Overview
Salisbury is a popular beach and resort town in the North Shore of Massachusetts. The population was about 9k in the 2020 census.
1 things to do · 3 places to eat · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Salisbury
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Salisbury’s beachfront is the perfect place to take a long walk and enjoy all the beach has to offer. It allows beach goers a place to enjoy summer activities like sun tanning, snorkeling, and boogey boarding. Some other…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby Seacoast)
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.
- PSM Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, Portsmouth — 16 mi away. Directions
- MHT Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Manchester — 30 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 34 mi away (major hub). Directions
A private vehicle is the best way to access Salisbury. The main roads that enter the area are I-95, US Route 1, and MA Route 1A. The nearest bus and train options are found next door in Newburyport. But you'll find it quite challenging to get around here on public transit. For flights, you're roughly in the middle of Boston Logan and Manchester Regional airports. The nearest boat entry is from the mouth of the Merrimack River where Salisbury separates from the Newburyport/Plum Island area. Docking is available along the river.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
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
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
A private vehicle is the best way to access Salisbury. The main roads that enter the area are I-95, US Route 1, and MA Route 1A. The nearest bus and train options are found next door in Newburyport. But you'll find it quite challenging to get around here on public transit. For flights, you're roughly in the middle of Boston Logan and Manchester Regional airports. The nearest boat entry is from the mouth of the Merrimack River where Salisbury separates from the Newburyport/Plum Island area. Docking is available along the river.
Do
Do Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Salisbury’s beachfront is the perfect place to take a long walk and enjoy all the beach has to offer. It allows beach goers a place to enjoy summer activities like sun tanning, snorkeling, and boogey boarding. Some other attractions include Joe’s Play Land Arcade, physic readings, and many small shops. You'll find merchandise like sunglasses, towels, sunscreen, shell necklaces, and bathing suits. Beach fireworks every Saturday night at 9pm during the summer! The entire beach fills with people waiting to see the show. While people wait they listen to music (sometimes live), play arcade games, enjoy pizza, ice cream, cotton candy, and enjoy each other's company on the waterfront. The beach is lifeguard protected from Memorial Day to Labor day, weather permitting. Use the state park lot to access the beach; since they offer a large parking area, bathrooms, and outdoor showers.
Eat
Eat Cristy's Pizza (Salisbury Discount House)
Order a slice of beach pizza from Cristy’s! The thin crust, square shaped pizza is wildly popular and sold by the slice. Depending on your preference you might want to order yours with extra cheese since it’s mostly sauce but it's good either way.
Eat Lena's Seafood
Lena’s Seafood is an order at the counter, take your number, chose your own booth kind of restaurant. Very popular during the summer seasons for their fried seafood dishes, famous battered onion rings, and delicious fish and clam chowder. Almost everything is fried so if you’re looking for anything baked or grilled, you’re at the wrong place. About a 12 minute drive from the beachfront.
Eat Seaglass
A fancy restaurant on Salisbury beach about a two minute walk from the square. Featuring a vast dining room with large windows overlooking the oceans. The menu offers seafood and steak house selections.
Sleep
Hampton, located a few miles to the north, has additional lodging options.
Hotels
Stay Beach Road Grove Cabins
Motels
Shoreline Motel: 41 Atlantic Avenue, Salisbury MA +1 978 465-2929
Campgrounds
Stay Black Bear Campground
Stay Rusnik Family Campground
The Pines Camping Area: 28 CCC Road, Salisbury MA. +1 978 465-0013
Beach Rose RV Park (Private): 147 Beach Road, Salisbury MA. +1 978 463- 0226
Nearby
Newburyport
City / town · 36 listings · 2 mi away
Seabrook
City / town · 3 listings · 4 mi away
Amesbury
City / town · 17 listings · 4 mi away
Hampton
City / town · 32 listings · 7 mi away
Groveland
City / town · 7 listings · 10 mi away
Exeter
City / town · 14 listings · 11 mi away
Ipswich
City / town · 22 listings · 11 mi away
Haverhill
City / town · 7 listings · 12 mi away
My experience
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