The Best Things to Do in Rockport, MA

Rockport, Massachusetts, offers stunning coastal landscapes, a rich history, delicious eats, and artistic spirits that come alive. While it might be known as a quaint seaside town, there are many exciting things to do in Rockport at any time of year. If you want to visit Rockport and spend a few days exploring, let us help you plan your trip. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find something to do in this seaside town. 

Embark on Outdoor Activities

Rockport is the hotspot for outdoor fun, especially in the summertime. Breathe in the ocean air as you hike, kayak, and take a plunge into the ocean in Rockport Harbor.

Halibut Point Reservation

Check out Halibut Point Reservation— a state park along the Atlantic Ocean. Halibut Point originally served as Cape Ann’s granite quarry operation, producing thousands of city streets, bridges, tunnels, monuments, warehouses, and buildings. Home to 2.5 miles of trails, the state park offers many unique outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, while also taking in the scenic beauty of the nearby Rockport Harbor. 

Rockport Beaches to Visit

Dip your toes in the sand with a trip to Rockport’s Front Beach, located in Sandy Bay close to Bearskin Neck. Spend a nice summer day swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand, and end your day eating at one of Rockport’s many restaurants that are just minutes away by foot. Long Beach, right off of Rockport Road, is a beautiful beach that stretches a mile along the coast of Rockport/Gloucester with great surf and clean white sand. Enjoy incredible views of the twin lighthouses of the Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher Island and quaint cottages that line the beach. 

Rockport Light Houses

Rockport is home to two different lighthouses, the Straightsmouth Island Light and the Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher Island, known to guide sailors to safety. The Straightsmouth lighthouse lives on Straitsmouth Island and was established in 1835. The Cape Ann Light Station was established in 1861 and includes twin lighthouses. While the Straightsmouth lighthouse is closed to the public, Thacher Island is open from June 1st until August 31st and you can visit by boat or kayak.

Find more places for outdoor adventure in Rockport and North of Boston.

Immerse Yourself in Rockport’s Artistic Expression & Explore It’s History 

Rockport today is a summer tourist spot and arts & shopping destination, but is filled with a rich history. Rockport’s art scene began in the 19th century but really became a prominent art colony in the 20th century. Known for its coastal beauty and rocky landscape, artists from around the globe traveled here for inspiration.  Learn more about the town’s city and culture by exploring some of these key museums and attractions. 

Motif No. 1

The dark red shack located on the wharf of Bearskin Neck and found in worldly paintings and prints is the famous Motif No. 1. Built in the mid-1800s, the fisherman shack housed fisherman supplies and daily catches and also became a spot where visitors could meet up and watch the U.S. Naval Fleet launch their ships. Take instagram-worthy pictures while taking in the breathtaking views of Rockport Harbor.

The Paper House

The Paper House is a historic house and museum made of paper (yes, you heard that right). In 1922, the mechanical engineer who designed the paper clip machine maker (Mr. Elis F. Stenman) built his own Rockport summer house out of paper. The museum is open to the public from the second Friday of April to the last Sunday of October from 10 am to 5 pm, and on the weekends in November (weather permitting). 

Rockport Music/Shalin Liu Performance Center

Listen to live music while watching the peaceful waters of Rockport’s Sandy Bay at the Rockport Music/Shalin Liu Performance Center. In this intimate concert venue, you can enjoy a variety of genres—classical, jazz, pop, folk, and world music—while taking in the view of a signature floor-to-ceiling glass window behind the stage. Artists like Paula Cole, Natalie Merchant, and Arlo Guthrie have graced this magical stage plus even classically trained musicians like Brian O’Donovan’s Celtic Christmas Sojourn. Make sure to buy tickets in advance because seats are limited and tickets sell out fast. 

Windhover Performing Arts Center

The Windhover Performing Arts Center is a performance center entertaining the Cape Ann community with dance, theater, and music. With an outdoor stage, Windhover guides audiences through the beauty and power of the performing arts. Their performance season begins in May and ends in October

Rockport Art Galleries 

Since the mid-1800 Rockport has been a prized destination for artists. Here, you’ll find over 30 galleries as well as the Rockport Art Association and Museum—a space filled with changing exhibits of fine art, sculpture, and photography by historic and modern Cape Ann artists.

Although not in Rockport, Rocky Neck Art Colony played a pivotal role in shaping the arts culture on Cape Ann and is one of the oldest operating art colony in the U.S.

