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Crane Beach

Ipswich, Italy

Crane Beach

Crane Beach is a 1,234-acre (4.99 km2) conservation and recreation property located in Ipswich, Massachusetts, immediately north of Cape Ann. It consists of a four-mile-long (6 km) sandy beachfront, dunes, and a maritime pitch pine forest. Five and a half miles of hiking trails through the dunes and

forest are accessible from the beachfront. Crane Beach is open year-round, and is free to Ipswich residents with the purchase of a yearly beach parking sticker. Non-residents must pay a fee to enter ($40 on weekends during peak season per car, as of 2024). In the summer months there is a refreshment bar, and the restrooms, showers and changing facilities are open year-round. During low tide, it is often possible to wade out to sand bars, and during the warm months small boats often dock on these sand bars. Across the water, Plum Island and its sandy beaches are visible. Crane Beach was established in 1945 as a gift from Florence Higinbotham Crane, daughter-in-law of Richard T. Crane, and her family. The property is a part of the larger Crane Estate, along with Castle Hill and the Crane Wildlife Refuge, and is owned and maintained by The Trustees of Reservations. There is an annual celebration...

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