Crane Beach FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions regarding visiting Crane Beach. Click to jump to a topic to answer questions.

Most Common Questions
Membership Questions
Ticketing Questions
Additional Questions
Contact Information

Most Common Questions

Q: What is the admission price for Crane Beach?

A: Click here to view the admissions discounts based on Membership level at Crane Beach. Our ticketing system will determine your Membership level when you make a reservation and apply the corresponding discount.

Q: Do I need an advance pass, and when are passes released?

A: Yes, passes are required. During the Summer Season, passes are released at noon on Monday for the upcoming Tuesday – Thursday, and noon on Thursday for the upcoming Friday – Monday. In the Off Season, passes are released every other Thursday at noon for the upcoming two weeks.

Q: Will I need to verify my Membership when purchasing Crane Beach passes online?

A: Yes, all Members are required to log-in to the Crane Beach reservation system, using their Member ID and last name, or email address, to receive the appropriate discount. You can confirm the status of your Membership and, if needed, retrieve your Member ID using this Membership lookup tool.

Q: I am an Ipswich resident; do I need an Advance Pass?

A: Residents arriving to the gate with a valid Ipswich Beach Sticker affixed to their vehicles do not need to reserve an Advance Pass.

Q: What is happening with the Bakers Pasture lot?

A: The Bakers Pasture lot will be used as a parking option during the summer season. In 2025, Bakers Pasture will be open on weekends and holidays only, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Advance passes are required to park in this lot and are available under the same admissions structure as the main lot.

Q: Do people who walk, ride their bikes, or use CATA need an advance pass?

A: All members who arrive by foot or bike enjoy free entry, and non-members pay $5. Any member arriving via Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) bus, which runs from the Ipswich commuter rail station during the summer, can access Crane Beach for $2 (the fee for the bus, no beach access fee), and non-Members can access the beach for $5.

No advance passes are required to ride the CATA shuttle.

Please note, drop-offs outside the beach gate are not permitted due to safety concerns. Please plan your visit accordingly.

Membership Questions

Click here to look up your membership information. For a tutorial on how to use our membership look-up tool, click here.

Q: How long does it take to get my Membership Card?

A: If you purchased your Membership online, you may use the confirmation email received as proof of purchase until your Membership card(s) arrive by mail, usually in 3-5 weeks.

Q: I don’t have my permanent Member ID yet; how do I reserve an Advance Pass?

A: Between the time of your Membership purchase and the time you receive your Membership cards, you can use the temporary number provided to you.

Ticketing Questions

Q: Will I be able to get a refund on an Advance Pass if I can’t make it?

A: Unless The Trustees close the beach for an extended period (more than 2 hours) for any reason (extreme weather, emergency), Advance Passes are nonrefundable. In all but most extreme cases, Crane Beach is open rain or shine.

Please note – refunds are not given for road closure due to forecasted flooding. If you are visiting Crane Beach during a high tide cycle, please be sure to check our social media for more information about road access.

Q: I just reserved an Advance Pass, but the confirmation wasn’t emailed to me.

A: Please check your spam/junk folder in your email. If you still don’t see it, please email cranebeach@thetrustees.org with your first name, last name, and reservation date to confirm.

Additional Questions

Q: What happens when I arrive at the Crane Beach gate?

A: Everyone is asked to stop and check in with a gate attendant, showing a printed or digital version of your Advance Pass. Ipswich resident vehicles will be checked for a valid sticker before proceeding to the Town parking lot.

Q: Can I leave and re-enter on the same pass?

A: We do not allow re-entry on an Advance Pass.

Q: What amenities are available at Crane Beach?

A: Restrooms are available year-round. Changing booths, outdoor rinsing stations, the Crane Beach Store, and Snack Shack are available daily from Memorial Day – Labor Day, weather permitting.

Accessible parking, beach wheelchairs, and an accessibility shuttle from the parking lot to beachfront are available. The accessibility shuttle can be requested at the Beach Store in the Summer Season and at the entry gate at all other times.

Q: Can I bring my dog to Crane Beach?

A: Dogs are allowed at Crane Beach between October 1 and March 31. See the Regulations and Advisories section of the website for more information.

Q: How are Crane Beach admission fees used?

A: Admission fees help to pay the annual costs to maintain the beach and facilities, protect public safety, carry out dune and wildlife protection programs, and maintain historic buildings and structures. When you visit Crane Beach, you are helping The Trustees protect and care for this special place.