If you’re looking to visit one of the cutest and most adorable little coastal towns in New England, Rockport should be at the top of your list. This idyllic fishing town sits along the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and is just under an hour from Boston, making it a perfect day trip destination that transports you into the scene of a post card. Rockport is so lovely, that it’s actually been featured in a few movies!
This post is all about the absolute best things to do in Rockport, MA, and also includes a section on a day trip itinerary and my tips for visiting. So, let’s jump in!
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Is Rockport, MA Worth Visiting?
100% yes! Rockport is one of my personal favorite towns along the New England coast because it’s so unique, and feels like a special place that’s frozen in time. The charming, independent shops, gorgeous harbor, opportunities for boat tours, amazing art galleries, seafood restaurants and the picturesque scenery all make Rockport, MA worth visiting.
Best Things To Do In Rockport, MA
1. Meander Through Bearskin Neck
One of the top things to experience in Rockport is Bearskin Neck, which has a scary sounding name, but is actually just the town’s main shopping area. Sitting along a peninsula right in the heart of Rockport, this is where you’ll find most of the boutiques and art galleries. And while you’re strolling around, you’ll also have gorgeous water views at pretty much every turn.
One thing you’ll notice, too, is that many of the buildings along the street are painted in bright colors, which just makes the entire experience feel so cheerful.
Some of my favorite places to check out along Bearskin Neck are:
- The Pewter Shop
- Susie’s Stories Bookshop (pretty much the cutest bookshop you’ll ever see!)
- The Fudgery
- Rockport Candle Company
- Bearskin Neck Country Store
2. See The Most Painted Building In The Country
Undoubtedly, one of the reasons many people come to Rockport is to see Motif 1, which is an old fishing shack that proudly overlooks the wharf, and is said to be the most painted building in the entire country. Some even argue that it’s the most painted building in the world.
The unassuming Motif 1 supposedly got its name from an artist, Lester Hornby, who began offering painting classes in Rockport. Most of the students chose this red fishing shack as their subject, and upon seeing yet another rendition of the building, Lester would reply, “Motif 1 again!?” And the name has since stuck.
Once an actual fishing shack in the 1800s, and then an art studio in the 1930s, the building is now owned by Rockport and serves as a symbol for the town, and a monument to Rockport’s military members.
Seeing Motif 1 is pretty easy, and it can actually be spotted from lots of places around town. The best places to see it from a distance are the Sandy Bay Yacht Club, and on Mt Pleasant Street between Tuck’s Candy and the Judy Rotenburg Studio (look for the little alley way that leads to the water).
To get up close to Motif 1, you’ll head down Bearskin Neck and take a right on Bradley Wharf. Visitors are able to go right up to it, and walk around for lovely views of the harbor and wharf!
And be sure to explore around Bradley Wharf, as there are so many lovely shacks and buildings to see in that area!
Pro Tip: Are you a fan of the movie The Proposal? Motif 1 may look familiar to you because it was used during the scene where Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds have to board the boat in “Alaska” to get to his family’s home. In fact, the entire town of Rockport was transformed into Sitka, Alaska for the movie!
3. Explore Halibut Point State Park
Halibut Point State Park is a wonderful location to explore tidal pools and walk out on dramatic granite ledges for views of the water.
On a clear day, you’ll also be able to see the Isles of Shoals in Maine and New Hampshire, and Mount Agamenticus in Maine. There are some really beautiful hiking trails here that lead to these panorama views of the ocean, and at low tide, the tidal pools are a great place to observe wildlife.
Even in the summers, I haven’t found the park to be super busy, so it’s usually a very peaceful experience, and a great way to escape the crowds.
Pro Tip: The only downside to Halibut Point Park is that if you’re visiting from out of state, there’s a fairly steep $20 parking fee (it’s only $5 for Massachusetts residents), and because the park isn’t huge, I can see how some may not find it worth it. For families, however, it’s a good deal! I think it’s definitely worth a stop because the views are beautiful, and I love visiting, but if you’re on a budget or short on time, this is something to consider.
4. Get An Ice Cream From The Cutest Little Shack
My vote for cutest little ice cream shack in all of New England has to go to The Ice Cream Store. The name may seem average, but the scenery is perfect. And this tiny little building along Bearskin Neck seems so picturesque that it shouldn’t even exist.
Serving up delicious ice cream, sundaes and milkshakes, this is the place to get your ice cream in Rockport. And the best part? Sprinkles are always free!
