Plum Island
Plum Island
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
87 within 3 miles
Attractions
100 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
109 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
25
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
1
J M
Hudson, NH1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Family
Not sure how this place has such a high review. The place is covered in trash and dog poop. Parking lot wasn’t open unless you want to walk a 1/4 mile with young kids. The beach and parking lots are absolutely disgusting. Hampton is absolute trash and Plum Island makes them look like a resort beach🥴
Written April 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanie C
Athol, MA43 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Having grown up in this area I'm always drawn back to the beaches and restaurants. Plum island is one of my favorite places more so than Salisbury beach or Hampton beach only because we have no small children and as such Plum island appeals to us more.The restaurants and shops are a bit more upscale and trendy than the other beaches in the area.There is a small playground and bathrooms which are unfortunately only open seasonally but the majority of gas stations don't have a customer only policy. The beaches,even in the off season are bustling with people walking dogs,chipping golf balls and flying kites.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna F
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
It was so unbearably hot in Newburyport (visited in the middle of heatwave in July). We were sweating and a bit miserable walking around Newburyport downtown our first day. Kind of trying to find shade or go into stores just for the AC. Not that Newburyport isn't entertaining...it was just the 90 temperatures and humidity that we had experienced at home...and now on vacation that were getting to us! Next day we went driving and wished we had just done it the day before! The drive to Plum Island is pretty and interesting with big homes and quaint cottages, nice landscaping and flowers. We went to the beach and set up our chairs so our feet were in wet sand with ocean breeze and aaahhh. Just lovely.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
figburrata
Boston, Massachusetts69 contributions
Sep 2020
Plum Island is very small but has a clean, sandy beach. It is a perfect way to spend a few hours, walking or sitting to enjoy nature. It is easily accessible via the village of Newburyport, which itself is charming.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly M
Annapolis, MD43 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We were worried about the dreaded green heads. We didn’t see one. Delightful. We parked for $30 near Beachcoma. The port a pots were being cleaned as we arrived (Sunday 7/31) and I will say they were the cleanest best smelling port a pots I have ever used. It was astonishing ! Worth the trip. Gorgeous views. Not crowded
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa E
Aurora, CO215 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We took a lovely walk on a wooden boardwalk like path. It was easy to walk and navigate. There were A LOT of birders out, so if that's your thing, this would be a good place. We wanted to walk on the beach, but unfortunately for us, it was nesting season for the Piping Plover, so almost all beach access was closed.
Written May 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Famontherun
Bel Air, Md903 contributions
Oct 2021
We spent about 4 hours here for birdwatching. We were given a very good map. Most of the roads are paved, but as you head to the point, they become dirt roads. There are many places to pull over, with small parking lots, and boardwalks. There are several restrooms throughout the park. We didn't see anything extraordinary, but enjoyed the day very much.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L P
Carlisle, PA82 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
My first time to this beach and it was fabulous! I found sea glass, which I haven't been able to find anywhere else I've been. The beach was fairly clean and looked to be well kept. Highly recommend a visit here! The only downside was the parking - the closest parking lot was not attended, so I had to scramble around to get the correct amount I needed to park there.
Written March 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna K
Buffalo, NY195 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
We were advised by a friend not to miss a trip to Plum Island, when we visited Newburyport for the first time. We did venture to Plum Island, only to be disappointed at our visit. Most of the island is all private homes, so close together, that from the road you couldn't even see the beach, or the water. We did drive out to the lighthouse, where you couldn't park without paying $10 for even just enough time to take a picture of the inland lighthouse. I jumped out, while my husband waited in the car, and snapped a quick pic. We drove the entire island without seeing much of anything. We didn't see any shopping areas, and only came upon 2 restaurants. We ATTEMPTED to enter the Beach area, which also off limits without paying to get to it. The road was monitored by National Park Police (?), I think. We were turned away, as parking lots were filled. I'm on an ISLAND, I wanted to see water. The only water we saw was when we crossed a bridge to get onto the island. We did stop for a couple beers, and tried clamcakes at one of the two restaurants we found. Parking was difficult, service was ok, but, not good, and the prices were quite high. Needless to say, we've enjoyed every part of our trip, but would advise skipping this...nothing to do on the island, unless you own a summer home.
Written February 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda P
Ballston Spa, NY409 contributions
Jul 2020
My daughter last went in April and enjoyed the loveliness. July is another story. #1- The insects tried to eat us alive- green head flies and mosquitoes landed within minutes and were thick and painful. So long fabrics and bug sprays are a must. Ok- my fault for not thinking. BUT- #2- all the best hikes were barricaded or closed anyway. I expected to walk in ocean breeze- every ocean side path off the many lots were blocked. The north and south off the ponds roped shut, the extensive boardwalks all closed while renovated. The one beach open at the end has about 15 parking slots and was filled by 9am. That was the only warning the ranger up front gave as we paid to enter Plum Island. Walking from the next nearest lot could be possible except for the dirt road. Each car stirs up so much filth, I felt so sorry for the many bike riders being enveloped in our dust cloud. At least the bathroom was open though exceedingly pungent. The bird watchers seemed to be having a nice time near the pond and the elevated tower lifted us away from the insects for a short time.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TwilaJo
Clarksburg, WV96 contributions
Iv read that the sand has a purple hue to it on this beach. is that true? any particular area or beach more likely to see that?? thanks
MamaCip75
Colorado Springs, CO161 contributions
I’m not familiar with that, but no, that hasn’t been my experiences when we’ve visited. However, it’s one of the fewer beaches in MA that has soft sand (most are rocky).
Cathyandal
Portland, ME24 contributions
Where can you park for free on the island, just want to stop for photos, view of beach? Lighthouse? Thank you
MamaCip75
Colorado Springs, CO161 contributions
Hi. Most parking this time of year (peak season) isn’t free, but if you’re going to the beach, then it’s worth it. One of the best and easily accessible beaches on the North Shore is right at the end of the Plum Island Turnpike. There’s a public lot (must pay) there with a short walk across the road to a great beach area. I took some of our youngest son’s Senior pictures here and where we would bring our friends and family when they came to visit. The lighthouse does have public parking lot. Makes for a great day!
Erin C
3 contributions
are there any places with grills on the island? was thinking of cooking out near the ocean.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingPlum Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Plum Island
- Plum Island is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- Hotels near Plum Island:
- (1.45 mi) Compass Rose Inn
- (1.61 mi) Clark Currier Inn
- (1.48 mi) Essex Street Inn & Suites
- (1.69 mi) Garrison Inn Boutique Hotel
- (1.96 mi) Blue - Inn on the Beach
- Restaurants near Plum Island:
- (1.54 mi) Loretta
- (0.70 mi) Bob Lobster
- (1.51 mi) Abraham's Bagels
- (1.68 mi) Port City Sandwich Co.
- (1.67 mi) Black Cow
- Attractions near Plum Island:
- (0.13 mi) Joppa Flats Education Center
- (1.65 mi) Newburyport Whale Watch
- (0.84 mi) Tendercrop Farm
- (0.69 mi) Spencer Peirce Little Farm
- (4.65 mi) Parker River National Wildlife Refuge