Things to do in North Shore

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North Shore
Marblehead featuring a bay or harbor
Marblehead which includes a city
Marblehead featuring a park and a bay or harbor
Marblehead featuring a house

North Shore Attractions

If you're ready to hit the streets of North Shore, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {66 fun activities in North Shore fun activities in North Shore} are also worth browsing through.


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North Shore must see attractions

1. Salem Witch Museum

Those curious about the tragic witchcraft trials of 17th-century Massachusetts are drawn to visit the Salem Witch Museum. Founded in 1972 and located in a brownstone-and-brick Gothic Revival building, the museum overlooks Salem Common and provides insight into the largest and deadliest witch trials in North America. Learn about the emotionally charged 1692 trials, the causes of witch hunts and patterns of prosecution through two immersive presentations.
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Salem Witch Museum featuring heritage architecture

2. Wingaersheek Beach

Bounded by the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay, Wingaersheek Beach is an attractive destination to visit for those who love to swim and play in calm water. Wander along the long stretch of white sand and find the perfect spot to settle in for the day. You’ll find plenty to do and explore at one of the most popular beaches in Gloucester.
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Wingaersheek Beach which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views

3. Good Harbor Beach

Gloucester is renowned for its beaches, with Good Harbor Beach one of the most beautiful. Walk across long swaths of soft, white sand and choose the perfect spot for enjoying a day by the sea. The landscape changes dramatically with the tide and brings different adventures to enjoy. Sunrise and sunset are particularly enchanting, the favored times of the area’s artists and photographers.
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Good Harbor Beach featuring a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views

4. Hammond Castle

Hammond Castle Museum was originally built in the late 1920s as a home for inventor, scientist and art collector John Hays Hammond Jr. Perched high on a cliff with Atlantic Ocean views, the magnificent fortress is a fitting site for Hammond’s extraordinary collections. Admire the stone archways and windows inspired by medieval castles before stepping inside to explore.
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Hammond Castle which includes heritage elements, general coastal views and a sunset

5. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Prepare to be impressed when you visit Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. The 1928 mansion has 59 rooms. The landscaped grounds of Castle Hill cover 365 acres (148 hectares) of a one-time 3,500-acre (1,400-hectare) estate. In early times, indigenous people lived on the hill, then farmers, then “gentlemen farmers” and finally the wealthy Crane family, headed by Chicago industrialist Richard Crane. Today the Trustees of Reservations manage this and more than 100 other Massachusetts sites to preserve and conserve natural beauty.
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Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

6. Crane Beach

Build sandcastles, sunbathe, jog on the sand or plunge into the brisk waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Crane Beach. Wade in the lapping waves and help the kids search for shells and identify sea creatures as the tide goes out. Lifeguards monitor the beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Bundle up in winter to enjoy a tranquil time with few other visitors.
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Crane Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach

What to do in North Shore

Free Things to Do in North Shore

A break in North Shore need not break the bank. You can leave your wallet at home if you check out:

Long Hill - If you'd like to explore the history of the area through its landmarks, put this one on your travel schedule.

Singing Beach - Read your favorite novel or listen to a podcast while getting some sun.

Agassiz Rock - Take your camera and let nature stimulate your imagination.

Stavros Reservation - Whether you can tell your daffodils from daisies, it's not hard to find beauty in this spectacular display.

Things to Do in North Shore with Kids

North Shore is a fantastic place for a family getaway. Bring the youngsters along and enjoy these fun family friendly experiences together:


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in North Shore

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in North Shore

My favorite beach in the area. We always make summer trips here.

Salisbury Beach

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the beaches and bars in Salisbury Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Salisbury Beach State Reservation or Salisbury Beach.

Salisbury Beach
Salem showing a statue or sculpture

Downtown Salem

While you're in Downtown Salem, take in top sights like Peabody Essex Museum and jump on the metro at Salem Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Salem
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South Peabody

4/5(42 area reviews)

While South Peabody isn't home to many top sights, Witch House and Witch Dungeon Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Peabody
Beautiful place to walk and enjoy the views. This foggy noon created the atmosphere of an unreal world.

Magnolia

Nestled in Gloucester, this small village boasts its own library, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy Gray Beach at Coolidge Reservation or take in scenic views of Kettle Cove at Surf Park.

Magnolia
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Annisquam

While Annisquam might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Wingaersheek Beach and Plum Cove Beach.

Annisquam
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Great Neck

While visiting Great Neck, you might make a stop by sights like Clark Beach and Plum Island Sound.

Great Neck

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from North Shore

Frequently asked questions

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What can you do in North Shore for free?
You could store your credit card in the hotel safe for the day, because these cool attractions can be seen for nothing:

  • Revere Beach
  • Salem Witch Trials Memorial
  • Good Harbor Beach
  • Crane Beach

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