Fun Things to Do in Rockport, MA 2025

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. 

Front Beach

Dip your toes in the sand with a trip to Rockport’s Front Beach, located in Sandy Bay. 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.

Rockport Light Houses

Rockport is home to two different lighthouses, the Straightsmouth Island Light and the Cape Ann Light Station on Thatcher 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, Thatcher Island is open from mid-June until September.

Find more places for outdoor adventure North of Boston.

Sightsee and Discover Rockport’s History 

While Rockport today is a tourism and arts destination, it wasn’t always that way. Learn more about the town’s city and culture by exploring some 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. Snap pictures to your heart’s content 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). 

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

Immerse Yourself in Rockport’s Artistic Expression 

Rockport is a creative haven for all kinds of artists. Experience the incredible talents of the community by attending performances and wandering through galleries. 

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.

Find out more about art all around North of Boston.  

Engage in Some Retail Therapy

Who doesn’t love a good shopping spree? Rockport is your destination for unique items you won’t find anywhere else. 

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 this small business, you can 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 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. 

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. 

Find more places to stay 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.