79°
Sunny
0%
84
Essex County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Crane Beach
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938
Four miles of barrier-island sand on Ipswich Bay, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Wide, gradual slope, fine white sand, and a 1,200-acre dune-and-pine-forest reservation behind it with hiking trails to the Castle Hill estate. Greenhead flies in late July are the price of admission.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
79°F air · 69°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind around 7 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind around 6 mph.
Weather
- 79°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 69°F water — swimmable, refreshing
84 /100
great
82 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
83 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
79°F
Clear
Wind
7 mph
E
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
88°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
69°F
Refreshing
Next Low Tide
3:46 PM
0.6 ft · in 33m
Wave Height
1.6 ft
3s · NNE swell
Barometer
30.18 inHg
1022 hPa
Water Quality
Above threshold
548 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 8mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:15 AM
Sunset
8:21 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:37 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 9:46 AM | High | 9.3 ft |
| 3:46 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:00 PM | High | 11.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| 10:45 AM | High | 9.5 ft |
| 4:43 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:57 PM | High | 11.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:31 AM | Low | -1.0 ft |
| 11:43 AM | High | 9.8 ft |
| 5:40 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 11:54 PM | High | 11.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:24 AM | Low | -1.2 ft |
| 12:39 PM | High | 10.1 ft |
| 6:35 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:50 AM | High | 11.7 ft |
| 7:17 AM | Low | -1.1 ft |
| 1:33 PM | High | 10.2 ft |
| 7:30 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:46 AM | High | 11.4 ft |
| 8:07 AM | Low | -0.9 ft |
| 2:25 PM | High | 10.3 ft |
| 8:24 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:40 AM | High | 11.0 ft |
| 8:57 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 3:15 PM | High | 10.3 ft |
| 9:18 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8443970, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
88°
Sunny
3%
78
97°
Sunny
1%
62
93°
Mostly Sunny
6%
70
87°
Sunny
3%
81
85°
Sunny
9%
82
83°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
25%
74
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Trustees lot at the entrance. Reservations strongly recommended summer weekends — book online.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited April 1 – September 30. Otherwise leashed access.
Entry Fee
$35/car weekday, $40/car weekend (peak season); $5 walk-in/bicycle; discounted after 4 PM. Free for Trustees members. Off-season access restricted to main beach; dogs prohibited in dunes, trails, and Steep Hill Beach year-round.
Address
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Crane Beach today?
Crane Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Crane Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited April 1 – September 30. Otherwise leashed access.
Is there an entry fee at Crane Beach?
$35/car weekday, $40/car weekend (peak season); $5 walk-in/bicycle; discounted after 4 PM. Free for Trustees members. Off-season access restricted to main beach; dogs prohibited in dunes, trails, and Steep Hill Beach year-round.
Are there lifeguards at Crane Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Crane Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Crane Beach?
Amenities at Crane Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, picnic area, hiking trails.
When is the water warmest at Crane Beach?
Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.
Where is Crane Beach located?
Crane Beach is in Essex County, MA, at 290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS