Beginning November 1st, 2022 advance-purchased passes are not required, but are highly recommended for daily entry.
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. You do not have to have a Twitter account to view our Tweets.
Jump to a topic to answer questions about your Crane Beach visit.
Is there any special access for me as a Crane Beach Permit Holder? Yes. In addition to greater capacity overall, we are pleased to offer our Baker’s Pasture lot to Permit Holders exclusively from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We are also offering Morning (8–10AM) slots to Permit Holders only throughout the season.
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.
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
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.
TICKETING QUESTIONS
Do I need to reserve a Timed Entry Pass to visit Crane Beach?Beginning November 1st, 2022, visitors are not required to reserve a Timed Entry Pass in advance, however they are highly encouraged to guarantee access to the beach. Ipswich Residents with a valid 2022 Crane Beach Sticker do not need a reservation and are required to park in the Town of Ipswich Lot.
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 onlineor 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.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MY VISIT
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.
