Halibut Point State Park
Halibut Point State Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Scramble across ledges scarred by the granite industry and examine tide pools teeming with marine life.
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29 within 3 miles
Attractions
63 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
758 reviews
Excellent
554
Very good
172
Average
24
Poor
4
Terrible
4
YSD
7 contributions
Aug 2020
Wow what a beautiful place! The scenery is just beautiful! We went there on Monday morning, got there before 10am, not too crowded yet that that time. But by the time we left around noon, the parking lot was busy.
A short walk from the parking lot to the quarry with spectacular views! Then you can follow different trails to either go around the quarry or head to the ocean.
There is no swimming and no beach. The trails are easier to walk but get very rocky shore by the ocean. You definitely need to wear comfortable shoes. It might also be difficult for families with very young children.
My 10-yr-old son really enjoyed the tide pools. Slippery near the tide pools so use caution. Also be very careful if your kids are exploring in the tide pools nearer to the ocean. The waves can be dangerous.
Parking fee of $20 for non-residents seems steep. Also be aware that due to COVID, the restrooms and visitor center are closed at this time.
We had a great time exploring this state park and will definitely go back next time when we visit again.
A short walk from the parking lot to the quarry with spectacular views! Then you can follow different trails to either go around the quarry or head to the ocean.
There is no swimming and no beach. The trails are easier to walk but get very rocky shore by the ocean. You definitely need to wear comfortable shoes. It might also be difficult for families with very young children.
My 10-yr-old son really enjoyed the tide pools. Slippery near the tide pools so use caution. Also be very careful if your kids are exploring in the tide pools nearer to the ocean. The waves can be dangerous.
Parking fee of $20 for non-residents seems steep. Also be aware that due to COVID, the restrooms and visitor center are closed at this time.
We had a great time exploring this state park and will definitely go back next time when we visit again.
Written August 26, 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.
Mary L
New York108 contributions
Aug 2022
So glad we visited Halibut Point State Park. Site of a now-closed Quarry. The visitor center is not open every day, was closed the Tuesday; we visited, but a park worker told us the lighthouse we found there was used as a Coast Guard Site in the past.
The trails are well-marked and the scenes are beautiful. We saw many types of birds and spent over ten minutes on our way out watching a deer off to the side of the trail!
Fun trails, NO SWIMMING, but a lake in the park and many granite blocks, evidence of the past quarry use in the area.
The trails are well-marked and the scenes are beautiful. We saw many types of birds and spent over ten minutes on our way out watching a deer off to the side of the trail!
Fun trails, NO SWIMMING, but a lake in the park and many granite blocks, evidence of the past quarry use in the area.
Written August 18, 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.
WellTraveled3
Lexington, MA807 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Halibut State Park is small, with limited parking for $5 per day, but well worth planning a visit to hike the beautiful granite ledges by the ocean.
Try to arrive early or in the off season to get a parking spot.
There is a granite quarry with a small building there to see as well. Lots of birds, seals and other wildlife as well.
Try to arrive early or in the off season to get a parking spot.
There is a granite quarry with a small building there to see as well. Lots of birds, seals and other wildlife as well.
Written October 23, 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.
Kathy P
18 contributions
Aug 2020
Beautiful scenery and not a huge park to navigate. Rocky shore and no swimming options available. May not be suitable for children under five. Some narrow trails and rocky areas. May be difficult for younger children to navigate. The $20 entry fee is rather expensive for non-residents. $7-$10 range is more reasonable according to other state parks I've attended.
Written August 20, 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.
Douglas M
Collingswood, NJ130 contributions
Jul 2021
When we arrived at Halibut Point on a foggy afternoon, we were fortunate. Construction on a new parking area was proceeding apace, and it was not crowded. A leisurely walk leads down to Halibut Point’s famous ocean front rocks(a longer path, not taken) leads down to the ocean front. Much of the remainder is taken up by a large flooded quarry that produced much of the granite used in the area. Iron fittings on the rocks are reminders of the technology used to extract the granite. The visitor center renovation was not complete so it was not open. Despite that, it is a lovely park, well worth a visit.
Written July 17, 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.