5. Get A Lobster Roll At Roy Moore’s
The best lobster roll in Rockport can be found at Roy Moore Lobster Company, which is also on Bearskin Neck. But don’t worry if rolls aren’t your thing because they serve plenty of fresh seafood dishes including boiled lobster dinners, oysters, clams, chowders and more.
This is a tiny little unassuming shack that you may miss if you’re not looking for it, but just keep an eye out for the big red lobster hanging from the front of their building.
Pro Tip: Once you place your order at the counter and get your food, you can either take it to their outdoor seating area overlooking the harbor, or walk to the breakwater jetty at the end of Bearskin Neck and have a little picnic there. You can’t go wrong either way!
6. Visit The Art Galleries
For the last 100 years and counting, Rockport has been a notable artist colony in New England, so if you’re looking for unique pieces to take home with you, there are tons of galleries and art studios to explore. In fact, Rockport has about 30 art galleries you can visit! It’s also home to one of the country’s oldest art associations.
You’ll find a few of the galleries and studios along Bearskin Neck, but you’ll also want to stroll in the opposite direction in town, past Dock Square and up through Main Street to see what you can kind. There are many galleries up that way as well.
7. Go Ocean Kayaking
North Shore Adventures is located in Tuna Wharf right off Bearskin Neck, and is one of the coolest things to consider doing when visiting Rockport. They have kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available for rent, and offer tours ranging from ocean wildlife and sunset tours, to history and local island tours.
If you’re a beginner or looking for an easy, short tour, they also offer excursions that stick close to land and are focused on just enjoying the scenery. There’s really something for everyone, and regardless, you’ll get a unique perspective from Rockport while out on the water.
Pro Tip: Not only does North Shore Adventure rent kayaks and paddle boards, they also rent out fishing and camping gear!
8. Visit The Beaches
Rockport is home to about 6 beaches in total, with others nearby in Gloucester and Ipswich, so you don’t have to go far to play in the ocean.
My personal favorites for swimming and lounging in the sand all day are Front Beach and Long Beach. Front Beach can be accessed right from town center, and Long Beach is about a 10-minute drive away. I like these two beaches because they have softer sand for shoreline walks.
The other beaches you can check out in Rockport are:
- Pebble Beach
- Back Beach
- Old Garden Beach
- Cape Hedge Beach
Pro Tip: Parking at Rockport beaches can be tough if you don’t have a resident sticker, and that’s why Front Beach is a great option, since it’s walkable from town center. If you don’t want to pay for a visitor parking sticker, or if the beaches you want to visit are resident parking only, you can also consider renting a bike to get around!
If you’re willing to drive a bit further outside of Rockport, the neighboring city of Gloucester is home to some really beautiful beaches as well, including Good Harbor Beach and Wingaersheek Beach.
9. Discover The Rockport Quarries
Since Rockport, and much of Cape Ann, actually, has a long history in the granite industry, there are a few places around town besides Halibut Point State Park make for a cool excursion. While Halibut Point Park has the best views (in my opinion), the more adventurous way to see some of the hidden quarries is by taking the Quarry Hike.
This hike starts at the Rockport train station and takes you through 8 miles of old quarries including Johnson’s, Carlson, Flat Ledge and Row. You’ll have the opportunity to admire a very fascinating part of history (and, of course, very cool views!), and since this is a pretty long hike, it’s best done if you have at least two days in Rockport.
10. Get Out On The Water With Rockport SeaVenture
If kayaking or paddle boarding isn’t really your thing, a great way to get out on the water is with Rockport SeaVenture. While this is a great way to enjoy a scenic boat ride and learn about the lobstering history of the town, you may also get the chance to spot wildlife, including seals and whales!
Pro Tip: SeaVenture also offers private charters for customized tours and sunset cruises. Reach out directly to arrange a special excursion for your group.
11. Kayak To Thacher Island
Whether you head out on your own, or you take a tour, kayaking out to Thacher Island is a very memorable experience! Located about a mile offshore, but closer to 2.5 miles from the harbor (which is where you’ll launch your kayak from), Thacher Island is home to two twin lighthouses, which are visible from the tip of Bearskin Neck.
It usually takes about 1 hour to get to the island via kayak, and once you arrive, you’ll get to see the lighthouses up close, and even climb to the top of one.
Pro Tip: Often, it’s equally or more cost effective to go on a tour since the tour will include your gear rental. But if you’d like to go at your own pace, it’s pretty easy to get there on your own if you’ve kayaked before.
