BEST SPOTS TO GRAB A BEER ON THE BEACH
There’s nothing more enjoyable than a cold beer after a day well spent at the beach! We’ve hand selected some of our favorite breweries that are just a short walk or drive from our beloved beaches.
Ipswich, MA
Crane Beach
Crane Beach on the Crane Estate is a must-do on the North Shore. Though the beach has miles of soft, sandy beachfront the estate in its entirety is not to be missed. The estate contains over 2,000 acres to explore, with over 1,000 acres belonging to the beach and adjacent hiking trails. You’ll find hikers, sunbathers, and plenty of birdwatchers viewing the nesting grounds of the threatened piping plover. For a more historic perspective, consider visiting The Great House just up the hill. This 59-room Stuart-style mansion was built in 1928, and boasts furnishings and art that mimics what the house may have looked like when the Crane family lived there. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience on the North Shore, you won’t want to miss the events at Castle Hill. One of their most highly anticipated events is that of the Roaring Twenties Lawn Party hosted by The Trustees each summer. Transport back to the 20’s and enjoy live jazz, vintage vendors, food and drinks, all while sitting on the estate’s curated lawn. Please visit The Trustees website to purchase tickets.
Estate Facilities
Crane Beach Store (selling towels, shirts, sunscreen, and provisions)
Snack Shack (burgers, salads, ice cream, and snacks)
Bathhouse (toilets and changing rooms)
Ipswich Ale Brewery
Just a short 10-minute drive from the estate, you’ll stumble upon Ipswich Ale Brewery in the center of downtown Ipswich, MA. With gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options – you’ll find a meal to satisfy everyone! Grab a seat on their patio and enjoy a pint of their award winning beer. This 30 year old brewery is a staple on the North Shore, so you know it’ll be good! Finish off your evening with their famous “Big Brownie Skillet”, and if you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure to stick around for their live music.
Beverly, MA
If you’re looking to spend the day at the beach, but don’t want to worry about those pesky parking fees – this one’s for you! Both Dane Street Beach and Backbeat Brewing Company are within walking distance of The Cabot Lodge. Start your day with a hearty breakfast from City Eats, or grab an iced lavender vanilla latte from Atomic Cafe to go. If you’re walking, we recommend stopping at the Beverly Commons to take a peek at some seasonal blooms. Just a couple more blocks and you’ll hit the ocean! Dane Street Beach is the perfect combination of soft sand and grassy open space. Once you’ve had a bit too much sun, spread a blanket out under a shady tree and have an afternoon picnic. If you’re an early bird, take a nice stroll down to Independence Park for more ocean views. You’ll pass by a couple of public walkways on the way for great photo opportunities without the crowds! Don’t forget to collect some seashells and sea glass to remember your trip – we love heading out to the sandbar at low tide to find the best ones.
Beach Facilities
Free Street Parking
Bathhouse (open seasonally; weather dependent)
Play Structure
Backbeat Brewing Company
Make a quick stop at The Cabot Lodge to freshen up, and head to Backbeat Brewing Company for some live music and BBQ (Monday-Saturday). While Backbeat is open for breakfast and pastries, their BBQ options are not to be missed! Pair with a cold beer or try out one of their rotating hard tonic flavors like pineapple habanero. Our favorite feature is “Backbeat Britain”, a selection of snacks and goodies straight from the United Kingdom! You’ll find everything from Walker’s potato chips to Shannon’s black pudding.
Create your own beer crawl by adding in Beverly’s other breweries (all within 1 mile of each other): Channel Marker Brewing, Gentile Brewing Co., Old Planter’s Brewing Co..
Gloucester, MA
Take the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway through Manchester, MA and up the coast to Gloucester (pronounced like Glaw-sta for the true Massachusetts experience). Stop at Half Baked in Beverly Farms for some donuts or pastries to bring along for the ride. Continue on the road and enjoy the coastal views! Just off Route 127, you’ll find Good Harbor Beach tucked away. As it is one of the most popular beaches in the area, you’ll want to get there before the gates open at 8am! Parking fills up fast, but the views are worth the early morning drive. At low tide, you can walk out to Salt Island where the 1920 film, “Bride 13”, was shot. With ideal swimming conditions, Good Harbor Beach is perfect for body surfing or boogie boards at high tide.
Beach Facilities
Parking Available ($30/vehicle on weekdays and $35/vehicle on weekends)
Bathhouse (toilets and showers)
Concession Stand (food, drinks, and beach necessities)
Great Marsh Brewing Company
Just 15 minutes away you’ll find Great Marsh Brewing Company in Essex, MA. Snag a table at their outdoor beer garden for breathtaking views of the Great Marsh while you sip on a world class beer. If beer’s not your thing, Great Marsh Brewing has a wide selection of craft hard seltzers – pick a flavor from their list, or create your own mix! Snack on White Bull Tavern pizza and Eastern Standard Provisions pretzels for a taste of Boston on the North Shore.
Leave a comment below and tell us about your favorite “beach and brew” combo!
