Essex, Massachusetts travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Essex is a town in on Cape Ann in the North Shore region of Massachusetts. Settled by direct descendants of the Mayflower passengers in the early 1600s, it was later world-renowned as North America's fishing schooner construction center. Today, history permeates the town, enhanced by its many antique stores. Its population was shy of 4k during the 2020 census.

2 sights · 2 things to do · 8 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Essex

The Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum

Photographs, tools and artifacts associated with the town's 300 year history of shipbuilding. The museum also offers historical interpretation of several other properties including an 1835 schoolhouse.

Cogswell's Grant

Spring Street. Open June 1 - Oct 15 W-Su. Tours hourly noon-4PM. $10. A 1728 farmhouse richly decorated with American folk art pieces.

Essex River Cruises

Essex River Basin Adventures

Sea kayaking for everyone. Wildlife tours, instruction, rentals.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby Beverly)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 22 mi away (major hub). Directions
BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 28 mi away. Directions

From the South Take Interstate 93 North to the Route 128/Peabody exit. Follow 128/I-95 North staying to the left (Route 128) at the 128/I-95 split. Take Exit 15 Manchester/Essex. At the end of the ramp turn left.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Cogswell's Grant, The Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum
Lunch Blue Marlin Grille
Afternoon Essex River Cruises, Essex River Basin Adventures
Dinner Essex Seafood
Evening Red Barrel Pub

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

By car

From the North Take Interstate 95 South to the Route 128/Gloucester exit. Follow 128/I-95 North staying to the left (Route 128) at the 128/I-95 split. Take Exit 15 Manchester/Essex. At the end of the ramp turn left.

By Train

While there is no direct train service to Essex, on weekends during summer months the Ipswich Essex Explorer connects with the MBTA commuter rail at Ipswich on the Newburyport line.

See

See The Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum

📍 66 Main Street💲 Adults, $7; Seniors, $6; ages 6-18 $5, under 6 free.☎ +1 978 768-7541

Maps Website

See Cogswell's Grant

Spring Street. Open June 1 - Oct 15 W-Su. Tours hourly noon-4PM. $10. A 1728 farmhouse richly decorated with American folk art pieces.

☎ +1 978 768-3632

Maps Website

Do

Do Essex River Cruises

📍 35 Dodge St☎ +1 978 768-6981

Maps Website

Do Essex River Basin Adventures

Sea kayaking for everyone. Wildlife tours, instruction, rentals.

📍 1 Main St☎ +1 978 768-3722

Maps Website

Buy

Essex is famous for its antique stores, many of which are converted from 1800s era residences. There is, perhaps, no finer array of antique shops, with over 35 establishments to browse.