Sandy Point State Reservation

Massachusetts


At the southern tip of Plum Island, Sandy Point is a 77-acre state park that is popular for swimming, sunning and tide-pooling. Walking trails and an observation tower also make for good bird-watching. Access Sandy Point through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, but note that parking is limited, so you'd best get an early start. Also, beware the blood-thirsty greenhead flies, which buzz and bite in July and August.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Massachusetts attractions

1. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

1.2 MILES

High atop Castle Hill sits the 1920s estate of Chicago plumbing-fixture magnate Richard T Crane. The 59-room Stuart-style Great House is open for guided…

2. Crane Beach

1.23 MILES

One of the longest, widest, sandiest beaches in the region is Crane Beach, with 5.5 miles of fine-sand barrier beach on Ipswich Bay. It is set in the…

3. Ipswich Museum

3.38 MILES

Three houses comprise this village historical museum, including the 'first period' Whipple House, which dates from 1677. The bulk of the collection is in…

4. Whipple House

3.4 MILES

Dating from 1677, this was the home of Captain John Whipple, a military officer and entrepreneur. Now maintained by the Ipswich Museum, it contains period…

5. Cogswell's Grant

4.39 MILES

This Colonial-era farmhouse dates from 1728, and is furnished and decorated with all manner of 'country arts' from the era. The home is the product of six…

6. Essex Shipbuilding Museum

4.84 MILES

This museum was established in 1976 as a local repository for all of the shipbuilding artifacts of Essex residents. The fascinating collections of photos,…

7. Wingaersheek Beach

5.09 MILES

The biggest and best of Cape Ann's beaches is Wingaersheek Beach, a wide swath of sand surrounded by Ipswich Bay and guarded by Annisquam Lighthouse.

8. Appleton Farms

5.56 MILES

Six miles of trails wind along old carriageways, past ancient stonewall property markers and through acres of grasslands. Farm friends dot the pastures,…