Plum Island Light (Newburyport Harbor Light)
Historic lighthouse on Plum Island, offering a glimpse into maritime past and access to scenic coastal beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for beach
Plum Island Light (Newburyport Harbor Light)
Best Time
Pleasant weather for beach
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse on Plum Island, offering a glimpse into maritime past and access to scenic coastal beaches.
"A nice diversion from your beach day, offering a piece of history and scenic views."
Check Tour Availability
Lighthouse tours are seasonal; confirm opening times before your visit.
Mind the Tides
The beach tide can come in quickly, so be aware of the water's edge.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 368 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Plum Island Light
Plum Island, Newburyport
Historic lighthouse offering a glimpse into maritime history, with scenic grounds and informative signs.
Plum Island Beach
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Expansive sandy shores perfect for a relaxing stroll or enjoying the coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Plum Island Light
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Where to park to go to plum island on a weekend? Thanks!
I mean up near the island I’ll be driving
Check Tour Availability
Lighthouse tours are seasonal; confirm opening times before your visit.
Mind the Tides
The beach tide can come in quickly, so be aware of the water's edge.
Day trip to Newburyport or Rockport?
My birthday is later this summer, and I was thinking of planning a day trip somewhere around Newburyport or Rockport. We’ll probably be going out to breakfast, walking on the beach, and maybe doing some shopping; does one town have more things to do than the other? Note: I do…
Daytrip to Rockport or Newburyport.. or both?
29 year old couple from central CT, will be 4 hr round trip. Interested in parking and casually riding bikes around town if community is bike friendly. Coworker suggested Rockport from repeated visits with her family. I read up a little on Newburyport. Can I fit both places in a…
Parking Fees
Be prepared for paid parking near the lighthouse and beach access.
Combine with Beach Day
The lighthouse is a brief stop; enhance your visit with beach exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tour Availability
Lighthouse tours are seasonal; confirm opening times before your visit.
Mind the Tides
The beach tide can come in quickly, so be aware of the water's edge.
Parking Fees
Be prepared for paid parking near the lighthouse and beach access.
Combine with Beach Day
The lighthouse is a brief stop; enhance your visit with beach exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Plum Island Light as a historical marker and a pleasant stop on the way to the beautiful Plum Island Beach. While some find the lighthouse itself a brief experience with limited tour access, the scenic grounds and the expansive beach offer a relaxing coastal outing. Parking and seasonal tour availability are common considerations.
"Love Plum Island! We came in August and we're able to do the lighthouse tour. The beach area is nice, tide can come in fast though! Would definitely come back here."
Glenda Woodworth
"The lighthouse isn’t even on the water. It’s in a fenced in yard. It probably used to be seen from the water but the town has grow up around it. The only parking near it is a paid parking garage lot.
It looks like it’s on private property but we saw a photographer and a family go in for a photo shoot.
Definitely not the best lighthouse. But it’s a piece of the history."
Katie Green
"If you want to get away and explore the scenic beach at Plum Island, Massachusetts, you are in for a treat.. a lovely experience"
Donald Willoughby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plum Island Light is located on Plum Island in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Access is typically via car, with parking available nearby, though it may be paid.
Public transport options to Plum Island Light are limited. It's best accessed by car, and combining the visit with a trip to Newburyport is recommended.
From Boston, you can drive north via I-95 N. Alternatively, you can take a commuter rail to Newburyport and then arrange local transport or a taxi to Plum Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the grounds are generally accessible, tours inside the lighthouse may require tickets or have specific operating hours. It's advisable to check the official schedule.
Lighthouse tour hours vary by season and are not always consistent. Some visitors have noted it being closed for the season. Always check the official website for current hours.
Access to the grounds is typically free, but specific tours or events might have associated fees. Parking near the lighthouse and beach often incurs a charge.
Entry inside Plum Island Light is usually limited to guided tours, which operate on a seasonal schedule. Many visitors report it being closed for tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the lighthouse grounds, read historical information signs, and enjoy the scenic coastal environment. It's often combined with a visit to Plum Island Beach.
A visit to the lighthouse itself is usually brief, around 10-15 minutes, unless you are taking a tour or spending extended time on the beach.
Yes, the lighthouse offers picturesque views, especially with the coastal backdrop. Photographers have been seen on the grounds for photoshoots.
Plum Island Light has a history tied to maritime navigation and the changing coastline. Information signs on-site provide details about its past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't many dining options directly at the lighthouse, Newburyport offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and seafood spots.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on Plum Island Beach, making it a great spot for a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lighthouse against the sky or the coastal landscape. The surrounding grounds and nearby beach also offer scenic photo opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photography. However, daytime visits offer clear views of the lighthouse and beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit