Crane Beach FAQ
Quick answers to the most common Crane Beach questions, each with a link to the page that covers it in full. Crane Beach is a four-mile Atlantic beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts, run by The Trustees of Reservations and open 8 a.m. to sunset every day. On weekends and summer holidays you need an advance pass.
Getting In
- Do I need a reservation? On weekends and summer holidays, yes. Other days it's strongly encouraged. Parking
- When do passes go on sale? Summer: Monday noon for Tuesday to Thursday, Thursday noon for Friday to Monday. Parking
- How much is it? Summer 2026 nonmember cars: $40 weekends, $35 weekdays, less after 4 p.m. Passes
- Is it cheaper for Trustees members? Yes, and some levels park free. Passes
- Can I walk or bike in? Yes: free for members, $5 for nonmembers. Drop-offs at the gate aren't allowed. Parking
- What's the address? 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 01938. Directions
Hours and Seasons
- When is it open? 8 a.m. to sunset, every day; the gate closes 20 minutes before sunset. Hours
- When are lifeguards on? 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hours
- Is it open in winter? Yes, with no running water. Weather
Dogs and Rules
- Are dogs allowed? Only October 1 to March 31, in set areas. Dogs
- Can I bring alcohol? No, unless bought on site from a licensed vendor. Rules
- Can I grill? Portable gas grills only, on the open beach. Rules
- Are floats allowed? No inflatable floats. Rules
Beach Conditions
- When are greenheads? Usually from early to mid-July into August. Greenheads
- How cold is the water? About 66 to 68°F offshore at its July to August peak. Water temperature
- Where do I check tides? NOAA station 8441241, Plum Island Sound. Tides
- Are there sharks? Juvenile great whites have been confirmed in past years; The Trustees patrol and close the water when needed. Water temperature
Castle Hill and the Refuge
- What is Castle Hill? The Crane family's summer estate, bought in 1910, with the 59-room Great House built 1924 to 1928. Castle Hill
- How much are Castle Hill tours? $15 members, $30 nonmembers. Tickets
- Can I walk from Castle Hill to the beach? No. Map
- How do I get to Choate Island? By your own boat to the Long Island dock, or a guided trip. Choate Island
More Questions
Do you need a reservation for Crane Beach?
On weekends and summer holidays, yes: The Trustees require an advance pass. At other times it's strongly encouraged, because drive-up cars are turned away when the beach reaches capacity.
How much does Crane Beach cost?
In summer 2026 a nonmember car paid $40 on weekends and holidays and $35 on weekdays, with lower after-4 p.m. prices. Off-season it's $10. Members pay less.
Are dogs allowed at Crane Beach?
Only from October 1 to March 31, in set areas. No dogs or other pets from April 1 to September 30.
When is greenhead season at Crane Beach?
Usually from shortly after the early-to-mid-July full moon until after the August full moon.
Is Crane Beach good for swimming?
Yes, with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but the water is cold: about 66 to 68°F offshore at its July to August peak.
Who owns Crane Beach?
The Trustees of Reservations, which received it from the Crane family after 1945.