Imagine every corner of your town so picturesque it’s worth capturing in a painting.
Enter the quaint coastal town of Rockport, Massachusetts, where everyone either makes art or buys art. The tiny downtown is packed with art galleries and unique treasures, plus it’s not unusual to find someone sitting at the edge of the ocean with an easel and paintbrush.
What draws these artists to this town is its picturesque coastal, postcard-worthy downtown. The art scene made National Geographic highlight Rockport as a must-visit destination. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in Rockport, Massachusetts, whether for Labor Day weekend or a spontaneous excursion.
Things to do in Rockport, Massachusetts
Front Beach is a tiny cove-like beach just a 10-minute walk from the train station. It has a seasonal floating platform and restrooms, plus an adjacent beach shack for snacks.
It’s located right off the main road. Head left towards Main Street for an artist’s stroll. Dozens of galleries—from paintings to sea glass mosaics—line the street into Bearskin Neck.
Where to eat in Rockport, Massachusetts
For food, check out All Dough, a new French-inspired bakery and cafe with delicious espresso, matcha, sandwiches, and homemade French macarons on the weekends.
Little Sister makes the best fish & chips and smashburgers for lunch. Bearskin Neck, Rockport’s downtown strip, boasts plenty of great waterfront options for dinner. My Place by the Sea or The Hideaway offer some of Rockport’s best sunset views.
Motif #1, the world’s most painted building, is located on Bradley Wharf, but the best view is actually from behind the shops on Dock Square, like Lula’s Pantry.
Traveling to Rockport from Boston
The town is located on the North Shore, about a 45-minute drive from the city on a good traffic day. Rockport is also accessible without a car, and the town is extremely compact, making it pedestrian-friendly.
Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line on the MBTA Commuter Rail from North Station. Travel to the final stop, which is about a 90-minute train ride from North Station.
Pro Tip: sit on the right side of the train heading North to enjoy the scenic coastal views of Manchester-by-the-Sea.
