortunate you will see a Piping Plover, an endangered species of bird in the area. They move so fast over the sand that they look like they are hovering. Please help in the conservation of their habitat, and this beautiful beach.
Do not feed the massive seagulls, or you will be swarmed by them!
Had a fantastic day, and a great experience swimming in the ocean.

Like others, I will say this is not a public beach. It is very well maintained but expensive for what it is - we paid $25 to park and enjoy. Changing facilities and showers are available, as is food. Lifeguards are on duty. All in all, I do recommend but again, this is not a public beach.

A great place to people and bird watch with dunes, board walks, shallow water and gentle waves. Try out the lemonade.

As a Member with a parking permit, I have been unable to use the beach due to unknown restrictions and a frustrating website. Covid is understandbly putting strain on the availability of the area and requiring coordination to enable people to utulize the beach. However, I believed that a membership, with an additional cost for a parking pass, would enable me to have access to the beach. I have tried to obtain a time slot by logging on the day passes become available only to find them unavailable or requiring a fee. The $250 spent has gone to waste.

We have been going to Crane's Beach longer than we would like to admit. When Mr. Crane passed away it was his intentions to leave Crane's Beach open for the public to enjoy. Unfortunately it has become a very expensive day spent at a beach for most people. We have witnessed cars pulling up to the "pay booth" only to be turned around and leaving because of the expense. Presently the cost is $30./day on weekends and holidays and $25./day during the week. We feel this is excessive and eliminates the middle class person from enjoying a touch of heaven. The attendant will offer you a season pass "for a fee" that entitles you to enter Cranes for half price anytime. We did purchase a season pass one year and it proved to be a total waste of money. You will never go to Crane's Beach enough times to make up for the investment into a "season pass". Keep in mind that the public parking lot at Cranes holds upwards of 1600 cars, not counting fees paid by buses. Residence parking is free. We are truly put out by the fact the Trustee's do not have a special admission fee for Veterans, handicapped people and Senior Citizens. A little bit of simple math will tell you that they certainly can afford to have a lower admission fee for these people. Also take into consideration that when you purchase your "season pass" you are not told about the green head season that does prevent you from even sitting on the beach for about 4 weeks of the season. They are nasty creatures. If you ever had the experience of being bitten by these monsters you will avoid them as much as possible. They love bug spray lol. We do feel the Trustees of crane's beach are discriminating against the middle class, veterans, seniors and handicapped people. These people are not in a financial position to pay these Excessive Parking fee to enjoy a "touch of heaven" left by Mr. Crane for the people to enjoy. The Trustee's certainly are not complying with Mr. Crane's wishes but have taken advantage of overpricing "a touch of heaven" preventing people in the categories mentioned. I feel the fees are unjustified and are an attempt to keep people out who are not in the upper financial class. Mr. Crane must be turning over in his grave because of The Trustees lack of sensitivity for the public. On our most recent visit to Crane's we overheard and saw for ourselves the terrible condition of the wooden seats half way up the wooden walkway. It just might be time for the public to get involved with a petition to the town about these issues preventing people mentioned from enjoying what Mr. Crane left for the public to enjoy.

Love this beach, always clean, and great utilities. Water warms up nice as the summer warms up. I feel like I am on vacation every weekend. Gets busy but not so crowded that it spoils being there. Awesome beach to walk or just chill.
Plenty of room for controlled sports and volleyball often played.

Crane Beach is one of a kind. From its pristine sand, to its rolling dunes, to its infinite view across the deep blue ocean...it is a magical place I call my home-town beach. As you ascend the boardwalk to cross the dunes - the ocean breeze catches your face, and your first glimpse of the still blue water takes your breath away.

In the off-season, you are sure to see puppies running with their happily bundled up owners, and horses taking their riders on a leisurely trot. In the summer - week days can be quiet and offer serenity to those who opt for the long peaceful walk from end-to-end. Weekend are busy, but a little extra jaunt can always find a quieter place to settle.

The shallow coastline runs out quite a ways, keeping the tides and waves a little more gentle than your average beach. This makes for safe and FUN play in the surf for kids of all ages. Low tide offers huge swaths of sand to play in, and tidal pools that are like warm baths. If the beach is looking empty in late July / early August - you must be arriving during "Greenhead" season. From full moon, to full moon, these carnivorous flies drive away most beach-goers. If its good and windy, you can be spared a nibble ;)

If you love sandy dunes, gentle breezes, bird-watching, wildlife, and the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore...you'll LOVE Crane Beach. It's classic (recently renovated) bath houses and snack bar put the finishing touches on a remarkable, very New England beach. Enjoy!

We were out viewing the fall last month and came across this fantastic spot. One of the most beautiful beaches we've ever been fortunate enough to find. You'll not find many this good no matter where in the world you may roam. More than worth the admission fee.

While the newly increased admission fee is steep ($30 as of 2016 summer season), the fees do go toward keeping up the lovely facilities, showers etc, and keeping the beach clean. Beautiful dunes to the sandy shore line. Quiet crowded with sunbathers and families, but pleasantly so-- like the beach in JAWS without the shark. Food available at the cafe.
Make sure to get there early enough on sunny weekends to insure a parking space!
Cold atlantic water steeply colder than RI beaches. Certainly worth a visit if you have the family in tow.

Gorgeous beach,wonderful walks through dunes and very relaxing. If you get to the beach and it is crowded turn right and walk down the beach until you find a spot that suits you.It is very crowded during the summer, especially on the weekends. Be aware of Greenhead fly season about mid July through the first week of August. Check the website to get current conditions about this because they bite and will make your visit miserable.

I am fortunate that Crane Beach is my town beach. I sometimes make very short visits - like a half hour walk in early morning or evening. I frequently bring my guests for a day at the beach. While it is sometimes too crowded for me in high summer season, it is also there in the off season and I have enjoyed seeing the changes the seasons bring to the beach and marshland.

Crane Beach is a clean beach - quite remarkable in view of the many people who visit with their picnics and snacks - because nearly everyone takes their trash home. Facilities include a snack bar, restrooms and bath house facilities (changing area and showers). In season there are life guards and first aid station.

Although I do actually like visiting this beach, the biggest thing which deters me from visiting this place more often is the amount greenheads. For people who don't know what they are, imagine annoying flies which enjoy biting you constantly until your body is covered in welts. I know there are certain times where they're not as viscious as others, but it's just not worth the annoyance. For me, I prefer the beaches in Rockport and the Gloucester area.

We arrived at the tail end of hurricane Jose and got to see some good wave action and blustery winds. We visited off high season, which is our preference and so there were no crowds or sweltering heat. Still, it looks like a nice place for a dip even if the crowds are there. Great protection for Piping Plover bird habitat and dune environment. The Fee (varies by season) also gets you into parking for the Crane Estate/Castle. Depending on the weather your could visit here for 1 or several hours.

Crane Beach is a nice beach. It's very clean for a beach. It has clean restrooms. There's an area where you can buy food, such as burgers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, and drinks. (I wish they offered a veggie burger option.)

The downfalls of the beach:
1. It costs $25 to get in (per car). It's unfortunate that it costs so much.
2. The flies. They are everywhere and they bite! Ouch! I was covered in bug spray and they still managed to get me.

I have been visiting Crane Beach for about 42 years, ever since I came out to the East Coast for Graduate School. This beach, along with the adjacent Crane Estate, was given as a gift to the communities by the Crane Family who owned the properties during and immediately after the "gilded age". Because of the nature of the gift, the area has not changed all that much in my four decades of experiencing the grounds.

Best to track the tides when you go there.

Low Tide: We sometimes go from the parking lot to the water, then travel to the left. Careful of the currents, but you can discover some magnificent views and possibly walk very far out onto the sands. I remember once actually getting to the island, but without knowing the tides, this can be dangerous!

Most of the time, I head from the parking lot towards the right, which allows for a very long walk along the ocean. There are trails all over the dunes, and maps available. At times we could get caught by the setting sun (we're beach people and didn't want to leave). The walk back takes a while -- as long as 40 minutes, depending on how far you travel -- so plan accordingly.

These later years we have found improved food at the center, better changing rooms, and bathrooms. If you are heading there via car or bicycle, stop at the orchard first and grab some of the cider or pastries. We generally plan this trip for a day, then go into Essex for seafood.

Consider becoming a member of the Trustees of Reservations, a not for profit group that works to preserve these properties. You get a great deal on parking and the membership works all over the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

I don’t recommend young children in the waters at Crane Beach it’s beautiful & has rapid tides & undertow’s it’s a scary combination I had my grandson in the water right at the shoreline, he was right next to me I saw the wave leaned over to grab him & by the grace of God I extended my arm he grabbed on crying. Never thought he could get washed out by an undertow & rip current the pressure on my feet & I lost my eyeglasses to Crane Beach. You must be vigilant to thread these waters.

Beautiful white sand beach that is several miles long! Very crowded nea parking lot, but miles of beach to pick from! Dogs and horses are allowed in the off season!

Beautiful clean beach. Showers, restrooms, sinks, outdoor shower and snack bar. stay away during green head season

Full disclosure - I grew up in Ipswich and worked at Crane Beach for four years when I was young. Crane has always been considered one of the best beaches north of Boston. Miles of beautiful sand and dunes. Yes, the water is colder than down on the Cape. And it has the nasty, biting green head fly for about four weeks, mid-July to mid-August. But the renovated facilities, boardwalks and restored dunes make this a great place to spend a summer's day. But on the weekend, do arrive early - the lot fills up. An alternative is a bus that runs from downtown Ipswich, about five miles distant.

I have been to beaches all over the world and few compare to this magnificent beach!

Miles of clear waters and beautiful sandy beach make this a must see stop for any beach lover.

There are facilities here but no homes are built on this special beach preserve.

Dunes are between the ocean side and the Essex River side. And while tempting, don't decide to go smashing these natural beauties which protect the beach from erosion.

Spectacular, a trip to Crane's will raise the bar very high for most beach goers.

You simply cannot beat this beach regardless of the time of year, time of day or reason that you're there. I love it in the snow and the sun - it is beautiful!

This a long, and beautiful beach. You can stick to the beach or go off through the dunes to wooded trails and the Crane Estate. A great place to visit.

One of the BEST beaches I have been to. The sand is fine and clean, the water is perfect for all kinds of play. There is plenty of room to spread out, and relax. I love the walk - if you go past the Castle you can walk out onto the sand bar. Bring your kite, your sandcastle building tools, bring your tent or umbrella and picnic and plan on spending the whole day. They have bathrooms and a changing area. Lifeguards are very attentive. Staff is super nice. The stairs over the dunes are not too steep, with a cute rest area to take a breath if you need one. $20 to park - closes at 7pm.

Crane's beach is your typical New England beach, great beach sand, waves and dunes. Residents get free parking stickers limited parking for out of towners so get there early, pack your cooler and enjoy a day at the beach!

Beaches are my thing. I grew up at one. Love them. But not all are created alike. Crane Beach has soft clean sand, beautiful dunes, fantastic snack/lunch offerings, clean cabanas and restrooms. Just a perfect experience.

There is quite a bit of walking from the lot to the actual beach. The cost of parking is comparable to any North Shore or South Shore beach.

The water is cold... make sure you don't go during green head season in July. The beach allows horses from October through March.

If you Love a beach that is not a commercial hot spot full of vendors and shops this is it. Just great views, surf and sand the way it should be unspoiled. I would say this is the nicest beach in Massachusetts. Plus Ipswich with all it's wonderful shops and eateries is just down the street. Will be going here on a regular basis for relaxing days with my wife.

Awesome beach with plenty of room for everyone! It’s a little expensive to park but really a great place to go for the day. They have bathrooms and places to purchase food and drinks as well.

Crane Beach is a wonderful- and popular- place. So it's best to avoid peak usage days as the traffic gets heavy. But the beach is huge, so once you are parked (expensive on summer weekends), the beach is fine, even with a crowd.

About as perfect as a beach can be...splendid views back to Cape Ann and north to Plum Island, a long, long sweep of sand, bath house, snack bar....just find a spot, sit, and relax.

