Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Beverly, MA

Once a part of Salem, Beverly was established in 1668 and, a little over a century later, launched the USS Hannah, the inaugural ship commissioned by the U.S. military.

This city boasts an array of architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly around the Fish Flake Hill Historic District, which dates back to Beverly’s early maritime history.

Historic Beverly operates three historic house museums, and the stunning grounds of Long Hill, the summer estate of the Sedgwick family, are also accessible to the public.

Cabot Street serves as the central artery of downtown Beverly, featuring a vibrant arts district, while the city’s scenic shoreline is lined with attractive sandy beaches and waterfront parks.

1. Long Hill

The Trustees of Reservations manages this 114-acre estate, which served as the summer residence for the Sedgwick family from 1916 to 1979. Long Hill was acquired by Ellery Sedgwick (1872-1960), an editor for Atlantic Monthly.

The gardens are accessible to the public and were designed by Mabel Cabot Sedgwick, a noted horticulturist and author of the book, The Garden Month by Month.

Comprising five acres in a relaxed style, the gardens include a series of “rooms” featuring remarkable botanical variety and a spectrum of colors.

Additionally, Long Hill includes over 100 acres of wooded grounds interspersed with trails that guide visitors to children’s gardens and an apple orchard.

2. John Cabot House

The nonprofit organization Historic Beverly oversees three beautiful and historically significant houses in the city.

The most substantial of these is the Late Georgian John Cabot House, constructed in 1781 for the eponymous ship owner and entrepreneur, an important figure in 18th-century Beverly.

For a significant part of the 19th century, the John Cabot House served as the headquarters for the Beverly Bank, which is the tenth oldest bank in America.

Currently, the building functions as the administrative center for Historic Beverly, housing a museum that chronicles various elements of the city’s history, from maritime commerce to the witchcraft hysteria of the late 17th century and military affairs.

The interior includes a room elaborately decorated in the early 19th-century style, featuring intricately carved paneling, a pianoforte, a clock from 1800, a teak chair imported from India, and a pine as well as mahogany secretary desk.

3. North Shore Music Theatre

This acclaimed theater in the round, located in Beverly, has captivated audiences with high-caliber productions resembling those on Broadway since 1955.

North Shore Music Theatre is among the most well-attended in New England, attracting 250,000 visitors annually, while receiving numerous accolades, including Elliot Norton Awards, IRNE Awards, and the Rosetta LeNoire Award from the Actors’ Equity Association.

Under new management, the 1,500-seat venue has made a remarkable recovery from a fire and eventual closure in 2009, hosting an annual series of five subscription performances and a cherished rendition of A Christmas Carol.

Notable productions from recent seasons include Oklahoma!, Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, and Kinky Boots.

4. The Cabot

Upon passing the Cabot Street Cinema Theatre, one might overlook the astonishing venue located behind its relatively plain facade.

This cinema palace, one of the few remaining that still screens films, was constructed by the North Shore’s Ware Brothers in 1920 and can accommodate 1,450 patrons in its exquisite auditorium.

From the 1970s until 2012, The Cabot was operated by Le Grand David and his Spectacular Magic Company, subsequently evolving into a versatile performing arts center in 2014.

Please attend concerts featuring renowned recording artists, classical music performances, stand-up comedy, children’s entertainment, and regular film screenings.

Families may wish to note the $1 Family Film Series, typically held on Wednesdays, with tickets available at the box office upon arrival.

5. Dane Street Beach

Dane Street Beach is the premier public beach in Beverly and has been a beloved summer destination for well over a century. Notably, one of its advantages is the availability of free public parking, distinguishing it from many other beaches along the North Shore.

This southeast-facing stretch of sand is adorned with impressive rock outcrops and is embraced by calm waters.

Lifeguards are present throughout the summer, and visitors can enjoy beachcombing year-round with its picturesque setting.

Behind the beachfront lies a spacious grassy area featuring one of Beverly’s most popular children’s play structures.

6. Beverly David S Lynch Park

Arguably the most stunning public park in Beverly boasts a compelling history as the former Evans estate.

This estate was acquired by the city in 1943 following a generous $400,000 donation from the leather-making tycoon David S. Lynch, aimed at public park development.

In the early 20th century, the Evans estate served as the Summer White House for the 27th President, William Howard Taft.

Notable remnants from the estate include a beautiful formal rose garden, alongside a pair of beaches, a splash pad, a summer ice cream stand, and a performance shell used for community events from spring through fall.

7. Larcom Theatre

Another significant venue in the Beverly Arts District is this 600-seat auditorium that first opened as a vaudeville stage in 1912.

This venue is easily missed from its exterior along Wallis Street, as its modest brick facade conceals a sophisticated interior, rich in original details and possessing exceptional acoustics.

The Larcom Theatre was another endeavor by the Ware brothers and is named in honor of Lucy Larcom (1824-1893), the esteemed poet born at this precise location, just off Cabot Street.

