Location: Manchester-by-the-Sea
Top Things to do in Manchester-by-the-Sea
The 10 Best Things to Do in Manchester-by-the-Sea, United States
Manchester-by-the-Sea (or simply Manchester) is a town on Cape Ann, in Essex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. The town is known for scenic beaches and vista points. At the 2010 census, the town population was 5,136.
Restaurants in Manchester-by-the-Sea
1. Singing Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Threnity - Holon, Israel
This place is wonderful. Just a hour train ride from north station in boston and you are in paradise. A very quiet villege on the Atlantic and you have everything for a good day on the beach to buy at the local supermarket. Just one thing the water is very cold. About the sand try to make him sing it's spacial.
2. Essex River Cruises & Charters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
"Enjoy a scenic river excursion that captures the essence of New England " -Boston Globe. 1 1/2 hour narrated cruises, along the calm waters of the Essex River. Glide back in time, past islands, dunes & beaches formed by glaciers. See historic mansions, shipyards, saltmarsh farms, rare birds, wildlife, and stunning scenery. Charters &Clambakes. Restroom onboard, free parking, handicaped accessible, cards taken, and bar available. We also specialize in customizable private charters, perfect for corporate outings, birthdays, weddings, celebrations, and family reunions. Our private events range from New England Clambakes or BBQs on secluded tidal beaches to cocktail cruises. All charters are unique and planned your way with a variety of catering and bar options.
Reviewed By Z8364LHrichardt - West Boxford, Massachusetts
Perhaps going on this cruise with the remnants of a hurricane off the coast was not the best idea, but they were still taking people out. The result was a 2 hour bumpy, windy, cold ride. Putting that aside, this is what it says it is: a river cruise. You'll see some cranes and other birds. The guide will point out where some houses and estates are on islands but you won't see them through the trees. Go for the boat ride. That's what you'll get.
3. North Shore Music Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Donna D - Middleton, MA
Saw Evita here recently and wonder why the ticket prices are so high. $67 -$80 each for Beverly is silly and folks seem to think the same as there were many empty seats. The actors were good but not great. Evita herself seemed angry and lacked the essence of the character. The young woman who sang "Another Suitcase in Another Hall...where am I going to" stole the show and should have been Evita. The choreography for this show was just plain strange. And we didn't notice anyone of color in the cast -- very sad. The stage floor kept going up and down to change sets, leaving a gaping hole in the center when it did. Quite a distraction.
The owner encouraged you to donate to a booth in the lobby that sends people with cancer to see a show there. What a disgrace -- when there were so many empty seats. They could have easily filled the empty seats that night! We couldn't believe it when the owner mentioned Paul Anka was coming there and how much he was paying him. Lacked class. Will not be returning. Better experiences for a quarter of the price at local venues or through ArtsBoston or Goldstar elsewhere.
4. Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 186 reviews
Also called the Beauport Sleeper-McCann House, this fantasy mansion of more than 40 rooms is perched on the rocks overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
Reviewed By JVC3515 - Antrim, New Hampshire
This is the most unique house tour guided by very well informed guides. They're knowledgable, engaging and share very interesting backgroung stories and facts that take you back to 1907 when construction started on this masterpiece. This place ranks in the top 2 or 3...MoreThanks for the lovely review of Beauport. The house has been preserved with most of Henry Sleeper's interiors intact, so guides really enjoy sharing the history and beauty of it with visitors.
5. Fort Sewall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By Paul T - Marblehead, Massachusetts, United States
Fort Sewall sits on a small cliff at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor, across the harbor from the famous Corinthian Yacht Club. During the Revolutionary War, this harbor was important since the American ships could attack the British and then take off for the safety of Marblehead Harbor. Once inside the harbor they were insulated from the British ships pursuing them. Then to add insult to injury, the cannons at Fort Sewall would shell His Majesty's fleet!
Today, the fort is intact with sleeping quarters from 250 years ago , and other paraphernalia from the era. The modern well known Glover's Regiment holds historical events there ( in full Revolutionary uniforms and weapons traditional to the era ( as well as performing at New England Patriots football games).