We visited this gorgeous beach as a respite from our time in Philly, NYC, and Boston during a three week trip. We’re from Portland, OR and needed to see some trees and explore this beautiful part of the country outside of the major cities. We were amazed and delighted to pick this beach. It wasn’t crowded (Thursday) and there was plenty of parking. We walked quite a ways on the beach and it was so peaceful and relaxing. The water was clear and very calm most of the day. The biting flies were a little annoying though, but we spent a lot of time in the water...

This beach is nice and clean. Lots of people there but didn’t feel too crowded. They charge too much to come here though.

The beach is endless, clean and with breathtaking views the drive to the beach is also beautiful. I visit often in all seasons. Also has resroomt facilities and a snack bar. Don't miss it if you're in the area.

Cranes Beach is by far one of our family’s favorite beaches! We live about an hour away so we only get there a couple times over the summer. It is expensive to park at $30 for non-members, but our library has a pass that we used and got a discounted rate to get in. It’s also cheaper if you come after 4:00pm. The parking lot does get full early especially on weekends so if you want to get in, get there early! We follow Crane’s Beach on Twitter and they give updates on busy days to let you know how full the lot is. We arrived in line on Labor day a little after 10:00 and the lot was already at 70% capacity. We just made it in before they closed the lot around 11:00.
It’s a beautiful beach that is clean and well kept. It’s the perfect beach to take a long walk along and collect shells. When the tide goes out you are able to walk on the sand bars which is always fun, especially for the kids! When we were there on Labor Day it was crowded but if you are willing to walk a little you can find some open areas.

Perhaps a biased local, but this beach is amazing, with stretching white sands, a relatively short hike over the dunes, and epic sunsets. Locals are spoiled with a unique parking lot so we don't complain. Updated restrooms and snack bar are the icing on the cake. You can even get a local pizza delivered, makes for an early evening hang out one to remember. The sunsets are spectacular to say the least!

As a once-and-future resident of the area, I am a fan of walking on the beach and had s spectacular visit to Cranes in the good ole days.

Like other reviewers, I sadly find the cost of visiting these days not worth it on top of the literally drive-at-your-own-risk intersections in the area. The latter require going for it and hoping that you do not get into a crash. Ipswich apparently has a town ordinance against traffic lights or even three- and four-way stop signs.

The bigger picture is the hot issue of Massachusetts beaches increasingly being limited to locals. Again, as a former and near-future area resident, I get wanting to get your money’s worth, but tourons (tourist plus moron) are people too.

The smaller picture is the beach trustees similarly charging an unduly high fee to walk on the grounds of their nearby equally tax-exempt estate. I understand charging a fee to tour the house, but free or low-cost access to the lawns and woods is reasonable. Many is the time that I have gone to the gatekeeper, often midday during off-season periods, only to turn around and leave,

I last visited the beach one mid-week evening in mid-April and turned around on facing a $15 charge for the last hour before the beach closed.

I am returning to stay in the area in a coupe of weeks and see that the post Labor Day rate still is $15. This seems high, especially considering that the trustees likely rake in the big bucks during the summer.

It is equally absurd that they place a six-person limit on each vehicle. At most, I have one companion but it seems absurd to micro-manage to this level. I could see charging more for a bus or an RV, which take up more space than a car or mini-van. Do they make a seventh person sit in the parking lot or charge another $15?

It is hard to reconcile excusing the private owners from paying property and income taxes based on serving the public good when they clearly overcharge the public that merely wants to enjoy what justifies them subsidizing the tax break.

Absolutely beautiful day to visit Crane Beach. We had been to the Estate previously and had no idea the beach was so lovely!. Today's sun was 85 degrees, but the water was 43! Looking forward to returning!

Just lovely!
Free of commercialism.
Friendly
Felt safe
Close to beach parking
Even water temp was bearable.

The way The Trustees have been managing the Crane Beach Parking permits is ridiculous. They are unprofessional.

Understandably there is Covid and need for social distancing, which requires to limit the accesses... and maybe indeed only allow grant acces to the Trustees members, which happens via webpage and required days in advance.

Here is the problem: the system doesn't work. My wife and I tried numerous times in vain. The system stalls between each step, and even in the last step of the burdensome sequence of steps. To eventually end with the system responding 'no tickets available (anymore)'.

The people who developed this system have done a terrible job, and they seem to not care either. Writing an email won't help, because no answer. Rarely felt so disrespected - as a years long member.

I will probably not sign up again as member next year.

Every summer, people flock to Crane Beach to bask in the sun next to hundreds of other sunbathers. Yet, for nature lovers, this protected beach offers quite a bit more when the crowds are gone. You can watch piping plovers speed along the shoreline, gulls swooping down to peck open clams, and the occasional seal coming up on the beach to look around--or soaking up the rays in the back part of the beach. I have even watched clams digging their way into the sand as the tide goes out.

very few waves, seems a sheltered beach. I was seeing green headed flies, which are in the area due to the marshes. Not too crowded and well organized

This is a beautiful beach with a nice changing house/bathroom facility and a food/gift area. Several boardwalks to go over the dune and one flat path with mats to make it easier for beach carts and emergency vehicles. A beach cart is a good idea if you are carrying an umbrella, cooler, beach chairs etc. as it is a long slog through the sand to get to the water's edge. The sand is golden sugar sand and the water is very clear! In September the water was 70, a little chilly at first but very swimmable and refreshing. Buy a Trustee Membership. This will pay for itself if you go to the beach often and particularly if you enjoy hiking and historic properties. The Trustees will get you free or reduced access to historic homes, gardens and interesting geological areas around the state of Massachusetts.

Gorgeous beach on the North Shore in Mass. Having grown up going to Cape Cod beaches I never ventured to the North Shore beaches, always hearing how cold they were and not a nice as the Cape beaches. WRONG! This is by far one of the most beautiful beaches in Mass. Water quality is perfect, no seaweed, clear water albeit cold but not unbearable. Soft, soft sand, perfect to sink your toes in. An excellent long walkable beach, you could walk for miles. You can also do the dune hike, which we have done before, challenging walking through sand but excellent exercise, just don't do it on a hot day, great fall hike. Also a great family beach, so no loud music, very relaxing and enjoyable. The changing facilities are very clean and one of the best I have been too. They also have a snack shack and little store with t-shirts and other beach gear. Parking is $30.00, seems steep but this beach is well worth it. Do get there early or you will have to go to overflow parking and take a shuttle, we did that last year and a pain so plan accordingly. A not to be missed beach!

This is a beautiful, well maintained beach. We just went yesterday (Sunday) at 2:30 and it was fairly crowded. Part of this is because we arrived shortly before high tied and this had caused people to compress as they moved up the beach. Despite this, we found a nice place to set up and the kids (ages 2, 4, 10, and 12) had a great time playing in the surf and sand.

There were no signs of greenheads yet on the beach, but one of us got bit by one at Farnams in Essex so i think they are around the corner. Personally, once they arrive we won't go again until they are gone. Those flies are miserable.

It was our first time to Crane Beach, as we are visiting from England, and it was beautiful. Fantastic weather and a lovely walk with plenty of photo opportunities. Would love to come back and spend more time at this beach.

Crane's offers 4 miles of absolutely beautiful, sandy beach.

We were fortunate to have a great and sunny day with only a few fellow beach goers. The location is easily accessible and the vistas are stunning and relaxing.

We enjoyed walking through the dunes as well.

Special for sure!

Crane Beach is a great beach option for folks living within an hour's distance of Ipswich, MA. I have visited the beach several times and have always had a great experience. It has a little of everything. The tide pools are great for kids and family, the surrounding nature sites offer ample opportunity to do photography and hiking and the Crane estate itself is a whole other attraction besides the beach.
However, what I would like to add to the great reviews given by everyone else is the amazing team from the trustees who maintain this beach and organize events. I would recommend that before visiting the beach, visit the trustees website on Crane Beach for useful information and upcoming events. Their twitter account @CraneBeachMass has constant updates on weather, parking and upcoming activites. I personally find the beach itself a great photography destination. I would recommend after entering the beach from the boardwalk, go left or stay in the middle for gorgeous sunset views in the evening and go far right for gorgeous moon views on those full moon nights.

There are many beautiful beaches in the world and Crane Beach ranks with the best of them. A long beach - perfect for walking or just chilling, very soft sand, clean water, room to spread-out, new and well kept changing/rest rooms. There is a snack bar but it was not open when we visited this week on a weekday. Check out their website for all fees, as they are reduced now that it is September.

Crane Beach is a beautiful and popular beach. On a nice weekend, expect it to be very crowded but if you are willing to walk 10 minutes the crowds thin out quite a lot. [This may also put you out of range of the lifeguards] There are small channel fed pools for children to swim and splash in if they (or you) are not in an ocean mood. There is a large parking lot, bathrooms with changing areas, outdoor showers, a snack bar, and a shaded picnic area. You need to cross over the dunes to get to the beach – there are paths, as you cannot walk on the dunes themselves because they are delicate and the habitat for a lot of ground-nesting birds. There is no shade on the beach unless you bring an umbrella. You need a car to get to Crane’s. On a nice day, there will be a line to get into the parking lot but it moves pretty quickly because folks who have memberships get passed through quickly. Parking for the day is $25 so if you go frequently, it is worth it to get a membership. It is nice for walking and bird watching in other seasons when the summer crowds are not there.

The parking lot was about half filled. I gather on weekends it is full. If you don’t belong to the Trustees the cost is $25. The beach is absolutely beautiful with good support services near the snack shack. Truly a treasure

This is the most beautiful & natural looking beach I know! It has everything you need, wide open spaces, lots of wildlife, summer activities. I love to go in the off months when there aren't many people around & go for long walks. Gorgeous scenery everywhere you look!

Spent half the day here yesterday and would've stayed longer if I didn't have to fly back home. It was only an hour north of Boston and the last stretch of the ride is pretty. Very well cared for and parking is a breeze. Lots of outside showers to clean up with and some changing areas as well. There is also a snack bar available. Very nice crowd, maybe a little crowded but you can walk down the beach if you want more space. Water was cold but incredibly refreshing given how hot the temperature was. Great family spot.

We got really lucky: a 50 degree sunny day in late-January. It was $10 to park, but there were restrooms open and beach patrols. Spacious parking lot but go slow, plenty of potholes. Miles-long beautiful beach. Been to lots of beaches in New England. This is one of the best. Especially in winter when the crowds are sparse.

Endless miles of beach to walk. Plenty of parking but plan to arrive early as it does get full. There's a food stand, changing rooms and bathrooms and outdoor showers.

Lovely beach in a quiet area. It is worth the trip to see this pretty beach, with its soft sand and awesome view. Totally worth the 25 dollars to get in. Nice bathroom facilities to change.

Beautiful Beach. Attended a wedding on Crane Beach and hope to return and take advantage of time on the beach.

Places like this aren't supposed to exist any longer... miles of white sand beach with nothing behind that beach but sand dunes. No high rises, no condos, no zillion-dollar beach houses. But it does exist. It's twenty miles north of Boston just on the other side of Cape Ann (Massachusetts' "other cape". There is parking for 500+ cars, a small snack shop, and changing/shower rooms. The rest of it is just... beach. Four miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Go, enjoy, bliss out.

Beach is beautiful anytime of year! A great place to walk and think. dunes are beautiful. An Ideal place to spend the Afternoon

Beautiful beach. Super clean. Very caring and helpful staff everywhere. The water was warm for swimming Mid. August. There were lifeguards on duty. The Bathhouse facility is state of the art and new, with lost of space to move around. The have showers outside to get the sand off your feet. I walked for about 1:30 hours, almost to Ipswich river, to see the ship wreckage from the 1900's, amazing sights all along. Across the bay, you see plum Island. The parking costs $25.00 per car, totally worth it, for a full day of fun at this wonderful beach. I can't wait to go again. Put in 5 people in the car, so each will pay $5.00 for the parking.

We were there in winter with snow and wind. Always beautiful to see the snow to the waterline. Along the bay. Traverses beach, wetlands and mash areas.

