Things to Do in Rockport, Massachusetts

Rockport Things to Do

Rockport is a naturally beautiful and quirky town along the coast of Massachusetts, full of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Here are the top attractions and things to do in Rockport.

Downtown Rockport

Rockport has strict zoning. It is designed to keep the artist galleries intact and preserve the flavor of the little colony. The town’s buildings are interesting, the gardens and flower boxes brilliant, and signage is in good taste. If you stop by one of Rockport’s information centers, you can pick up maps and brochures to get an idea of what you want to do.

Main Street is filled with interesting things. There are a variety of gift shops; a pottery studio; and clothing, book, and camera stores. Tuck’s Taffy Shop is a long-time establishment in the main square. You can watch them make the taffy as well as buy some to take home.

A famous red fishing shack in the heart of downtown is called Motif #1. It reputedly holds the distinction as being the most painted and photographed building in the world. The original building was severely damaged during a 1978 blizzard, so the current building is a replica.

Bearskin Neck

Bearskin Neck is the top spot to visit in Rockport. It’s a peninsula jutting out into Rockport Harbor, and you could spend hours there visiting the stores, gift shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It is the original settlement in the area, once known as Sandy Neck. Some of the houses date back more than 300 years. At the end of Bearskin Neck you’ll find a lookout area called “the point.” It’s not a very long walk, and you are treated to a great view of the open sea.

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Local Beaches

Front Beach is a very small downtown beach. The water is warmer than nearby ocean beaches because it’s protected by the harbor. The view from the beach is nice and it’s close to the downtown shops and eateries.

Pebble Beach is a long stretch of sand and pebbles on Penzance Street with plenty of parking. There is a rock reef just offshore here with maximum depth of about 30 feet, but most of the diving is at 20 feet. It’s a good place for an easy-entry dive at low tide or at night.

Halibut Point State Park is about a 15 minutes’ drive from Rockport. It was once a granite quarry. Now gone, it left behind a large water-filled reservoir. A trail meanders around the pool and goes down to the rocky beach.

Outdoor Activities

While in Rockport, you might want to go kayaking, diving, or hiking. Maybe take in a sunset cruise or whale watching expedition. The Inner Harbor is always a nice photo opportunity.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Rockport, Massachusetts.