Day Trip to Rockport, MA

We fell in LOVE with Rockport!

One hour and 25 minutes from Rye Beach, Rockport is located in Cape Ann on the North Shore of Massachusetts. As we drove into town, before reaching Bearskin Neck where we spent most of the day, we could feel something special about this place. It was quaint (picture bungalows and cottages). It was cozy (picture windowbox flowers and pumpkins on porches). It was straight out of a storybook :)  

Shopping in Bearskin Neck 

The first thing we tend to do on day trips to coastal towns is shop. It’s become a tradition. We go into little, shingled shops and browse their collections of jewelry, candles or crafts. Bearskin Neck has a lot of stores so you can shop for a while. Some of our favorite shops/finds included laptop stickers from One Ocean One Love, children’s books from Susie’s Stories, and candles from Rockport Candle Company. 

We’ve been on a candle-craze lately and loved these candles because they weren’t too fragrant. Each candle has a unique name so we had fun picking out sea water taffy (which was pink!), sea lavender, and cocktails by the firepit. The next candle we want to buy here is summer girl because it smelled like suntan lotion!

Meandering Bearskin Neck

Bearskin Neck has several side streets that should be explored. Meander down these paths and find tiny shops, backyard dining, and lots of New England staples like buoys, lobster cages, anchors, fishing boats and the famous Motif 1. It’s a photographer’s delight! We found colorful buildings, old shacks, and explored Rockport Harbor which has incredibly clear water. We even spotted jellyfish.

Rock Wall at Bearskin Neck 

We ended our day trip by walking out onto the jetty at the end of Bearskin Neck. This is a picturesque outcrop that looks like a hook. On one side is the Rockport Harbor - spotted with sailboats. On the other is Sandy Bay with views of the coastline. It felt magical out there - at the very edge of the town - surrounded only by sky and the ocean breeze. 

We were so happy in Bearskin Neck that we didn’t leave the area for this day trip - which again - gives us a reason to go back!

Check out more New England day trip ideas here.