The beach at Sandy Point State Reservation in Ipswich, MA is a hidden gem where you can spend many hours relaxing and exploring this unique New England seascape. If you don't already know about it, Sandy Point is destined to become one of your favorite beach day-trip destinations in the Northeast.
Located at the southern end of Plum Island, Sandy Point offers ocean front as well as river side swimming opportunities. Directly south from the beach, and seen in the photo below is Castle Hill and Crane Beach, also in Ipswich, MA.
Located at the southern end of Plum Island, Sandy Point offers ocean front as well as river side swimming opportunities. Directly south from the beach, and seen in the photo below is Castle Hill and Crane Beach, also in Ipswich, MA.
Sandy Point 'feels' different. You know you're on the ocean, but when you're down closer to the inlet of Parker River, you might think you're at the lake.
It's not the easiest place to get to, and parking is limited....more on that below, but you're sure to feel that any trials you go through to get here are worth it once you're on the sand. The remote location and limited parking means that there are no crowds at this beach. The picture below was taken on a 90 degree day and this was the most crowded part of the beach.
Sandy Point is true to its name. There's a lot of sand. There are wide stretches of sand for all manner of beach activities.
If you can, try to come on a day when you arrive a little before low tide. You'll be amazed at the expanse of sand that stretches out almost to Castle Hill across the inlet. At low tide, you can walk out almost to within Striped Bass lure casting distance of the far shore shown below. But don't linger when the tide starts to come in! It comes in fast, and the sand can be difficult to walk in....so DON'T walk out on the flats when the tide starts to come in unless you can SWIM.
This part of the coast has known shipwrecks over the centuries. The way the sands shift with the tidal action here at the point, who knows what you might come up with! Last year on a walk out onto the sand flats, this old Listerine bottle was glistening under the water, partially buried in the sand. The bottle dates back to the 1920's, and it's a mystery why the glass has remained so clear!
As the tide comes in, you can wade from sand bar to sand bar.....
and the encroaching tide steadily advancing over the sun baked sand creates heated pools that are perfect for little ones to enjoy the water.
Sitting alone in the sand as the warmed water gurgles in, you may just think this is the most peaceful place on earth.
When walking out to the ocean side of the beach front, you might feel like you're walking along the shore on the island from 'Lost'....
But nope, it's just Parker River Wildlife Refuge beach. From here, you can walk 8 miles north to the mouth of the Merrimack River.
You'll get to see erosion in action at the southern tip of Plum Island as it slowly alters the face of the landscape.
Now - about getting out to Sandy Point State Reservation. As we said earlier, it can be a challenge, but hopefully you've gotten the idea that if you love New England beaches, you need to make this trek to check it out! Sandy Point State Reservation is at the southern tip of Plum Island. You get to it by travelling through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The first hurdle you have to jump is at the refuge gate. There is much to do at Parker River, and the refuge is extremely popular. They only let in a limited number of vehicles at a time and so getting there early in the day is your best bet (by 9 AM on the weekend), as the gate will be closed once they've reached capacity. If you miss the morning shift, they'll typically re-open the gate around 1 to 2 PM depending on earlier guest exits. Cost to enter the refuge is only $5 in 2018. There is no additional charge to enter onto Sandy Point.
Once you make it down to Sandy Point, there may be a wait for parking at the reservation. In this picture, to the left, there is space for about 15 cars. Down the road to the right of the flagpole, there is an additional parking area with room for about 25 cars. If there's no parking at the point, you might consider dropping off your party and backtracking to park in the refuge parking areas at lot 7, 6 or if you've got the legs for it, lot 5.
There is handicapped parking available at the point, and the compost toilets are wheelchair accessible. However, there are no ramps down to the sand, so any wheelchairs will need to be outfitted for sand travel.
It's a 6 mile drive from the Refuge gate to Sandy Point. Three of those miles are on a gravel road, so prepare for dust. But the view is spectacular as you make your way out, and keep an eye out for all manner of critters, the refuge is teaming with wildlife!
If you have some time at the end of your day, consider stopping at the Hellcat wildlife observation area in the refuge to check out more natural wonders.
Back on the road, and just down the street on the Plum Island Turnpike (the only road off the island), consider grabbing a bite at Bob Lobster . If you live in New England, you've probably seen the Honda commercial (below) that features their restaurant. A quintessential New England Seafood shack!
What else is nearby?
There's lots more to see and do in the area - much of it free - so check the map below and get out and 'make a day of it'! If you think a family friendly attraction needs to be added to the map, click 'suggest a place' at the top of the page and let us know so we can share!