28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Rockport, MA
Are you looking for a charming escape in Rockport, Massachusetts? Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this guide highlights 28 must-do activities to help you fully enjoy this coastal gem.
Nestled on the tip of Cape Ann, approximately 40 miles north of Boston, Rockport is a haven for artists and nature lovers alike. Known for its stunning seaside views and historic New England charm, this quaint town offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
As a treasured destination in Essex County, Rockport boasts an array of attractions that cater to all tastes, from the iconic Motif No. 1 to the scenic Halibut Point State Park, ensuring that every visitor finds something g to love in this picturesque coastal village.
28 Best And Fun Things To Do In Rockport, MA (2024)
1. Halibut Point State Park
Families seeking fun things to do in Rockport, MA, this weekend can start their Rockport trip at Halibut Point State Park, a seaside treasure on Cape Ann with incredible ocean sights, granite quarries, and various wildlife.
The park features hiking trails, tide pools, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibitions on the area’s past.
Halibut Point State Park promises hiking opportunities, nature explorations, an understanding of local history, an appreciation of spectacular waterside vista, and resting in a tranquil outdoor location.
Address: Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA 01966, United States
2. Rockport Art Association & Museum
Free things to do in Rockport, MA, for everyone, await you at Rockport Art Association & Museum, an art establishment, and museum known for its commitment to promoting art design and gratitude.
The museum prides itself on an abundant array of works by famous Cape Ann artists, organizes active modern displays, and gives educational programs like art lessons, workshops, and art exhibitions.
Soak up the lively art setting, investigate the works of skillful artists, encounter the innovative approach, and enjoy the beauty of the Cape Ann area.
Address: 12 Main Street, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
3. Motif Number 1
One of the exciting things to do in Rockport, MA, this weekend is to stop by Motif Number 1, a model of a fishing hut that is widely known as “the most often-painted building in America.”
This attraction boasts a standard red exterior, a panoramic location on the wharf, and its rich history as a precious topic for artists.
You can catch legendary pictures, absorb the adorable ambiance of Rockport, and admire the artistic heritage linked with this prominent milestone.
Address: Bradley Wharf, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
4. Rockport Music Shalin Liu Performance Center
Going to Rockport Music Shalin Liu Performance Center, a contemporary show hall developed particularly to show chamber music, is among the most entertaining things to do in Rockport, MA, tonight.
The center presents outstanding acoustics, cozy seating, lovely ocean panoramas, and diverse programming past chamber music, such as jazz, pop, and folk shows.
A visit to the Shalin Liu Performance Center pledges the option to share in first-grade music in an exquisite environment and enjoy pre-concert occasions, educational schedules, and the rich aura of Rockport.
Address: 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
5. Paper House
Art lovers can pay a visit to The Paper House, a remarkable significant house museum made from newspapers, to enjoy exciting activities in Rockport, MA, this week.
The house museum features walls, furniture, and even a piano created from varnished newspapers, presenting a glance into charming experimentation with recycled resources.
The Paper House promises an opportunity to explore a quirky piece of architectural history, marvel at the ingenuity of its creator, and appreciate the potential of recycled materials.
Address: 52 Pigeon Hill Street, Rockport, MA 01966, United States
6. Little Art Cinema
Catching a view of your favorite classic and latest movies at Little Art Cinema, an independent movie theater with a mixed selection of films, is one of the entertaining things to do in Rockport, MA, at night.
The cinema provides an amazing viewing adventure with relaxed seating, a standard movie theater ambiance, and a concentration on independent, foreign, and documentary films.
Discover thought-provoking and artistically rich films, evade daily life bustle, and engage in compelling storytelling.
Address: 19 School Street, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
7. Bearskin Neck
Bearskin Neck is a fascinating projection known for its historic fishing village environment, dynamic art scene, and fun activities for all ages in Rockport, MA.
This destination boasts diverse shops, art galleries, restaurants, and the well-known Motif No. 1 red fishing shed.
Get a delightful chance to dig into retro shops, marvel at local artwork, eat fresh seafood, and appreciate gorgeous ocean sights while absorbing an outstanding New England shoreside adventure.
Address: Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
8. The Art of David Arsenault
Touring The Art of David Arsenault, a gallery displaying the work of American realist oil painter David Arsenault, should make every art lover’s list of unique things to do in Rockport, MA, today.
The gallery shelters colorful, light-filled paintings and prints of Cape Ann, New England, and other backdrops, seizing peaceful moments of solitude.
Get absorbed in the beauty of Arsenault’s work, adore the attributes of his naturalistic style, and possibly meet the artist himself. while connecting with the tranquil and alluring scenes portrayed in his art.
Address: 8 Dock Square, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
Exploring other attractions near Rockport, Massachusetts? Why not check out some fun things to do in Marshfield, MA, and fun things to do in Plymouth, MA?
9. Front Beach
Front Beach is a well-known sandy beach on the shores of Sandy Bay with various outdoor activities to do in Rockport, MA, for all ages.
