When warmer weather arrives, Bostonians flock to the Cape either by ferry or – if you feel like reading bumper stickers while inching forward – by car. In the other direction, we are lured to the beaches of the North Shore. However, many of us stop well shy of the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border and that means we miss out on Salisbury: the ultimate beach town.
Salisbury is a retro beach destination that you may have visited as a kid but have perhaps forgotten since.
GoogleMaps With a year-round population of 8,283 people, life here centers around sun and sand.
Salisbury Beach spans 3.8 miles and the vibe varies depending on the section you visit.
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan Salisbury Beach State Reservation encompasses the part of the beach where the Merrimack River flows into the ocean.
This end of the sand has a more untamed feel. The other end of Salisbury Beach is convenient to amenities but more commercial.
Flickr/6SN7
Salisbury has a boardwalk (complete with arcade games) that sparks nostalgia in those who remember these attractions fondly from childhood.
Tripadvisor/Jeffrey S
Summer brings with it special events and live music.
Tripadvisor/Jeffrey S
Groundswell Surf Café is a casual spot to fuel up on iced coffee and breakfast sandwiches. You can also rent paddleboards and bikes here or sign up for a beach yoga class.
Facebook/GroundSwell Surf Cafe You’ll find Groundswell Surf Café located at 25 Broadway, Salisbury, MA 01952.
For a more formal dining experience that features sweeping ocean views, visit Seaglass Restaurant and Lounge.
Facebook/Seaglass Lunch here is a blend of seafood-heavy dishes, sandwiches, and salads, while dinner includes surf and turf options including popular dishes like baked haddock and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. Address: 4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury, MA 01952
Beyond the beach, you can also enjoy Salisbury’s short rail trail.
Tripadvisor/bogblogger The route is lined with plaques containing snippets of history, including details of a 1926 train robbery in which thieves made off with $65,000 in cash!
Salisbury is also home to a historic flower farm that’s been blooming since 1792. Exploring the display gardens and greenhouses at Pettengill Farm is a fun and affordable experience for all.
Facebook/Pettengill Farm Pettengill Farm is located at 45 Ferry Road, Salisbury, MA 01952.
If you decide to stray from the waterfront, be sure to check out Pat’s Diner, an adorable vintage diner that’s been a Salisbury institution since 1950.
Flickr/openroads.com
No beach trip would be complete without ice cream. Hodgie’s Too dishes up yummy homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, and Italian ices that round off a perfect day at the beach.
Facebook/Hodgie’s Too of Salisbury
Facebook/Hodgie’s Too of Salisbury Hodgie’s Too is located at 136 Rabbit Rd., Salisbury, MA 01952.
Should you want to extend your trip, there are plenty of hotels and motels in the area, as well as a campsite at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
GoogleMaps
With a year-round population of 8,283 people, life here centers around sun and sand.
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Salisbury Beach State Reservation encompasses the part of the beach where the Merrimack River flows into the ocean.
Flickr/6SN7
Tripadvisor/Jeffrey S
Facebook/GroundSwell Surf Cafe
You’ll find Groundswell Surf Café located at 25 Broadway, Salisbury, MA 01952.
Facebook/Seaglass
Lunch here is a blend of seafood-heavy dishes, sandwiches, and salads, while dinner includes surf and turf options including popular dishes like baked haddock and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. Address: 4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury, MA 01952
Tripadvisor/bogblogger
The route is lined with plaques containing snippets of history, including details of a 1926 train robbery in which thieves made off with $65,000 in cash!
Facebook/Pettengill Farm
Pettengill Farm is located at 45 Ferry Road, Salisbury, MA 01952.
Flickr/openroads.com
Facebook/Hodgie’s Too of Salisbury
Hodgie’s Too is located at 136 Rabbit Rd., Salisbury, MA 01952.
Have you visited Salisbury recently? What was your favorite experience here? Share your stories in the comments below!
Discover more entertaining things to do across the river in neighboring Newburyport.
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