Crane Beach was gifted to the Trustees of Reservations as a bequest from the Crane family. It is maintained in an unspoiled, noncommercial state. If you are looking for open ocean with miles of sand and no honkytonk, Crane Beach in Ipswich is your beach.

There is a daily fee of $25 for parking, and on summer weekends, there are lines of traffic on Argilla Road leading to the parking lot. But the trade off for traffic is a clean, beautiful beach and pristine surroundings.

This is the place to go if you want to feel like your on a private tropical island. Crystal clear water and all sandy beach. Clean and quiet. Long beautiful beach to walk on. Nice scenery. Large enough beach so there is plenty of distance between beach blankets. On the back road to get here we saw deer grazing and wild turkeys along the road.

Absolutely beautiful beach for family. My wife and I went there on the first day of August however the beach was so crowded in morning that the police officer block the road leading to the beach. We then made another plan to spend some hours in the Russell Orchard. The orchard was excellent and it was the perfect day for blueberry picking. Around 1:30 PM, the road was cleared and we were able to get into the beach parking lot. Parking fee is a bit higher $25, but worth your every penny. I spent our whole unforgettable afternoon here.

A beautiful beach worth making the trip to see! Started our visit exploring the trail then headed to the shore for some relaxation and eats! White sand, clear water, a great place to walk the shore...afterwards the bath houses are great for a quick wash up (or shower!) before heading home. Nice snack shack and beach store in case your in need of anything. The parking fee is right on point...many nice beaches in both MA and RI average $20-25; this is by far one of the best!

This beach was very well maintained and clean! The sand is soft and there are walkways from the parking lot to the beach making it a lot easier to get to the beach. The bathrooms were clean as well!

first time visiting the beach. it is beautiful. miles of beach to walk. many bodies of water making little pools. great for children. most of the water line has little to no drops. very clean. just bring your skin-so-soft to ward off the nasty green head flies. there were not a tremendous amount of them but even one bite hurts. bettter to come prepared. this is definitely in my top 3 beach list.

You can walk and walk and walk and walk and walk some more ...
... also the hike through the dunes is breathtaking, but bring water along. Not many people explore these dunes, but if you do it's like a mini vacation to Denmark. A true gem, unexpected find on the New England coast line.
Come after 3 when parking is cheaper and most people already leave, walk a bit to the right and walk as far as needed to not feel like a sardine ...
Don't forget to go for a walk along the beach. I promise you will turn around before you reach the tip ...

Nice sand, cold water. Lunch shack, restrooms/changing areas and little beach store on site. $30 to park but that's gets you entry to the mansion grounds as well.

Has waves but still good for kids 5+ who are adequate swimmers.

A great beach. Nice sand bars at low tide. Good swimming, life guards but also long enough for a walk along the beach. Clean bathrooms, bath house, snack bar.

We spent the Sunday of Labor Day weekend at Crane Beach. The tide was low so the beach was immense. The water was very clean and comfortably warm. Very crowded, but a short walk away from the concession area led to wide open areas of beach. $25 parking fee was well worth it.

Firstly it's 30 dollars for the car park! Get over that and it's a winner. The car park is huge, lots of spaces, you walk up to the toilets, changing rooms, cafe, ice-cream and small shop. Then it is a bit of a walk up and over a sand dune, but they have mats down for grip and it's easy to wheel your trolley or buggy up and over. The sand is soft, clean and beautiful. The actual space is wide so there are lots of areas to settle down without being in each others pockets. The water is clear, with shells and lots of hermit crabs.
The sea has a gentle slope out and when the tide goes out you can walk down the slope and it still doesn't have a drop - so perfect for little kids (my 2 year old loved it). There are lots of lifeguards - which is great as we were held out of the walk for about 45 mins are there was a finn spotted just off the shore. The lfieguard boats were out and after thoroughly checking, we were allowed back in.

We LOVED it here, gentle breeze, lots of space, clean, friendly atmosphere - we will be back.

The beach is lovely although if you’re just passing like we were today there is no shade but there were umbrellas which I think you could hire.
Please be aware of Ray Rays on the way down the steps to the beach opposite end to the hotel, he sells drinks in coconuts but unfortunately tried his luck with us today and tried changing the price 3 times while making it! When we wouldn’t pay the higher price he hit one angry with us and his chirpy personality soon changed!

My wife and I were hoping to take our 2-year-old grandson to the beach for a brief visit during a beautiful late Friday afternoon while visiting the area from Cape Cod. We were astonished when we arrived to see that the “price of admission” is $40, so we logically chose not to be robbed. The most expensive beach on Cape Cod these days, with warm water I might add, is $30, but on principal, I wouldn’t even pay that. I can’t imagine the reasoning behind the price of admission. Are they trying to keep riff-raft like us out (2 60-year-olds and a toddler), or what is it, beyond injustified insanity?

Gorgeous in the summer, except for the biting flies when they are in season. Showering facilities, snack bar, walking trails on the dunes.
Gorgeous in the winter, when we can run and frolic with our dogs off-leash.

People visit Cranes Beach all summer, but fall is just as wonderful. Parking is cheaper and sometimes totally free. Horses are allowed on the beach and watching them romp in the water is a fabulous site!!

The water was clean and clear, there weren't many waves, the sand was white and clean. The beach is very long and wide though I hear it depends on the tide. Walking to the beach there are protected green areas for bird nests, I loved walking through them. It creates a very natural feel. The bathhouse was clean because the actual showers are outside but that means you can't take a full shower, I don't know if I love that idea but I loved that the actual changing areas were very clean and not wet. It has a huge parking space but I hear on weekends it gets full by 10 am and starts getting less busy around 1.

The beach is beautifully maintained. The car park was full however the shuttle bus was easy so we took that from Ipswich station. The sand and sea are lovely, but the water is freezing!

It is our family's favorite beach in New England! The best time to go is after 4pm when the crowds start leaving and when the parking fee is reduced from $30 to $20. They have very clean and spacious changing rooms and bathrooms. It offers the most magnificent sunset views, along with fine white sands. Our 8 and 9 year olds enjoy finding large oyster and clams shells along the shore lines, as well as playing in the sand dunes.

For a beautiful stretch of sand and clear water, there's no match...CRANE beach is my oasis in the East...walk all the way to the right and find yourself on your own stretch of paradise...ENJOY!

This place is ok. The good part is the beach is AWESOME! Me, my mom, aunt, and cousins all went as a family to the beach.

The bad part is in the men's room they claim the toilets are "nice and efficient" but those PORTOR POTTEYS are smelly, and the gnats were flying all over the toilets. However, my mom said there were no gnats or flies on or in the toilet! And please, in the men's room, find a way to get rid of the gross bugs .

The snack bar had only wraps and a hummus plate. No hot dogs, hamburgers, Mac and cheese, or any fast food. But they did have lemonade which I love.

I would maybe come back. and to everyone, BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a popular beach but walk down it to the right and you can be alone. Be aware that the parking costs unless you are a member of The Trustees

Trustees for Reservations, owner of Crane Beach, needs to put front & center on their website, "No-one, absolutely no-one, will be admitted without an advance reservation."

We planned our weekend around a trip to Crane Beach. We gave the beach website a quick once over & found nothing that mandated advance registration. A member of the Trustees for Reservations, who has been to the beach many times, drove us over to the beach yesterday. When we got to the entrance of the beach, where the admission guards are, we were told that due to COVID-19, only 1,000 cars?/people? would be allowed per day. We were told that every Monday at noon & every Thursday at noon, the reservations become available (for the following 3 days?). Advanced Registration REQUIRED - -That should be front & center on their official website, not buried in the fine print.

Other Massachusetts beaches, such as the Winthrop beaches, aren't controlling admittance. I'm a lifelong Massachusetts resident and will never return to Crane Beach. There is no excuse for not being kind to people and not being forthright with what the rules are. It was a wasted trip for us on a scorching hot day.

I have been here many times going back to my early childhood during the 1960’s. However, now the weekend parking fee is $30 which is the highest of any beach in the area. I would love to come more often now but with such a high parking fee, I go elsewhere. This is a perfect example of when the state lets a group of rich trustees decide on fees.

It always a great day at the beach here. It's always clean and uncrowded. It's maintained by park services so there is a price for parking. Well worth it for a full day at such a beautiful beach.

Easy parking. Lots of stairs to the beach, but once over the dunes, it was beautiful. Lots of room to spread out down not feeling like you're on top of other beachgoers… The water was chilly but it was crystal clear which made for a good shell and Sandollar hunting… New bath houses, outdoor showers, etc. snack shack was expensive & only offered a couple types of wrap sandwiches and the kids were picky about them - no grilled items - burgers, fries, etc.

Nice place to spend your day with family. Clean beautiful ..the beach are beautifull the water are bite cold .

This is a hidden gem to many. It is the longest stretch of untouched beach anywhere New England. That is a fact. Once you get in you can walk endlessly to find a quiet spot. I prefer to the Cape because of this. Perfect for familiar kids etc

Crane's Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Massachusetts, which can be accessed year-round. Great trails or explore in the dunes as well. An entrance fee is charged ($10 per car, $5 for Crane's Beach trustee members).

One of my favorite beaches in all of New England. Has changing facilities and a snack bar.. but I always bring my own cooler and spend the entire day. Get there early on summer weekends as the parking lot gets full.

April 19th, 4pm, wanted to just walk the beach on a nice day but they want $25. It’s not even summer yet. Guess they only want rich people on their beach.

It cost me (a non-resident/trustee) $25 to park BUT it’s totally worth it. 1. Plenty of parking. 2. Very clean bathrooms/changing rooms. 3. Multiple points of access to the beach that include mats for wheels (strollers, carts, wheelchairs). 4. Lots of staff present including life guards, patrol, etc. 5. Very clean beach. Having grown up near the coast, you can always tell which beaches have low cost parking since there is usually trash left everywhere.
There is also a snack bar and vending machines. Just watch out for the seagulls!!

Everyone told me to get out to this beach. I got there and it was beautiful. It's long and feels like it goes forever. I read somewhere that the parking was free during the winter, that is not the case. However, the parking is discounted in the winter.

Crane Beach is really as nice as people say. the surf varies day to day but also down the beach - usually it is fairly calm at the entrance and great for little kids but gets rougher as one walks down the beach. So, there is something for everyone at this pretty spot. The only bad thing is that the parking lot closes (as in shuts the gate) at sundown so folks have to leave by then because really this is the kind of place you will want to linger. Cape Cod gets all the press and the National Seashore there is fantastic, but Cape Ann and the North Shore are equally beautiful and Crane Beach is a treasure. Full disclosure - I live in the area but Crane Beach still feels like a vacation.

Hidden paradise in Massachusetts. The beach is clean and just breathe taking. Worth the drive! Keep in mind there is a fee to enter.

Cranes beach is Mass Coastal beauty at its best. It is not crowded like the cape and yet has a natural appeal as there are no houses up against the beach. Private is how it feels when you go to this beach and walk along the sandy beautiful coastline.

I have to get there at least once a year. Now I am seriously ill. They don't have handicapped access. It was harder to get to the wooden ramp that the regular ones (with tairs) so I just did the stairs. I begged nice looking people to carry my stuff, but still had to do a bit myself. Two years ago I called ahead for one of their sand buggies, but the day I got there they didn't have them, so did as above. The biggies stop on Labor Day too I think. I haven't gotten there yet this year - 2019 - but plan to. This may be my last one. Afriend and I rode our bikes up from Pride's Crossing in junior high and I have been going ever since. When I lived on the North Shore I'd go at the drop of a hat. I'd bring friends from far away, telling them, "You have to see this." Clams or lobster on the way home, too. Fourth of July fireworks more than one year after a beach day. Memorable.

We visited the beach on a overcast day so not your typical beach day but we still enjoyed our visit. The beach is so big with nice white sand. You could walk for hours. Nice snack bar and bathrooms. And some very nice trails in the beach shrubs next to the dunes (accessible from the parking lot).

Ok.. stay home in july (greenhead season), but go in August. Get there early. Weekdays $25 to park. Yes, expensive.. but i'm a die hard beach fan, and it is worth the trip. Crowded, and wish they'd tell people not to smoke, but for the most part.. great. Guy even brings the people who have trouble with the far walk in the sand, by dune buggy. They could clean the bathrooms more, and certainly for that amount of money , they should. (smelly)

We love Crane so much in previous years we've bought the membership. It's hardly ever crowded because the cost of parkign people then to steer away which benefits those of us who seek a quite excellent spot.
For kids thsi is the best beach I've seen in New Englad, hardly any waves and low tide.
There is no shade so bring an umbrella or tent; we typically bring a cooler with everything we need but the steps are a lot of work so if you rather not deal with that you can buy items in their snack shop.
The greenheads are a nightmare just go when they are not in season; that is what we do and haven't had issues.

White sand. Clean water. Clean beach. Beautiful.
The first beach I had visited when I entered in the USA in July 2014 and I was so much feeling so blissful and wonderful.
Parking fees $25, due to which one can find only a descent bunch of visitors.
One of the few finest beaches in Massachusetts. And will be!
Impressed!

Had a great day at the beach! We stayed the whole day! The water was plenty warm to swim in and there was no seaweed. No greenheads either. The snackbar was delicious (wish they did french fries though) and the bathrooms were very clean. The beach felt very safe and everyone was respecting the mask rule. We would not hesitate to come back here.

You do need a reservation to get in. You can buy your weekend ticket online for $50/car. It is expensive but they are cutting down their number of guests so that we can be safe. Cranes beach website is very clear about everyone needing a reservation and there are about 5 huge signs before along the drive warning you that you will be turned away if you do not have a reservation.

Having hiked national parks around the country I never mind paying entrance fees to help maintain trails and facilities. However, having paid $10 for a single day, I was horrified by the state of port a potties. They were filled with bags of trash, dirty diapers, beer bottles and lots of other refuse. If you are going to charge an entrance fee, I think you should have at least one functioning and clean port a potty. If it is too early in the season to provide one it should be too early to charge for park usage.

I've grown up in Ipswich and spent many summers at Crane Beach. It's a gorgeous drive out, and miles of beach span along the shore. The dunes are nicely protected so occasionally you're lucky enough to see some of the wildlife (mainly piping plovers) in there. The bathhouses and snack bar make it easy for families to enjoy a full day without having to worry about leaving. A little pricey (I think $15 for non-residents?) to get in, and you can leave and come back in the same day without paying again, but definitely worth it if you're committing to the day there. In the summer there's a bus that runs from downtown to the beach, but I'm not sure how reliable it is or what it costs.

Such a beautiful beach. Peaceful ambient, huge beach, crystal clear water, and so much more. I never wanted to leave!!!

Crane is a wonderful place. The clean water, nice sand and aesthetic appeal of the grasses surrounding it, make this one of the best beaches in MA. My best beach, however, is Wingaersheek, just a town east.

Beautifully clean beach. Calm water and no rocks. Nice amenities near the parking lot. Great beach to take a long walk on. Very gradual slope when you enter the water, no sudden drop offs.

Most people who visit Crane Beach go to the southern part. But there is a great beach to the north of the mansion. Looks out over Plum Island and Little Neck. Not as peopled and a nice alternative if you have visited Crane's before.

This beach is one of the largest around. It boasts a great snack area and restroom/changing area. There is a lot of walking to do because of the vastness of the property. $25 parking fee for the day. Bring bug spray. Always. Since you have to lug all of your gear to the beach, plan to have transport totes, rolling coolers, backpacks, etc, to make it easier. Your kids will whine a blue streak if you're not prepared. High tide can be a little rough so keep an eye on the little ones. Good size waves at times.

This is one of my most favorite beaches in New England. Incredibly clean and beautiful. Be mindful of Greenhead season, Sit closer to the water, they are less of a nuisance. I have heard certain skin lotions can deter them as well. You will have to bring your trash with you when you leave, no barrels. The seagulls are smart, keep food secure, I swear they know what a Doritos bag is and favor them. This beach is a must see. The notes I made are helpful suggestions, I highly recommend a visit. There are clean bathrooms, outside showers and a snack bar during summer season.

I'm a regular at Cranes, and have been a member for years. With the popularity and parking lot closures it can take some planning. But it's worth it. It's accessible, has lots of clean, well-kept bathrooms that are open until almost sunset. They are active on social media with updates which is helpful for planning and there's room for all, especially if you are willing walk out to the sand bar at low tide to get away from the crowd. The green heads can be the worst...bring some strong bug spray when they are in season.

I love Crane beach year round. Awesome trails to hike the dunes in solitude and 3+ miles of sandy clean beach. By far the best in North Shore partly because of the size and the dunes trails are 'heavenly'. Worth the trip and pay the price. It's usually cooler there than on mainland so layer up! Been going and walking there for over 22 years. Love it!

Crane is a beautiful, very long beach. It's very clean and the water sparkles (and is quite cold - refreshing!) When the tide is out, it's quite wide - the tide can come in pretty fast - you can move your chair back several times in an afternoon! I went on a cloudy day and, sunny or cloudy, it's magical. The changing rooms have been updated and are clean and private. Plenty of parking. It is expensive to park but less if you a member of the Trustees of Reservations; you can also purchase a sticker from them. I completely understand that the fee turns some people off but it's worth it for the cleanliness of the beach and facilities. Plus all the Trustees do to protect the dunes and wildlife. There are also hiking trails which are really terrific with amazing views all their own.

A long stretch of sand dunes, largely protected from human invasion, is crossed by way of a few wooden structure that rise above the dunes themselves. This gives access to the shoreline, sea and beach area.
It wasn't that busy when we were there, but judging by the size of the car parks, it's a very popular destination.

Loved this long stretch of sandy beach. We weren't there to swim, just wanted a nice stroll. Our walk was great but I regretted not bringing our suits. Seemed less overrun by commercialism than other beaches. A lovely place.

Ranked as one of the best beaches in Massachusetts, we were expecting more from Crane Beach than what we got in the end.

Yes, it's well organized, with a big parking lot, and several paths to the beach.
Yes, it's long and there should be enough place for everyone.
Yes, the dunes are beautiful and make it for a wild-like beach without buildings and manmade distractions for the eye.

But...

It's oriented in such a way that the sun is in your back as soon as 11:00am. If you want to take the sun, you're turning your back to the sea and it's beautiful view.
Although its a large beach, its success makes it hard to feel confortable as your nearest neighbors are a mere threes feet away. Your sharing their thoughts, concerns and problems in life. Who cares! We've got our own! 😜

Now, that being said, it's a nice and clean beach, no question about it. For the best beaches in Massachusetts, well... read my other reviews!

Although I have never seen it in the top 10 in the world, this should be one of them. Can't beat the surf and the sand the winter walks. Expensive to enter but if you buy a conservation pass you will do well. Watch out for the green head flies in July, however.

Been going to Cranes Beach since childhood and it will always be a favorite!! It's a beautiful beach to the walk at the end of the day.

I have been going to Crane Beach for years. Although the water is cold for me-60's in the summer. The beach and life guards make it pleasant for all ages. Lots of places to water and lots of beautiful views

This is a great beach to go to, but be prepared to pay highway robbery prices to park, and good luck finding a parking spot on a busy weekend. The concession stand is decent with savory burgers, and the beach accommodating; but keep your flippers, floaties,masks and snorkels at home - the life guards are just a bit overreeaching and very annoying - make you feel like little kids who are misbehaving.

This is one of the best beaches in MA. Visited in early July. Water wasn't clean this time and again it was green head fly season. It wasn't as bad, but green head fly were there. I got bitten couples of time. Also this time, fee was increased to $45 for non-members. Very high compare to other places where parking is lot cheaper.

If you love to walk on a beach no matter the time of year or weather, Crane Beach will beckon you. Spring and Fall are my favorite.

With it's sand dunes, and sea birds to keep you company, you can walk the beach and feel as though you have discovered it. There are also miles of trails within the inner dunes to wander as well. If you are fortunate to be there on a day when a beautiful woman rides through the waves on a white horse, that has got to be a unique experience for anyone!

The trustees have kept this sanctuary for all to enjoy. There is a fee year round, if you are driving onto the property and parking. It's worth it.

As always the best beach around. Wonderful new bathhouses, and plenty of parking. Very relaxing and family friendly.

We love this beach and come by every year when we bring our son to college. Family friendly and clean with all the amenities. The only thing we noticed was that the beach was receding probably as a result of the severe weather thtoughout the years. Still worth a trip though.

Crane Beach is a beautiful beach! Avoid the beach however during greenhead season (clearly marked on their website and Twitter page). They go away after the full moon.
Water is great and SO much beach to walk on.
Dogs are allowed off season.
Buy the season pass! It's well worth it. (Otherwise parking is $25 per car)

Great beach all year round! Dogs and horses are welcome off season. Beautiful dune paths! Gets crowded in the summer . Best to arrive early to get parking if not an Ipswich Resident with a sticker.

We signed up for the Crane Beach outdoor adventures, kayaking. Simply wonderful. Explore the beach and Choate island from the water. We had two wonderful/expert guides and two helpful volunteers. The whole trip was exceptionally well organized. Just a delightful way to spend the morning on the water. Highly recommended.

Super windy upon arrival - very overcast. But since you have to pre-pay $45 and there are no refunds we had to check it out. Lots of parking. We had planned on bringing my elderly dad. Glad he had to abort this trip as it would not have been easy to get him to the waters edge. No real handicap access. The kids got salads at the snack shack and a buffalo chicken wrap - they enjoyed it all. Mad at myself for not grabbing a beach umbrella before the shop closed, as I couldn’t find mine! On a better and sunny day this is a must try! Oh and the bathrooms are meticulous.

Violent attack by green heads. Sent kids to hospital! Completely overrun with visitors, barely space to breathe. So much trash. So expensive. Dog p*op everywhere. Was once beautiful. Absolutely ruined by The (greedy) Trustees. Will never go back. So sad. They've turned paradise into a sandy parking lot.

Crane Beach is pretty pricey, $25 per car, but well worth it. The beach is really nice and the water is clear and refreshing. Bring bug spray because the green heads bite and are a pain.

Our first trip to Crane Beach. The sand was warm and soft under our feet. The water was cold but not freezing. Ample parking and not too crowded. They have bathrooms, changing rooms and outdoor shower to wash off the sand. It is a carry in and carry out beach.

We found crane beach on the Internet and decided to make a day of it. There's just something wonderful not sitting in traffic to get onto the Cape, instead we headed noorth. I love how white the sand is, how clean the beach is, and the amount of parking. We stopped by the strawberry farm that you drive part on your right as you approach the road to the beach for a snack!

If the water were warmer, I'd give it a five (Excellent). But this is not Florida. Crane Beach is a great place for locals to meet and enjoy the relaxing sands and—if brave—the cold waters; they may likely take some getting used to. It is the tourist attraction of Ipswich, an historic old New England town about six miles inland, also worth the visit but lesser known. One of the oldest colonial settlements and one of the best kept secrets of New England, and like Philadelphia known as "the birthplace of American Independence" only about 100 years older.

I've also gone to the Beach alone just to think and meditate and it is a nice place to be yourself and not have to impress anybody else. (Even if all the ladies are concerned about how they look in their swim suits. Not me. My body is what it is. Like it or leave it.) Of course, it is open most all year long so you can even go just to hang out in the cooler seasons, although some people are crazy enough to dip in the cold water in the cold weather. They can have it.

The beach, its trails and boardwalks, like the Crane Estate grounds, are all managed by the Trustees of Massachusetts' reserves, so there are lots of dune trails on the beach property. You can also visit the Estate grounds and mansion for an historical understanding of the locale and the Crane plumbing tycoon family and their contribution to this beautiful part of New England.

We went there on a hot day during weekend. There was a note by the entrance about green head flies, but we thought it would be OK. We were wrong. These flies would not let you stay even in water, bug spray does not work. Do not go if there are signs.

We went to Crane Beach via the parking at the house. It was a beautiful day and yet the beach was not crowded - you could find your own spot. The busiest area, of course, was that part nearest the parking lot. The sea was lovely and warm and clear. By parking at the house, we were then able to easily look around the gardens of the Crane Estate.

The cost to enter the park on the weekends might be high for some ($25 per car). However, the beach and surrounding areas are worth it.

The beach area where the lifeguards are can be a bit crowded, but during low tide there are nice pools that young kids can play in. If you want more open space then a nice walk down the beach will get you away from the crowds. The trials in the park are great and if you enjoy hicking you should check them out.

Crane Beach is a beautiful beach on the North Shore. The parking fee is a little pricey, but it worth it. The sand is white, the beach is scenic, the bathrooms/changing areas are nice and clean.

Though the water is cold and there are green flies a lot of the time. The views are beautiful. Pay to park, but you can also get a season pass for cheaper.

The beach is stunning we visited with family just before we left to come home. The walk was what was needed after a long weekend. The wildlife was worth the visit.

Beautiful beach with dunes. If not a resident, parking is expensive. Weekdays $25 Weekends $30 There is a bath house and bathroom and f

Large, sandy beach, dunes to explore, sheltered picnic area with tables, bathhouse with outside showers and bathrooms. Make sure to get a parking pass before you go.

When we visit our daughter in Massachusetts we often take a day or two to spend time at Crane Beach. The beach feels big even when there are lots of people there. We have room to have our separate space among the shovels and beach toys that accompany other visitors. Enjoying the sunshine on a beautiful summer day and swimming in reasonably clean water is great, though the water tends to be a tad on the chilly side. Don't worry about the water. It will feel fairly warm in no time. Swimming is great there if the waves are not too big. And if the waves are big and you are a good swimmer go out and ride the waves. Wonderful!

This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Massachusetts coast. A truly lovely place to spend the day. The sand is fine and there are very few rocks. It's a great place to walk and go in the water. There is a snack bar, bathrooms and changing room. I costs $25 per car to get in. There are no Sr. discounts. If you purchase an annual membership the entry fee is $10 per car. There are many other properties around Massachusetts associated with the membership.

Fabulous beach. This is really worth going to. This beach is open year round. They charge to park there, unless you are a Ipswich resident, but is worth the fee.

Crane beach not only has miles of gorgeous beach spots to enjoy the day but also hiking trails, plentiful nature sanctuaries, and part of the Crane Estate of Trustees properties not far from the Crane Estate up on the hill.
Parking is cheap on off season days but once Memorial Day hits expect $30 parking! But well worth it for a beach day if you pack lunches etc.
Clean beach, great for walking the dunes

This beach is amazing. I am so amazed that this beach is close to my home. I have lived on the North Shore for about 15 years but I had never been here. I was blown away. The sand is nearly perfect and goes on nearly forever.
My review focuses very little on the parking, lifeguards or the snackbar. We were there on a late summer day when it was rather cool (although very sunny) so it wasn't that busy. It was easy to get a parking space and we did not use the snackbar. I had no interactions with the lifeguards so I have no comment in that area. The bathrooms/shower building seemed very clean.

LOVE this beach. It's about an hr's drive from Boston.
The beach is never too crowded, the water is beautiful. It's one of the good swimming beaches in MA.
The parking even in the evening is 20$ :(

On Christmas eve, we packed the car with two children, ages 4 and 6, and four adults. We drove to the parking lot at Crane Beach and parked away from the beach at the trail head. We walked through the dunes along the green trail and then followed the red trail to the beach. It was a spectacular day, so the walk was really wonderful. When we reached the beach, we truly had found a fabulous setting. We continued our walk back to the parking lot stopping often just to take in the view and investigate the lagoons that we encountered. One scene that was particularly engaging was a woman who was running her horse along the beach with a "Go-Pro" attached to her head. She and her horse were incredibly majestic running into the water and cooling off and then running along the shore at top speed. Across from where we were we spied Plum Island and took in that spectacular view. I can't wait to return soon.

We went to this beach on the 4th of July for a nice relaxing beach day. It cost $30 to park, but if you sign up for a membership and buy a parking pass for the year it cost $122. If you plan on heading to the beach all summer it's worth it.

We were told we could stop by the gift shop and show them our parking pass we paid $30 for that day and they would deduct the cost towards the membership. When we went to the gift shop they were closed so we were unable to purchase a pass. I called the next day asking if we could do that over the phone and have the $30 credit applied as we were told by the parking attendant and we were told no.

The bathrooms were clean and the beach has a small gift shop and a snack stand that offered food.

The beach is beautiful with clean water and an amazing view. You can see a sandbar and water crafts when you look into the ocean. It has a Cape Code feel. The parking lot is very large and there is plenty of room on the beach.

We look forward to spending the summer weekend relaxing and enjoying ourselves here.

Large beach with great long walk potentials. Drop your seat close to the beach entrance near the crowds, or walk for bit to the edge where you'll have plenty of space. Park rangers are friendly and incredibly helpful. Our favorite beach in New England...

Lovely beach below Crane Estate Castle Hill...easy to get to and lots of room to get away from people if you want.

My favorite time to go to Crane Beach is in the winter or in the rain. It is so beautiful in bad weather to see how wild the waves and the wind can get, and to have the beach all to myself. This is a piece of heaven close to home.

We arrived 3:00 Sunday afternoon of the Independence Day holiday weekend and only had 5 cars in front of us at the ticket booth and no problem finding parking (drive over to the far side and then along by the dunes to escape the traffic). We were there just before low tide so although there were lots of people there and still lots of space. New changing rooms are nice but prices at the canteen are outrageously high.

Everything about this beach is ideal: the parking lot doesn't fill up before 10am, the fine white sand, the snack bar and restroom facilities... EXCEPT FOR THE BITING GREENHEAD FLIES. Yesterday (7/8/18) they were everywhere. One person in my group got bitten 16 times!

Whatever time of year or day - we love visiting, hiking in the dunes and on the beach or just enjoying a beach day. The facilities are great and the scenery par none. The best!

We came here after visiting Castle Hill which gives you a discount on the entrance.

When you first pull up you see the sand dunes and things only get better from there. The changing area is fine as well as an area to wash off after you have gotten covered in sand. The next thing you get to experience is walking over the sand dunes and seeing the ocean. The view alone is worth the price alone.

Now I will say that you should expect the beach to be busy. But that is ok because there is plenty of space. Actually the beach goes in both directions and far as you can see.

The water itself was clear and shallow. The sand was nice, they even have sand toys you can borrow when you enter the place so make sure to grab some so you can enjoy making a sand castle.

Overall this was one of the best stops on our trip. It was what our son enjoyed more than any other stop we made. I highly recommend this beach.

Absolutely gorgeous beach. Stunning views, clean, white sand. Easy access from parking lot. No rocks! Bath houses in process of makeover. Friendly staff.

The sand is nice and thick (when dry). Lots of space to sunbathe. Nice surf. Water cold (18 degrees celsius on August 19) and goes deep rapidly (parents beware). Lots of parking space for your car ($25 per day during the week, and $30 during the weekend). Very clean bathrooms (both men and women).

Crane Beach is by far the best beach north of Boston. Now I haven’t been to every beach north of Boston but the ones I have been to are not this nice.

The entire beach is pristine and just beautiful. There are miles and miles of beach so if you don’t want to be near the crowds you can keep walking until the beach is a little less crowded. The water is clean and there is lots of wild life both in the water and out for little ones and adults alike to observe and or seek out.

Crane beach is part of the Crane Wildlife Refuge and it’s surrounded by beautiful picturesque green marsh and white sandy dunes that you can walk though several trails. The beach and surrounding area is truly an example of New England landscape at its best.

The trustees do a good job on the upkeep of the beach. But unfortunately lately I’ve noticed lots of trash left on the beach, cans, empty food containers, empty bags of chips .. things that people bring with them . This year I’ve noticed more than any other year. This year it seems there is always trash everywhere and it’s really sad to see.

If you are reading this review and planning a trip to crane beach I beg you … please take with you everything you bring in to the beach. This beach is for everyone to enjoy and once it’s beauty is gone, it’s gone.

I remember early fall last year while walking along the beach we came across a gull trying to eat a crab and unintentionally scared the gull away which gave the crab enough time to make its escape back in to the ocean. For the rest of the fall my son would talk about the crab we saved that day. You can’t buy memories like this or get them back once they are gone. Enjoy and please, please … please, take care of the beach.

Horrible experience – don’t waste your time!
What a complete waste of a day. The water was freezing cold, parking alone was $40 just to find out the beach was closed because of sharks. On top of that, you need some “annoying pass” or else they kick you out. The water wasn’t clear at all, and after a 2.5-hour commute, we sat in horrible traffic on the way back. Easily one of the biggest wastes of time in my life. Stay away from this place.

Visiting Crane Beach in the Fall, Winter, and Spring is a hidden jewel of an experience for residents of and visitors to the North Shore.

We had a $135/year beach membership with parking that expired end of July 2018. When we arrived to the beach at 10:00 a.m. on July 4th, instead of being welcomed, we were snidely turned away by police who said they were only letting Ubers and residents in. There were many empty parking spaces in the very large lot yet, we had to drive back to town where we parked our car in a high school lot and Ubered in. Leaving at the end of the day was worse, as there were no Ubers to be had. We had to wait a half hour in the heat, with all our stuff, and board a shuttle bus full of people, which dropped us at the train station. Then, we had to Uber to our car. Needless to say, we were beyond frustrated. The manager of membership at the Trustees has not returned my phone call.

It's our favorite beach. Yes it can be crowded. Yes you should avoid it when the monstrous green heads are about. But with this year's summer heat wave the water was warm enough to swim in and there are always opportunities for long walks and people watching.

No free wifi
No surfing waves
No cranes at Crane Beach
Too many families
The beach was too sandy
No drone photography allowed

The parking was easy if you're a Trustee Member. Not sure why other reviews said it was difficult.

Great sandy beach with space for everyone. Swimmers, dog walkers, kite flyers, sun lovers. Good parking at a cost.

Beautiful beach but the water is cold no matter what time of year it is. Amenities are being redone this year so next summer should be amazing.

I'm sorry, maybe I'm to cheap but I am not going to pay $30 to park at a beach!!! I have traveled to many places and this is the first. I realized why it was so high when there was 3 police officers at the gate and I'm paying for there salary. Is this beach not safe?

Crane beach is a typical lovely New England beach - white sand, lovely (and protected) dunes with bird life, butterflies, foliage, clear water and clean facilities manned by a polite and helpful staff.
Parking payments are tiered by membership and day of the week. They take cards to pay for parking.
Expect to find it crowded on weekends when the weather is great.

Beautiful white sand beach with ever changing seascape, pristine and away from everything. Just the beach, birds and the ocean. I am still visiting this beach since my first time in 1975 and every time I stand on the top of the boardwalk I think, WOW this is really beautiful place and I want to come back here again and again.....

Lots of beach to walk. The changing/bathroom facilities are clean and well maintained. Best PB&J sandwich.

Enjoyed taking teenage nephews for an outing during a nice summer day. They swam all day. Excellent safety protocols and advance booking with Trustees.

We are so lucky to have this amazing beach in town. Whether you want a traditional beach experience or want to walk through the dunes to get away from the world, Crane Beach has it all! Nice beach for young children as the surf is normally minimal and this beach has less undertow than some other beaches in this area. It is a really nice beach for walking as it stretches for miles in both directions from the main parking lot.

Another hidden treasure on the North Shore. The beach is gorgeous beyond words and such a special place to visit. It will rejuvenate your soul. Take of your shoes off and let your feet absorb the sand and ocean healing properties that only nature can offer!

Worth every penny of the $25 fee to enter (which is used for maintaining a developing the reserve). Great hiking, bird watching, beach walking, shady spots for simple picnics , extensive historic mansion ... allow a full day!

This is not your cutesy little post card beach like Manchester's Singing Beach. No, no no- it's huge; with dunes, tidal pools, wildlife, birds galore, horses, dogs (off season) and the untamed Atlantic slamming the steep shoreline. Controlled by Trustees of Reservations, it's pricey @ $20. Join ToR for $45/yr and pay $15. Be an Ipswich resident and pay zero in your own section of the beach, closest to the sweeping Crane Estate. Walk your legs off or just bake as you gaze at the tip of Plum Island- you can not lose (unless Mother Nature is pissed).

