Sandy Point State Reservation

Sandy Point State Reservation is a 77-acre protected area at the southern tip of Plum Island in Ipswich Bay. The landscape features extensive sand banks that extend into the bay at low tide and create an open shoreline.

The area was originally common land distributed among Ipswich residents during the colonial period, with early rules governing livestock management. Over time it was transformed into a protected reserve to preserve coastal habitats and nesting birds.

The reservation serves as a nesting ground for protected bird species, including piping plovers and least terns that breed in the dunes and sand flats. These birds shape the natural character of the shoreline and reflect the area's ecological importance.

Access to the beach is available from sunrise to sunset, with parking limited and managed through Parker River Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can swim and fish, but should check conditions and familiarize themselves with any restrictions.

Stage Island Pond was created from an old salt works and has become a freshwater habitat for diverse bird species. This body of water provides an interesting contrast to the salty marine environment surrounding it.