Sandy Point State Reservation — Attraction in Ipswich

Ah, an evening at Sandy Point State Reservation! This place isn't just your typical beachfront getaway; it's a tapestry woven from threads of subtle magic, where the sunset isn't merely a fiery bow bidding adieu, but a fervent orator narrating tales of days past and those yet to come. Here, even the sea murmurs in a language only poets and madmen understand.

But it wasn't just the ethereal allure of the reservation that kept my senses tingling. No, it was my narrow escape—a stroll turned thrilling saga on the infamous Snail Trail. Ah, the name deceives, for there's nothing sluggish about this trail. Picture it: an eerie maze that might have sprung from the feverish mind of M.C. Escher. The air thickens as the path narrows, as if the very oxygen molecules conspire to make each step more harrowing.

It starts innocuously, lulling you into a false sense of ease with dappled sunlight, but then—BAM!—you're plunged into a chasm of surreal dimensions. Every turn feels like a déjà vu, every footstep echoes with a warning. Was it the whispers of the ghostly inhabitants or just the wind's malevolent symphony? I couldn't tell, but I knew I was on the cusp of...something.

Call it fate or an innate survival instinct, but a seemingly random turn led me back to safety, to the welcoming aroma of the ocean. I emerged, unscathed but deeply humbled, in awe of the reservation's mysterious dichotomy: it's both an oasis of serene beauty and a labyrinth of enigmatic pathways.

Sandy Point State Reservation. An experience that's two parts tranquil dreamscape, one part Stephen King novel, with a dash of adrenaline that leaves you feeling exhilarated and profoundly grateful for the mundane. This isn't just a visit; it's an otherworldly pilgrimage you never...

Operated by DCR, this is a beautiful beach at the end of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge. Open sunrise to sunset! Cell service is limited and patchy. It's a carry in carry out park. Three composting toilets are located in the parking lot, (two in the upper, one in the lower). There is no running water, so come prepared. Alcohol is prohibited as well as dogs, fires and smoking. Rangers and environmental police patrol regularly. There is an absolutely beautiful view of Little Neck, Great Neck and Crane beach in Ipswich! In the summer, parking is difficult. There is less than 50 spots, and parking on the road is prohibited. The trade off for this is that the beach is never crowded. The ranger communicates with the gate to relay parking availability, but people usually still drive down to try their luck. If you arrive after 8 or so...especially on hot days, be prepared to turn around or wait. The road where you wait is unshaded, and the wait can potentially be hours. Seals occasionally haul out to rest here and it's important to avoid harassing them and keep your distance. There are signs posted. This beach is also home to federally protected migratory shorebirds, terns and piping plovers throughout the summer. A lot of the beach is roped off for them to nest. You can't walk down the beach from Sandy Point (state property) onto Parker River National Wildlife (Federal property) during the summer because they close the entire beach for the bird's nesting season. Each property manages the birds a little differently. There's usually a Plover Warden supervising the area to prohibit...

We didn’t actually plan on coming here. There was hardly any parking at Plum Island, so I looked for public parking, which led us to this little paradise. It’s just $5 to enter and park, cash only. There are around eight parking lots throughout the park. Some don’t have beach access and are meant for the trails, but there are restrooms at some of the lots.

The first beach access point was pretty crowded and seemed to be the most popular spot. However, if you travel further down, you’ll discover various wildlife trails. We stopped and walked the Hellcat Interpretive Trail, which offered natural shade and a clean, well-built boardwalk. Make sure to bring bug spray! We had some in the car thankfully. Then we drove all the way down to the end to Sandy Point. After a certain point, the road transitions from paved to gravel.

The beach was lovely! The water was clear and pristine, and the sand was soft. There were barely any people around. I always keep a beach tent and towels in the back of my car, so we set those up, laid out, and took a nap. I was in awe—how could this whole experience cost only $5?

Sometimes, when things don’t work out—like discovering Plum Island has no parking for visitors—you end up somewhere...