Read these frequently asked questions regarding these changes and other topics regarding visiting Crane Beach.
Click below to jump to a topic to answer questions about your Crane Beach visit.
Q: What is changing?A: Over the coming year, The Trustees will be phasing out Crane Beach Parking Permits and moving to a system of admissions discounts based on Membership level. The new approach should improve the visitor experience and make tickets to Crane Beach a little more available. Current Permits are not affected by this change. We will honor those Permits through their expiration date. We also are offering Members whose Permits expire before this year’s summer beach season ends—that is, before Labor Day—an opportunity to renew their Crane Beach Permit one final time. Those Members must renew by April 30, 2023, and their new Permits will expire no later than April 30, 2024. Admissions discounts, based on Membership level, will take effect after any Member’s current Crane Beach Permit expires. The new pricing takes effect this May for any Member who visits the Beach without a Permit. By May 2024, all current Permits will have expired, and the new, tiered-discount structure will be in effect for all Members.
Q: Why is The Trustees making this change and how is it an improvement for beachgoers?A: Crane Beach has always been a popular destination, but Beach visitation and the popularity of Crane Beach Parking Permits skyrocketed during the COVID pandemic. That demand has not slowed. With thousands more Permits in circulation than parking spaces at the Beach, the availability of tickets has become too limited, and the beachgoing experience has suffered. Our new approach is designed to address these issues.
An unfortunate limitation of the system we have had in place is that permit holders could reserve multiple tickets each week at no additional cost. As we all know, plans change, and we were seeing a lot of no shows—often as many as 30% of beach passes went unused. Our new plan for admissions creates a “pay as you go” system. It still allows Members to visit the beach at a deeply discounted rate but should also reduce the number of “false sellouts” in our system, giving everyone more opportunities to experience the joy of a day at Crane Beach. Will we eliminate this issue entirely? Probably not. Things still come up and plans still change. However, the new approach should help minimize this unintended outcome of the Permit program. When a beautiful summer weekend is coming, it will always be challenging to reserve a spot at Crane, but we think this approach will make tickets more available and the reservation process more fair for everyone.
Q: What will the admission prices be under this new system?Click here to view the admissions discounts being phased in at Crane Beach as existing Parking Permits expire over the coming year. Our ticketing system will determine your Membership level when you make a reservation and apply the corresponding discount. Until your current permit expires, you may continue to make admissions reservations at no additional cost.
Q: Do I need a Permit to visit Crane Beach this summer?A: Visitors are required to reserve a Timed Entry Pass in advance for daily admission in the Summer Season, and on weekends during the Extended Seasons. Advanced Passes are not required in the Off Season (November through March), however they are highly encouraged to guarantee access to the beach.
Ipswich Residents with a valid Crane Beach Sticker do not need a reservation and are required to park in the Town of Ipswich Lot.
If you have a valid Permit this summer, you will be eligible to reserve a ticket for admission to Crane Beach at no cost. If you do not have a valid Permit, you will be eligible to reserve a ticket for admission as follows*:
* Tickets are per car, not per person; one ticket admits everyone in your car. Additional information on prices and visiting Crane Beach is available below and on The Trustees’ website.
Q: I am an Ipswich resident; do I need a Timed Entry Pass?Residents arriving to the gate with a valid Ipswich Beach Sticker affixed to their vehicles do not need to reserve a Timed Entry Pass.
Q: What will I have to pay during the summer beach season to visit Crane Beach under the new system?A: Under the new system, we will continue to require tickets for anyone visiting Crane Beach by car from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (the “summer season”). Sustaining, Sponsor, and Founder’s Circle Members can reserve tickets at no charge. Other Members will receive discounts as follows*:
Pricing for summer visitors who do not arrive by car will be as follows:
Motorcycle:
Bicycle or On Foot
Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) (buses that operate independently of The Trustees and run between the Ipswich commuter rail station and Crane Beach on weekends during the summer. More information at https://canntran.com.
*Additional information on prices and visiting Crane Beach is available on The Trustees’ website.
This year (2023), the new pricing structure will apply to anyone who visits Crane Beach without a Permit. It will not apply to anyone with an unexpired Permit; those Members will continue to enjoy permit privileges and will be able to book admission at no cost. Over the next year, we will phase out Crane Permits as they expire. As of May 2024, no active Permits will remain in circulation, and all summer-season visitors to Crane Beach will pay according to the pricing schedule set forth immediately above.
Q: What are the new rates in the off-season (November – March)?A: Under the new system, tickets are strongly suggested in the off-season, especially on warmer days in late-spring and early-fall, but they are not required. Admission prices in the off season will be as follows:
*Additional information on pricing and visiting Crane Beach is available our website. This year (2023), the new pricing structure will apply to anyone who visits Crane Beach without a parking Permit. It will not apply to anyone with an active Permit; those Members will continue to enjoy Permit privileges and will be able to book admission at no cost. Over the next year, we will phase out Crane Permits as they expire. By May 2024, no active Permits will remain in circulation, and all off-season visitors to Crane Beach will pay according to the pricing schedule set forth immediately above.
