Manchester-by-the-Sea is a typical coastal New England town. It has one of the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts, has a charming town, and is full of summer cottages. These summer “cottages” are mostly owned by affluent Bostonians and New Yorkers. Manchester-by-the-Sea has become a popular summer destination and one of the best towns in Cape Ann. If you plan a trip to Cape Ann, Massachusetts, you must set aside some time to explore Manchester-by-the-Sea. Here is a guide to the best things to do in Machester-by-the-Sea and what to know before you go.
This town in Cape Ann is often recognized for the critically acclaimed movie Manchester by the Sea. While movie buffs may find it thrilling to discover a destination that was the setting and namesake for one of their favorite movies, there is plenty to see and do in Manchester-by-the-Sea beyond that.
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Where is Manchester-by-the-Sea
Manchester-by-the-Sea is located in the Cape Ann peninsula in Northern Massachusetts. This New England town in the United States is in the southernmost part of the cape and is the closest town in Cape Ann to Boston, at only 33 miles. Manchester-by-the-Sea is, as the name suggests, a seaside town. It is situated on the northern shore of Massachusetts Bay.
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How to Get to Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
The best way to get to Manchester-by-the-Sea is by car. I would recommend driving into the region or flying to Boston and renting a car from there. A train takes you from Boston to Rockport; however, it is time-consuming, and you will be without a car once you arrive. Having a car is helpful to get around the region.
If you are flying into the region, here are the closest airports to fly into. Be sure to check flights using Skyscanner.
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- Boston Logan International Airport – 46.6 miles (56 min)
Don’t forget to book your rental car and pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
Best Things to do in Manchester-by-the-Sea MA
See the Singing Sand at Singing Beach
Singing Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts, and for a good reason. This beach is located within walking distance of Manchester-by-the-Sea and is a great spot to spend a beach day in Cape Ann. Not only is this beach stunning, but a natural phenomenon also occurs at Signing Beach, where the sand “sings.” While not exactly melodic, it makes a creaking sound as you walk across the sand.
Keep in mind you need to pay to park and pay a $7 fee per person to step foot on the sand.
Price: $30 non-resident Vehicles (Monday-Friday) + $7 fee pp beach entry
Address: 119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
Go Shopping in Town
The downtown area of Manchester-by-the-Sea is so charming. It is quaint, compact, and walkable. Quite frankly, you can walk the entirety of Manchester-by-the-Sea without stopping in five minutes. But, you will want to spend more time popping in and out of the cute shops and taking in the charming town center.
The Best Shops in Manchester-by-the-Sea:
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- Manchester by the Book– This adorable bookshop in town is well worth stopping by. Manchester by the Book is one of the best book shops in Cape Ann and has both new and used books and various books about Manchester-by-the-Sea and Cape Ann and novels set in this coastal New England region.
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- 4 Beach– 4 Beach is a Manchester-by-the-Sea staple. This gift shop has an array of merchandise, including toys and home goods. 4 Beach is a great store to browse, as there is something available for everyone.
- The Stock Exchange– This curated consignment shop is an excellent spot for browsing clothing and home decor. There are some incredible pieces here, including some designer items.
Find the Cutest Spots in Town
The town center has some of the cutest houses, shops and churches. A short walk around town will allow you to check out some of the charm Manchester-by-the-Sea has to offer. Don’t miss seeing First Parish Church, which oozes with small USA Charm.
Take in the View from The Coolidge Reservation
One of the best ways to experience Manchester-by-the-Sea’s coastline is by taking the coastline from a scenic viewpoint. And the best spot to do this is at the Coolidge Reservation. The Coolidge Reservation offers a stunning view of the coast from its expansive lawn. To make the most of your experience, take the Coolidge Reservation Trail, an easy 2-mile loop trail.
It is free to park at the Coolidge Reservation, yet keep in mind that it is a limited parking area that fills up quickly.
Learn About the History of Manchester-by-the-Sea
For history buffs, spend some time learning about the history of Manchester-by-the-Sea at the Manchester Historical Museum. This museum is located in town and is set in the Trask House, a stark white 19th-century manor house. Here, you can see period furniture, learn about the area’s maritime history, and how Manchester-by-the-Sea was a popular summer destination for the wealthy during the Gilded Age.
Price: $8
Address: 10 Union St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
Opening Hours: 10 am-3 pm Tuesday-Friday. Additionally in July and August from 10 am – 2 pm on Saturdays.
Watch the Fishermen in Magnolia Harbor
Head to Masconomo Park to see the small fishing boats dotting the Magnolia harbor for a quintessential New England view. Masconomo Park is a relaxing place to enjoy the coastal views. There are plenty of benches and a small playground for kids to play in. Across from the park is Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream, where you can grab an ice cream treat to enjoy while taking in the view.
Visit the Misery Islands
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, you can take a boat to the nearby islands off the coast of Manchester-by-the-Sea. The most popular islands to visit are the Misery Islands, including Great Misery and Little Misery. Contrary to the unpleasant-sounding name, these two islands offer two and a half miles of trails to enjoy.
The best way to get to the Misery Islands is by boat; you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to get to the island from North Shore Kayak Outdoor Center.
Take a Scenic Drive
One of the best things to do in Manchester-by-the-Sea is to take a scenic drive along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. This byway covers 90 miles through various coastal communities in the region. Taking this drive will allow you to experience the region in a relaxed manner and visit the other towns in Cape Ann.
TRAVEL TIP: Get this self-driving audio tour that follows the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway through Cape Ann!
Where to Stay in Manchester-by-the-Sea
Accommodations are a bit limited in Manchester-by-the-Sea. If you want to stay in this Cape Ann town, you will have to look into vacation rentals, mostly luxury homes that can accommodate many people. The properties available for rent are extremely limited, though. So if you find one you like, book ASAP! This stunning historic estate on VRBO sleeps 13 and gives you direct beach access. This rental is the perfect place to stay for a group.
If you’re looking for a hotel, check out properties in nearby Gloucester. My top recommendation for Gloucester is Beauport Hotel Gloucester, a beachfront hotel with charming New England vibes.
Things to do in Manchester-by-the-Sea MA: Wrap-up
This wraps up the guide to the best things to do in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Manchester-by-the-Sea is one of the best towns to visit in Cape Ann. For sure a small town, there is a lot to offer. If you’re visiting Cape Ann, I would suggest carving out half a day to a day to spend in Manchester-by-the-Sea, taking some time relaxing at Signing Beach and exploring the town. For more things to do in Cape Ann, be sure to check out the other guides to the region as well.
If you liked this post, check out these other posts about Cape Ann:
The 10 Best Things to do in Cape Ann
Things to do in Rockport MA
Best Beaches in Cape Ann
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