Must–Do in Rockport, Massachusetts

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Hi nomads!

I am so excited to be writing this post today. As I am scrolling through my photos planning it out, I am still in awe of how charming this town is. I also feel quite a bit of pressure to get this right, since it is my friend’s hometown. Though I am sure he will let me know how I did. But despite the pressure I want to share with you how amazing this town is. Its charm and picturesqueness is something you won’t find anywhere else. This summer make sure to add Rockport to your list of places to visit!

Before my visit to Rockport, I had never really heard of this town. Maybe you have? Or maybe you’ve heard of its neighboring town? Gloucester; since it is known for movies like Coda and The Perfect Storm being set there. Well just about 10 mins away from Gloucester, and trust me when I say this, a hidden gem awaits; Rockport. Known for its active art colony, this coastal town offers spectacular panoramic views, sandy beaches, art galleries and amazing local food.

Located at the tip of Cape Ann and 40 miles northeast from Boston, its location makes for a perfect weekend getaway, if you live in New England, or plan a one day detour if you are visiting Boston.

Let’s dive in! Here are my must–do’s in Rockport, MA.

Motif Number 1

After the original structure was destroyed by a blizzard in 1978, this replica is a must see spot on Bradley Wharf. After all, this fishing shack is the catalyst that has formed Rockport into not just a fishing town but also a haven for artists. The name Motif Number 1 was given to the shack by painter Lester Hornby as a reference to being the town’s artist favorite subject. This remains true today, as it continues to be the most popular structure to be painted by artists in the New England Coast. So get your paint brushes or cameras ready, this is definitely a very artsy and instagramable spot!

Halibut Point

Get your picnic basket ready!

Just two miles away from the center of Rockport, Halibut Point State Park provides visitors with amazing trails leading to spectacular sea views.

The park is open year-round to explore, have picnics and of course enjoy the amazing views. From May 14 through October 30 there is a daily parking fee $5 for MA residents and $20 for visitors out of state.

Aside from the scenic views and luscious greens the park is home to the former Babson Farm Quarry where granite was quarried as early as 1840. The granite at Halibut Point is estimated to be about 440 millions years old! The quarry is now closed after operations ended in 1929 and is it now filled with water. Unfortunately for visitors there’s no swimming allowed in the quarry.

The park is also home to a 60-foot fire control tower built during World War II to help defend the Boston and Plymouth harbors. The tower is now a museum with exhibits of Cape Ann’s granite quarrying.

This spot is perfect to explore, relax and learn more about Rockport’s history.

Rockport’s Beaches

If you are traveling during the summer, make sure to save some time to head to the beach. During our stay we spent the day at Long Beach. This beach is mostly for the locals and those who own the summer cottages along the beach. It is a spectacular crescent-shape beach, bordering Gloucester and Rockport with unobstructed views of Thacher Island’s famous Twin Lighthouses. Make sure to get early and secure your spot because it can get crowded during peak season.

Bearskin Neck

This scenic stretch provides tourists with locally-owned shops, restaurants and art galleries, where of course you can find tons of Motif 1 paintings and granite souvenirs. When I first heard Bearskin Neck, I could not wrap my head around the name. Luckily for me along the stretch there’s a sign explaining the origin of its name. Essentially the name came from and I quote “Named from a bear caught by the tide and killed in 1700.” Bearskin neck is Rockport’s first dock built in 1743 for commercial and shipbuilding purposes.

The food along the stretch is so good! We stayed very close to Bearskin Neck and every morning I started my day by visiting one of the local coffee shops and ended my day with a lobster!

Get Out on the Water

If you have more than one day to explore Rockport you must get out on a boat! The views are insane and there’s plenty of spots for you to stop and jump in the water. Plus you can get a closer look to the Twin Lighthouses.

Boat rentals can be down for a full or half day, and prices vary per boat.

Visit https://www.gloucesterboatrental.com/ for more info.

Roy Moore Lobster Co.

Okay! Although there are plenty of good places to eat at in Rockport. This restaurant for me deserve the spotlight. Located in Bearskin Neck, Roy Moore lobster is the oldest lobster company in Rockport. Own by a father and son this restaurant offers fresh cooked lobster, lobster rolls, and many delicious items on their menu. The lobsters literally come straight from the boat into your plate. Admittedly, this was my first time eating an entire lobster. I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better place to do so. I also got the stuffed Clams in Garlic Breadcrumbs and Clam Chowder. I had to try it all! This is a spot you DO NOT want to miss when visiting Rockport. Don’t get discouraged from the long lines, it goes by quickly, and it is worth the wait!

Walk Around The Neighborhoods

I love exploring new towns by running. I know… no one likes running. Whether is running or walking take some time to walk around the neighborhoods. The houses in Rockport look like they are straight out of a movie. I loved going on runs every morning and enjoying the beautiful seaward views, and the spots with no views were filled with gorgeous New England homes.

During your walk make sure to stop at The Headlands for some stunning views. The entrance is tucked away on a side street downtown. You can access it by walking up Mt. Pleasant St and turning left onto Atlantic Avenue, on the road you will see a sign “Way to Headlands” it is a pretty short trail leading you to views of the Rockport Harbor Sandy Bay, and the northern coastline of Cape Ann. Make sure to wear tall socks and check for ticks.

I hope you enjoyed this post and add Rockport to your list of places to visit this summer! I truly had the best time here and I came home ready to book my next trip back.