Q: Is my current Permit still good for summer 2023 and do I have to do anything right now?The only people who need to consider acting now are Members whose current Crane Beach Permit expires before September 30, 2023. These Members can renew their Membership and Permit one last time. They must do so before May 1, 2023, and we will honor their renewed Permit through April 30, 2024. Here are the potential scenarios:
We will stop renewing Crane Beach Permits as of April 30, 2023, and all Permits sold between March 1, 2023, and April 30, 2023, will expire no later than April 30, 2024.
Starting in May 2024, the new pricing system, based on Membership level, will take effect for all visitors to Crane Beach.
Q: Will I still have to get a timed ticket, and will they be released the same days/times?A: Yes, tickets are still required. As in past years, we will release tickets at noon each Mondays (for the coming Tuesday-Thursday) and each Thursday (for the coming tickets Friday-Monday). The two-day-a-week release will begin May 18, 2023.
Q: Will I need to verify my Membership when purchasing Crane Beach tickets online?A: Yes, starting on May 1, 2023, Members, including Permit Holders, will be required to log-in to the Crane Beach ticketing system, using their Membership number or email, to receive the appropriate discount during online purchase of Crane Beach tickets. You can confirm the status of your Membership and, if needed, retrieve your Membership number using this Membership lookup tool.
Q: Will non-members still be able to access Crane Beach?A: Yes. In fact, moving away from the Permit system will likely make timed tickets to Crane Beach a little more available for non-members. However, the popularity of Crane Beach means it may always be challenging to reserve a ticket.
Q: Will The Trustees make more money under this new system?A: We do not expect to make more money under this system, and we are not doing this for financial reasons. The new system will allow us to continue to generate the revenue we need to operate Crane Beach with the level of quality you have come to expect. However, our primary reason for making this change is to improve the beachgoing experience for visitors.
Q: What is happening with the Bakers Pasture lot?A: The Bakers Pasture lot will continue to be used as parking for Permit holders only this summer (2023), though it will be used occasionally for overflow parking at the discretion of the beach manager. Timed tickets are required to park in this lot. The Trustees are considering alternative approaches to Bakers Pasture parking in the future, and we will share updates when they are available.
Q: Will people who walk and/or ride their bikes still enjoy free entry and do they need a timed ticket?A: All Members who arrive by bicycle or on foot will be free, and non-members will be $5. Any Member arriving via the Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) bus, which runs from the Ipswich commuter rail station to Crane Beach during the summer, can access Crane Beach free of charge and non-Members will be $5.
Q: Is my Membership tax-deductible under the new system?A: Yes. Membership dues have always been tax deductible, but the value of Permits included with or purchased alongside Memberships are not tax deductible. One benefit of the new system we are phasing in, therefore, is that all Memberships will be fully tax-deductible.
Q: Why is The Trustees also raising Membership rates at the same time?A: Like all organizations, The Trustees must keep pace with costs and inflation to ensure its financial health. We generally raised Membership rates every four years—a standard frequency for many Membership organizations. It has actually been five years since we last raised the cost of Membership—we held off last year because of post-pandemic economic uncertainty. This year’s rate increase should sustain the program for another four years.
Q: Why are advanced tickets still required even though COVID-19 restrictions have lifted statewide?A: The Trustees are committed to welcoming as many visitors as safely possible to all our special places, including Crane Beach. Advanced ticketing provides us with the ability to maximize our resources, manage traffic on Argilla Rd and ensure we provide access to as many visitors as possible while still delivering a safe and efficient visitor experience.
Q: If I have a valid Permit on my car, am I guaranteed parking?A: Crane Beach Permits do not guarantee you a parking space without an advanced reservation. Once our parking lot is filled or advanced tickets sell out, we do need to close the parking lot to additional vehicles until current guests leave and more spaces become available.
Q: Where do I affix my Permit sticker? Does it have to be on my vehicle?A: Your Crane Beach Permit is not valid until you affix it to your vehicle. We strongly prefer it to be on the windshield in the lower drivers’ side corner where our gate staff can most easily see it. If your Permit is not affixed to your vehicle, or you cannot provide recent proof of Permit purchase (i.e., Permit has been renewed but not arrived in the mail), you will be charged gate admission at the applicable rate or denied entry based on current parking capacity. Permits may not be laminated or taped to your windshield. If you are having difficulty affixing it to your car, the gate attendant can help you on your first visit to the beach.
Q: Are there any changes being made to Horse Trailer Permits?A: No. Horse Trailer Permits will still be available for purchase during the time horses are permitted on Crane Beach (October 1- March 31). Click here for more information on Horse Permits.
Click here to submit feedback about the upcoming permit changes.
Submit Feedback
Passes are required for weekend admission beginning September 9th, 2023 and highly encouraged for weekday admission.
Possession of an advance-purchased Timed Entry Pass does guarantee entry to the beach on that day. Timed Entry Passes are released once a week: on Thursdays at noon (for Friday-Thursday) for the coming week. Click here to reserve a Timed Entry Pass.
