Free parking after 5pm to avoid $15 MA residents parking and the crowds. Lots of private, residents parking so be careful to park at parking lots with signs for Plum Island beach parking. There are also a few restaurants with beach access but we decided to go to the official Plum Island Beach parking lot. We went on the flat, black carpet on the sands type path to go to the beach, instead of the wooden boardwalk. Stay close to the middle of the path, behind the ropes because there are some poison ivy around the path. There were some remains of concrete structure at the end of the path. The tide was high when we went there and current was pretty strong so be careful.

I have wanted to see Plum Island for a few years now and lucky was able to this weekend! This is a clean and beautiful area. It is so unique, smaller and private with lots of shells, fishing and a fantastic view of the boat activity in the Merrimack river and Atlantic. We spent the afternoon on the beach and then came back to watch the sunset

Even late in the season, you'll want to arrive after 5:00 to avoid paying the $20 parking fee. Free parking and a free sunset- win, win. There are a couple of different official ways to get to the beach. Just look for the path with the least number of people. Walk down to the rocks and use the path that heads up the hill. You'll be treated to a wide expanse of sand and lots of great places to watch the sunset from.

What a fascinating place to explore, great for bird lovers as they have so much bird life here. Nice slow drive around and then a great beach to go and relax on. Definitely will go again..

If you are looking to be seaside in the calm beauty of the New England coast, this is the place to be. There are washrooms available when parking (we paid $15 for the day) and you will have to walk a bit to get to where you can put your chair, but it is worth it. If you have mobility issues, do a bit of research to be sure you won't be disappointed. As someone with mobility concerns, I had to work hard but the views, the peace and quiet, the history and the nature all around was well worth it! Also, since the river meets the sea, you may have to keep your toes out if the bacteria is high but they will inform you via the website and when parking. This is by far a favorite spot for us!

This beach wasn't too crowded when I went and was perfect. There was no trash hanging around anywhere and it seemed well maintained. The parking lot was 20 bucks for the day. The sand on the walk in can get very hot so watch out.

Small parking lot, either take public transportation or arrive early. We just went mid-May so it wasn't that bad and didn't have to pay for parking. The rates on the sign seemed pretty reasonable for it not being in season with all the life guards there. The tide was out so you can walk out on the sand bars. We probably walked 3 miles to one side of the beach then to other, and back to the parking lot. Found a couple crabs that were very photogenic in the low tide.

Some get confused and stop at the first small beach but be sure to drive all the way to the end of the peninsula where the playground is. This is a beautiful beach known for exceptional sunsets. The playground is great. After main hours you can park free.

Nice beach, the water is clean and fresh! Not sure why not many visitors on a Memorial Day! Noticed the water current could be stronger than it seemed. It’s funny that we visited this beach as we heard there’s a lighthouse here, but it turned out to be the shortest and smallest lighthouse I ever seen! Enjoyed my visit though! Also, as recommended by the locals I drove to the Salisbury state reserve beach nearby which is also good.

Lot of new rules,will miss camping there but guess it's for the better, some people just don't respect nature. But still a nice place to go without alot of people being there.

Parking $20 for non residents, multiple paths to the beach. Take the sand one to get about halfway down so you can avoid the crowds, but lets be honest, by 9:30 on a weekend this beach starts to hop. Large cement blocks line the beach, very steep beach, lots of kids, beautiful dunes. Great for surf fishing.

The beach was beautiful No life guard and facility was closed but there were portable restrooms available. Water was perfect temperature and not so deep. The sand bar is an added benefit for small children One of the greatest draw backs were green head flies

What a beautiful little place and nice clean beach. Visiting here in the off-season is a good way to avoid the crowd. There’s a nice stretch of the beach and you’ll only have a few people around. Good place to enjoy the sunset.

I like to come here and fish, swim, or party with the locals. It's good for any and all of these things. They really cracked down on the parking all over the whole island which really bothers me. Decent beach with a jetty and sometimes you can see the sturgeon jumping out past the breakers. You can also occasionally see a tuna head float down the river...

Nice beach.

It is very windy and rough, and the water is not clean. The entrance fee is 20 dollars. There are better beaches; I didn't like it very much.

Quiet beach during off seasons. If you would rather take a walk, there are great trails. Lots of wild life.