newbury beach

Nice beautiful area off the Nature Preserve. Perfect area to relax but parking can get jammed quickly so go early and save time!

We parked on the very north side of the island. The facilities were closed but they were not charging for parking because it was the week after Labor Day. When leaving the parking lot, you have three choices. First, we went to the left to a beach that bordered the Merrimack River. The beach was nice enough but the sand was little brownish color from the river silt. Boat traffic was really loud leaving Newbury Port. Heading south along the beach we came across an open section of beach-much better than the first. The beach was “framed” by the opening for boats heading out to the Atlantic from the Merrimack. Still, lots of boat noise but not as loud as the first part of the beach.Heading south again, you come across one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been -and I’ve been to many! Beautiful white sands as far as you can see. Our only regret is that we didn’t go to this part of the beach first. Although it’s a bit of a hike from the parking lot, we should have started here. Live and learn.

Beautiful area, was a bit chilly when I visited on business, but the beaches were absolutely gorgeous, thinking of vacationing here in the warmer months.

We have been to several beaches in the Cape and up on the north shore and this beach is one of the best! Of course the sand, ocean, and location is great, but it is also clean (including the bathrooms), free of garbage, and everyone that I ran in were nice and appropriate. Everyone was there to enjoy the beach and no nonsense was going on. As soon as the kids were ready for food, we left for Newburyport, ate, and easily returned. Definitely a positive experience!

My friend brought me here for a visit one November Sunday and I fell in love...what must this place be like in the summer! I would love to spend a summer here. There are such lovely beaches, beach homes, sand, sun...and Newburyport and Newburyport Port are just around the corner.

The Plum island National Wildlife Refuge is near the town of Newburyport, and easy enough to find, the parking lot very convenient, and we begun our bike ride from the gate. The road is safe enough for this, there are numerous designated stop/spots with nice views of the marsh, wildlifesuch as birds, etc. There is a slight incline towards the island refuge, but easy! We do have to share the road/trail, with cars. There is a longer trail, unpaved, we only used the paved part for the most part, we tried some of the unpaved-gravel trail, it is rough but dusty!We used the excellent picknic/observation areas for lunch and water breaks, a real treat!There are many beaches to walk and see the ocean! We sure would like to be back to this island refuge, in the near future!

I'm not a summer sweltering beach person. I love the cooler weather, and breeze. This beach was fabulous for excercise and taking a dog or two for a walk. Beware , there are folks that let their dogs off leash , all were friendly though. The sand is sloped and soft in some areas to work those leg muscles. It is a small hike from the parking lot, but partially covered with decking so it's not bad. Beauty as far as the eye can see. Can't advise on swimming, but it looks trecherous. We did not have to pay an enterance or parking fee, so perhaps after September 15th when dogs are allowed there is no charge.

Hi currently on holiday in boston and its off peak season(sept) but still very warm and been told by the locals best time of year to come as the foliage is just starting to turn autumnal but still very warm and no crowds. The beach was beautiful and clean .The water a little on the cold side for me but if your a surfer great waves.As the season is coming to an end it felt very relaxed and didnt feel pushed along by the crowds.We even wore our shorts!!!A real great little beach and well worth going to.

I took my kids here on my last visit to the area and was pleasantly surprised. I usually dread going to the beach because of the crowds and this was not at all a problem with this beach. Although there were a lot of people (hot day, mid August) the beach was so large no one was on top of anyone else. If you aren't a sun worshipper, you could walk for an hour and never reach the end of the beach. The water did seem a bit more fierce than other beaches so I definitely watched my kids even more closely. The 5 dollars that you pay to get in the reserve is nothing and you can take a break and go farther in the reserve and walk the boardwalk. Or drive into Newburyport and have dinner or ice cream and shop away! Definitely a winner location that I wish I didn't live 7 hours from!!!

This beach and area are very clean and more family oriented. The beach is a sharper slope than some other nearby beaches, so watch the little ones going in. The undertow at shore from breaking waves could be a danger to the real little ones who can't swim. I remember being terrified when my parents would bring us here when I was a kid. For adults it's fine. Most people hang out in the water beyond the wave breaks, which is only a few feet in. The waves seem to roll in the same spot. Lot of boats offshore to see riding by. The sand is very soft and free of rocks, broken shells, seaweed. Parking in the lots run $10-$20 for the day, depending on when you get there. Most free parking are for the residents. There are port-a-poties. If you want a real bathroom, stop at the visitor's center before you go over the bridge on the way in. The surrounding neighborhood is nice and safe for all. Plenty of walking distance little restaurants.

Location is everything and Plum Island is in just the right place to get a little warmer water than the other beaches nearby. Not much for services, but a nice beach and not so crowded.

I love Plum Island, but if you're not familiar with the area it's vital to get information about areas to avoid due to riptides. These include the area where the Merrimack River flows into the ocean and a number of other places. People drown here nearly every year. There are no lifeguards, and the current is so strong in places that people wading in shallow water have been swept out to sea.I'm not trying to discourage people from going here, but you need to be get advice from the locals and be careful. Don't become a statistic.

beautiful white sand beach (slowly washing out to sea); love the area, wish parking was better. the reserve is amazing -- when it's accessible and there are no greenheads

Clean, reasonably priced parking. Tip - go on a weekday for a prime beach spot and cheaper parking!

Turn Right on Sunset, pay the $5 to enter the Wildlife Refuge Park, and park in lots 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 if you want beach access -- note, after c. lot 3, you'll be driving on gravel. Very limited parking -- rangers close the gate when lots are full. Limited parking keeps the beach feeling like you're almost the only ones there. Water is crystal clear. Hunt for shark eggs among the kelp. The refuge visitor center which is located on the Right en route to the island is a very nice, modern, informative place worth visiting before driving to the island -- and good place for restroom break.