Things to Do in Essex, MA: A Day in Town!
Be a Wicked Googan just like us!
Tucked along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, Essex is a perfect day trip on its own, and an easy add-on to a longer Cape Ann visit. Spend the morning on the river and in the antique shops, grab lunch, then continue on to Gloucester, Rockport, or Ipswich's Crane Beach. Start the day with breakfast and a coffee at Googans or make us your midday stop as you pass through between Ipswich & Gloucester.
Getting to Essex!
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Essex is located off exit 50 on Route 128. From the exit ramp take a left on Southern Ave and follow all the way to the end to the center of town. Take a left to visit Main Street - a variety of shops and restaurants, including Googans (corner of Martin & Main streets!)
Public Parking is located behind the Essex Post Office. Take a left on to Martin Street and travel about 1/10 of a mile. Take your first left turn into the road in front of the baseball fields and follow around to the left. Parking is free for the day - note that parking in the center alley is restricted to ‘boat trailers only’ on the weekends in the summertime.
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Take the MBTA commuter rail serving West Gloucester (Rockport line) from Boston or any point along the service line. Get off at the West Gloucester train station and use the CATA bus service to Essex - see “BUS” info in next section.
Or on a beautiful day bring a bike! Essex is located on the Essex Scenic Byway and attracts many cyclists.
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The Cape Ann Transportation Authority (“CATA”) operates a route between Glocester & Essex. Please check their website for the most up to date schedule.
The #5 West Gloucester/Essex route provides weekday service between Gloucester and Essex through West Gloucester. The route serves residential neighborhoods, the West Gloucester MBTA Station, Essex Village, and several popular local attractions.
Things To Do: Day Trip Status in Essex, MA
Activities that harness the amazing beauty and tranquility of the Essex River and its American heritage. Add a little adventure to your exploration!
Click the attraction (underlined links) to visit their website directly.
Explore Essex's 300+ years of shipbuilding history, with exhibits and a chance to see where the town's famous wooden boats were built, plus a multitude of tools and exhibits on display. Check their calendar of events as they host many classes, workshops & fun holiday events throughout the year.
Boat Charters & River Cruises
Many ways to experience the river aboard a boat, here are two local companies that know the river well and offer a good time!
Essex River Cruises - larger group guided boat tour with informational dialogue
Agawam Boat Charters - small group private boat charter, customizable
Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP) rentals along Essex River - a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors and experience nature. Plus, SUP & Surf lessons around Cape Ann. Equipment delivery and other services provided on their website. They also have a Costa Rica surf & yoga retreat… just sayin’!
IPSWICH/ESSEX BORDER - One of the most scenic, challenging, public nine-hole courses in New England! Challenge your golf-mate to a round and grab breakfast at Googans beforehand. It’d be a great tee off to the day - yeah, we said it!
IPSWICH (10 min drive) - Meet (or holler at the hollow) wolves in real life! It’s a sight to be seen - their mantra “education, awareness and exposure. Protecting wolves through education awareness and advocacy.” Something you hope you don’t see everyday in the woods of MA.
IPSWICH (10 min drive) - The Russell Orchards property has a long history as a working farm with a farm store, winery tastings, “pick-your-own” seasonally and much more! Great for the whole family.
Trails, Beaches & Nature Near or Around Essex, MA
Fancy a stroll through the woods or along the coast? Local trails and preserves, many managed by the Trustees and local land trusts, offer endless birdwatching, salt air, and quiet spaces.
Click the attraction (underlined links) to visit their website directly.
There are 16 sites to explore on the Historic Essex Walking Tour, which spans approximately one mile within the Essex River Cultural District - with many antique & specialty shops, Cogswell’s Grant and restaurants along the way. Grab coffee and a snack to go from Googans before you head out.
IPSWICH (10 min drive) - Experience this magnificent 2,100-acre coastal estate with a mansion tour that will leave you in awe you’re still in MA. Four miles of Atlantic-facing Crane Beach loop into tidal waters of Essex Bay and the Wildlife Refuge. Note that Crane Beach often has parking fees and summer reservation requirements, please check the Trustees’ website prior to visiting.
The Trustees also manage other sites worth checking out like Appleton Farms!
Conservation Lands
Two local land trusts care for thousands of acres of free public trails through woods, marsh, and meadow, so there's something for every kind of walk!
See Manchester Essex Conservation Trust trail maps.
See Essex County Greenbelt trail listings.
Antiques & Shopping in Essex, MA
Retail therapy, with a little bit of Essex to take home. The best thing about a small town is the small-town finds. From antiques, thrifting, gift shops & good old Essex swag (Googans swag included), there are plenty of gems looking for a new home.
Click the shop (underlined links) to visit their website directly. Hours vary by season, so check each website before you go.
Popular Antique Stores - Essex Heritage:
Essex has long been known as an antiques destination, with dozens of shops within walking distance of Main Street. Here’s a sample of some nearby:
Thrifting, Design & Gift Shops:
Thoughtfully curated, beautifully displayed and always a fun experience. Gifts of all kinds for yourself or the one you left at home. Here’s a sample of some nearby:
Dining & The Famous Essex Fried Clam!
We’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend our fellow food stops worth a try. After you’ve satiated your breakfast or lunch palate with Googans, be sure to check out our neighbors for the most well-known Essex fried clams, the freshest seafood & sometimes live music!
Click the restaurant (underlined links) to visit their website directly. Hours vary by season, so check each website before you go.
Fried Seafood Shacks & Famous Clams:
Other pubs & variety along the Main Street river walk:
Where to Stay Near Essex, MA
Stay where you play! Essex has limited lodging options right in town (we’re hoping that will change!). There are plenty of options in Gloucester - like the famed Beauport Hotel or along the Good Harbor Beach/Bass Rocks area. But here are some of the quainter “maybe not so obvious” options that we enjoy along the North Shore - aside from some of the truly lovely Airbnbs hosted by our neighbors for a more independent stay.
Meet Your Bedroom for the Night
IPSWICH (10 min drive) - Located in the heart of the spectacular Crane Estate, enjoy simple, yet luxurious pleasures. All the rooms at the Inn are uniquely appointed and many feature stunning views over the salt marshes, sand dunes, and Atlantic Ocean. Availability may be limited in the winter, check their website.
IPSWICH CENTER (15 min drive) - Stay at the 1863 Robert Jordan House in the beautiful historic district of Ipswich. The home is a late 19th-century Victorian house located a few blocks from Ipswich center with several guest rooms & two apartments. There are lots of shops & dining options in Ipswich worth a try as well!
ROWLEY (20 min drive) - Offers a farmhouse setting a bit farther north of Essex. This would be an ideal stay for the start or end of your trip. The rooms are cozy with gas fireplaces and an on-site spa. The restaurant in the adjoining barn is also a treat - be sure to check availability as they do a lot of events and may be closed to the public at times.
For additional resources to find the best activities, shopping & dining around the North Shore, visit these other useful sites!