12. Walk The Rockport Breakwater
At the very tip of Bearskin Neck, you’ll find the beautiful breakwater. This is a great spot to enjoy the views of the harbor and Thacher Island! I often grab a lobster roll from Roy Moore’s, and take it here to eat.
While this won’t take up too much of your time, it’s really fun to walk out all the way if you can (sturdy shoes are a must!), and take some photos to remember it by. You’ll also get a different view of Motif 1 from here.
13. Discover Rockport By Bike
Bike rentals are available in town, as well as the Addison Choate hotel (check them out below in my Where To Stay section!). And if you’re looking to head out to Halibut Point Park or some of the beaches outside of town, biking is a great way to get there.
If you’ve got some extra time, you can even bike into Gloucester to explore Good Harbor Beach and their waterfront park. Gloucester is only about 4 miles from Rockport.
14. Get Amazing Homemade Fudge At Rockport Fudgery
Hand-crafted right on site, the Rockport Fudgery makes some of the best in New England! During your visit, you’ll even be able to watch them make batches of fudge, using old-fashioned methods to get that super creamy consistency they’re known for.
And not only does the cute little shop make you feel as though you’ve stepped back into time, they have so many flavors to choose from, and will even gift wrap your fudge for free.
15. Make Your Own Candle At Rockport Candle Company
One of my all-time favorite candle stores is Rockport Candle Company, and while you can definitely come in for a traditional shopping experience, it’s even better to book a candle-making session with them.
You can book your DIY Candle Bar session right on their website by clicking here. And because the session only takes about 30 minutes to create your candle and custom scent, this is really easy to work into a day trip itinerary, too! Once you’ve created your candle, you’re free to head back into town to explore some more. You’ll just have to swing by about an hour later to pick up your candle after it’s had time to harden.
This is such a fun and unique experience that I can’t recommend enough, and it’s the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by.
16. Enjoy The View From The Headlands
Just under a mile from town center is a really beautiful viewpoint called The Headlands that overlooks Bearskin Neck, the harbor and Motif 1. This is a great spot that won’t take up too much of your time, but you can also bring up a little picnic to enjoy while admiring the view. This is an awesome picture spot, and a way to escape the crowds since most visitors don’t know about it.
The walk or bike there is a bit uphill, so that’s something to keep in mind. But it’s absolutely worth it!
Things To Do In Rockport, MA In The Winter
17. Experience Christmas In Rockport
While Rockport is definitely buzzing in the summer season with beach days, seafood and boat tours, Christmas in Rockport is honestly magical. Bearskin Neck is decorated in garlands and lights, stores create cute holiday displays in their windows, and a beautiful tree in Dock Square is lit with lights for all to enjoy.
The kick-off to the holiday season in Rockport is typically the first Saturday in December when Santa arrives to town by lobster boat, and with the official tree lighting at Dock Square. Throughout the month, there are live concerts, special shopping events, caroling, and lots more.
Click here to read my guide on the Best New England Christmas Towns!
18. Take A Pottery Class
If you’ve ever wanted to learn the craft of pottery making, one of the best things to do in Rockport, MA is a class at Cynthia Curtis Pottery! She welcomes all skill levels to her classes, and also teaches them year-round, so this is a great way to get warm inside while the snow falls outdoors.
The group classes at the studio are only offered in 8-week minimums, but if you book a private class, you can take one class at a time that lasts about an hour. If you’re local to Rockport, this is an awesome opportunity to tackle a new skill in the winter season, and if you’re just visiting for the day, the private class is a great way to introduce yourself to the craft!
19. Take In A Show At The Shalin Liu Performance Center
To attend a concert with probably one of the best coastal views ever, you’ll want to get tickets to a show at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. With the back window of the stage overlooking not only the ocean, but also the sunset, performances here are such a unique experience.
While Shalin Liu is open year-round, winter performances are a great way to celebrate culture this time of the year, and it’s a great way to escape the cold in Massachusetts in the winter.
20. Tour The Local Breweries
While Rockport doesn’t have a brewery that’s open for tastings, it does have one that distributes locally! The winter season is an awesome time to scope out brews from Rockport Brewing Company, which specializes in New England IPA’s.
But if it’s tastings and flights you’re after, there are a few breweries that are a short drive from Rockport that are the perfect way to cure your winter blues. Here are a few to checkout that are open in the winter season:
- Great Marsh Brewing Company in Essex
- Ipswich Ale Brewery in Ipswich
- True North Ale Company in Ipswich
- RiverWalk Brewing Company in Newburyport
- Notch Brewery in Salem
- East Regiment Beer Co. in Salem
If you’re gluten free or prefer hard cider, Salem also has an awesome cidery called Far From The Tree, which is actually one of my favorites in all of New England! I especially love their Bog cider, which is infused with cranberry and herbs, making it a perfect pairing for the flavors of the winter season.
