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Lobster, lighthouses, leisure. The coast of Massachusetts is a special place. If you’re looking for one of those truly iconic coastal spots, one of the best beach towns in Massachusetts, then Rockport is your answer. And our list of the best things to do in Rockport MA will help you get the most out of your visit to this coastal gem!
We have visited Rockport, Massachusetts many times. It is an easy journey from Boston (seriously, New England is soo driveable!), and it’s a beautiful destination that is perfect for couples, families, and travelers of all kinds.
Though small, quaint, and relatively quiet, there are plenty of things to do in Rockport and the surrounding areas, like Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and nearby Salem.
Read along for our Cape Ann travel guide, focusing on where to stay and what to do, see, and eat in the magical town of Rockport Massachusetts.
Where is Rockport, Mass?
You might be wondering to yourself, just where is Rockport Massachusetts? This town of about 7,000 residents is found just 40 miles north of Boston in the North Shore region. Rockport is situated on the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, an area which is also home to such famous seaside towns as Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea.
In under an hour’s drive, you can get from Boston to Rockport MA. Alternatively, you can take a commuter rail train from Boston to Rockport and arrive in 75 minutes. According to the schedule, trains depart approximately every hour from North Station. And of course, Boston is a major international airport, with hundreds of flights arriving daily.
*For a nice overview of the whole New England region, check out Adam’s New England travel guide.
When to Visit Rockport MA
Rockport is an attractive destination at all times of the year, but it is busiest and most active during the summertime. Coastal New England is synonymous with summer vacations, and Rockport is no exception.
Expect some (small) crowds if you visit in the height of summer, and some challenges with parking; this is a great reason to choose a place to stay in Rockport that is within walking distance to Bearskin Neck and the other main attractions of downtown.
A weekend getaway in Rockport can be fantastic, but sometimes going during the week is best for avoiding crowds. One of our visits was on a Thursday and Friday, which turned out to be an ideal time to come. There was a noticeable influx of people on Friday, and it’s easy to imagine that this is a popular spot for people to pop over for the weekend. With its modest size and centralized location, spending a few days in Rockport allows you to see most everything it has to offer.
And just what are those Rockport MA things to do, you may ask? Hop to the next section for some inspiration on what to do in Rockport MA!
The Best Things to Do in Rockport MA
Now for the fun part!–What to do in Rockport MA. Here you’ll find shopping, sightseeing, art, dining, and outdoor activities.
There’s enough to keep you happily busy in Rockport itself, but you can easily visit Gloucester, too, to make the most of your Cape Ann visit.
Oh, and if you’re looking for things to do in Rockport, MA this weekend or things to do in Rockport MA today, check out this local events calendar to see what’s happening in town during your visit!
Enjoy ‘Motif Number 1’
Perhaps the most famous site in Rockport is the classic red fishing shack known as Motif Number 1. The shack is actually a replica of the original structure, which unfortunately was destroyed in a 1978 blizzard– crazy New England weather! The replica was constructed that very same year.
The building’s unusual name is believed to have been coined by an early artist, who noted that it was many local artists’ favorite subject for painting and drawing. It seems to be true! Rockport is still well known as an artist colony, and the many art galleries throughout the town sport an abundance of maritime-inspired art, many of which display Motif Number 1 prominently.
You can see the shack from many spots overlooking the harbor, or you can walk out closer to it, as we did, by exploring the alleys off of Bearskin Neck. As you can imagine, we took lots of photos of this popular Rockport sight!
It’s a really iconic seaside element, so it’s no surprise that it is known as “the most painted building in the world.”
Take a Walk at Halibut Point
Drive about seven minutes from the center of Rockport, and you’ll find yourself nearing Halibut Point State Park. This is a serene and scenic conservation area with walking trails to be explored.
On your way out to the rocky edge where the sea splashes against the coast, you wind your way through scrubby seaside plant life and past the quarry, from which much of the local granite was obtained. You’ll start to see the ocean as you walk, and it’s a beautiful vista.
We love to hike, and Halibut Point let us get out into nature by taking a short walk through the park. Dogs are allowed here (on leash only), and there is a per-car parking fee, so heads up.
Relax on the Rockport MA Beaches
New England’s coast is often viewed as a rocky place with a reputation for seafaring and fishing. While this is true, there are also some fine beaches spreading from north to south. You can find a few different beaches in Rockport to help you get your swimming and sunbathing fix.
