Beach

Crane Beach

Part of the Crane Estate maintained by the Trustees of the Reservation, Crane Beach is an oasis of natural beauty on the North Shore. The Cranes, who purchased the 2,100 acres to transform into a summer estate in 1910, would invite the entire Ipswich elementary school for a day at the beach each year to play with the Crane’s two children. In their will, the Cranes left a trust to the town of Ipswich so children could continue to enjoy a day at the beach in perpetude. More thank four miles of trails meander along the coast and dunes. Crane Beach is also one of the world’s most important nesting sites for piping plovers. Even in the height of summer, the beach does not feel crowded, so purchase a member’s only parking permit or pay the $20 fee and take the drive down Agrillo Road in Ipswich to North Shore’s top tranquil coastal beauty spot.

310 Agrilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-4354, thetrustees.org

READERS’ CHOICE

Crane Beach