In the mid-1980s, the interior underwent restoration; the Larcom Theatre now serves as a performing arts stage primarily known for live music, but also accommodates dance and stand-up comedy performances.

8. Independence Park

Travel south from Dane Street Beach, and within minutes you will arrive at another charming waterfront locale.

Independence Park slopes steeply down to a small sandy beach, offering breathtaking views from its highest point, overlooking the islands in Beverly Harbor and across the channel to Salem.

A paved pathway runs along the top of the slope, providing numerous spots to pause and appreciate the scenery, accompanied by a commemorative stone and cannon honoring Beverly as the birthplace of the U.S. Navy during the Revolutionary War.

This location serves as an ideal vantage point to observe the waves and sailboats in the harbor.

9. Balch House

Under the stewardship of Historic Beverly, one finds one of the oldest wood-frame houses in America, dating back to the late 1670s, although the Balch family inhabited the property since the 1630s.

This is the oldest residence in Beverly, originally comprising one and a half stories and later expanded in the early 18th century to become a two-story, five-bay Colonial domicile. A significant extension occurred at the turn of the 19th century.

Ownership of the house remained with the Balch family until 1916, when it passed into the possession of the Balch Family Association.

Currently, descendants of the Balch family return to the residence every few years for the Balch Family Meeting.

From spring through fall, visitors are welcome for guided tours, offering insights into the Balch family’s history and the three main phases of the building’s rich narrative.

10. Hale Farm

This Colonial parsonage, managed by Historic Beverly, provides insights into the town’s associations with the witch trials of the 1690s.

The John Hale House, constructed around 1694, was home to Rev. John Hale (1636-1700), a prominent figure during the Salem witch trials in 1692.

He is believed to have questioned his involvement after his wife was accused of witchcraft. While residing at this property, he authored the book, A Modest Inquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft, denouncing his colleagues during the trials.

Hale Farm is a sought-after location for weddings, and the grounds are additionally utilized for outdoor events in the summer, including The Cabot’s Porch Sessions concert series.

Inside, visitors can explore period furnishings, learn about the property’s various construction phases, and view a designated room focused on the witch trials.

11. Fish Flake Hill Historic District

Beverly’s oldest neighborhood is situated on a ridge overlooking Beverly Harbor and was initially settled as early as 1626.

Fishing and shipping represented the main livelihoods in this area, and the neighborhood derives its name from the “flakes” used within the fish drying yards that existed until the late 19th century.

A section along Front Street consists of over 150 contributing properties within the Fish Flake Hill Historic District, a remarkable collection, much of which dates back to Colonial times.

To emphasize the district’s maritime heritage, 16 of the residences here are documented to have connections to ship captains during the Revolutionary War.

12. Nick’s Famous Roast Beef

Roast beef sandwiches are a fast-food staple in the North Shore, and this Beverly establishment has been serving delectable slices of roast beef in a burger bun for almost fifty years.

Situated in an unpretentious strip mall, Nick’s Roast Beef offers an extensive menu, yet first-time visitors are encouraged to try the roast beef sandwich, available in Jr., Large, or Super sizes.

Classic accompaniments include fries and onion rings, although the chicken fingers receive high praise as well. For those desiring a richer experience, milkshakes are available in vanilla, strawberry, coffee, and chocolate flavors.

13. Gentile Brewing Company

Established in 2015, this nano craft brewery creates flavorful, unpretentious beers, employing traditional English-style brewing techniques and ingredients.

The brewery is located in the historic Creesy Shoe Factory building, established in 1884, which has served various purposes over its extensive history of more than 135 years.

Typically, there are up to a dozen beers on tap, featuring styles such as Blonde, IPA, Helles, Wit, Stout, Porter, and Hefeweizen, with alcohol-free options also available.

For those wishing to sample a variety, a flight of beers is offered, and a selection of cans is available for takeout. The taproom operates Thursday through Sunday, usually with a food truck present on weekends.

14. Montserrat College of Art Galleries

Located in the center of Beverly, the Montserrat College of Art, established in 1970, is centered around the Hardie Building, a former 19th-century school.

The college operates six galleries that are open to the public at no charge: The Paul M. Scott Library Gallery, Carol Schlosberg Gallery, Founders Gallery, Frame 301 Gallery, President’s Gallery, and the Bare Gallery.

These venues host cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing the work of regional, national, and international artists, including both emerging talents and established figures.

Previous exhibits have featured artists such as Cynthia von Buhler, Leigh Wiener, Vanessa Platakis, and Clint Baclawski.

15. West Beach

Despite its name, this sandy beach lies in the far east of Beverly at Beverly Farms, offering dramatic views of the Misery Islands, located just off the shore.

During the peak summer season, West Beach is exclusively accessible to residents of Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing, requiring a beach pass and parking sticker.

The managing organization for the beach was established as early as 1852. For the other nine months of the year, West Beach welcomes the general public, providing a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a warm-weather outing or a seaside stroll along this mile-long stretch of coastline.