Crane Beach Hours

Crane Beach is open 8 a.m. to sunset, every day, all year, and the entry gate closes 20 minutes before sunset. Lifeguards work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting. Castle Hill, next door on the same estate, keeps its own hours: its grounds open at 9 a.m. daily and close at 5 p.m. from February to October and 4 p.m. from November to January.

Hours are the easy part. In summer, getting in depends on having an advance pass (see parking), and prices change by season (see passes and rates).

Crane Beach Hours

The beach opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset, every day of the year. Sunset moves a lot on the North Shore, so the closing time does too: the gate stops letting cars in 20 minutes before sunset, and restrooms close at the same point. Entry outside posted hours is against the estate's regulations.

Rangers cover the beach year-round during open hours. If you're planning a sunset walk, arrive well before the gate closes, and check a sunset table for the date.

Summer Season Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

• Lifeguards and EMTs: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
• Bathhouse with changing areas, outdoor showers and the first aid office: summer season only.
• Crane Beach Store and Snack Shack: daily in summer, weather permitting.
• Umbrella and chair rentals and Mobi Mats: summer season.

Outside the summer season there's no running water and no rinse stations. Family restrooms stay open, and floating beach wheelchairs are still available.

Baker's Pasture Lot Hours

The overflow lot runs only on summer weekends and holidays. It opens at 9 a.m., takes its last car at 3 p.m., and locks at 4 p.m., with every car out by then. Lifeguards cover that stretch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. More on the parking page.

Castle Hill Hours

Castle Hill's grounds and gardens are open daily, year-round:

• February to October: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last admission 4 p.m.
• November to January: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., last admission 3 p.m.
• Limited hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Great House has a shorter season. Its first floor is open for self-guided visits 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: weekends and holiday Mondays from mid-April to Memorial Day, Tuesday to Sunday plus holiday Mondays from Memorial Day through October, and weekends and holiday Mondays in November. It's closed from January to mid-April and opens in December for special events only. Guided tours run mid-April to late November. See Castle Hill tours and tickets.

Crane Wildlife Refuge Hours

The refuge, including Choate Island, is open daily year-round from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can only get there by private boat or kayak, landing at the Long Island dock, or on a guided trip. The Trustees suggest allowing at least two hours. Details on the Choate Island page.

Seasonal Changes to Know

• Dogs and horses are allowed on the beach only October 1 to March 31, and only in set areas. See dogs.
• Kites are banned on the beach from April 1 to September 30.
• Deer bow hunting runs on the estate from the first Monday in October through December, Monday to Saturday. Signs are posted.
• Greenhead flies arrive in July. See greenhead season.

Check Before You Go

Storms, flooding on Argilla Road, sharks and capacity can all close the beach or the water. The Trustees post live updates on the Crane Beach voicemail at 978-356-4354 and on their Facebook page. The official hours are on The Trustees' Crane Beach page.