GENERAL
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Q: Isn't Crane Beach a state park owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?

A: No. Crane Beach is part of the Crane Estate, a privately owned and operated property of The Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts non-profit conservation organization.


GETTING THERE
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Q: How do I get to Crane Beach?

A: Go to home page of http://www.mapquest.com and enter the following address for Crane Beach: 400 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 01938 (note: this is not a valid mailing address.).  Click "Map it!"  Once the map appears showing Crane Beach, choose "Get directions to this location" and fill in your departure address.  Click "Get directions" and mapquest will generate a road map for you as well as give you precise travel directions, total miles, and estimated travel time to drive from your departure address to Crane Beach.  It's that simple!

Q: Is there train service to the area? If so, how far is the train station from Crane Beach?

A: There is a commuter train to Ipswich.  However, the train station is located approximately five miles from Crane Beach. For transportation from the Ipswich train station see information on the Ipswich-Essex Explorer summer shuttle at  http://www.ipswich-essexexplorer.com/. A bike ride is possible, but the most direct journey requires cycling down busy and fast roads.

Q: When is Crane Beach open?

A: Click here.

Q: What is the weather like at Crane Beach today?

A: Click here.

Q: When is high/low tide at Crane Beach today?

A: Click here.

Q: When is sunrise/sunset at Crane Beach today?

A: Click here.


GREENHEADS
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Q: What are “greenheads” and when is so-called "greenhead season?"

A: Greenheads are biting horseflies. They breed in the area salt marshes. Greenhead season usually runs for three weeks from mid-July through the first week in August. Greenheads are most active in the morning until about 10:30 and again later in the afternoon; they are less active during the middle of the day. Greenheads are more likely to be prevalent on hot, muggy days when there is no breeze. On breezy days, greenheads are less prevalent, especially on the beachfront. Avon Skin-so-Soft, sold at the Snack Bar, has been found to be helpful as a repellent for the greenheads. During "greenhead season," click here for an update on conditions at Crane Beach.

Q: If I come to Crane Beach during "greenhead season" and cannot tolerate the greenheads, can I leave and get a refund?

A: Sorry, but we cannot offer refunds for greenhead, weather, water temperature or any other natural conditions of the property that are beyond our control.


ADMISSION
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Q: What does it cost to be a member if I just want to go to Crane Beach?

A: There is no special membership category for Crane Beach. Crane Beach is one of a large collection of Trustees of Reservations properties around the state. When you become a member of The Trustees of Reservations, you receive member benefits, including admission privileges, to all properties.

Q: How are admission fees at Crane Beach set?

A: Admission fees at Crane Beach are comparable to those of other large beaches on the North Shore which provide similar facilities and amenities. Admission fees allow The Trustees of Reservations to provide excellent management of the beach, including the services of highly trained lifeguards, emergency medical response units, rangers, and police as well as facilities such as bath-houses and concessions. Admission fees also support natural resource protection programs at the beach and historic preservation efforts at Castle Hill.

Q: Is there a discount on the admission fee to Crane Beach if I come late in the day?

A: Yes. The admission fee is reduced by 50% every day after 3:00pm.

Q: Does my admission fee to Crane Beach include admission to Castle Hill?

A: Yes. There is no additional fee to visit the grounds of Castle Hill if you have paid to get into Crane Beach. There is an additional charge to take a tour of Castle Hill. Please note that the Great House at Castle Hill is frequently rented on weekends for private weddings, and visitors are not permitted in the grounds immediately surrounding the Great House during these times.

Q: Does my admission fee at Castle Hill include admission to Crane Beach?

A: No, but the Castle Hill admission fee paid may be applied to the admission fee to Crane Beach, with the visitor paying the difference.

Q: Can I leave Crane Beach and come back again on the same day?

A: Yes. As long as you can produce a ticket that was purchased the same day. If there is a line of traffic when you return, you must wait in it.

Q: Can I park at Castle Hill and walk to Crane Beach?

A: No. Parking at Castle Hill is very limited and thus reserved for visitors interested in visiting Castle Hill.

Q: How are Crane Beach admission fees used?

A: Crane Beach and Castle Hill came to The Trustees of Reservations without an endowment (a savings fund which is invested to generate income to cover annual operating and maintenance costs). While a modest endowment has since been established, the income it produces does not come close to covering annual costs to maintain the beach and facilities, protect public safety, carry out dune and wildlife protection programs, and maintain historic buildings and structures. Most of these expenses are met through admission fees at Crane Beach. When you go to Crane Beach, you are directly helping The Trustees of Reservations protect and care for this important landscape and landmark.


EVENTS
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Q: When is Crane Beach SandBlast, the annual sand sculpture competition?

A: This popular annual event is held every year on a Saturday (rain date Sunday) during the last two weeks in August when high and low tide are most favorable. Go to the Events Search page to find out the date of this year's event.

Q: Do you offer tours and programs at Crane Beach?

A: Periodically we offer walking tours focused on different aspects of the ecology at Crane Beach. Similar tours are offered at the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Go to the Events Search page for current listings.


REGULATIONS
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Q: Can I use a boogie board at Crane Beach?

A: Floatation devices of any kind are not allowed in the water off Crane Beach.

Q: Can I use a mask and snorkel at Crane Beach?

A: No, visitors using snorkels and masks are unable to hear the commands of lifeguards, thus posing a risk to themselves and others.

Q: Can I use a skim board at Crane Beach?

A: At the discretion of the lifeguard and in an area away from other people, skim boards are sometimes permitted.

Q: Can I launch a water craft from Crane Beach or the Crane Wildlife Refuge?

A: Water craft may not be launched from Crane Beach or Crane Wildlife Refuge. This includes canoes, kayaks, and sailboards.

Q: Can I fish at Crane Beach?

A: Fishing is permitted outside the designated swim areas and away from any and all swimmers.

Q: Can I walk my dog at Crane Beach? If so, when?

A: Click here.

Q: Can I ride my horse at Crane Beach? If so, when?

A: Click here.


PUBLICATIONS
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Q: Where do I get a map of Crane Beach?

A: A trail map of the Crane Estate, including Crane Beach, can be downloaded as a PDF file from the trail map library as well as mail ordered. All visitors receive a free leaflet about Crane Beach which contains a simple map.


FACILITIES & AMENITIES
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Q: Is there a “lost & found” at Crane Beach? If so, how do I find out if my personal belongings have been turned in?

A: Yes. Due to space limitations, lost items are only held for several days. Call the beach office at 978/412-2590 to inquire about lost items.  Be prepared to describe in detail what you have lost.

Q: Can I have a catered event at Crane Beach?

A: No. Catered events are not permitted at Crane Beach. A portion of Crane Beach called Steep Hill Beach may be rented for catered private parties or corporate outings.

Q: When do the facilities (bath-house, refreshment stand, etc.) at Crane Beach close down?

A: On Labor Day.

Q: What is the Inn at Castle Hill?

A: Click here.