Location: Rockport
Top Things to do in Rockport
10 Things to do in Rockport That You Shouldn't Miss
With its beaches of soft sand or smooth pebbles, sylvan hiking paths and historic lighthouses, Rockport may be the perfect place to sit down and compose that magnum opus, write your novel or paint your master work. The waters surrounding Cape Ann beckon scuba divers, kayakers and sailors to explore the bay. Watch for whales or puffins on one of many charters; hike through the wilds of Halibut Point or along the breathtaking Headlands. Find inspiration in the glades and bluffs of Cape Ann.
Restaurants in Rockport
1. Shalin Liu Performance Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 233 reviews
Rockport Music presents concerts and cultural events in the "stunning acoustics and dramatic setting" (Boston Globe) of its new home, the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Rockport Music is best known for its summer chamber music festival, as well as year-round presentations of jazz, folk, and pop music; high-definition broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and National Theatre (London); and classic and independent films.
Reviewed By maelkimo - Topsfield, United States
Amazing venue for acoustics and musicians have the backdrop of the ocean. Not a bad seat in the house. Additionally the staff and volunteers are so very kind and helpful. I mixed up nights and went to a show a night early and they helped me switch my tickets for comparable open seats the night I arrived. Highly recommend!
2. The Art of David Arsenault
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
A visit to The Art of David Arsenault Gallery in the heart of Rockport offers you a timeless interpretation of the Cape Ann experience. Colorful, peaceful scenes of Rockport, Gloucester, and more, along with unique perspectives on our world, leave you feeling at peace yet engaged and seeing in a different way when you return to the outdoors. The next time you visit Rockport, step inside the gallery and meet David and his wife Sue, enjoy relaxing jazz music, and take your time viewing dozens of original oil paintings and a variety of canvas giclée prints. Be sure to bring your own unique way of seeing—along with your love of art and Cape Ann.
Reviewed By sun-reisender - Gray, France
David is an artist with impressive skill working with oil on canvas, and a romantic capturing the special atmosphere of coastal Maine. I love the detailed rendering of houses, outbuildings and landscapes in a seasidey setting. I love the interiors with the play of sunlight beaming through old wooden double-hung windows. He captures childhood memories. A visit to his gallery and chat with him is a highlight of a visit to Rockport! Robert Hastings
3. Halibut Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 725 reviews
Scramble across ledges scarred by the granite industry and examine tide pools teeming with marine life.
Reviewed By hmuchas - Charleston, United States
Wonderful walk around an old granite quarry with markers explaining the process of extracting granite in the days before electric drills and heavy equipment.
4. Twin Lights on Thatcher's Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By icklenikums - Alexandria, United States
A great way to spend a few hours while in Rockport. Beautiful island and awesome experience climbing the lighthouse to catch the break taking view. Definitely worth the lovely boat ride. If you're lucky you'll get to see some seals on your way over!
5. Rockport Art Association & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
The Rockport Art Association & Museum is one of the oldest and most active art organizations in the country. The Association has a long and distinguished history that has spanned 95 years. Each year the RAA&M welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. The RAA&M continues to be one of Cape Ann’s most prominent cultural beacons. Since its founding, the Association has steadily increased in size and currently includes approximately 280 artist & photography members, and hundreds of contributing members. By promoting year-round programs of classes, lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions and community outreach, as well as an impressive museum collection, the RAA&M remains dedicated to its mission of making fine art appreciation accessible to all.
Reviewed By golfxj6 - Boston, United States
RAA is an association of artists in the greater Cape Ann area. At 100 years, it is a landmark of fine art. The exhibitions, both of artist members and of Cape Ann stalwarts, are uniformly excellent. The Annual Auction in April is a f8unraiser not to be missed. Go.
6. Motif Number 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Reviewed By SuavisVagus - Harwich, United States
Popular destination with scenic vista and favored photographic subject. The commercial fish pier and thriving artist colony coexist alongside each other.
7. Bearskin Neck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 764 reviews
Reviewed By 890howard - Boynton Beach, United States
The sounds of ocean,birds &boats so beautiful.Clean and fresh ocean breeze .Light House & beautufl homes alone the incredible New England Rock Coast.Rockport Mass and the neck a must stop if your in Mass.Great shopping,restaurants,art and much more a must visit on 4th of July!!!!!!
8. Front Beach
9. Rockport Breakwater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Rockport's Breakwater was rebuilt in the winter of 2015. It's now possible to walk along it's relatively flat surface to the end (@1/8 mile.) It's a terrific spot to view the harbor, Motif #1, and sailboats. Or, just to enjoy the great outdoors. Proper footwear is a necessity.
Reviewed By Mamaw58 - Lombard, United States
Carefully walking and climbing on this breakwater is fun for all ages, just be careful! It is thrilling to be daring and walk out a bit to talk those stunning photos of family or sweetie, or your doggy!
10. The Paper House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By ruthbG3594TV - Bedford, United States
Recently residents in the town where my husband and I live were issued recycling bins, one per home, so large that one man had his picture taken swimming in his. Well, not actually swimming but up to his neck in water. Which actually seems like a better idea than filling these up weekly with refuse. Especially since residents of Venice, Italy are issued one (1) plastic bag about the size of a grocery bag per week for their garbage. This recycling/garbage/landfill has gotten way out of hand!!!! And that is all the more reason to visit The Paper House in Rockport, Massachusetts. Built on a natural stone outcropping, The House was built as a summer cottage and began as an experiment by a mechanical engineer. The walls are made of varnished newspaper 215 pages thick. The curtains are made of woven paper. The furniture is made of tightly rolled paper. The ceiling is made of paper. Yes, it is absurd, but no more so than everyone needing a garbage bin large enough to immerse themselves in. A quick trip well worth the visit. THE PAPER HOUSE, Rockport, Massachusetts: YES.
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