Cape Ann, Massachusetts
United States
The North Shore route from Newburyport south along Cape Ann, clam shacks on Route 1A, the Parker River Wildlife Refuge's 800 species of birds and plants, Crane Beach (one of the longest and sandiest in New England), maritime Essex, and the working fishing port of Gloucester. A short drive dense with seafood and Atlantic atmosphere.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Newburyport
A Federal-period port at the Merrimack River mouth with the finest early-19th-century streetscapes in New England and a waterfront boardwalk to match.
- Plum Island
A barrier island refuge of 800-plus species including rare piping plovers, with some of the least-developed Atlantic shoreline in Massachusetts stretching south toward Ipswich.
- Crane Beach
Eight km of Atlantic strand backed by dunes and the Crane Estate's Italian garden. The surrounding clam flats produce the best Essex clams in Massachusetts.
- Essex
Birthplace of the fried clam, invented at Chubby's in 1916. The Essex Shipbuilding Museum, antique shops, and clam shacks make this the route's most flavourful stop.
- Rockport
A granite-ledge fishing village on Cape Ann's northeastern tip. Motif Number 1, the red fishing shack on Bradley Wharf, is said to be the most-painted building in America.
- Gloucester
America's oldest fishing port, founded 1623. The Man at the Wheel honours 10,000 fishermen lost at sea. Rocky Neck Art Colony, the oldest working colony in America, lines the inner harbour.
Where to Eat
- Woodman's of EssexSeafood
Famous for its fried clams and classic New England seafood dishes since 1914.
- Roy Moore Lobster Co.Seafood
A rustic spot offering fresh lobster rolls and seafood with harbor views.
- The Clam BoxSeafood
Iconic clam shack known for its fried seafood served in a unique box-shaped building.
Things to Do
- Parker River National Wildlife RefugeNature Reserve
A 4,700-acre refuge on Plum Island, offering birdwatching and scenic trails.
- Halibut Point State ParkState Park
Features granite quarries, ocean views, and walking trails along the rocky shore.
- Cape Ann Whale WatchTour
Offers excursions to observe whales and marine life off the coast of Gloucester.