Things To Do Near Rockport, MA
One of the best things about Rockport, and really, all the beautiful towns along the North Shore, is that it’s close to so many other amazing destinations. Whether you’re planning a day trip to explore all of Cape Ann/the North Shore, or you’re staying in Rockport for a few days and are looking for some cool day trips, here are all the best things to do near Rockport, MA!
21. Visit Salem
Salem has made a name for itself as one of the best destinations to explore in October, but it’s actually really amazing to see year-round. Not only does it have two cute little lighthouses, there’s tons of history, charming and historic homes to see, museums, awesome restaurants, and as you saw above, great breweries and an awesome cidery!
And since Salem is only about 30 minutes from Rockport, it’s a very easy day trip.
Psst! I have some helpful guides including planning the perfect Salem, MA day trip, and the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉
22. Explore Gloucester
Gloucester is just a few minutes from Rockport, and you can even get to a few of the attractions in Gloucester in 10 minutes or less from Rockport. It’s also the biggest city along the North Shore and has incredible restaurants to experience, beautiful waterfront areas, awesome boat tours (but more on that next!), and beautiful beaches.
Here are some things to do when visiting Gloucester:
- Visit Hammond Castle, which will make you feel like you’re in Europe!
- See the Fishermen’s Memorial, and walk the waterfront path
- Explore Wingaersheek and Good Harbor Beaches
- See Eastern Point Lighthouse
- Visit Ryan & Wood Distillery
23. Go On A Whale Watch From Gloucester
One of the best things to do during your visit to Cape Ann and the North Shore is to take a whale watch tour from Gloucester. Whale watch tours from Gloucester head out to Stellwagen Bank, which is one of the best whale watching areas in the entire country! It’s actually also been regarded as one of the best in the world. Yes, world. So if you’ve ever wanted to see whales in the wild, this is a great place to do it!
Even if you’re just visiting Rockport for a day trip, and want to combine it with a whale watch, you can easily book a morning tour, and then spend the rest of your day in Rockport. You’ll have plenty of time to explore Bearskin Neck, grab dinner and ice cream, and enjoy the scenery!
Tours typically last about 4 hours, and you’ll get to enjoy amazing views from the water, and of Gloucester Harbor as you head out for the tour.
Click here to book your whale watch tour in Gloucester!
24. Hear The Sand Sing At Singing Beach
In Manchester-By-The-Sea, which is about 20 minutes from Rockport, you can visit Singing Beach to hear the famous singing sand!
Not only is the actual beach absolutely beautiful, many people have claimed that the sand will “sing,” when you walk on it a certain way. I’ve been to test it out for myself, and can confirm that it does make a unique noise when you walk on it a certain way.
Click below to my YouTube video on a fall trip to the North Shore, and hear the sand sing for yourself! For singing beach clips, you’ll want to scroll to about 9:05, or you can watch the whole thing for a recap of a wonderful fall trip in the entire area 🙂
25. Explore Marblehead
One of my personal favorite towns in Massachusetts, and one that I think is really underrated is Marblehead, which is about 45 minutes from Rockport. If you’re looking for an under-the-radar town to explore, this is a great option!
The historic district in Marblehead is so fun to explore, and there are also some great shops and restaurants, and a really cool lighthouse park with awesome views of the coastline.
Click here to read my guide on the best things to do in Marblehead!
26. Spend The Day In Boston
Of course, you can always take a day trip to Boston! While Rockport is usually a day trip destination for those coming from Boston, it’s just as easy to visit from Rockport. There are so many things to do in this historic city that you can easily fill up an entire day with.
Here are some of the best things to check out in Boston on a day trip:
- Walk the Freedom Trail, and click here to book a guided tour!
- Explore the charming streets in Beacon Hill and the North End
- Stroll through the Public Gardens
- Get the famous cannolis at Mike’s Pastry
- Take a scenic walk along the waterfront or the Charles Esplanade
- Grab an amazing seafood dinner at Neptune Oyster
Boston is also an awesome place to take a food tour, as the North End is famous for Italian cuisine, and of course, the seafood restaurants will be impressive. Click here to read my round-up of the best food tours you can take in Boston!
