Halibut Point State Park Rockport Massachusetts
Explore a historic granite quarry and dramatic coastline with stunning ocean views on Cape Ann. A must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best quarry water colors
Halibut Point State Park Rockport Massachusetts
Best Time
Best quarry water colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic granite quarry and dramatic coastline with stunning ocean views on Cape Ann. A must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
"A lovely hidden gem with ocean, nature, walking trails, and lots of photo ops."
🚗 Parking Fees
MA residents $5, non-residents $20. Worth it for the views! :car:
🚶♀️ Quarry Safety
No guardrails around the quarry. Be cautious and no swimming allowed. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Babson Farm Quarry
Central area of the park
Explore the stunning, water-filled granite quarry, a remnant of its industrial past. Perfect for photos and contemplation.
Ocean Views & Rocky Ledges
Coastal trails
Wander down to the sea rocks for breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views and explore tide pools.
Visitor Center & Picnic Areas
Near parking
A lighthouse-shaped visitor center offers restrooms and information, with picnic tables nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Fees & Timing
Exploring the Quarry & Coast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
MA residents $5, non-residents $20. Worth it for the views! :car:
🚶♀️ Quarry Safety
No guardrails around the quarry. Be cautious and no swimming allowed. :warning:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the park with you. +1 :dog:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Abundant scenic spots around the quarry and coast. Bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
MA residents $5, non-residents $20. Worth it for the views! :car:
🚶♀️ Quarry Safety
No guardrails around the quarry. Be cautious and no swimming allowed. :warning:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the park with you. +1 :dog:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Abundant scenic spots around the quarry and coast. Bring your camera!
🌸 Wildflower Blooms
Look for native plantings and wildflowers, especially in spring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Halibut Point State Park for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the unique granite quarry and ocean views. It's considered a hidden gem with great photo opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere, though some find the non-resident parking fee steep.
"Nice state park. You will have to pay $5 parking fee. There are portable toilets, also there is a nice visitor center built in the shape of lighthouse, with restrooms, and with picnic tables outside. The park has beautiful zone with flowers and abandoned granite quarry in 1929, filled with rain water. It's depth is 18m. The park is not big, has probably 2 trails, one around the quarry and the second leads to the ocean. You will spend there no more than an hour. We arrived there after 5pm in the mid of September. Not the best time to catch bluish hues of water in the quarry. Try to visit the park earlier during the day."
Rose Davis
"My mother and I visited this state park on Tuesday, September 30th. Unfortunately, we arrived less than 30 minutes before the sunset that the park was going to be closed. So I was quickly to see the sea and took a couple of pictures. Both the restrooms and the visitor centers are closed. I used the portable restroom next to the parking lot. Inside the toilet was having a big pile of shit but I got to go. It was a shame that I didn’t spend the time to look this park or learn the history about this state park. I would love to go back if I’ll go back to travel east."
Cody Brown
"Incredible landscapes. Very well maintained. Would highly recommend the walking trail from Halibut point to Cathedral rocks. The public walk ways are a great way to experience the the beauty of this wonderful place."
Shankar Sriram
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Halibut Point State Park is located at 4 Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring Bearskin Neck and other Rockport attractions. +2
While the park has some accessible features, the trails are described as loose gravel, which could be challenging for wheelchairs. +1
From Boston, take Route 128 North to Route 127 North towards Rockport. Follow signs for Halibut Point State Park. The park is situated on the northernmost tip of Cape Ann.
Public transportation options to Rockport are limited. The MBTA Commuter Rail to Rockport is an option, but you would likely need a taxi or rideshare from the station to the park, as it's a few miles away.
Yes, there is parking available. However, there is a parking fee, which is $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for non-residents.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee for Halibut Point State Park. It costs $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for out-of-state visitors.
Yes, Massachusetts residents pay a reduced parking fee of $5, compared to the $20 fee for non-residents.
While specific hours aren't always listed, state parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check the official Massachusetts DCR website for the most current information.
No, advance booking is typically not required for Halibut Point State Park. You pay the parking fee upon arrival.
Entry to the park itself is free, but there is a parking fee that varies for residents and non-residents.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic granite quarry, walk trails with ocean views, enjoy picnics, and observe wildlife. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying nature.
No, swimming is not allowed in the quarry at Halibut Point State Park.
Yes, there are well-maintained trails, including a loop around the quarry and paths leading to the ocean. The total trail length is around 2-3 miles.
Yes, it's a dog-friendly park with picnic areas and interesting natural features like the quarry and tide pools, making it enjoyable for families.
The park is home to various wildlife, and it's noted for its native plantings for pollinators. You might see birds and other small creatures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Halibut Point State Park itself. However, there are picnic tables available if you bring your own food.
Rockport's downtown area, particularly Bearskin Neck, offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and seafood shacks.
Absolutely! Halibut Point State Park is a fantastic spot for a picnic, with designated tables and scenic locations around the quarry and ocean.
Seafood is a local specialty, with many restaurants offering fresh catches. You'll also find classic New England fare.
Food trucks are not commonly mentioned for this specific park, but the nearby town of Rockport has a variety of dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The quarry, the rocky coastline with ocean views, and the lighthouse-shaped visitor center are prime photography locations.
Early morning offers softer light and potentially fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides golden hour hues.
Yes, the dramatic granite formations, expansive ocean views, and the unique quarry make it an excellent location for landscape photography.
While not a primary wildlife sanctuary, you might capture birds or other small creatures, especially near the native plantings.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the ocean's colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the trails are generally easy, keep a close eye on children near the quarry due to the lack of guardrails. The visitor center offers restrooms, adding to the convenience for families. It's a wonderful place to spark curiosity about geology, nature, and local history.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with free activities in Rockport, like exploring Bearskin Neck's shops from the outside or enjoying the harbor views. The park itself provides hours of scenic exploration without additional entry fees beyond parking, making it an affordable way to experience the beauty of Cape Ann.
📸 Photographers
+2Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The lighthouse-shaped visitor center also adds an interesting architectural element to your photos. Don't forget a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the quarry and the coastline.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Granite Quarry
The quarry's transformation from an active industrial site to a serene natural feature is a testament to nature's reclamation. The water's color can vary depending on the light and time of day, with some visitors noting that earlier visits offer more vibrant blue hues. The contrast between the rugged granite and the still water creates a visually compelling scene, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
+1Coastal Exploration and Wildlife
+1The park's location on the northernmost tip of Cape Ann provides expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, some visitors report being able to see as far as New Hampshire and Maine from elevated points. This scenic beauty makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply to sit and enjoy the ocean breeze. The combination of quarry views and coastal vistas makes Halibut Point a diverse natural experience.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
For those with mobility challenges, the park has some accessible features, though the gravel trails can present difficulties. Dog owners will appreciate that Halibut Point is dog-friendly, allowing leashed pets to join in the exploration. The park is a popular stop for day-trippers and those exploring Rockport, often visited in conjunction with other local attractions like Bearskin Neck.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit