Crane Beach
Ipswich, MA 01938-2502
Phone:
- Hours:
- Daily 8am-sunset
Editorial Review for Crane Beach – by Citysearch Staff
Overview
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Northeast, Crane offers graceful dunes and 2.6 miles of white sand on Ipswich Bay. More than 250,000 people a season visit this pristine beach, privately owned by the Trustees of Reservations.
The Appeal
The tidal pools are a hit with kids. And there's a big snack bar with picnic tables so you don't have to haul a cooler with lunch if you don't want to. There are also bathhouses for changing and outside showers (cold water only) for rinsing off the sand, salt and sunscreen. One note for serious sun worshippers: Your back must be to the beach if you want to follow the sun. OK, it's a minor point, but not insignificant for those who enjoy gazing at the shoreline while they tan.
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Insider Tips
Park HereThe parking fees are $5 for weekdays and $10 for weekends in the off-season. After Memorial Day, it's $10 on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays. If you arrive after 3pm, parking is always half-price.
Bug SeasonWatch for greenhead flies in late July and early August. They have a sonic buzz and pack a nasty sting.
Pig OutTasty seafood just down the road at Woodman's, birthplace of the fried clam.
User Reviews for Crane Beach
07/26/2006 Posted by johnnycobrakai
I went to Crane Beach in the beginning of July and it was a miserable experience. First of all, parking was $20 which is a bit expensive especially considering there is plenty of parking. The beach is esthetically very nice and clean. It would be a great beach if I had children or enjoyed having sand kicked on me by children. Most disappointing was the insect situation there. As you drive up to pay for the parking there are huge signs stating that it is greenhead season at this beach so its not as though I wasn't warned, but they were awful. I smacked so many that I started to keep a running count (14 in 2.5 hours). For each one that I did detroy there were probably 3 flying around that survived. All in all I had a horrible afternoon and will never visit Crane Beach again
Pros: Clean and nice
Cons: Children and insects
06/25/2004 Posted by mmlb
Crane's is a very nice beach good for families or yound adults alike. But bring your wallet. $20 to park on a weekend. Give me a break! You can go up to Salisbury State beach for $5 a day or get a year pass to the State Parks for a little more than Crane's is charging for one day. A much better value with giving up very little quality.
Pros: Nice wide beach, Good tidel pool, Good Shower and snack
Cons: , Not easy to get to, No waves
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