Crane Beach

Crane Beach
FAQ

Everything you need to know before your beach day.

What are the beach conditions at Crane Beach today?

Crane Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8443970, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.

View Live Conditions

Where do you park at Crane Beach?

Park at Crane Beach in lots like Crane Beach Parking Lot. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $10 (members) - $25 (non-members peak) and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.

Find Parking

Where should you eat at Crane Beach?

At Crane Beach, don't miss the Whole-belly Clams at Woodman's of Essex. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.

Explore Dining

What boat trips run from Crane Beach?

Boats leave Crane Beach from Essex River Basin, including the Ipswich River Canoe & Kayak — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.

See Things to Do

What's happening at Crane Beach this week?

Crane Beach hosts Guided Dune Walk and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.

Check Events

How long does it take to get sunburned at Crane Beach?

It depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Crane Beach into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.

Check Today's Burn Time

Are dogs allowed at Crane Beach?

It depends on when. Dogs are not allowed at Crane Beach from April 1 through September 30. From October 1 through March 31 they are allowed in certain areas under special conditions. No pets other than dogs and horses at any time. Service animals are permitted year round. Source: The Trustees of Reservations, Crane Estate Regulations, October 2025, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you drink alcohol at Crane Beach?

No. You may not bring your own alcohol. Only alcohol bought on site from the licensed vendor may be possessed anywhere on the Crane Estate. Source: The Trustees of Reservations, Crane Estate Regulations, October 2025, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you have a fire or grill at Crane Beach?

No. Open fires are prohibited. On the open beach only portable gas grills are allowed, not charcoal. Source: The Trustees of Reservations, Crane Estate Regulations, October 2025, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you fly a drone at Crane Beach?

No. Drones may not be used anywhere on the Crane Estate. Source: The Trustees of Reservations, Crane Estate Regulations, October 2025, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you smoke at Crane Beach?

No. Smoking and vaping in any form are prohibited anywhere on the Crane Estate. Source: The Trustees of Reservations, Crane Estate Regulations, October 2025, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you fish at Crane Beach?

It depends where on the beach. Fishing is allowed but not in the swimming area or near where people are swimming, and a valid Massachusetts saltwater fishing licence is required. Source: The Trustees of Reservations, Crane Estate Regulations, October 2025, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

At Crane Beach, the sun sets at 6:28 PM today — about 11h 48m of daylight. Sunrise was 6:40 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Crane Beach update at the top of the conditions page.