ARRIVING
From Boston, take I-93 (or Route 1 if it’s not rush hour) to I-95 and follow it to exit 50 for Ipswich (you’ll continue on Route 1 to Topsfield Road), exit 57 for Newburyport. Either drive should take around 45 minutes). The two towns are 12 miles apart on Route 1A. From Gloucester, Ipswich is about 13 miles northwest via Route 133.
The commuter rail (tel. 800/392-6100 or 617/222-3200) from North Station takes about an hour to Ipswich ($20 round trip) and 70 minutes to Newburyport (round trip $23). On weekends and holidays in the summer, the Ipswich Essex Explorer bus (tel. 978/283-7916) connects Ipswich station to the attractions, including Crane Beach. A one-way fare is $1.50; the round trip beach pass costs $5 and includes the beach walk-on fee.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The Ipswich Visitor Information Center, in the Hall Haskell House, 36 S. Main St., Route 1A (tel. 978/356-8540), is open weekends in May and daily 9am to 5pm from late May through October. For information on Newburyport, check out the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s website.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