The closest is Front Beach, which is in walking distance of Rockport’s downtown. This is a small beach, though there is plenty of room to sit on shore and enjoy the sun.
Front Beach Rockport is also a nice swimming spot with very calm waters. It is bordered on the far end by a rocky wall.
For a more expansive beach, head to Long Beach, which sits on the border of Rockport and Gloucester. This is a lengthy stretch of flat, sandy beach, and a very pleasant place to enjoy a warm summer’s day.
Parking is limited, so we recommend arriving early in the day.
A third choice for beaches in Rockport MA is Pebble Beach. As its name suggests, it is fairly rocky, and soft, sandy spots are limited. Nevertheless, it makes for a lovely place to take in the beautiful Rockport scenery.
Browse the Great Rockport MA Shops
Shopping is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Rockport. There are a wide variety of shops that are eclectic, unique, and often locally-owned. Shop for casual wear at The Black Dog, or select fine leather goods at Bearskin Neck Leathers.
Traveling with your canine friend? Stop into The Good Dog Gallery and grab treats, art, and memorabilia celebrating your favorite breed.
Of course, coastal gifts and crafts line the shelves of nearly every store. If you want something to display your Rockport pride, or just want an item to showcase your love of the sea, you’ll definitely find it when shopping in Rockport.
Other Rockport stores to keep an eye out for:
Wicked Peacock – Jewelry and accessories
One Ocean One Love – coastal inspired clothing/accessories
Stroll Down Bearskin Neck
Many of the Rockport stores listed above are located on Bearskin Neck, the coolest place in Rockport. Bearskin Neck is the very tip of the peninsula that stretches out to surround the Rockport harbor.
Today, it’s lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants (plus an unusual number of ice cream shops), and it’s a super fun place to walk or to sit and people-watch.
We strolled down Bearskin Neck several times during our visit to Rockport, and the atmosphere was different each time. Mornings are calm and quiet as the shops are just opening up. By midday, the streets are busy with happy shoppers and hungry lunchers.
You can’t miss the buzz surrounding the Roy Moore Lobster Co., the most popular spot to eat lobstah’ in Rockport. More on this great spot to eat below.
Evenings on Bearskin Neck are breezy and cool. (We suggest packing a sweater, that ocean breeze can be biting!) We saw lots of families walking their dogs and enjoying ice cream as they watched the Rockport sunset over the water.
In addition to the many Bearskin Neck shops and eateries, there are numerous art galleries beckoning you to visit. Our favorite had to be Earth’s Treasures, which had very unique items, including some fantasy-inspired art that both of us fell in love with.
We bought a piece for our house and discovered that the artist herself was at the register. Very cool to meet the artist in person and to support continued creativity in Rockport. If you’re interested in whimsical, soft fantasy styled paintings, check out Amelia Leonards’ Etsy shop.
Get Out on the Water
Know a friend with a boat? That’s the ticket! But if you’re like most of us, you probably don’t have any yacht-owning buddies. There are a few ways to enjoy the water in Rockport.
You can swing by North Shore Adventures and Outdoor Center to check out their kayak and SUP rentals and tours; they offer shipwreck tours, seal and birding tours, island tours, sunset tours, and more!
Another popular option is to join a whale watch. Whale watching is a New England coast must-do. No whale watches leave from Rockport directly, but you can take one from Gloucester, less than a 10-minute drive to the south.
We recommend 7 Seas Whale Watch, who we have traveled with twice. Both excursions were a great experience with lots of sightings. Spotting the humpbacks is indescribable. Click here to book the best whale watching in Gloucester!
While you’re down south, take in a few of the other things to do in Gloucester MA. This fishing village has a very different vibe than Rockport, and is well worth a stop on your travels in Cape Ann.
Visit the Rockport Farmers Market
Held every Saturday between late June and mid-October, the Rockport Farmers Market is a great place to go mingle amongst the locals and find neat handcrafted goods like soaps and delicious treats from all around Cape Ann. Hours are 9am to 12pm in Harvey Park.
Where to Eat in Rockport
As you explore all there is to see in Rockport MA, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Plus, with the smell of cooking seafood all around, you can’t help but be hungry.
While we didn’t have to chance to try all the restaurants in Rockport, we’re fairly confident we found some of the best restaurants in Rockport MA.
Is it breakfast time? Check out this post on the best breakfast spots in Rockport.
