Crane Beach is a four-mile barrier beach on the Crane Estate, backed by dunes, and it's the developed, fee-gated counterpart to Ipswich's smaller town beaches. The Trustees of Reservations run it with a bathhouse, lifeguards in summer, and a timed-pass system on busy days.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
8am to sunset daily; entry gate closes 20 minutes before sunset.
Entry fee
Parking/admission fee applies; free for Trustees members. Advance timed passes required on summer weekends and encouraged other days, released Mondays and Thursdays at noon. checked Jul 15, 2026
Accessibility
25 accessible parking spaces (first-come), waterproof beach wheelchairs available, beach transport service for mobility-challenged visitors, wheelchair-accessible restrooms and bathhouse.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited April 1-September 30. Allowed October 1-March 31, leashed at all times; free for member dogs, $5/dog for non-members. Not allowed on Steep Hill Beach, trails, or dunes.
Managed by
The Trustees of Reservations
978-356-4354 · WebsiteGetting in
Access points along this beach
Main gate off Argilla Road
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Main bathhouse near lot
Showers
Bathhouse showers, summer season
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Crane Beach in Ipswich open today?
Crane Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Yes, 9am-5pm daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.
Are there restrooms at Crane Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Crane Beach?
Dogs banned April 1-September 30.
Can you swim at Crane Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Crane Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Crane Beach?
Dogs prohibited April 1-September 30. Allowed October 1-March 31, leashed at all times; free for member dogs, $5/dog for non-members. Not allowed on Steep Hill Beach, trails, or dunes.
Is there an entry fee at Crane Beach?
Parking/admission fee applies; free for Trustees members. Advance timed passes required on summer weekends and encouraged other days, released Mondays and Thursdays at noon.