The fort is a beautiful serene place with park benched overlooking the harbor and the open Atlantic Ocean. I have lived in Marblehead since 1977 (200 years short of the war) and visit it regularly.
6. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Experience the grandeur of a seaside estate and its marvelously landscaped grounds, notable for a broad, undulating lawn running down to the shore.
Reviewed By kathyandalan - Averill Park, New York
The same parking fee for Crane Beach allows you in to the Crane Estate. There are tours of the house and lovely grounds and gardens to wander. There are vistas down to the ocean in the distance. And statues and metal sculpted griffons (by the same artist who did the Prometheus in Rockefeller Plaza). There is a trick moving rock on one of the paths. Mr Chase had a sense of humor. For an added fee, the house offers a # of different tours. We took the Guests of the Chase Family tour and enjoyed it! If you have time, spend part of the day at the beach. It is beautiful.
7. Coolidge Reservation
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Hike past a scenic pond and through a small forest of pine and oak to reach a spectacular seaside lawn offering memorable views of Massachusetts Bay and the North Shore.
Reviewed By abitran128 - brookline, ma
This is one of the nicest spots in Massachusetts in my opinion, and it is relatively uncrowded (hoping it stays that way). You walk through the forest and reach a magnificent, huge lawn that faces the ocean. The setting is idyllic, perfect for a picnic, lying down/sunbathing, or reading. At the east edge of the lawn there is a stunning view of houses atop cliffs facing the ocean--this reminded me of Maine's rocky shoreline. Another trail leads to a very nice lake and a beautiful beach on the Magnolia harbor. Note that swimming on the beach is not allowed unless you are a Trustees member (a membership may be worth it by the way, since it also gives you discounts/free admission to other amazing Trustees properties including Crane beach). Props to the Trustees for maintaining such an amazing place.
8. Cape Ann Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
The Cape Ann Museum tells multiple stories, all relating to a single remarkable place. From its earliest days as a fishing and shipping port to its mid-19th century role in the granite industry, to its singular charms of light and sea that have attracted countless artists from the 19th century to the present, Cape Ann boasts a rich and varied culture of nationally significant historical, industrial, and artistic achievement. The Museum's fine art collection includes the largest grouping of works by native son and renowned marine artist, Fitz Henry Lane, as well as work by other prominent painters and sculptors who lived on, visited or were inspired by Cape Ann. The work of contemporary Cape Ann artists is also collected and exhibited. The permanent collection includes fine and decorative arts, and artifacts from the major industries of the area - the fisheries and granite quarrying. Founded in 1873 as the Cape Ann Scientific and Literary Association, today the Museum is a vibrant cultural center that includes galleries, an auditorium, library/archives, a children's activity center, two sculpture gardens and two historic homes. In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum offers a rotating schedule of special exhibitions throughout the year as well as related programs and events. Visit us today to discover the treasures of Cape Ann.
Reviewed By Julie32159 - The Villages, Florida
While neither my husband nor I are great art-museum goers, we enjoyed our visit here because we both like history. And there is much of Gloucester's history represented in the paintings and other objects very well displayed throughout the museum. Great stories behind the items on display. Visiting here gave us a much better understanding of the whole area as well as Gloucester's role in it. Docent-led tours are available with the price of admission. Definitely worth a couple of hours here. We parked across the street in public parking and then had lunch nearby. Nice way to spend much of a rainy day in town.
9. Lynch Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Megn2414 - Reading, Pennsylvania
This is a wonderful park. Clean and beautiful and very spacious. The views are outstanding! This park was within walking distance from our Airbnb for the weekend. It's a lovely spot to watch the sunrise and sunset :)
10. Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By gfpatterson - Chapin, South Carolina
Stopped here to relax and enjoy the stunning views. After a stressful day dealing with work, clients, and deadlines, a stroll here and some quiet time on the bench overlooking the sailboats melted it all away! Somewhat limited, but free, parking.
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