Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse

Wildlife refuge · Essex County

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse

Wildlife refuge · Essex County

1

Refuge Rd, Newbury, MA 01951

Photos

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by Getty
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse by null

Highlights

Bird refuge with observation towers, beaches, and wildlife  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Refuge Rd, Newbury, MA 01951 Get directions

fws.gov
@friendsofparkerrivernwr

Information

Static Map

Refuge Rd, Newbury, MA 01951 Get directions

+1 978 465 5753
fws.gov
@friendsofparkerrivernwr

Features

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Last updated

Sep 1, 2025

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@cntraveler

4 Best Day Trips From Boston to Salem, Newburyport, and Provincetown | Condé Nast Traveler

"Conservationist Rachel Carson once called Parker River National Wildlife Refuge "New England's most important contribution to the national effort to save the waterfowl of North America." The eight-mile barrier island is accessible from just outside Newburyport, and stretches south all the way toward Ipswich. This is one of the state's best preserved coastal refuges, so you're unlikely to find a more unspoiled spot this close to Boston. Make sure to climb a few of the observation lookouts to find top-notch photo opportunities. There are brochures and helpful staff to guide you at the entrance." - Todd Plummer

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-day-trips-from-boston
View Postcard for Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse

Rose Davis

Google
Parker River National Wilderness Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary on a Plum Island. You pay $5 at the entrance, and enjoy a 17 minutes serpentine car ride in wilderness. The road is paved, but at the end, the last 5 minutes you will have to drive on a not paved but gravel road. There are plenty of small parking lots along this road. Some have the restrooms too. There are also 2 - 3 floor high observing decks. At the moment (June 8th, 2024), only one trail to the beach is open, at the visitor center, all the others are closed, not to disturb the birds, during their nesting season. I must admit the beach is stunning, and water is so clear, but extremely cold, only 58F. The wilderness and marshes are amazing, tons of small birds fly above your head, and the silence is so peaceful. Perfect place for meditation, when all you hear are just bird's songs.

Scott Mellott

Google
Great birding location..... There are many species of birds including hawks, osprey, owls, herons, egrets.ect that are there year round as well as seasonally. Beaches here are closed through most of the summer to allow piping plovers to safely nest. I can't recommend this place more if you're a birder.

Theresa St. John

Google
Great place to walk and go bird watching year round. Wonderfully kept, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Bathrooms are open. They accept National parks Annual Passes for entry. Nominal fee if you don't have one - around $5.00 if I remember correctly.

Joseph Gargasz

Google
A gem. The majority of the beach is closed for piping plover season, but visit any time and it's great. Go in the offseason and enjoy the whole thing. It's wonderful.

Rebecca Morgan

Google
So beautiful walking this area of the beach. Sea snails, sand dollars, and the sound of coyotes as the sun dips behind the skyline. Absolutely breathtaking seeing nature in this undisturbed form.

Andrea

Google
An amazing place! Awesome they accept National Parks Annual Pass! Because we visited 2-3 times each day for the 2.5 days we were visiting the area. Caught two incredible sunsets, tried for a sunrise but the gate wasn’t open yet so we went nearby on the beach but it was all fog anyway haha. The boardwalk was amazing. Just an absolutely gorgeous area. Lots of wildlife as well!

Prolay Mondal

Google
Went to the beach over 4th of July weekend. Easy access with $5 ticket to parking. Very quiet and plenty of on-site parking spots at 5:30 PM. Beach was beautiful. Unfortunately, for some reason it was full of ants and flies when we got there. Kids were really bugged by them, and we had to leave within 30-40 min. Hopefully, next time will be better.

Tiffany Knight

Google
This is one of my favorite places on the North Shore. Excellent for biking, and walking on various trails. I recommend going off season and bringing binoculars. Lots of wildlife to see!