Linda B
Moline, IL26 contributions
Jun 2021
I am giving this 1 star because of the parking situation. There is NO place to park. If you park down the road left of the park here sign --> you will get a $30 parking citation.
Otherwise (except for parking), I would rate the park 4 stars. There is a shoreline trail and a quarry loop trail. The bathrooms were clean but the visitor center/museum was closed. On a clear day, at the point you can see the shoreline of New Hampshire and Maine.
Some day when they do have parking this will be a great place to visit.
Otherwise (except for parking), I would rate the park 4 stars. There is a shoreline trail and a quarry loop trail. The bathrooms were clean but the visitor center/museum was closed. On a clear day, at the point you can see the shoreline of New Hampshire and Maine.
Some day when they do have parking this will be a great place to visit.
Written July 7, 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.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX1,202 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Beautiful views of the ocean! That's the only reason we stopped. It's a bit of a hike to get to the views but not too bad. There are also views of the quarry as well. There is a visitor center but its only open on the weekends which was a bummer. But the bathrooms were open so that's a plus. Be aware that unless you are a Massachusetts resident parking is going to cost $20! I think it's a bit steep for how small the park was but we paid it anyway. They are definitely making a killing off out of state travelers.
Written July 27, 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.
08lj
Charleston, SC196 contributions
Nov 2022
We really enjoyed our walk here. You get a little woods, some quarry, and out to the ocean. The trail isn't long but there is beach/rocky areas you can explore further. I can't say I would have paid the $20 out of state parking fee for this, but it was great free activity for a nice day in the off season. I'm torn on how to rate this for that reason, for free it was a 5, for pay not so much.
Written January 13, 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.
Christine L
6 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a beautiful park. There is a self guided tour that talks about the granite history on cape ann. newly renovated visitors center is wonderful. saw an owl presentation right before covid closed everything. great place for a picnic and walk. once a month there is a guided birding tour as well.
Written September 5, 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.
KnitsbyConnie
MA472 contributions
Sep 2020
With self guiding trail map in hand visited all 9 locations, and learned alot about the quarry in this part. Fascinating.
Also walked on the stones at the edge of the ocean.
The scenery is outstanding.
A great day trip.
Also walked on the stones at the edge of the ocean.
The scenery is outstanding.
A great day trip.
Written September 13, 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.
Yasmina
Chicago, IL110 contributions
hi, the website said $8 parking for MA plates and $30 for out of state plates. Do rental cars count? Not staying long on my way through the area, and trying to weigh the costs. Thanks!! :)
Jennifer S
westford, United States1 contribution
Are you able to explore the tidal pools at high tide?
LBGansfam
Newton, MA159 contributions
I’m not sure there is anyone to call. I’ve never seen an official there. The parking lot is unstaffed too.
YSD
7 contributions
Can kids explore/search for animals in the tidepool?
Curly head 49
Gloucester, MA10 contributions
Depending on the age of the children, I would be uncomfortable with children younger than about 8 or 10 and then only if very carefully watched and prepared to grab one if there are waves.
Kenzie D
Boston, MA33 contributions
Is there a beach?
Sparky1964
Boston, MA420 contributions
No
Ocean with rocks
julian b
Newton, MA
driving directions from newton center, ma
lighthouselady63
Boston, Massachusetts327 contributions
I use GPS or Google maps. As mentioned by another, parking is limited due to very small lot. Best go on a week day and even better in the off season!
Jennifer B
Jeffersonville, VT50 contributions
does anyone know if dog's are allowed before memorial day?
Amy N
Cincinnati, OH9 contributions
We took our dog at the end of April and didn't have any issues.
Laurie R
Tewksbury, MA8 contributions
Hi. Will a stroller work on the trail?
soxskier
Beverly, MA406 contributions
Yes, the main trail around the quarry is quite smooth, so most larger jogging strollers (Jeep or Bob-types) would work fine. A smaller umbrella stroller wouldn't work so well.
There are smaller side trails and trails that lead down to the ocean, etc. where a stroller definitely would not work.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Halibut Point State Park
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Halibut Point State Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 554 |
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Very Good Reviews | 172 |
Halibut Point State Park Photos | 479 |