Where to go and what to do in Rockport
This quaint coastal escape is just a train away from North Station.
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Rockport, a small coastal town on the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, is only 75 minutes from North Station, yet it feels like you’ve escaped to the coast of Maine.
Unlike other commuter rail destinations, the station in Rockport is close to the center of town, which means you can walk everywhere from the second you step off the train—no Uber necessary. Whether you’re spending the day or the weekend, here are our picks for the perfect summer escape.
Eat
If you’re craving lobster, the self-service Lobster Pool (329 Granite St., Rockport; 978-546-7808) is a self-proclaimed “dining in the rough,’’ which means you’ll be so enchanted by the view, you won’t mind the rustic setting. There’s also the famous Roy Moore Lobster Company right on Bearskin Neck if you’re in need of some post-shopping sustenance.
You can also order a lobster roll at the Red Skiff Restaurant (15 Mount Pleasant St., Rockport; 978-546-7647). This newly-renovated spot is open for breakfast and lunch only, but sometimes hosts “after-hours” pop-up dinners. If you’re all lobstered-out, the breakfast hash is a must-try.
Play
Motif No. 1
If you go to Rockport, but don’t visit Bearskin Neck and Motif No. 1, did the trip really happen? The red fishing shack is reputed to be one of the most painted and photographed structures in the country, making it instantly recognizable in movies and on television. The surrounding area is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Halibut Point State Park
Halibut Point State Park (Gott Avenue, Rockport; 978-546-2997), a former granite quarry, is now a peaceful park offering walking and hiking trails, tide pools, and sweeping views.
Stay
Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge
A husband and wife team run the Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge (64 Bearskin Neck, Rockport; 978-546-6677 ), a small, eight-room inn just 15 steps from the Atlantic. Bonus: Every room has an ocean view. Down the road, the Captain’s Bounty Motor Inn (1 Beach St., Rockport; 978-546-9557), is located right on the sand, and all 24 rooms boast water views.
If you’re looking for something larger, the Rockport Inn and Suites (183 Main St., Rockport; 978-546-3300) has a resort-like feel with tennis courts, indoor pools, and plenty of space to roam on the five-acre property.
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