Plum Island

Activity Overview

Plum Island is an island off the coast of Massachusetts that is about an hour's drive north of Boston. This beautiful 11-mile long barrier island near the city of Newburyport is best known for its gorgeous beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The island is also home to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which offers canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing opportunities as well as educational programs about the environment. Other island attractions include a historic lighthouse, several great restaurants, and a nature center.

Things to Do

• Enjoy the sunshine while swimming or sunbathing on one of Plum Island's many public beaches.
• Go surf fishing with your family at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge! You can learn more about recreational fishing here.
• Explore the wildlife refuge by going on a canoeing or kayaking trip along its creeks.
• Visit the historic Plum Island Lighthouse, which was constructed in the late 1700s.

Plum Island Insider Tips

• If you're interested in taking a guided wildlife tour, check out the various bird walks and other bird watching events available from the Joppa Flats Education Center.
• You can find a complete guide to all the activities available on Plum Island, as well as restaurant and accommodation information, on this website.
• Make sure to check the wildlife refuge's website before heading there to use the beach, since the refuge beach closes annually due to the breeding season of piping plovers.