Plum Island Beach

The beach stretches along an 11-mile barrier island between the Merrimack River and the Atlantic Ocean, featuring soft sand and natural dunes.

The beach area contained Fort Philip during the American Revolutionary War, constructed to protect the Merrimack River from potential naval attacks.

The beach derives its name from the wild beach plum shrubs growing naturally on the surrounding sand dunes of the Massachusetts coast.

The Plum Island Point parking area accommodates 150 vehicles with separate fee structures for residents and non-residents of Newburyport.

The sand contains tiny crystals of pink pyrope garnet, creating a purple hue visible during high tide along certain sections of the beach.

Location: Newburyport

Address: Plum Island Beach, N Reservation Terrace, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA 01950 Newburyport

GPS coordinates: 42.81598,-70.81576

Latest update: April 30, 2025 07:17