Rockport is a prime example, full of storybook houses, sandy beaches, and winding streets—it’s as New England as you can get.
Boston is considered the heart and soul of Massachusetts to many visitors , but the Bay State is brimming with seaside town that are often unjustly overlook . Only an hour North of Boston , Rockport is a prime illustration , full of storybook home , sandlike beaches , and winding streets — it ’s as New England as you may get .
At the tip of the Cape Ann Peninsula , Rockport is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides , crap it a seafood - lovers paradise . It ’s decidedly deserving a visit year round , but bounce and summer is when Rockport really comes alive . With small fishing vessels circling , seagulls roaming the skies , kayak along the shoring , and the air full of the sense of smell of saucily catch lobster , it ’s the perfect touch for those looking for a little rest and relaxation while cut into into the splendid food view and outdoor bodily process .
One or two chocolate shop , artist hideouts , antiques , quaint restaurants , and a few bars — it ’s almost reminiscent of Stars Hollow ( for those in the know ) . “ We often describe Rockport as Rockwellian , ” explicate Marshall Tulley , proprietor of Addison Choate Hotel . “ It has a classic American small - town vibe that is very special . All of the storekeeper and artists will receive you into their store and verandah and tell you their story . The historic construction give the town a intuitive feeling like it is frozen in time . ”
Courtesy of North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Here ’s how to make the most of your trip .
Travel time:
52 instant from Boston10 minutes from Gloucester
If you don’t do anything else: Browse the local art galleries and stroll along historic Bearskin Neck
Bearskin Neck is no doubt Rockport ’s fundamental hub . It withdraw about 10 minutes or so to take the air the entirety of the wizard street — but you ’ll emphatically require more than that to exhaustively explore the walker - fill road . Quaint storefront on either side with underhanded views of the sea between each edifice , the narrow street leads directly to a gorgeous stone - rampart along the water that makes for a pure outflow after the hustle and ado .
If you ’re a fan of localartwork , you’re in for a treat . menage to over 30 galleries with workings of art depicted by over 400 artists in the orbit ( many of which are on Bearskin Neck and Main Street ) , Rockport ’s art scene is just as ‘ small - town vibey ’ as the township itself — every artist seems to know one another . unbelievably friendly , artist will wave you in to research their creations and tell you their account . Most of the artwork in the area force brainchild from Rockport ’s environment — but no two are ever the same . That ’s the fun matter about the art scene here . you’re able to wind up and down the streets as many clip as you require , and still regain a piece you have n’t seen .
Fill your days:
Beaches near Rockport
You ca n’t visit a beach townspeople without doing a little beach hopping . After doing a small shopping and lobster roll sample distribution , you ’ll want to manoeuver over to Front Beach . Just a unforesightful walkway from Bearskin Neck , this local spot is a intimate alcove with horizon of the township . Sandy shore mixed with rock formations make it an incredible beach to bring the household for some exploring .
Though not as popular as its neighbor , Back Beach is a short walking away and is a poop - knot stretch of shore that often disappears during high-pitched - tide . Though a picayune rocky than most , Back Beach is actually home to one of the most democratic nose dive land site in Massachusetts . address of diving fun — Old Garden Beach is another pop grooming site , so it can get quite busy on weekends . nigh to the town , it ’s not needs the best sunbathing beach , but it ’s definitely worth the visit .
Outdoor activities near Rockport
Whether you have a car or simply want to walk and research , the beauty of Rockport wo n’t let down . Sure , the New England architecture , narrow streets , and galleries are a hook . But there ’s a whole other side of Rockport that is often overshadowed by its beach and appealingness .
Surrounded by the ocean in almost all focal point , Rockport really has some of the best outdoor activity and hikes . The infamousHalibut Point State Parkis a unparalleled coastal seascape with sprawling views as far as Crane Beach . The driving force from Rockport town is a mere eight hour , while walking will take a little over an hour . Though both viable options , one of the good ways to see Rockport and its surrounding landscape is definitely by bicycle .
As mentioned above , Back Beach is one of thebest divespots around . jejune flounders , lobster , and squid . Rockport does n’t pull in the reputation of some of the good seafood in Massachusetts for nothing . If being submersed is n’t your matter , then on top of it may be in effect . Believe it or not , MA is home to many species of whales ( and sometimes sharks)—so awhale watchis a near stake . Depending on the season , if you will from Rockport you ’re probable to see Humpbacks , Finbacks , and Minke Whales .
“ One of our favourite adventures is going out on the Rockport SeaVenture Lobster Boats draw trap , visiting the seals , and study about the history of the townspeople and island . There are two islands with pharos just off the sea-coast , Thacher Island and Straitsmouth Island . you could take shuttles or kayak out to them , tour the grounds , and even visit the lighthouses , ” says Addison Choate owner , Marshall Tulley .
Eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants & bars in Rockport
Ocean vistas , wandering gulls , and the feeling of sea salt at every turn , it ’s jolly inconceivable not to thirst seafood when you ’re visiting Rockport . If you ’re strolling along Bearskin Neck , do n’t forget to visitRoy Moore lobster Co. The flyspeck shack catch lobster and serve them up in good order there and then — you wo n’t ascertain anything fresher . If you want something more or less cheaper , Bearskin Neck Bistro has heap of seafood too .
Head on over toFeather and Wedgeat night . Not only will you come up good cocktail and delicious pungency , there ’s a wrap - around ginmill that make it astonishingly gentle to chat to the locals and fellow travelers . Bean & Leaf Cafeis incredibly cute for grabbing a coffee by the ocean , and the Ice Cream Store serve as a dainty for a high noon collation . Yummy year - pear-shaped , Helmut ’s Strudel remove a little otherwise during the cooler months .
Where to stay in Rockport
From seafront hotels tocozy innsandcampgrounds , you wo n’t tend out of options of places to stay in Rockport , but be trusted to book in advance if you ’re traveling during point season ( June - August ) as they tend to get booked quite too soon .
Hospitality and coziness can be found at family unit - owned boutique hotel , Addison Choate . circumscribed room on site make for a truly intimate check . Owners Marshall and Courtney Tulley have done a superb chore refurbish the fundamental property and making it a welcoming place for all . The fondness of the hotel is noticeable upon arriver , with a swathe gallery laden with hanging flower . Inside you ’ll marvel if you ’ve pace into someone ’s household or a hotel .
No two elbow room are likewise . Pops of color , communal spaces , and quirky finishings — there ’s a small nook for everyone . You ’ll find a maze of way on the first floor filled with art , gaud , and all the trappings expected in a kin home . Breakfast is also extradite in the dayspring .
Courtesy of North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
With sprawling Ocean view and nautical - inspired room , The Cove at Rockport is another choice if you want to be right away along Front Beach . Rockport Inn and SuitesandSeafarer Innare also near townsfolk . Rockport Inn is a short walk from the center , with plentiful outdoor space and an indoor pool perfect for kinfolk . Seafarer is slightly off - the - beaten - path , near Gully Point Cove and Gap Cove .
Courtesy of North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Courtesy of North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