Heard so much about this beach and was not disappointed. My wife and I walked for about two hours just soaking up the peace and beauty of this place.

Parking is a little expensive, but I had a friend who's parents have a trustee membership and we got in for free. Beach was super worth the drive. Very clean, very nice, and very friendly beach with long pretty stretches to walk.

We visited Crane Beach as it is in close proximity to a family member's new house. The drive there is beautiful on back roads with stone walls and gorgeous landscape. The Crane house sits atop a hill looking over the ocean and adds to the beauty of the area. There is plenty of parking and the beach is easy to get to with no large dunes. The water is calm and clear (perfect for swimming and skim boarding, but no big waves) and my teen boys loved it even though there weren't waves. The sand is soft and free from rocks and the beach is very clean. A perfect place to visit and cool off.

Long walks on beach revealed a wooden shipwreck along the shore as well as beautiful sunrises. Can be accessed by walk through dunes from Castle Hill entrance if you are a guest, a day pass purchase or Crane Beach membership

As you are driving down Argilla Road it's hard to believe there is a 5 mile long beach at the end. $25 to park, but beautiful soft sand, great for walks along the shoreline, and clean changing facilities. Will definitely return again.

We arrived around 4 pm and there is still a fee at the gate ($5). I guess we were charged that due to it being late. It is $10 for non members of thetrust.org and $5 for members for the day off season.

The beach is just like those on Cape Cod-gorgeous!

Low tide is the time to come as it exposes 75% of the beach towards the bend.

The $30 in season fee is well worth it due to bathroom facilites like at the National Seashore on the Cape.

This is a behind the scenes tour, tour guide was very knowledgeable! Get to see the basement, staff quarters and roof, it was really great.

Beautiful, pristine, and on an early weekday afternoon, we almost had the beach to ourselves. We were driving through Ipswich looking at fall foliage and stopped on a whim after looking at TA activities in the area. It was awe inspiring.

The beach here is lovely and unspoiled. You park in a great big lot, and parking is pricey. It's $10 off season and $27 during the summer. You walk through the large gravel parking lot, then you walk over the sand dunes by way of three large wooden staircases. Hauling your beach stuff (like chairs and coolers) is difficult. The surf here is very gentle, and the seabirds are few. But is was a relaxing afternoon never the less.

Hard to find a nicer beach near Boston, although it's a little difficult to get to, and the parking is limited, and it costs 30 dollars if you are not a member. All that is worth it though, because the beach is beautiful, and clean, and close to the showers and snack shop and bathrooms, all of which are simple but very nice.

Crane's is the best. As a local I have grown up here. With new bathrooms and changing areas this place is tops. Do not come in July unless you have Skin-so-Soft...Greenheads

Don’t bother paying the $250 membership fee if you can’t even step foot on the beach in the summer. As a local and a member for years, I can’t even get a reservation. No longer renewing my membership! It’s a shame because this is my favorite place but I can only go in the winter, ridiculous.

Decided to visit the beach that i used to go to as a child and after a 10 minute drive found it now requires a fee to get access to the beach. Since it is not a public beach and owned by the Crane Trust, people have to pay.
The sign posted said that it was $25 to enter, I'm assuming that is the cost per car, not per person.... but since I turned around before the toll booth, I am not completely sure. ( there is a large area to turn around prior to the toll booth and it looks like it gets a lot of use).

Beautiful. Unspoiled. Gorgeous. Bring your coolers with food for your family for the day. (Alcohol is strictly prohibited). Enjoy the calm waters and the exquisitely preserved dunes, marsh, and natural beauty of the birds, butterflies, and various nesting areas.

Like someone mentioned their post above, there are loud and obnoxious boats that race outside of their markers and close to swimmers.

To add to the sentiment spoken to above on noise: leave your boom boxes, that produce loud pounding thumps, packed away as it drowns out the beautiful sounds of nature that are also listed above. Sorry, but this isn't that kind of beach. The trustees work hard to preserve the Crane estuary and it's gifts. Respect it.

This beach is of old. Families relax. Friends go to chat and catch up.

This is one of the most beautiful settings amongst others perhaps not so welled preserved.

Enjoy!

Crane Beach (named after the Crane plumbing empire... think of Crane toilets) is an absolutely gorgeous beach. There is a shower area and some concessions. The view and experience is worth every bit of the $20-$40 entry charge.

Visited 2 weeks after Labor day on a perfect day. Very few people on this popular beach. Visited at low tide which is great for a run along the waterline. Check out the ruins of a ship that may be the Ada K. Damon which ran aground in 1909. Incredible views along the water and plenty of trails to explore.

On my way was a gorgeous view, the Beach was very clean and peaceful, my two years old enjoyed the water and played with the sand, Crane beach a nice place to spend with the family in the summer,just love it.

Crane Beach is a beautiful and very large beach in Ipswich. We visited on a nice March day. There was plenty of parking, and this proved to be a great place for taking a long walk. Marked trails through the nearby dunes are also worth exploring.

Glad this is run by a non-profit organization. Can you imagine what it would be if it was run by a for profit organization? They should be ashamed. I think this is the highest beach parking cost in Cape Ann

Tried to visit on a rainy day (while having a few hrs to kill) and the fee was $30 to enter, no exceptions. Will not return

Have been going to Cranes Beach and hiking the dunes and Castle Hill for decades. It's a unique place. The trail system has been formalized since I first went, so you have an easy to follow marked path now.

My main complaint is that the Trustees of Reservations charge exorbitant admission fees in the summer (lower off season).

On a recent hot Sunday, Crane Beach was crowded but fortunately we know an Ipswich resident and were able to get in. If you're not a member, go early! The beach is long and wide with plenty of room for lots of folks. The bath house is clean and the snacks are good for the beach. I highly recommend.

Great spot for beach day with family, friends or by yourself. There are on-site bathrooms, gift shop and a snack bar.

Cranes Beach is a fantastic location...miles of golden sand so, if you are prepared to walk, you can always find a quiet spot. Behind the beach is a wonderful reserve of dunes and dune habitat. The bathroom & shower facilities have been upgraded & are excellent. There is also a kiosk for drinks & snacks. There are Greenhead flies, usually around the beginning of July, due to the salt marshes & they hurt! Check on the Crane Beach website for updates on Greenhead season ~ they are not bothersome all summer round so with planning you can have a great day on the beach! NB....be prepared for high parking costs.

I like this beach because even if you need to pay (as is common here in US) it’s worth because os its beautiful landscape and because it’s very long. You can walk a little bit and almost alone in this beach.

Crane Beach is a long stretch of pristine sand... great for walking, running, sunning and building sand castles. When the tide goes out it leaves shallow pools that are great for younger children to splash around in safely and the sand is soft and clean. There aren't usually very strong waves, but much of the beach disappears at high tide. During greenhead season (roughly from the full moon in July to the full moon in August), the greenheads can be fierce, but Avon Skin-so-soft is the best deterrent. The other 11 months of the year, it's blissful. On a windy or cold day, a walk in the dunes is beautiful and more sheltered than the shoreline (trail leaves from the right side of the main parking lot). This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out beach and most people are pretty respectful of that rule. The beach is strict about no alcohol on the beach - I've seen rangers confiscate entire coolers. There is a nice snack bar open during the summer, as well as ample changing rooms, toilets and outdoor showers. You get a discount if you are a member of Trustees of Reservations, the organization that owns and manages the property. The park will assist visitors with disabilities in getting onto the beach.

Wide, flat, white sand beach bordering calm water - could be great for kids. Remote and not crowded on a September afternoon. Limited shade but you can find shelter if needed. Almost the perfect beach.

We Love Cranes Beach and nearby Castle. The services are terrific and they have a small shop selling beach towels and logo shirts hats and sweatshirts. The changing rooms and outdoor showers are great. Do your homework in July and be sure the Greenheads are not in town Cranes is a fantastic Family FUn place!!!

We spent an afternoon on Crane’s Beach and it was lovely. Beautiful beach, nice cold water (we’re from South West Florida where the Gulf is 90’!!) and so refreshing. Plenty of parking and nice after-beach facilities to change in.

This place is magical — whatever — magical means to you.

Alone, couples, family, children the beach is an example of the best conservation and simultaneous recreational usage of land anywhere in the USA.

Free to the citizens of Ipswich, MA and for pay, on a sliding scale depending on time of day, for all; the beach and abutted marshlands are a place where nature and human interaction with it are brilliantly abd consistently managed.

Clean, patrolled by both paid and volunteered staff that encouraged enjoyment but tolerate nothing that will harm the habitat. Feel free to swim, hike, sunbathe and/or stare at the ocean in quiet enjoyment.

Go there and experience the wonder.

Only paid $5 for entry. Lots of parking. Good bathrooms and clean beach. Lovely sand barefoot and tons of room for various sports. Only 10 mins from Ipswich. Beautiful views,would definitely recommend.

However hard it is to get there you will not be disappointed. This place has a feeling of calmness and spirituality that just allows you to push back against the frenetic world that the USA is. The views and the blend of gentle colours is so memorable. GO !

I like this beach because its very sallow beach. You do not have to worry much if you go there with kids. No rocks and sand only. Big problem is greenhead in month of July. I knew about greenhead in July, but we didn't see sign, so we went. We all got greenhead bites and they are really itchy. Do not go in month of July.

We love going to Crane Beach. As a resident of Ipswich we have our own parking lot with easy accessibility to the beach. Starting in october going through March??? part of the beach is now open to dogs and horses. Dogs to the left horses to the right! So much fun when the pups can run off leash there. The dogs are well behaved and so are the owners! Lol.

The sand is great and the water is relatively calm (although cold). You can walk for miles. Highly recommend it year round. Warning to the wise - if you’re going in late Fall early Winter, bundle up including earmuffs - it is windy and can be bitingly cold.

I am used to it now, how very, very cold are these ocean waters north of Boston. Still, I can't seem to stay away. This was my first visit to Crane Beach, and the sand is soft and the dunes are beautiful...but swimming...you have to brace yourself. But here in the great Northeast, that's just part of the landscape. It is a truly lovely beach.

My husband and I were staying at the Waddingfield Estate and planned purchased an out of state one day pass online. The pass cost cost $40.00 for an out of state, rain or shine. Thank goodness it was shining . The facilities to change were great, the bathrooms have those compostable toilets that always have a way of making me feel uneasy. There were plenty of paths to get to the actual beach, one further down than the other. Sand was nice, no debris on the beach like seaweed and rocks. The water was very low at high tide and pretty chilly. No one was really in the water past their knees due to all the shark activity on the coast. It's kid friendly and they usually have no problem with the temp. There are so many beaches on the East coast and we love to find them. This was one of them on the Bay side, but we like more action with the waves. We are glad we experienced it but probably would not go there again.

I agree with Pat C. Paid $250 to be a member and get parking passes, and here it is, August and I have yet to be able to get a pass to get to the beach. I understand COVID related issues and I understand supporting conservation of our natural spaces and resources. But this was a waste of money.

If they ever return to a more normal schedule and access, this is an excellent beach. I love it and have been coming for many many years.

But I'm going to give it up for now. Very disappointing.

Clean, well taken care of. Nice people. Went to see the wind robots!!! Had a good time. Near Salem, make a week-end of it.

We stopped by Crane Beach on a whim, and had a lovely surprise!! After turning the mansion on Crane Hill -(soooo fun and very cleve)- we decided to check out the beach at the bottom of the hill.It was a gorgeous day and...why not?? We were surprised that the entry fee was $25. It seemed high simply to jut look at the beach. However, our ticket to Crane Manor gave us $10 off the entry pass. The beach was hopping with moms and kids. It was exactly what a New England beach filled with summer swimmers should look like. Moms dragging the coolers of afternoon snacks. Kids turning cartwheels on the long expanse of sand. The sand is warm...the water is freezing. Big surprise for this desert girl!!! I was really glad to find a gift shop with chairs, umbrellas, and sunscreen. Snacks and drinks available, though we did not eat anything. Great nap on a blanket and off to tour the Brewery.

One of the best beaches in New England. Views are amazing. Beach is kept very clean. Snack bar, bath houses with showers, even a souvernier shop. Great for all interests: swimming, walking, kites, and lounging. Only drawbacks: the entrance fees (unless you have a sticker) and the parking lots fill quickly.

Although it costs $25 to park, it was worth the price. The facilities were clean and the beach looks as nice as the photos. There's a lot of room to spread out here if you're willing to walk a bit. The sand and water and both clean. Based on what I had read I was a little worried about the greenheads, but we didn't have any issues at all with bugs last weekend. Looking forward to coming back here next season!

I love coming here in the summer but decided to check out the dune walk this January. There are multiple loops so you can make it as long or as short as you please. The trails are well marked and it is very peaceful

A very beautiful but busy beach! You will have to trek a bit to get a quiet spot if that is important to you. Bathrooms/changing rooms are clean and you can purchase food/drink on site.

The beach is part of The Trustees of Reservation property of the Crane Estate. The beach is well cared for. In the summer get there early, as it fills fast. The parking lot holds 2500 cars. There are bathrooms, showers and food available. Lots of walking area as well.

There is something about a big beautiful beach on a perfect fall day to make all well in the world. This is one fine beach! It is the first time I visited this beach and hope I make it back in the summer.

Beautiful sand, water and views!! Nice beach for a long walk. Clean bathroom facilities. Off season parking is $10.

We had a real nice time at the beach...the weather was beautiful the water was a little cold but kids still enjoyed it

One of the nicest beaches in the entire country. Although there is a very large parking lot, it fills quickly, unless one arrives early or after 4 PM. It helps to be a member of the Trustees of Reservations to save on the parking fee. There is a snack bar, toilet and shower facilities, and lifeguards near the main beach area.

The beach is one of the cleanest in the Northeast. Water is shallow and there are plenty of places for small children to play in water that is sheltered from waves.

Some caveats: At low tide, most of the beach is under water but a low tide, the sand is wide, clean and lovely to stroll.

Not as much sea life as one might find at Plum Island.

As with any coastal area in Massachusetts, do not walk in the bushes off the beach without protection from ticks and a very careful tick check, afterwards. Lyme disease abounds.

Wonderful beach Northeast of Boston. There is a $25 parking fee per vehicle which is a bit steep, but if you go with a number of people that gets divided. Even when the place is super busy it never "feels" that way, you will find a spot. Despite the greenhead flies that will sometimes be biting depending on the season, this is a wonderful beach with powdery white sand and not rocks, seaweed or shells to bother you. Go and you will have a great time!

Just a very beautiful beach! Parking galore and even snack food station and changing rooms with toilets and showers! A bit of a walk on the boardwalk but well worth it!

Love the fresh salty air and the ocean ! Very well maintained with polite and friendly staff to help you if need be!

We have been to Crane Beach many times over the course of the last ten years and we love the expansive sand, the ability to take long walks and the overall beautiful scenery. The parking lot is quite large so even when it is packed with cars we feel as though we have plenty of room on the beach to relax and play (soccer, paddle, etc.). After a day at Crane Beach we almost always stop by Down River Ice Cream on our drive home (about ten minutes away) to complete a well rounded summer day. Crane Beach has restrooms, a small gift shop and snack bar, but as stated above we’d rather stop for excellent ice cream on our way home and instead of going to the snack bar pack in our lunch for the day!

Admission does run on the high side and at busy times you need to secure an entry pass online before you go so please check out the Crane Beach web site if you are visiting and if you are planning to go more than once a membership can be well worth looking into.

We went there on second august. Water was cold but not intolerable. Beach was super clean and pretty quiet. It a big beach, the further you go, less people you'll have around. So many comments about green heads but we didn't see any, at least I can say none till 3 pm. Its 25$ entry fee and 45 min from Boston but totally worth it. Best beach I went in north.

North Station shuttle to Ipswich & then Essex Explorer shuttle directly to the beach, economical & light carbon footprint.. At Crane Beach you can walk forever! At low tide where river joins the ocean may find sand dollars! The conservatory measures for the Plovers is inspiring.

This is an atlantic gem. Big and broad, well maintained, lots of parking, a bath house, food and drinks, lifeguards, perfect sand, and a 10 foot tide. It's really amazing.

Crane Beach is a gem of a place for land conservation in Mass. We always find it is well worth a visit and the cost is worth it for supporting the great staff and care of the land.

When visiting friends in Ipswich, we always come to Crane Beach. In August it is after the sand flies have gone so it is even more enjoyable. Calm water and sand bars make it perfect for families with little kids.

The beach is great but don't bother trying to get in during the summer. We are long term permit holders who live locally and cannot get tickets to enter even though we sit by the computer ready for when they are released. Tickets sell out immediately. Definitely questioning what if any, is the value of being a permit holder if we can never get access to the beach even though the threat of Covid outdoors is now negligible.

I read the reviews about Crane Beach and after visiting The Crane Estate it was time to hit the beach. And what a beach it is.
The non member parking fee is $30 on weekends with $10 discount if you toured the estate. Pristine changing rooms/bathrooms and a place to shower off the sandy toes. There is also a snack bar with picnic tables.
The sand is very hot so wear sandals. The sand is soft and clean and the water is crystal clear and shallow in spots. Walked out to the tip of the sandbar terrific views.
Great beach day with friends and just one of my top beaches in Massachusetts.

Nice beach with clean water. The water is not as cold as other beaches at the area. You can visit some nice farms and grab some doughnuts on your way there. You have to pay for a parking and during weekends can be challenging to find a spot

We visited the beach in the afternoon after seeing the Crane Mansion. Admission price of the beach is included with the Mansion visit. Long stretch of lovely white sand. It wasn't crowded since post labor day and an overcast day. You can walk for miles. Clean restroom and some vending machines. Showers were closed. We sat on one of the boardwalk stairs and soaked in the fresh air and views. There were very few people when we visited.

Have a parking sticker for year round-pays for itself quickly. Beautiful beach. Water is clear and by August it is “warm enough”. Great facilities and snack bar. One of our favorites!

This is one of the best beaches in the world. No hotels, condo or unsightly business. Natural sand dunes, soft sand, a few shells and miles of scenic ocean views. Limited parking, expect to be full on sunny days. Warning in July the Green head bugs can be bothersome.

Spectacular beach. You can walk for miles. The water is usually calm and on the colder side. Excellent facilities which are being renovated for 2016. During greenhead season (three or four weeks in July), this is not an enjoyable beach. The greenheads are nasty little flies which bite. Otherwise, this is a great place to visit year round.

Enjoyed a great hike through the sand dunes, then walked back along the beach. Beautiful place, plus new and immaculate bathrooms and changing areas.

Love it first thing in the morning and in the evenings. Too crowded for me during the day. Nice bathrooms.

We had never been to a beach in Massachusetts before, but we have been missing out! This beach was clean, welcoming, and perfectly located. Additionally, the boathouses were nice and well kept. Even the setting was perfect, with extremely long beaches to walk in either direction.

Beautiful beach and used to be able to visit frequently until new parking pass system was implemented. My grandparents took me here in the 70’s . Spent many days here with my children when they were young. Sadly unable to visit the beach when they have flown home for a visit. I have been a long time member and have purchased the annual pass in hopes of improving my chances of actually going to the beach when it is above 60 degree and before 4p. Despite sitting at my computer at noon on Thursday I have been unsuccessful.

We arrived early (by 10:00 AM) as we were told the parking lot fills up on the weekends. Not being a resident or having a membership we paid the $30 parking fee. However, you can see where the money goes. This beach was very clean. The bathhouse was kept clean and the snack bar had just about anything you would want. The dunes are beautiful and there are trails you can walk. It was quite windy and cool when we were there so we didn't go in the water, but sitting in the sun and listening to the waves was relaxing. If near Ipswich you should really check this beach out.

Price has gone up since I first started going here. Beach is fantastic and there are stretches on it where you can be totally alone. Keep on eye out for wild deer in the dunes. Sowers, changing rooms and snack bar at the parking lot. Come early on the weekends as the parking lot can get quite full early on. If you can get up during the week, the entrance fee is lower and not so many people there.

We drove from Cheshire MA just to go to this beach. We had been there a few years ago, but this time it was more crowded, which to us is a good thing. We like to people watch as well as swim in the waves. Actually, the water is a big too cold for me, but my husband likes to ride the waves. We met some friendly people who live in Ipswich but are from Great Barrington! We drove there and back the same day!

The beach was packed today, but if you walked right a quarter of a mile there was plenty of open sand. Most people stay near the cafe and restroom block. Parking is expensive but if you go regularly and get a season ticket it works out a lot cheaper. The sea was hot and the sea cold so although clean water I found it too cold to swim. I will definetly return here

Cranes has none of the annoyances present at most popular beaches such as Boardwalks, Estates on the beach, traffic roaring by nor the sounds of ambulances, fire trucks or Police cruises. Its an out of the way beach with a six mile drive into the parking lot that holds 1500 plus cars. It has all the facilities in the parking area nearest the beach which is separated by large sand dunes. Its a bit pricey for parking but worth the price of admission. Carrying all your beach toys with you can be the worst part of your day. Up and over the sand dune on a walk way can discourage anyone not willing to put some effort into getting to the beach. Even with a full parking lot this beach will never feel overcrowded. I can't do crowds therefore I anticipate a two mile walk on the beach away from the busy area just off the board walk. Cranes has been rated as one of the best and nicest beaches in the country. the tide changes will amaze you with the views. One can only experience this jewel of a beach can leave you with when you depart. I've been going to Cranes for more years that I would like to admit. Its my home away from home during the summer months. If your planning a trip to Cranes during the month of July/August I would advise you to Call to check if the Green Head Flies are invading the Beach. Nasty Critters who will make you run back to the concession stand to purchase a can of spray for six bucks; three bucks more that normal but necessary. A beach not to be missed if your a tourist. Enjoy

This used to be our favorite stop in the area - but the last two trips have been a bit of a disappointment due to a few things. First, the dogs...we like dogs as much as anyone but not dogs we do not know left to jump on you - there is a sign at the entrance to the beach indicating dogs should be on leash but this is not enforced and frankly there were so many running free you would have thought it was a dog park not a beach. Frankly, after our third or fourth encounter we gave up and left...it was a wonderful bright, yet a bit cool, winter day but you really couldn't just relax and enjoy strolling - you needed to be alert for the next pooch. And be alert for the dog poop - which not all owners seem to collect (again the sign does encourage it but evidence indicates not everyone complies). The parking fee in winter is $10 (per car - not per person) - and you pay even if it is late in the day so plan accordingly. It might be nice to use some of those fees to try to fix the parking lot a bit - it has not been a particularly hard winter up here this year but the lot was so full of deep holes and ruts it was hard to navigate around them to reach a parking space. But there is no disputing the beach is long and clear and at low tide you have loads of space for wandering, beach combing etc.

Visited yesterday afternoon for first time, out of town visiting. Was told the park would be open for another hour and its $25 so turn around. Its one way in/out. We proceeeded to leave,and missed the turn. Staff came running over that we were told it is closing and to turn around and they have the police there if he needed to call them. For a missed turn? Very rude, odd and strange humans running this place. Proceed with caution

We visit Crane Beach several times per year. Helps that we are Ipswich residents. The Grandchildren love it. It has great facilities and is one of the prettiest beaches on the North Shore.

Amazing Atlantic Beach. Vast vistas, gentle waves, family friendly.
This beach is so welcoming- we try to visit on every summer trip to Mass. Beach amenities include snack bar, store, showers, changing areas & bathrooms. Easy walk through tall grasses to the sand.

Heat wave this week got a friend and I to play hooky and go on a Wednesday to this beach - need to soak up all the warm/hot days we can get!

It's one of my all time favorites - clean, beautiful white sand, huge parking lot. This time of year they still charge an off season parking fee of $10 (usually $25), the bathrooms, changing areas and outdoor showers are still available, the concession stand is not. Nor are there any lifeguards or traffic or parking issues!

So thankful for the mats leading down to the beach as the soft sand walk can be a challenge for older people or little ones. Then in front of you is a very wide open beach with soft white sand as far as you can see either direction. We arrived and the tide went lower all afternoon making it wonderful for families and the water was so comfortably warm. This is the time of year when your ankles don't freeze! Small waves, a few shells here and there, no seaweed.

A few items: the bathrooms do need updating/fixing up, July is green-head fly season and they are awful, there were a few horseflies around this trip but not terrible, bring a pinwheel to chase the sometimes pesky sea gulls - just don't leave food out people!

Check their twitter feed daily for updates or their website.

Beautiful beach any season. Very busy during summer, but fun. Fall and spring walks are the best. A real New England gem.

Simply put, best beach in Massachusetts. Clean beach, ample parking, beautiful view. Clean changing rooms, showers, concession stand. If you go to Crane Beach be sure to take your trash out with you when you leave.

I grew up going to this and Wingaersheek Beach and other local North Shore beaches on repeat. They are within a short drive from where I went spent my childhood. Rather than schlepping the long haul to the Cape, fighting traffic, and staying overnight or renting places for weeks at a time, we were here within thirty to forty minutes. Cranes is a gorgeous white sand, pristine beach. There's nothing here but nature and the castle set back from the beach (and accessible via a separate turn off). It's definitely better for older kids or adults than really small children because the tide can come in swiftly. Plenty of miles of fine sand to walk and beautiful dunes to look at. Bath house facilities have been updated three times in my lifetime. And the most recent modernization is spacious and has many toilet and changing stalls. There are outside showers and a snack bar. On weekends hamburgers and hotdogs are grilled for sale regularly. Prices for parking are comparable to other beaches on the North Shore. It does fill up quickly on the weekends. The dreaded green head flies ppl speak of are a yearly problem. As they live in the sea marsh and require human blood to lay their eggs. But I've been coming here for about thirty nine years and usually with bug spray and the right planning depending on the direction of the wind you can avoid being eaten alive. The season lasts abt 2 weeks. Avoid the sea mash area and ask the trustees of the reservation-- they know their stuff and are happy to help.

What a wonderful resource for folks. To my surprise, this beach has people visiting year round. It was a cold January day and we encountered many people walking their dogs and riding their horses. The beach is sprawling and somewhat protected but clean. There are (in season) areas where you can get a snack and keep cool from the summer sun as well as rest rooms/dressing rooms and trails that can be walked. The admission fee is nominal and offers a wonderful resource for all.

Run by The Trustees of the Reservation, Cranes Beach is a beautiful barrier beach. Five miles long, litter free and sand box quality sand. I particularly like early morning and late afternoon walks here. Boardwalks connect parking lots over the dunes to as far as the eye can see beauty. One caveat - green head flies invade after the full moom in July and they are MEAN - and it's best to avoid this otherwise gorgeous spot.

Great Beach. Came here when I was a kid with my family and still come back from time to time. Paying to get in is more than most other beaches and if your also willing to walk a mile or 2 you can get some privacy. I recommend it.

Good clean beach.
No place to soap and shower!
Food options for a limited time.
Lifeguards present.
Fun

Me and my husband wanted to try a new beach this year so we came here. It was $35 ahead of time to reserve to park.

First off I read reviews before coming here and i saw you had to walk up a lot of stairs so I did nit bring my heavy cooler and just brought a big y bag for our lunch.

Second there were a lot of green eyed flies and we kept getting bit which I wasn't happy about even with bug spray.

The water was pretty cold but very clear. The beach got pretty busy around 12-1, we got here at 8am and it was dead.

The changing room/bathroom facility is huge and very nice. There's food options with picnic tables and a gift shop as well.

Driving through the town of Ipswich to go home though was terrible, the way people drive is crazy!!

The Crane mansion is right next door which was really cool to go explore for a first timer.

Overall it was an okay beach, I do not think we will come back since it was a two hour drive with 30 minutes of added on traffic on the way home at 3pm on a Wednesday, it is to be expected though since your near Boston. I would rather drive to Newburyport Beach/Plum Beach its the same and you have a cute town to explore after!

It’s expensive but worth it. Plenty of room to take walks, both short and long. On a clear day you can see New Hampshire. But do not go in July when there are those horrible green heads.

I arrived at 7 PM because this place was so highly rated. The problem was that it closed at 7:55. So to have to pay the $15 fee and then be a clock-watcher, did not make the experience very positively memorable. Sadly

My husband and I spent the afternoon at Crane Beach yesterday and it only got better on our second visit! The beach itself is VERY clean, with soft whitish sand and limited sticks/seaweed/seagulls and goes on for a good distance allowing for long, leisurely walks. Last time we were there in March, a few people were even riding their horses by the surf. A second building has been completed since our first visit and now features brand new, clean, tastefully done restroom and shower facilities, which is always welcome. The protected dunes and surrounding trails and landscapes further complete the gorgeous Massachusetts coastline setting. I also appreciate the Estate's efforts to encourage the Purple Martin to nest in its native habitat through its birdhouse gourds.

Love this beach - except during greenhead season (usually the entiire month of July). Bordered by sand dunes, overlooked by the Crane Estate, and with views of Plum Island, this beach is really scenic.

Yes, it is one of the best and popular beaches in the state and the estate is gorgeous too but I want to add that the trails on this property are a gem too - well-marked, well maintained and beautiful. The scenery keeps changing from the wind-swept dunes to the salt marshes. Great for long walks if you want to escape from the crowded beach in the summer.

My Wife and I headed to Crane Beach on April 3 2022 on a cold Sunday to see what it looks like > the parking ranger requested $25 to go look at Beach > Total rip off and headed to see the ocean some where else , a bit Greedy for a 44 degree day

I am a Gloucester resident to tend to use my beaches in Gloucester for example Good Harbor and Winngeersherk which are absolutely gorgeous. All of our beaches charge $20 if you are not a resident. However last fall we attempted to go to Crane's Beach, usually they do not charge after September 15th. When we got to Crane's Beach we were told that they charge $20 a day year-round irregardless of whether

We were vacationing in Manchester by the Sea and decided to check out Cranes Beach. It’s pricey for a day at the beach, $35/car, but the beach is huge and beautiful. It was crowded on a weekday in early August. But you can get away from the crowds if you’re willing to walk a little. Bother to go down to the hard sand then head up or down the beach. It’s much easier than walking in the soft sand. The ocean is refreshing and the beach offers some good shelling.

Beach is nice but there are no waves and although there are facilities they're a really far walk from the beach itself and there are no garbage cans or blue bins on the beach.

I also got ripped off $2 by them forcing me to pay a walk on fee even though I was in possession of the $5 shuttle bus pass for the day which includes beach admission. Although I bought the pass the line for the shuttle was too long at the train station so I Ubered over to the beach. It's only $2 so I paid it to avoid ruining the day but a rip off is a rip off and I'm calling them out on that.

If I was in the region again in summer I would probably seek out another beach.

We love to go here in the winter when we have the beach to ourselves! There is some people riding horses, along with the "walkers", but, the peace & quiet is good for the soul!

Cranes beach is ideal for couples and families because it goes way out before the water gets deep so kids can play in shallow water and no waves
Water is cold though

Frequently. Great in summer (although it does get crowded and a bit expensive for non Ipswich residents..$25). Nice beach to walk. Very nice in winter as well with a few trails through the dunes.

It was much, much, much too windy to go for a walk on the beach despite the sunshine, although many people were walking with their dogs! Brave souls they are! I thought I would have to leave to avoid the cold, but decided to try the trails and am glad I did. I took the green loop and enjoyed the unique landscape windswept grassy dunes but also more protected pine forest, cranberry bushes, and lichen covered slopes. And there were a few cranberries to snack on! Great photography opportunities. Well marked and maintained trails. It's all sloping sand so I would have liked a hiking stick but survived without.
Parking is expensive -$10 and bathrooms are portapotties but the beauty made up for both.

Went on a perfect July beach day. Arrived around 9:30 on a weekday. The parking lot was half full. Weekday parking is $25. Only about an hour from Boston.
Really nice bathhouse with composting toilets. Looked brand new. There is a snack bar, but we didn't use it because we brought a lunch. Lines never seemed to be too long and there are a bunch of picnic tables you can sit at. There is also a shop, didn't look in there, but assume that it sells sunscreen and I hope it sells bug repellant.
There are biting flies. We used Deep Woods Off and it was pretty effective at keeping them at bay.

We were first time visitors to Crane beach on a beautiful weekday during the last week in September. It was a bit windy, not sure if this is a regular occurrence but if it is, it would be welcome on a hot summer day. The beach is long with plenty of dunes without any houses. Very picturesque.

Captivating site overlooking the waters at the Crane. The rooms were spacious and clean with the many amenities of a home. It was peacefully quiet at night. The morning sunrise and evening sunsets were the best! The two restaurants had excellent service with tasty meals. The bar drinks were delicious. The in house store had plenty of staples for the stay.

Attempted to go on a Saturday for an event. The website gave no indication of expected parking difficulties, but upon arrival in the area, the police were directing traffic in a circle, with NO direction about where to park, and the closest you could get was 3.5 miles from the beach. A wasted trip. If you plan to go for any kind of event, take a bike or prepare to be disappointed. For this event the level of police indicated THEY KNEW there were going to be issues and yet NO information was provided. Horrid job by management.

Beautiful beach… I love visiting in the middle of winter, when the crowds have gone! It is a totally different landscape then.

Outstanding beach with beautiful views. Well maintained by the Trustees of Reservations. Summer weekends can get busy, so you need to be there by 9ish to get a parking space. Clean bathrooms, snack bar, and even grilling on the weekends. Parking is expensive ($25/weekend day), but cheaper if you become a Trustees member, which gives you discounts at all their properties. The water is always cold here...guess that's New England! And there are a couple weeks in the summer when the green head flies are out...avoid that time at all costs. Miserable when you get bit!

We came from Maui to the area for a medical summit, Crane Beach was about a 20 minute drive from our hotel in Peabody. The beach and surrounding area was beautiful, it looked like there are hiking trails. I walked across the wide expanse of cold sand and put my feet in the cool Atlantic Ocean. For mid October it was a beautiful day, mid 70's. We were there close to sunset and the sky was beautiful. Bonus was the nice restroom and shower facilities. There was a minimal fee for parking.

The best thing you can say about Crane Beach is that someone had the sense to protect it from the greed of the elitist enclave-builders who have snatched up most of the coastline and walled out the public with their ugly ego-palaces. This is a gorgeous, very well maintained and expansive stretch of beach, backed by beautiful salt marshes and preserved dunes. The facilities are top-notch, clean and efficient. The only drawback is the constant grumble and roar of local boneheads in various kinds of motorboats and jet skis who prowl the offshore like hyenas and spoil the peace of the place. This is one of the best beaches in New England, without question, and yet another excellent reason to join the Trustees of Reservations.

A nice beach overall. We went on a summer Sunday at 1:30pm and there was not a crazy amount of ppl. Prepare to pay $30 for the parking.

It was the only thing: green heads in season and they hurt! Once we put on bug repellant, we got to enjoy the absolutely beautiful place it is! White sand, clear water, light breeze. We got there very early, by the time we left (About 2) was packed, but the beach is so big, everyone gets to enjoy some of it. Have to be back, very well worth the $20 a car entrance fee.

Crane Beach is a gorgeous spot! Perfect beach for all ages, and great for children. Concession stands were closed since it is after Labor Day. Price to enter the beach was fifteen dollars. It was money well-spent. Definitely include Crane Beach in your itinerary if spending time near Ipswich.

We had a big family beach day at Crane beach. I was surprised that the water wasn't too cold. The wives got bigger as the day went on. Late in the afternoon they were really moving. We strolled one of the hiking trails and that was nice. I didn't like it when the 4 wheeler made us get off the trail for him to get by. I was not thrilled with the $30.00 price tag, but Salsberry was going to cost us $20.00 so I think this is definitively worth the 10 extra dollars I did not like the fact that you can not fly kites there. Not even in the parking lots. They say it stresses out the birds.. Bath house was very clean.