Find out more about art in Rockport and all around North of Boston.  

Find more places to get in touch with history in Rockport and North of Boston.

Rockport Food Spots that Will Cure Your Hunger

All that adventure surely will make anyone hungry. Take a break from sightseeing and check out the food and dining options in Rockport.

Roy Moore Lobster Co.

This father-and-son-owned operation is the perfect spot for those who are big fans of seafood. Here, lobster comes straight from the lobstermen’s boats, is cooked in seawater, and hand-shucked in-house. Not a fan of lobster? No problem! Their menu also includes classic staples like clam chowder, stuffed clams, fish cakes, and a raw bar with a rotating selection. Plus, they now serve beer and wine for those 21 and over. Roy Moore Lobster Co. is closed in the winter season and opens back up in the spring.

My Place by the Sea

Right on the tip of Bearskin Neck is My Place By the Sea, a restaurant that serves New American cuisine with delicious items like seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and additional vegetarian options. Eat a nice meal while looking out at the beautiful waterfront. This is a prime spot to have a romantic date night with your significant other or a place to eat after shopping around Bearskin Neck with friends and family. While open year-round, please call ahead to make a reservation.  

Tuck’s Candy Factory

Treat yourself and your kids to some candy at Rockport’s historic and family-owned candy store Tuck’s Candy Factory. In 1929, Walter Tuck began making his candies here, using homemade techniques and the finest ingredients to produce sweet-tasting candies. Choose from gummies, chocolates, water taffy, and so much more handcrafted options.  

Find more places to enjoy delicious food in Rockport North of Boston

Discover Boutique Shops and Handmade Crafts in Rockport

Who doesn’t love a good shopping spree?  Along Rockport’s historic Main Street, from Dock Square to Beach Street, is the Cultural District, with many shops to find precious gifts.

Bearskin Neck 

Bearskin Neck is a street in Rockport Massachusetts that stretches from the tip of Cape Ann filled with locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants along narrow roads. You won’t discover brand names or designer items at any of these stores. Instead, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items perfect as a gift for loved ones. Shop for toys, books, glassware, candles, clothing, jewelry, and more!

Blue Lantern

At this boutique, you’ll find the season’s hottest trends in fashion from dresses to skirts and so much more. 

Carol Lee’s Cottage

Here at this small business, you’ll find unique gifts, art, fashion, and housewares that showcase Rockport’s coastal and creative lifestyle. 

Shore Thing Rockport

This charming gift shop offers unique local artisan goods right on Bearskin Neck in Rockport. 

Floating Lotus

At the Floating Lotus, choose from endless handicraft and fashion items at reasonable prices. Plus, all of their items are handmade accessories from around the world. 

Find more shopping opportunities in Rockport and North of Boston.

Unwind at Inns and Hotels in Rockport 

Spend a couple of days or a weekend in Rockport by staying at one of the seaside town’s relaxing and beautiful hotels and inns. Whether you are looking for a cozy B&B or a room with an ocean view, there are plenty of places to stay in Rockport.

Sally Webster Collection

The boutique-style inn offers a modern, stylish take on a colonial home, combining historic charm with furnishings built in style. Originally built in 1832, this antique colonial transports you back to old Rockport. 

The Emerson Inn

The Emerson Inn echoes the vibes of the Roaring ‘20s jazz era with modern updates. For those interested in exploring Halibut Point State Park, the reservation is just a short stroll from the inn. 

The Tuck Inn Bed & Breakfast 

The Tuck Inn Bed & Breakfast offers guests a chance to recharge and get acquainted with the area of Rockport. The innkeepers (who have been running the inn for over 28 years) will offer advice on restaurants, local attractions, and other activities. 

Addison Choate Boutique Hotel

Guests will experience amazing hospitality and top-notch accommodations at The Addison Choate. With seven newly renovated rooms, enjoy a great night’s sleep while also being only a short walking distance from shops, galleries, and restaurants. 

Yankee Clipper Inn

The 1929 Art Deco mansion sits on a rocky bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Cocktail and food service are available on summer weekends on the outdoor veranda and main inn grounds.

Inns of Rockport

Rockport offers cottages and houses for guests to stay in during their time exploring the seaside town.

Find more places to stay in Rockport and North of Boston.

There are so many things to do in Rockport and other cities and towns North of Boston. If you’re looking to explore more coastal areas North of Boston, check out things to do in Cape Ann and Gloucester.