Plan Your Visit

Plan a Salisbury Beach visit around three things: the season, where you park, and whether you're staying the night. The DCR reservation is open sunrise to sunset all year, with swimming season from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day and parking fees from May 23 to October 12. Day-trippers pick between the state lot and the town's beach center, campers book a site on ReserveAmerica up to four months ahead, and concertgoers head to the stage on Broadway on summer Saturday nights.

Plan 1: A Beach Day

1. Check the weather and the tide. A falling tide gives you more sand.
2. Park in DCR's lot on State Reservation Road ($14 with Massachusetts plates in season). See parking.
3. Swim near the lifeguards at the beach center in season. See the beach.
4. Walk south to the river mouth and the jetty late in the day.

Plan 2: A Camping Weekend

1. Book a site on ReserveAmerica as soon as your dates open, four months ahead. Summer weekends fill first. See camping.
2. Use the campground map to pick a loop and check your rig fits the site.
3. Buy firewood at the park; you can't bring your own.
4. Walk the nature trail, launch a kayak at the boat ramps, and walk up the beach to the Saturday concert.

Plan 3: Concert and Fireworks Night

1. Check the Salisbury Beach Partnership's calendar for the band and fireworks dates. See concerts and fireworks.
2. Arrive early and park in the town lot or at a meter by Broadway. See the beach center.
3. Bring chairs or a blanket and a jacket for later.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen, water, a hat and an umbrella.
• Beach chairs or a blanket.
• A leash and bags if your dog is coming (and remember the summer beach ban). See dog rules.
• A saltwater fishing permit if you plan to fish.
• No alcohol: it isn't allowed in the reservation.

Accessibility

DCR lists a beach mat, beach wheelchairs, accessible restrooms, accessible camping and an accessible nature center. Call (978) 462-4481 ahead to check a beach wheelchair is free. The town's Welcome Center at the beach center has accessible restrooms.

Nearby

Across the river is Plum Island, with DCR's Sandy Point State Reservation and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. DCR also links Salisbury Beach with Maudslay State Park in Newburyport.