City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Rockport, Massachusetts
From shopping, strolling and sightseeing along the Bearskin Neck historic district and the Rockport Breakwater to the sandy strands of Front Beach and Back Beach Beach, Rockport, Massachusetts, is a prime destination for boaters and travelers. The charming coastal town is located northeast of Salem and Boston on Cape Ann.
Here are some of the top attractions to explore in Rockport while you’re moored at a marina or docked at a private boat slip for rent.
Motif No. 1
Often called the most painted building in America, Motif No. 1 is a favorite subject for artists and photographers. The iconic red fishing shack in Rockport Harbor was originally built in the 1840s. It was destroyed in the Blizzard of 1978 but was quickly rebuilt to preserve its legacy. A unique symbol of the town's rich maritime history and artistic heritage, it has served as a favorite subject for artists due to its picturesque charm and ideal lighting.
Halibut Point State Park
Halibut Point State Park This stunning park offers scenic walking trails, stunning coastal views, tide pools, wildlife and remnants of an old granite quarry. Once the site of Babson Farm Quarry, the park showcases remnants of Rockport’s granite industry, with interpretive signs detailing its past. Visitors can explore scenic trails leading to dramatic ocean overlooks, where on clear days, the Isles of Shoals and Mount Agamenticus in Maine are visible. The park is popular with birdwatchers, hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Rockport Music - Shalin Liu Performance Center
The Rockport Music - Shalin Liu Performance Center is a world-class music venue that hosts a variety of concerts, from classical to jazz, with an incredible ocean backdrop of Rockport Harbor through its large stage window. The venue also hosts educational programs, film screenings and more.
Straitsmouth Island & Lighthouse
Accessible by kayak or boat, this small island features the Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse and is managed as a protected wildlife refuge by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Originally built in 1835 and later rebuilt in 1896, the lighthouse has guided mariners through rocky waters for nearly two centuries. Now managed by the Thacher Island Association and Mass Audubon, the island provides a habitat for seabirds and other wildlife. While not open for regular visits, kayakers and boaters can explore its shores from private boat docks for rent and marina ramps.
Thacher Island & Twin Lighthouses
One of the few places in the U.S. with twin lighthouses (and the only ones still in operation) — The Navesink Light Station, also known as Twin Lights, in New Jersey is another twin light, but it’s not operational — Thacher Island is a historic and scenic landmark that can be visited by boat or kayak from docks, marinas and private boat lift rentals. Built in 1771 and later reconstructed in 1861, these towers once guided sailors through the treacherous waters of Cape Ann. Named after Anthony Thacher, who survived a 1635 shipwreck, the island is now a National Historic Landmark.
The Paper House
A unique attraction, the Paper House is a small house made almost entirely of newspaper. It was built in 1922 by mechanical engineer Elis F. Stenman and originally intended as a summer retreat. Over time, Stenman experimented with using newspaper for insulation, eventually crafting the walls, furniture and even decorative elements from tightly rolled and lacquered paper. The structure remains remarkably well-preserved. Layers of newspaper are still visible beneath the varnish. Now a museum, the Paper House attracts visitors fascinated by its craftsmanship, creative architecture and sustainability.
