Pavilion Beach is the town's working beach by the Ipswich River mouth, a short walk from the Town Wharf. Sand runs beyond the retaining wall and is open to the public, though the small lot behind it is Ipswich-resident parking only for most of the summer.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker $50/season sticker (covers Pavilion Beach, Town Wharf, and Fire Dept areas)
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Managed by
Ipswich Cemetery & Parks Department
978-356-6643 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
Cost$50/season sticker (covers Pavilion Beach, Town Wharf, and Fire Dept areas)StickerResident sticker, or display Crane Beach sticker/Transfer Station sticker
Bayview Road municipal lot
Details unconfirmed
Bayview Road municipal lot
Cost$50/season sticker (covers Pavilion Beach, Town Wharf, and Fire Dept areas)Spacesunder 30
Resident-only parking May 15-Sept 15 on weekends/holidays; public parking allowed weekdays in that window and 7 days/week Labor Day-Memorial Day. No street parking nearby.
Access points along this beach
Retaining-wall beach entrance
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Pavilion Beach in Ipswich open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is there parking at Pavilion Beach, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker ($50/season sticker (covers Pavilion Beach, Town Wharf, and Fire Dept areas)). Bayview Road municipal lot
What rules should I know at Pavilion Beach?
No parking on side streets near Pavilion Beach.
Can you swim at Pavilion Beach?
Yes. Pavilion Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Is there an entry fee at Pavilion Beach?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Pavilion Beach?
Yes, parking here uses a resident sticker. $50/season sticker (covers Pavilion Beach, Town Wharf, and Fire Dept areas).