27. Cruise Down Essex River
Departing from Essex, which is just a short 20-minute drive from Rockport, you can take a scenic cruise down Essex River. And this is such a lovely and serene way to enjoy the beauty of the local salt marshes and scenery.
Public cruises along the river often include local wildlife sightings, so it’s a great idea to bring a pair of binoculars with you. During the cruise, you’ll also learn interesting things about the local land and history!
Parking for the cruise is completely free, which is an added bonus.
28. Tour Castle Hill At The Crane Estate
The Castle Hill at the Crane Estate is such a fun and unique experience to enjoy during your trip to Rockport! Located in Ipswich, which is about 40 minutes from Rockport, you’ll feel as though you’re stepping back into the 1920s as you walk around this gorgeous estate that’s nestled in the salt marshes. It also provides amazing ocean views.
Admission to the estate includes access to their two gardens (which are stunning in the summer season!) and use of the trails. You’re even encouraged to pack a picnic to enjoy on the shoreline of the beach.
29. Hunt For Antiques In Newburyport & Essex
Essex and Newburyport are close to Rockport and amazing towns to explore if you’re looking for antiques!
While Newburyport is also an all-around incredible shopping destination, it’s also home to some gorgeous antique shops like Mill 77 Trading Company.
Essex definitely has more antique shops, and it’s actually regarded as one of the top antiquing towns in Massachusetts! Just walk up and down Main Street, and you’ll have your pick of several. Throughout all of Essex, there are about 30 antique shops to pick from.
Click here to read my guide on the best things to do in Newburyport!
30. Take A Day Trip To The South Shore
If you’re looking to explore more of the Massachusetts coastline, you can head south of Boston to the South Shore region. While these towns are a bit further away, they can easily be combined with a trip to the North Shore as part of a longer trip.
I personally love the town of Scituate, which is very small, but loaded with charm. It has its own lighthouse, scenic walking trails and cute shops to explore.
Plymouth is a bit further south, and is packed with history. It’s also home to some amazing parks, a few beaches, awesome restaurants and a lovely Main Street/downtown area.
31. Head To Portsmouth
The charming city of Portsmouth in New Hampshire is just about an hour’s drive from Rockport. Right on the Maine and New Hampshire border, Portsmouth is also packed with shopping, dining, coastal charm and tons more to do. It’s also another destination that’s a city, but also feels more like a quaint downtown in many ways. It makes for a really fun day trip from Rockport!
A few things to check out in Portsmouth during a day trip are:
- Market Square for the main downtown area where most of the shops are
- Portsmouth Book & Bar
- Elephantine Bakery
- Strawbery Banke Museum (this also has a cute little ice rink in the winter!)
- Prescott Park
Of course, there are so many more things to do in Portsmouth, but for a day trip from Rockport, that’ll keep you pretty busy 🙂
Bonus Suggestion: Add Cape Cod To Your Itinerary!
This addition of Cape Cod to your coastal Massachusetts itinerary is the perfect finishing touch! Keep heading south along the coast and you’ll find your way to Cape Cod. This is definitely a region you’ll need to spend at least a night or two in since it’s about 2 hours from Rockport (and traffic in the summers can be tough and add even more time). But if this area interests you, it’s most definitely worth the effort.
I actually have an entire post all about the differences between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, which may be helpful as your plan your trip. But in general, Cape Cod is bigger than Cape Ann, and is known for having the most stunning beaches in New England. I honestly love both regions for different reasons, and a trip that includes both coastal destinations is pretty epic.
Here are some posts you may find helpful:
- Should You Visit Cape Cod or Cape Ann On Your Next Vacation?
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For First-Timers
- Where To Stay On Cape Cod
- How To Plan A Cape Cod Day Trip
Best Places To Stay In Rockport, MA
If you’re planning an overnight or weekend stay in Rockport, I suggest booking a place to stay that’s walkable to town center so that you don’t have to worry about parking your car everywhere. Especially in the summer season, Rockport can get rather busy, and parking can become a hassle since it’s a small town.
Here are the places I recommend checking out that are walkable to town:
The Cove is one of the best locations for beach access and water views. Many of the rooms offer incredible views of the water, and you’re right across the street from Front Beach. The Cove is also walkable to town, and has an awesome sun deck overlooking the beach.
Click here to check rates & availability at The Cove
The Addison Choate is cute little boutique hotel that’s about a 5-minute walk to town center. With uniquely decorated rooms that perfectly balance traditional New England with a funky twist, complimentary breakfast and bike rentals on site, this is a great choice!
