Visiting Rockport, Massachusetts

If you are looking for an easy and fun family road trip in the Boston area, definitely consider a drive to Rockport, Massachusetts. I’d lived in Massachusetts for over a decade before visiting Rockport, but now we try to go at least once or twice a year. It’s such a fun, quaint place to visit, and has lots of great things to do. This past Labor Day weekend, we headed out for one more summer afternoon in Rockport. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Rockport, Massachusetts.

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Things to Do When Visiting Rockport, Massachusetts With Kids

Visit the Beach

We don’t go to the beach in Rockport, but there are several options, including Front Beach, which is right by downtown Rockport. There are also several great beaches in nearby Gloucester. They would be great to visit if you choose to stay overnight.

See hotel reviews here.

Eat

Seafood fans definitely won’t want to miss out on eating delicious, freshly-caught lobster in Rockport. The most famous of the restaurants is Ray Moore Lobster Co, which usually has a long line out the door. On this last trip, we opted to eat at their sister restaurant, the Fish Shack Restaurant, which has indoor seating. Our food was delicious, and they have several kid-friendly options too. Save room for dessert though, because there are lots of cute ice cream shops within walking distance. Grab a cone, and walk over to the waterfront.

Shop

My favorite thing to do in Rockport, Massachusetts is shop. Bearskin Neck, which is the retail area of Rockport, has lots of cute shops and boutiques. I often take the opportunity to buy unique gifts while I am in Rockport, because there are so many different things that you just can’t find elsewhere.

Take Photos

Downtown Rockport is home to Motif #1, a red former fishing shack that many claim is the #1 painted building in the US. With the waterfront, the ships, and the quaint buildings, Rockport is a great place to take pictures.

Kayak

For those who want to explore the water a different way, Northshore Kayak offers rentals and tours. They are open from June through Labor Day.

Tour the Paper House

As you drive out of Bearskin Neck, it’s worth a short detour to the Paper House if you are interested in quirky little roadside stops. This house, which was built in 1922, is made with paper walls and furniture. It’s tucked away in a residential neighborhood, and often operates on the honor system for the admission fee ($2 for adults and $1 for kids). Although it just has two rooms, my kids enjoyed seeing the layers and layers of paper.

Have you been to Rockport, Massachusetts? What was your favorite thing to do?