The beach has easy access to shops and restaurants, lifeguard supervision during extreme seasons, and a lively environment for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or just unwinding.
10. Cape Ann Whale Watch
One of the active things to do near Rockport, MA, for everyone, is to engage in whale-watching at Cape Ann Whale Watch, a whale-watching excursion company giving tours out of the city.
With 7 minutes into Gloucester, MA, the company employs the Hurricane II, the most extensive and fastest whale watch vessel in Massachusetts north of Boston, and guarantees whale sightings.
With facilities like a heated cabin, full-service galley, and bar, Cape Ann Whale Watch allows visitors to see exquisite whales, learn about oceanic life from guides, and enjoy the delight of an open-ocean experience.
Address: 415 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States.
11. Cape Ann
Visiting Cape Ann, a scenic, stony peninsula widely known for endearing seaside towns, highly-spirited art scenes, and rich marine history is one of the free things to do in Rockport, MA, today.
Major features include breathtaking beaches, notable lighthouses, captivating fishing villages, art galleries, and tasty seafood restaurants.
You can relax on beautiful beaches, explore charming shoreside towns, submerge in the local art scene, savor fresh seafood, and partake in the rich maritime past of the area.
Address: Massachusetts 01930, United States.
12. Straitsmouth Island Light Station
Viewing the Rockport surroundings from Straitsmouth Island Light Station, a significant lighthouse is one of the free things for visitors and locals to do in Rockport, MA., just off the coast of Rockport, MA
Nestled on Straitsmouth Island, the light station features the 1896 lighthouse tower, the 1878 keeper’s house, and the surrounding natural terrain, which is a dwelling place for different wildlife.
Relish a chance to dig into a time-bound lighthouse, encounter the magnificence of the seaside topography, observe wildlife, and enjoy the stillness of island life.
Address: Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
13. The Emerson Inn By the Sea
Travelers, visitors, and residents seeking relaxing things to do in Rockport, MA, today can visit The Emerson Inn By the Sea, a recognized oceanfront hotel with charming sights of the Atlantic Ocean.
The hotel offers a combination of historic appeal and contemporary facilities, like a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant, and specially adorned rooms.
At The Emerson Inn By the Sea, an option to settle and chill in a quiet environment, savor delectable food, and explore the enchanting town of Rockport is promised.
Address: 1 Cathedral Avenue, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
14. Stage Fort Park
Unearth a plethora of fun and exciting activities for families near Rockport, MA, 13 minutes into Gloucester at Stage Fort Park, a historic seaside attraction mixing natural beauty, fun activities, and affluent historical value.
The beehive features two beaches, a playground, sports fields, picnic areas, a restaurant, and remains of the actual fort, giving different opportunities for visitors.
Get soaked in activities like swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, playing sports, trolling the park’s past, appreciating breathtaking ocean sights, and engaging in varied periodic events.
Address: 24 Hough Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States
15. Rockport Farmers Market NAFMNP
Discover an array of the best things to do in Rockport, MA, this week at The Rockport Farmers Market, a weekly open-air market offering locally sourced food and commodities.
The market presents various fresh produce, meats, baked goods, handwrought crafts, and live music. thus providing a chance to relish fresh, seasonal food, and share in the energetic community ambiance.
Address: Pleasant Street, Rockport, MA 01966, United States
16. Maritime Gloucester
Nestled within Gloucester, about a 9-minute drive from Rockport leaves you at Maritime Gloucester, a vibrant waterfront attraction blending a maritime museum, aquarium, and working harbor.
This attraction has hands-on displays, a touch tank, the Gorton’s Schooner Gallery, and the Children’s Room, and offers the chance to participate in a functional marine railway.
Learn about the region’s rich marine past, scour marine life up close, and launch a sailing experience aboard the schooner Ardelle among other fun activities near Rockport, MA.
Address: 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States.
Exploring other attractions near Rockport, Massachusetts? Why not check out some fun things to do in Hanover, MA?
17. Plum Cove Beach
Just an 11-minute drive to Gloucester, MA, takes you to Plum Cove Beach, a small, remote beach with a plethora of family-friendly things to do near Rockport, MA, with kids.
The beach prides itself on peaceful waters, excellent for children, the charming sights of Ipswich Bay, and a fascinating, private ambiance.
Unwind and appreciate the tranquil surroundings, dig into the stony coastline, and sponge up the beautiful New England panorama.
Address: 1000 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States.
18. Thatcher Island
Thatcher Island is a notable island off the shore of Rockport, Massachusetts, known for its twin lighthouses and abundant marine past.
To foster exciting things to do in Rockport, MA, for all ages, the attraction features twin lighthouses, keeper’s houses, hiking trails, and gorgeous inshore panoramas.
With a visit to Thatcher Island, exploring distinctive milestones, enjoying the raw beauty of the island, learning about its navigational history, and partaking in the peacefulness of island life are all guaranteed.
Address: Massachusetts 01966, United States.
19. Long Beach
Paying a visit to Long Beach, a scenic span of sandy coastline with stunning views of Thacher Island’s twin lighthouses is one of the fun things to do in Rockport, MA, in the summer.
This beach has a long, flat shoreline perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, with an incremental incline into the water making it ideal for families.
A trip to Long Beach allows you to unwind on clean sands, appreciate water activities, and immerse in dazzling seaside sights.
Address: Massachusetts 01966, United States.
20. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
One of the best things to do in Rockport, MA, on Sunday is to attend a church service at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, a historical treasure built in the Gothic Revival building style.
The church features beautiful stained-glass windows, a great pipe organ, and other classic Catholic elements.
Attending a worship service at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church offers an opportunity to partake in worship in an iconic destination and marvel at its structural beauty.
Address: 24 Broadway Avenue, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
21. Tidal Edge Gallery
Browsing through paintings of local seascapes and landscapes at an art gallery like Tidal Edge Gallery is one of the unique things to do in Rockport, MA, for art enthusiasts.
The central characteristics of this gallery are the impressionistic creations of artist and proprietor Heidi Caswell Zander, displaying the uniqueness of the local environment.
Get the chance to enjoy the artistry of local terrains, locate uncommon pieces to improve your home, and share in conversation with the artist herself.
Address: 3 School Street, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
22. Rockport Market
Exploring Rockport Market, a seasonal farmers market held in Harvey Park should make your bucket list of top things to do in Rockport, MA, in July.
The market houses a variety of locally grown produce, handmade merchandise, live music, and an emphasis on supporting local farmers and craftspeople.
Enjoy fresh, seasonal food, find distinctive handcrafted commodities, encounter the rich aura of a local market, and assist the community when you go to Rockport Market.
Address: 21 Broadway Avenue # 1, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
23. Rockport Breakwater
Rockport Breakwater is an artificial construction expanding into the Atlantic Ocean, offering a special viewpoint of Rockport Harbor and the nearby seaside.
As one of the unique things to do in Rockport, MA, for all ages, the breakwater offers a flat, stony surface ideal for walking, giving scenic sights of the dock, Motif Number 1, sailboats, and the available ocean.
At Rockport Breakwater, you can take in the fresh ocean air, appreciate astonishing sunsets, observe aquatic life, and share in the calmness of the New England seaside.
Address: Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
24. Old First Parish Burying Ground
Checking out the Old First Parish Burying Ground, a notable cemetery is one of the remarkable things to do in Rockport, MA, for residents and visitors.
Since 1630, the cemetery has featured multiple antique tombstones, including those of earlier residents and veterans of the French and Indian, Revolutionary, and War of 1812 disputes.
A stop by the Old First Parish Burying Ground gives a prospect to unite with Rockport’s rich past, explore the lives of its previous settlers, and respect the peaceful aura of a notable resting place.
Address: Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
25. Harvey Park
Harvey Park is a small green space with a commemorative marker heralding its patron, George W. Harvey, and a tranquil getaway from the town’s busy environment.
A trip to Harvey Park permits visitors to admire the park’s value, enjoy a quiet time in a charming location, and explore the closeby harborage zone.
Address: Rockport, MA 01966, United States
26. The Spa at Rockport
This weekend, one of the healthy activities in Rockport, MA, is to drop by The Spa at Rockport, a massage therapy corporation giving relaxation and therapeutic massage services.
The spa features include diverse massage methods like deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone, customized to meet individual needs and likings.
Take the time to relax, relieve stress, manage pain, and enhance general health through proficient massage therapy.
Address: Isinglass Place, 13 Railroad Avenue, Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
27. Sandy Bay Tours
Cruising with Sandy Bay Tours, a tour company offering boat tours of the beautiful waters around Rockport is one of the adventurous things to do in Rockport, MA, with family.
Lobstering demonstrations, wildlife sightings, and scenic vistas of the coastline are guaranteed, allowing guests to share in the local lobstering industry, meet marine life, and enjoy the beauty of the area.
Address: Rockport, MA 01966, United States.
28. Rockport Golf Club
Securing a tee time at Rockport Golf Club, a golf course with stunning ocean views and a hard yet satisfying playing adventure is among the fun things to do in Rockport, MA, this weekend.
With 9 holes, 6,076 yards, 133 slopes, and par 70, the semi-private boasts well-kept greens and fairways, a clubhouse with ocean vistas, skilled golf directions, a pro shop, and various membership options
Play a demanding course while appreciating spectacular shore sights, enhance and hone your golf game with skilled teachings, and encounter the company of an inviting club gathering.
Address: 36 Country Club Road, Rockport, MA 01966, United States
Plan your visit to Rockport, MA
Rockport, Massachusetts, is a picturesque coastal town filled with experiences waiting to be uncovered. From its rich artistic heritage and stunning seaside landscapes to its vibrant local culture and welcoming community, there’s a wide array of fun and recreational activities to enjoy in this charming New England gem.
Plan your visit today and explore all the incredible attractions Rockport has to offer! Enjoy your journey.