Click here to check rates & availability at the Addison Choate
The sister property to the Addison Choate is the Sally Webster Inn, which is also a 5-minute walk to town center! You’ll enjoy all the same amenities as above, including a complimentary breakfast and stylish rooms in a cozy New England-style inn.
Click here to check rates & availability at the Sally Webster Inn
How Do I Spend A Day In Rockport?
If you can only visit Rockport for a couple of hours while passing through, or you have the whole day, it’s pretty easy to explore either way. Since Rockport is small and very walkable, even a couple of hours will allow you to see Bearskin Neck, Motif 1, enjoy the shops, and have a quick lunch before leaving.
If you have a full day, you’ll be able to spend more time exploring the sites outside of town, including Halibut Point Park, and you’ll be able to consider taking a boat or kayak tour (or a self-guided tour out to Thacher Island!). Or even a whale watch from Gloucester before heading into Rockport.
Parking In Rockport
Here’s the deal – parking in Rockport can be challenging in the summer months. Because it’s a small town, there are a limited number of spots, and they fill up fast. Parking in Rockport is also metered from mid-November to mid-April, 7 days a week.
If you happen to visit off-season, though, you’ll never have trouble getting a parking spot, and it’ll be free to park.
If you drive close to town and can’t find a spot, you’ll want to head to the Blue Gate Meadow Parking Lot outside of the town center (Google Maps will bring you there!). It’s free to park at this lot and there are about 200 spaces available. From there, a shuttle will bring you to Dock Square in town center, which is also the start of Bearskin Neck. The shuttle runs every 20-25 minutes or so.
The shuttle runs on weekends from Memorial Day Weekend through June 30th, and then daily from July 1 through August 31. It will go back to weekend service only through the end of September.
As of 2022, fees for adults are $1 each way, and .$50 for seniors, kids and those with disabilities. The shuttle is cash only and does not make change.
How To Get To Rockport
The best way to get to Rockport is to drive. If you’re flying in from another part of the country or world, the best airport option is Boston. From Boston, you’ll want to rent a car and drive to Rockport, which will take just under an hour or so.
If you don’t want to drive to Rockport, you can also get there by the MBTA train system from Boston, which departs from the North Shore Station. The train station in Rockport is about a 5-10 minute walk to downtown Rockport.
How To Get Around Rockport
Rockport is pretty small, and for the most part, you’ll walk to get places. However, if you want to explore Halibut Point State Park, some of the beaches outside of downtown, or the rest of the North Shore region (including Gloucester and whale watch tours), you’ll want to have a car, or a bicycle to get around.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Rockport
The best time of year to visit Rockport is June-September when all the shops and restaurants are open, and New England weather is at its best. May and October are also great months to visit for cheaper rates at hotels and fewer crowds. However, I honestly find Rockport lovely year-round.
While many businesses are closed in the winter, some remain open for those who live there year-round. It’s a very quiet time to visit and just appreciate the scenery and charm.
Rockport also does a really fun Christmas celebration during the month of December, as mentioned earlier in the post, so it’s also a lovely town to visit during the holidays.
May is also a wonderful month to visit because many shops and restaurants have begun to open in April, but the May weather is a big better. I’ve also been in November, which was beautiful.
What Is Rockport, MA Known For?
Rockport, MA is most famous for Motif 1 being the most painted building in the U.S. Artists from all over the world have come to paint this beautiful structure!
Rockport is also known for being a prominent art community in the U.S., with about 30 art galleries and studios displaying works from hundreds of local artists, it’s a very supportive and well-known community for cultivating creativity.
Lastly, Rockport is known as being a movie filming location because of its idyllic, small-town fishing village scenery. Mermaids, The Proposal, Olive Kitteridge, and The Love Letter have all been filmed in parts of Rockport, with The Proposal and The Love Letter featuring the town most prominently.
You may also enjoy reading:
- Best Things To Do On Cape Ann
- Best Road Trips From Boston
- Fun Days Trips In New England
- The Perfect 7-Day New England Road Trip Itinerary (+5 & 10 Day Options!)
- Summer In New England: Best Places To Go & Things To Do!
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Beach Towns In New England
That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do In Rockport, MA
And there you have it! All the very best things to do in Rockport, MA and my tips for visiting. Whether you have just a few hours to stroll through Bearskin Neck and see Motif 1, or you have an entire weekend to hit up the beaches and take in the surrounding areas, it’s sure to be a magical experience!
