Sandy Point State Reservation

Parker River Wildlife Refuge Rd., Ipswich
(978) 462-4481

Sandy Point is at the very southern tip of Plum Island, a classic Atlantic Ocean barrier island. The 77-acre park is among the state's most beautiful and popular coastal beaches. It is also an important nesting area for the piping plover, a threatened species, and the least tern, a species of special concern in Massachusetts. Passive recreational activities include walking, beachcombing, fishing and birding. Access is through the abutting Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Things to know before you go…
The reservation opens one half-hour before sunrise and closes at 8:00 pm. Parking is allowed only in two designated areas, which together hold 50 cars. When these lots are full, the reservation is temporarily closed. Pedestrians have free access to the beach, but must stay clear of all fenced areas.
To provide maximum protection for endangered species, the federal government may close the entire beach at Parker River Refuge. Call 978 465-5753 for dates. Access to the State Reservation is still available, with special restrictions during the summer breeding season.

Park Directions
Sandy Point State Reservation is located on the northeastern coast of Massachusetts.


From the South: Sandy Point is located 35 miles (56.3 kilometers) north of Boston near the City of Newburyport. From Route 95 take exit 57 and travel east on Route 113, then continue straight onto Route 1A South to the intersection with Rolfe's Lane for a total of 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers). Turn left onto Rolfe's Lane and travel 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) to its end. Turn right onto the Plum Island Turnpike and travel 2.0 miles (3.2 kilometers) crossing the Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge to Plum Island. Take your first right onto Sunset Drive and travel 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) to the entrance of Parker River Wildlife Refuge. Sandy Point State Reservation is located at the end of the refuge. The park is approximately 6 miles from the entrance to the Refuge.