The 10 Best Things to do in Essex, Massachusetts (MA)

If you love antiques, Cogswell’s Grant should be on your itinerary. This 18th century farmhouse overlooking the Essex River was the summer home of collectors Bertram and Nina Fletcher Little, and houses their celebrated collection of American folk art, including primitive paintings, redware, and painted furniture. Everything is displayed as the family lived with it and shared it with their friends and fellow collectors.Open June 1-October 15, Wed.-Sun.; tours given 11:00am - 4:00pm.

We are a full-service stand up paddleboard and surf company. We offer lessons, tours, rentals, sup yoga, kids camps, sales, SUP Surf lessons, kids surf nights, and more. In 2010, we began our operation on Pavilion Beach in Gloucester, MA (Now on-site at the Beauport Hotel). Since then, we have opened two more on-water locations (Essex River-Essex Marina and Long Beach-Cape Ann Motor Inn). With the rental of 2 of more boards, we offer our clients free delivery and pick-up anywhere on Cape Ann. Whatever your paddle and surf needs are, we've got you covered! We look forward to getting you on the water or seeing you in the Board Barn soon. We are open 7-days a week in the summer and on weekends (and by appointment) during the spring + fall.

The Bubble Factory is a glass studio that offers workshops, events, and custom fabrication, in an all-inclusive and newly renovated barn. We work with glass through multiple techniques including glassblowing, flame working, hot casting, fusing, and more!

"Enjoy a scenic river excursion that captures the essence of New England " -Boston Globe. 1 1/2 hour narrated cruises, along the calm waters of the Essex River. Glide back in time, past islands, dunes & beaches formed by glaciers. See historic mansions, shipyards, saltmarsh farms, rare birds, wildlife, and stunning scenery. Charters &Clambakes. Restroom onboard, free parking, handicaped accessible, cards taken, and bar available. We also specialize in customizable private charters, perfect for corporate outings, birthdays, weddings, celebrations, and family reunions. Our private events range from New England Clambakes or BBQs on secluded tidal beaches to cocktail cruises. All charters are unique and planned your way with a variety of catering and bar options.

Over 4000 wooden ships have been built on the banks of the Essex River since 1668. The Essex Shipbuilding Museum traces the evolution of traditional boat building through artifacts, photographs, hands-on exhibits and tour guides with deep knowledge of maritime and local history. Both guided tours and self-guided tours are available. Group tours and field trips can be scheduled. The School House building interprets ship models from the Smithsonian Institute.

Enjoy an easy ascent to a coastal hilltop that rewards you with panoramic views of Crane Beach and the Essex River estuary

We are the longest running sea kayak outfitter on the North Shore of Massachusetts, providing guided kayak trips of the beautiful wilderness within the Essex River Basin. Our guides provide superior customer service, sharing their knowledge, expertise, and enthusiam to groups of all ages and sizes. We also offer group/private kayak lessons, as well as kayak sales to get you started. Join us for an adventure!