United States
Massachusetts (MA)
Ipswich
Things to Do in Ipswich
Crane Beach
See all things to do

Crane Beach

See all things to do
See all things to do
Crane Beach
4.5
About
Enjoy the Northeast's most spectacular beach and follow trails and boardwalks through a landscape of sand dunes and salt marsh.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
566 reviews
Excellent
413
Very good
110
Average
16
Poor
13
Terrible
14
John M
4 contributions
Membership is almost useless
Jun 2020
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.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandi B
Manchester, CT2 contributions
Pleasant but pricey
Jul 2022
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.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
conashkat
South Hamilton, MA16 contributions
Great beach but even the locals with permits can't get advanced tickets.
Jun 2021
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.
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VIJCP
Leominster, MA46 contributions
Crane Beach for non-members
Jul 2021 • Family
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.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sheilan65
Groton, MA1 contribution
Parking
Jul 2022 • Couples
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.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tess C
1 contribution
Membership useless
Jul 2022 • Solo
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.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ria K
Boston, MA5 contributions
long beach
Jul 2021
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
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1loisj
Hemel Hempstead, UK18 contributions
Be careful of ray rays drink seller
Aug 2023 • Family
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!
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherry L
1 contribution
Really disappointed about access...
May 2020
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.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat D
Venice, FL28 contributions
Summer at the beach
Jul 2022
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.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 552
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Crane Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Crane Beach

Crane Beach Information

Excellent Reviews

413

Very Good Reviews

110

Crane Beach Photos

230