The northern tip of Plum Island where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic, a wide sandy stretch reached straight off Northern Boulevard. Currents run strong near the river mouth, and the crowd thins fast once you walk south of the main lot.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot resident sticker $10 weekday/$12 holiday-weekend; non-resident $15 weekday/$20 holiday-weekend
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Season
Open year-round. The city does not post gate hours for the North Point lot, so plan around the parking rules rather than a closing time.
Dogs
Leashed dogs are allowed. Sections of the upper beach are roped off for nesting piping plovers from April through August, so watch for the fencing.
Allowed now · ban starts AprilManaged by
Newburyport Harbormaster
978-462-3746 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Costresident sticker $10 weekday/$12 holiday-weekend; non-resident $15 weekday/$20 holiday-weekend
North Point lot
Details unconfirmed
North Point lot
Costresident sticker $10 weekday/$12 holiday-weekend; non-resident $15 weekday/$20 holiday-weekendSpaces~121
Access points along this beach
North Point lot beach access
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Plum Island Point in Newburyport 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 this the same as the Parker River refuge beach?
No. The Point beach and its lot belong to the City of Newburyport at the island's northern tip. The refuge's own gate, hours and fee are further south in Newbury, and the state's Sandy Point reservation is farther south still in Ipswich.
What happens when the water tests over the limit?
The city closes the beach to swimming on short notice after weekly Enterococci testing comes back high, and reopens once a retest clears; check the city's alerts before a trip rather than assuming last week's status.
Are there restrooms at Plum Island Point?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Plum Island Point?
No open fires, alcohol or glass containers on the beach. No motor vehicles or motorized bicycles on the beach except emergency vehicles.
Can you swim at Plum Island Point?
Yes. Plum Island Point has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Plum Island Point?
Leashed dogs are allowed. Sections of the upper beach are roped off for nesting piping plovers from April through August, so watch for the fencing.
Is there an entry fee at Plum Island Point?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Plum Island Point?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. resident sticker $10 weekday/$12 holiday-weekend; non-resident $15 weekday/$20 holiday-weekend.