How do I get to Plum Island Beach and where can I park?

From Newburyport center, take Water Street east across the Plum Island Turnpike bridge (about 10 minutes). The beach has several parking lots along Ocean Avenue (Northern Boulevard). Arrive early in summer as lots fill by mid-morning on weekends; parking fees apply seasonally (typically $5-25 per day). Some areas offer free roadside parking but fill quickly. No public transportation serves the island directly. Biking from Newburyport is popular via the flat causeway. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at the southern end has separate entrance fees and parking.

What food and amenities are available at Plum Island Beach?

Plum Island has limited commercial development to preserve its natural character. You'll find a few casual restaurants and snack bars along the northern end, including seafood shacks and breakfast spots, mostly seasonal. The main beach areas have restrooms and outdoor showers. Bring your own food and beverages as options are limited, especially mid-island. For more dining choices, head back to downtown Newburyport (10 minutes) with numerous restaurants. Lodging options include vacation rentals and a few small inns on the island, plus hotels in Newburyport.

What surf conditions can I expect at Plum Island Beach?

Plum Island offers consistent surf year-round, with the best waves typically occurring during fall and winter nor'easters and hurricane swells. Wave heights average 2-4 feet but can reach 6-8 feet during storms. The beach has several surf breaks, with the center and southern sections generally providing better conditions. Water temperatures require wetsuits most of the year (full suits in winter). Both longboarding and shortboarding are popular. Check surf forecasts before heading out, and be prepared for strong currents. The beach is less crowded than other New England surf spots.

Newburyport · Massachusetts · USA

Plum Island Beach

You'll smell the salt before you see the ocean—marsh grass and brine announce your arrival at this barrier island. Parking meters demand quarters, but the miles of uninterrupted shoreline deliver hollow waves and piping plover nests in equal measure.

1 / 8

Conditions right now

Reading live conditions…

Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Plum Island Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.

Waves

—

01m2m3m+

Wind

—

kmh

Water

—

Air

—

OnlyBeaches IndexUpdated just now

OBI

—

Live-scored for Plum Island Beach

Tuned for

Purity: 0%
Conditions: 0%
Crowd: 0%
Vibe: 0%

The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.

Newburyport·Massachusetts·USA

No reviews yet

scenic

Trending This Week

Photos

8 captures from Plum Island Beach

About this beach

The drive across the single-lane Plum Island Turnpike takes you over tidal channels where egrets stalk minnows and cormorants sun themselves on wooden posts. Once you park at one of the numbered lots along Northern Boulevard, the boardwalks deposit you onto sand that shifts from fine gray to coarse tan depending on recent storms. The beach runs unbroken for…

Where it is

Plum Island Beach

Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA

42.8092°, -70.8106°

Open in Google Maps

Top things to do

At Plum Island Beach

Ride the Bars

Sandbars shift with every storm

Refuge Bird Blinds

Snowy owls winter on dunes

Hellcat Trail Loop

Marsh boardwalk through salt meadows

Clam Shack Seafood

Fried whole-belly clams in town

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plum Island Beach.

Loading nearby eat & drink…

Loading nightlife…

Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Plum Island Beach.

Is Plum Island Beach safe for swimming?

Plum Island Beach is generally safe for swimming during summer months when lifeguards are on duty at designated areas. However, strong currents, rip tides, and cold water temperatures can pose risks, especially during off-season. The Atlantic waters remain chilly even in summer. Always swim near lifeguard stations, check daily surf reports, and watch for warning flags. The beach is popular with surfers due to consistent waves, which can make conditions challenging for inexperienced swimmers. Avoid swimming alone and be particularly cautious during storm periods or high surf advisories.

When is the best time to visit Plum Island Beach?

Summer (June-August) offers warmest weather and water temperatures in the mid-60s°F, with lifeguards on duty and all facilities open. However, this is peak season with crowded beaches and parking challenges. Spring and fall provide excellent birdwatching opportunities at nearby Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for beachcombing and surfing. Winter attracts hardy surfers and nature enthusiasts seeking solitude. For comfortable beach weather without summer crowds, visit June or September. Sunrise visits are spectacular year-round.