Rockport (Massachusetts)

Rockport is a town of 7,000 people (2020) in Massachusetts on Cape Ann. The town, once famous for granite production, got its start as an artist colony in the late 1800s. Rockport is a favorite vacation spot and day trip for many who come to enjoy the concentration of shops and galleries on Bearskin Neck, the rugged, rocky coastline or some ultra-fresh lobsters or other seafood.

By car
Interstate 95 to Route 128 to Route 127. Downtown has parking meters ($.25 per half-hour) and often has no spots. Rockport has a free parking facility, the Blue Gate Parking Lot (open June-Oct), located as you arrive on Route 127 about 1/4 mi (400 m) past the Rockport Visitor Information booth. From the parking lot, it is about a 3/4-mile walk to downtown Rockport, but a shuttle to town only costs $1 each way.

By train
The commuter rail run from Boston's North Station is about a 70-minute trip and costs $7.75 one-way. Rockport's station is off Railroad Avenue, less than a mile from the center of town.

By bus
The Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA),, runs buses from town to town on Cape Ann.

Get around
The main tourist areas are very compact and walkable. Having a car lets one explore some of the other coastal areas.

Drink
A dry town for 70 years until 2005, restaurants and inns serve liquor, but there are no bars or liquor stores.

Motels

 * Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge, 64 Bearskin Neck,.

Go next
Boston, the White Mountains or Southern Coast of Maine are nearby destinations.