PLEASE NOTE: Additional passes may be released in real time if space permits. Any announcement of additional pass releases will be made on Twitter, https://twitter.com/CraneBeachMass.
What is Baker’s Pasture and where is it located?Baker’s Pasture is an auxiliary parking lot with quick and easy access to a gorgeous stretch of Crane Beach. Parking here is available for Permit Holder access only between the hours of 9AM – 4PM daily between Memorial and Labor Day. (Baker’s Pasture is closed at all other times.) To visit Baker’s Pasture with an advanced ticket, follow road signs located along Argilla Road and make the first left turn after the Castle Hill main entrance. Portable toilets are available and the beachfront at Baker’s Pasture will have lifeguards on weekends only. Note: Baker’s Pasture does not have access to full amenities and concessions. It is a 10-15 minute walk along the beachfront from Baker’s Pasture area of the beach to the Crane Beach bath house.
Bakers Pasture is closed on weekdays for the remainder of the 2023 Summer Season. It will remain open on weekends and Memorial Day Monday.
Click here to look up your membership information. For a tutorial on how to use our membership look-up tool, click here.
How long will it take for me to get my Parking Permit? If you purchased your Membership and Permit online, you may use the confirmation email you received as proof of purchase until your Membership card(s) arrive by mail, usually in 3-5 weeks.
I don’t have my permanent Member # yet, how do I reserve a Timed Entry Pass? Between the time of your Membership purchase and the time you receive your Membership cards, you can use the temporary number provided to you when you purchased the Membership. Please note that when you arrive at Crane Beach, you will need to have your Crane Beach Parking Permit affixed to your vehicle or you may show your email confirmation for the recent purchase of your Crane Beach Parking Permit. If you do not have your Permit or confirmation email, you may be denied access.
Why are advanced tickets still required even though COVID-19 restrictions are lifting statewide? The Trustees is committed to welcoming as many visitors as safely possible to all our special places, including Crane Beach. Advanced ticketing provides us with the ability to maximize our resources and ensure we provide access to as many visitors as possible while still delivering a safe and efficient visitor experience.
Are there still capacity limits at Crane Beach? No, capacity limits have been lifted. We are only limited by the amount of space our parking lot can hold.
Can I bike or walk to the beach? Member pedestrians and cyclists who show a valid Membership card may enter for free. Nonmember pedestrians and cyclists can buy a pass in advance online or may pay via credit card at the Crane Beach gate. Note: Biking, including fat tire bikes, is not allowed on the beach
Will I be able to get a refund on a Timed Entry Pass if I can’t make it? Unless The Trustees closes the beach for any reason (extreme weather, emergency), Timed Entry Passes are nonrefundable. In all but the most extreme cases, Crane Beach is open rain or shine.
Does my Timed Entry Pass for Crane Beach allow me to also visit Castle Hill and vice versa? No, each site has its own Timed Entry Pass, and they are not reciprocal.
I just reserved a Timed Entry Pass, but the confirmation wasn’t emailed to me. Please check your spam/junk folder in your email, as tickets can land there sometimes. If you still don’t see it, please email cranetickets@thetrustees.org with your first name, last name and reservation date to confirm.
I am a Permit holder and made a reservation but can no longer come. How do I cancel?Please only book a pass if you are sure you plan to come. If you aren’t able to make it, use our order look-up tool to cancel your reservation so other Permit Holders have a chance to visit. No-shows will be tracked, and we reserve the right to limit further reservations for repeat no-shows.
What happens when I arrive at the Crane Beach gate?Everyone will be asked to stop and check in with a gate attendant to show the printed or digital version of the Timed Entry Pass booking confirmation. Ipswich resident vehicles will be checked for a valid sticker before those vehicles can proceed to the Town parking lot.
Can I leave and re-enter on the same pass? During times when Timed Entry Passes are required, we do not allow re-entry on a Timed Entry Pass. At other times, re-entry is possible with a credit card receipt or Crane Beach Permit.
What amenities are available at Crane Beach? Restrooms are available year-round. Changing booths, outdoor rinsing stations, Crane Beach Store and self-service food and beverage options are available daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Crane Beach is also home to five miles of dune hiking trails. Handicap parking, beach wheelchairs, and an accessibility shuttle from the parking lot to beachfront are available.
Can I bring my dog to Crane Beach? Dogs are allowed at Crane Beach between October 1 and March 31. See the Regulations & Advisories section of the Crane Beach website for more information.
How are Crane Beach admission fees used?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 go to Crane Beach, you are directly helping The Trustees of Reservations protect and care for this important landscape and landmark.
Click here to submit feedback about the upcoming permit changes.
For timed entry pass and ticketing questions:
Crane Beach: email cranebeach@thetrustees.org
Castle Hill: email castlehill@thetrustees.org
For general timed entry pass and ticketing questions email: tickets@thetrustees.org
For Membership questions, email: membership@thetrustees.org
Timed Entry Pass
