How to Celebrate the 4th of July on the North Shore
Not every Fourth of July has to be about packed highways and overnight bags. Some years, the best plans are the ones that don’t require much planning at all. If you’re staying close to home this Independence Day, I’ve rounded up a few easy ideas to help you enjoy the weekend right in the North Shore.
Grab fried clams at Woodman’s in Essex
Walk the boardwalk at Hampton Beach
Pack a picnic and head to Maudslay State Park in Newburyport
Paddleboard the Parker River
Watch the parade in Manchester-by-the-Sea
Watch fireworks at Salisbury Beach
Attend the Red, White & Blue Pancake Breakfast in Manchester
Book a sunset sail out of Marblehead or Gloucester
Spend the day lounging at Crane Beach
Catch live music at Salisbury Beach Center
Make a lobster roll at home and eat it on your porch
Sip rosé and watch boats at the Newburyport waterfront
Hike Halibut Point State Park in Rockport
Ride bikes along the Clipper City Rail Trail
Order a “rocket pop” and feel like a kid again
Grab chowder and a cone at Captain Dusty’s in Manchester
Explore the antique shops in Essex
Play lawn games in your backyard
Watch the sunset from Plum Island’s north point
Spend the day at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester
Try tide pooling at Salisbury Beach Reservation
Visit a farm stand for berries and homemade pie
Go mini-golfing at Captain’s Corner in Amesbury
Take a day trip to Rockport, MA
Go kayaking in Essex, MA with Paddler’s Paradise
Sip an flavored iced coffee from AndyMan in Amesbury
Set up a spontaneous backyard movie night
Grill out with friends and neighbors
Watch the July 4th special on TV (classic!)
Float in a tube at Essex River
Visit The Tannery and shop local in Newburyport
Take a drive down Route 1A for the views
Walk through Bearskin Neck in Rockport
Book brunch at The Grove in Ipswich
Sit outside and enjoy live music at a brewery like True North
Paint your nails red, white, and blue
Toast s’mores around the fire pit
Watch boats come in and out of Marblehead Harbor
Make a beachy charcuterie board
Host a red-white-and-blue themed potluck
Visit the Peabody Essex Museum if you need a break from the heat
Head to Stage Fort Park with a picnic
Take a family photo in front of an old flag
Listen to patriotic music while sipping iced tea on the porch
Stroll the marsh trail at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
Buy sparklers and light them at dusk
Try a red-white-and-blue cocktail or mocktail
Watch the sky from Castle Hill
Enjoy a beach read down by the waterfront in Newburyport
Do absolutely nothing… and just enjoy a lazy summer weekend 🇺🇸
