Parking & Directions
There are two places to park for Salisbury Beach. DCR's lot inside Salisbury Beach State Reservation, on State Reservation Road at the south end, costs $14 for Massachusetts plates or $40 for out-of-state plates from May 23 through October 12. The Town of Salisbury's James Hunt Memorial Lot at 228 Beach Road, by the beach center, charges $3 an hour for up to three hours or $35 for longer, plus metered street parking, from May 1 to October 15.
Parking at a Glance
Which Lot Should You Use?
- For a full beach day, camping, the boat ramps or the jetty: the DCR reservation lot. At $14 with Massachusetts plates it is cheaper than the town's all-day rate, and it is closest to the campground, the river and the quieter south end of the beach.
- For concerts, fireworks, food and the boardwalk area: the town lot or meters at the beach center on Broadway. Three hours on a meter costs $9.
- Out-of-state plates: for a short visit the town lot is cheaper than DCR's $40; for a long day, compare $35 in the town lot with $40 at the reservation.
DCR Reservation Lot
- Address: State Reservation Road, Salisbury, MA 01952.
- Fee: $14 for Massachusetts plates, $40 for out-of-state plates, May 23 through October 12. Your plate decides the rate.
- How to pay: DCR accepts the YODEL mobile app.
- Passes: the Massachusetts state parks parking pass covers the fee; Massachusetts residents can apply for DCR's lifetime senior parking pass.
- Off season: no DCR parking fee.
- Hours: sunrise to sunset for day visitors.
Town Lots and Meters
The town's paid parking runs from May 1 to October 15, 8 a.m. to midnight, every day including holidays. Kiosks take credit cards only and work by plate number; you don't display a receipt. You can also pay with the Passport Parking app.
- James Hunt Memorial Lot, 228 Beach Road: 672 spaces, 15 accessible. $3 an hour up to 3 hours; $35 for 3 hours or more.
- Broadway, Driftway, Central Avenue, Shea Street, Railroad Avenue: $3 an hour, 3-hour maximum.
- Oceanfront South and Ocean Street: $7 an hour.
- Permits: seasonal, weekly and overnight permits for the town lot are sold at Salisbury Town Hall, in the Town Clerk's office.
Private lots near Broadway also charge their own rates.
Directions by Car
The Salisbury Beach Partnership lists Route 1A, I-95 and I-495 as the main roads in. Set your map to State Reservation Road, Salisbury, for the reservation, or 228 Beach Road for the town lot.
By Bus and Train
The Partnership says the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) runs free buses to the beach center from Lawrence, Andover, Methuen, Haverhill, Amesbury, Newburyport and nearby towns. From Boston, ride the MBTA Newburyport Line to Newburyport, then take the MVRTA bus to the beach. Check MVRTA's current schedule before you go; summer service changes.
Parking & Directions FAQ
How much is parking at Salisbury Beach?
At the DCR reservation, $14 for Massachusetts plates and $40 for out-of-state plates from May 23 through October 12. At the town's James Hunt lot by the beach center, $3 an hour for up to 3 hours or $35 for longer, May 1 to October 15.
Is parking free at Salisbury Beach?
Outside the paid seasons, yes at the DCR lot, which charges only from May 23 through October 12. The town's paid parking runs May 1 to October 15.
Can you take the train to Salisbury Beach?
Partly. Take the MBTA commuter rail to Newburyport, then the MVRTA bus to Salisbury Beach Center.
Where is the parking for Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
Inside the reservation on State Reservation Road, Salisbury, MA 01952, near the campground and the south end of the beach.