Brackett’s Oceanview Restaurant
On our first day in town, we enjoyed a late lunch at Brackett’s Oceanview Restaurant. This is a really classic spot with a wide dining room that looks out over the ocean. The view is fantastic, and we enjoyed our crisp white wine as we watched the gulls soar past.
We were absolutely starving when we arrived, and the server gave us a generous plate of hot rolls and corn bread. We each chose a signature seafood dish for our meals: Amy had fish cakes and Nathan had the crab casserole. Both of these were awesome.
The fish cakes were crunchy and flavorful, and paired with a delectable Old Bay sauce. Nathan’s crab casserole was perfectly baked and cheesy. With the sweet crab meat, it was rich and memorable. Such an excellent dish!
Not only did Brackett’s have an awesome view and really delicious food, it also has an exceptionally friendly staff and welcoming owners. We felt right at home there and decided to stop back the next morning for some coffee and their famous donuts.
Brother’s Brew Coffee Shop is right next door/attached to Brackett’s and is owned by the same family. You’ll definitely leave with a full belly and a smiling face!
Roy Moore Lobster Co.
When it comes to places to eat in Rockport MA, Roy Moore is a staple. The fish shack at the bottom of Bearskin Neck is a sister restaurant, but the Roy Moore Lobster Co. further down the neck is the original, and the real deal.
This place is kind of a madhouse, in the best way possible. A tiny building is filled to the brim with live lobsters, seafood on the grill, and the happy, loud banter of the staff. The vibe in there is so cool, and the people who work there clearly love their job and love serving guests.
Once you make your choice and order, you can head out to the breezy back deck. Your food will be out in a snap, and you can laugh along with other guests as you crack your lobster and gulp your chowder.
We didn’t opt for the full boiled lobster (though we hear it’s the best lobster in Rockport MA!) but instead enjoyed a cold lobster roll, a New England bucket list essential. It was tender and tasty, and was great paired with a bowl of Clam Chowder (another regional favorite) and a crispy fish cake.
The food was really excellent–simple and no frills, the way that kind of seafood should be. But it’s the atmosphere that really make Roy Moore a must-visit.
Feather & Wedge
Feather & Wedge is one of the newest restaurants Rockport MA has to offer. It has a more modern, urban vibe than some of the other Rockport restaurants and this makes it stand out. This upscale dining spot has a menu that changes frequently, adding to the excitement of the place–you never know what will be on offer.
That said, if you choose to eat here, we enjoyed the sea scallops and the salmon. Both were exceptional, but the sea scallops had an Asian flair that made them utterly amazing. Would highly recommend!
They’ve also got an impressive cocktail menu you should be sure to sample. In fact, did you know that until 2005, alcohol was not allowed in Rockport? It’s all due to the actions of Hannah Jumper and a group of women in the 1800s who completed a “rum raid” to rid the town of the scourge of hard liquor.
Rockport was a dry town until just over 10 years ago when it was voted that alcohol could be served in local restaurants. So take advantage and order up a martini!
PS: Make sure to get a reservation, especially on weekend nights.
Hopefully, we can return to Rockport and Cape Ann in the near future to sample even more of the delights. There were a few restaurants we wanted to try buy didn’t have time, including Studio Crepe, Top Dog, and My Place by the Sea.
Places to Stay in Rockport MA
Comfortable accommodation helps to ensure your travels are the most fun they can be. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels in Rockport that fit the bill. We’ve stayed in several different lodgings on our trips and enjoyed them all very much, including The Emerson Inn, the Sally Webster Inn , and the Periwinkle Cottage.
Check out more details, plus more recommendations in our article on Where to Stay in Rockport MA.
Ready to Go to Rockport?
Now that you’ve been primed on what to do in Rockport MA, we hope you’ll book your trip! It’s a seriously lovely place, especially for couples in their 30s and older. It’s not much of a “party town,” so those seeking out a wilder nightlife won’t find it here.
Of course, Boston is just 40 miles away if you need an urban fix. But for those looking for a peaceful, classic New England seaside village, Rockport is everything you could want. Endlessly romantic, artistic, and unique, Rockport is a wonderful place that we plan to visit many times over the years.
Read these next:
- 12 Best Restaurants in Rockport MA
- 50 Things to Do in Massachusetts: Your MA Travel Guide
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- 10 Romantic Getaways in Massachusetts for the Perfect Couples Escape
- 11 of the Best Hikes in Massachusetts
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