Discover Essex
115 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Hammond Castle Museum
This European-style castle offers unique architecture and overlooks the Gloucester shoreline. It provides spectacular views and is a popular spot for photo shoots.
Crane Beach, Ipswich
Known for its beautiful dunes and scenic coastline, Crane Beach is ideal for landscape and waterscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Crane Estate
A large estate with coastal views, hiking trails, and diverse landscapes, ideal for capturing natural beauty and architecture.
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
This historic estate in Ipswich offers elegant architecture and beautiful gardens, ideal for architecture and portrait photography.
The Crane Estate (Ipswich)
A large estate with vast landscapes, beaches, and gardens, offering a variety of photography opportunities.
Hammond Castle
A medieval-style castle with beautiful ocean views, perfect for capturing unique architecture and scenic landscapes.
Motif #1
A historic red fishing shack turned into a symbol of Rockport, known as the most painted building in the world. Located at the end of Bradley Wharf, it offers iconic views for photography.
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
A 40-room mansion with diverse collections of folk art and antiques, along with beautifully maintained gardens. It offers a unique blend of architectural and natural photography opportunities.
Crane Beach
Known for its soft white sand and scenic dunes, Crane Beach is an ideal location for capturing natural landscapes and beach scenes.
Marblehead Lighthouse and Chandler Hovey Park
This iconic park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Marblehead Harbor. The lighthouse, built in 1896, is a unique subject for photography, especially during sunset or when the moon rises. The area is popular for picnics and offers a tranquil atmosphere with sailboats passing by.
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate Gardens
Stunning gardens and well-manicured paths, perfect for capturing garden and landscape photography.
Cape Ann
A region with diverse landscapes and seascapes, offering opportunities for nature, landscape, and waterscape photography.
Motif #1 (Rockport)
A small red fishing shack located at the end of Bradley Wharf, offering a classic coastal scene for photography.
The Headlands
A photographer's paradise known for its scenic views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. Located close to Bearskin Neck, it offers a tranquil, natural setting.
Wingaersheek Beach
Located in Gloucester, Wingaersheek Beach is known for its unique rock formations and tidal pools. It's an excellent spot for nature and landscape photography, especially during low tide.
Old Town Hill
Features salt marshlands, woodlands, and open fields with scenic trails, offering a variety of natural landscapes for photography.
Castle Hill
Features stunning gardens and a historic mansion, perfect for capturing architectural and garden photography.
Jeremiah Lee Mansion
A well-preserved colonial Georgian mansion built in 1768, offering a fascinating subject for architectural photography.
Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial
This iconic bronze statue honors the city’s seafaring legacy, particularly the fishermen who braved the Atlantic Ocean. It stands majestically on the waterfront, offering a poignant reminder of Gloucester’s maritime heritage.
Manchester Harbor
A quaint harbor with sailboats and picturesque surroundings. Perfect for nautical and landscape photography.
Moon Thacher Island Twin
A scenic island with twin lighthouses, offering captivating coastal views and interesting architectural details.
Annisquam Light
A historic lighthouse located on the Annisquam River. Offers beautiful coastal views and interesting architectural details.
Good Harbor Beach
A popular beach known for its soft sand and scenic coastline. It's perfect for capturing beach activities and sunset views.
Long Hill
Known for its lush gardens and open fields, Long Hill is a picturesque location for outdoor, nature, and wedding photography.
Stevens Coolidge Place
A picturesque garden setting in Andover, ideal for family portraits and garden photography.
Marblehead Harbor
A picturesque harbor with a mix of natural beauty and architectural charm, suitable for waterscape and architectural photography.
Colby Farm
A farm famous for its sunflower fields, offering bright and majestic scenes late in August.
Fort Sewall
Overlooking Marblehead Harbor, this 17th-century fort provides panoramic views of the harbor and is a great spot to capture the lighthouse from a different vantage point. It also offers walking paths and grassy areas ideal for photography.
Stacy Boulevard Garden Displays
Located along Gloucester’s waterfront, these vibrant garden displays are perfect for capturing colorful blooms and waterfront scenery during the spring and summer months.
Hammond Castle (Gloucester)
Although not in Rockport, it is nearby and offers a mix of medieval architecture and ocean views, making it a great spot for unique photography.
Lighthouse Point
Another name for the area around the Marblehead Lighthouse, offering spectacular views of the harbor and ocean.
Plum Island Beach
A beach location in Newburyport, excellent for capturing relaxed family moments and beach scenes.
Gloucester Working Waterfront
This bustling area showcases Gloucester's maritime industry with fishing vessels and historic buildings. It's a vibrant spot for capturing the city's active waterfront life.
Cape Ann Museum
Celebrating the art, history, and culture of Cape Ann, this museum features a fine marine art collection and a Fresnel Lens from Thacher Island.
Rocky Neck Art Colony
A historic art colony with numerous galleries and studios, offering opportunities to capture artistic street scenes and local culture.
Bearskin Neck
A charming beachside village with quaint shops and seaside character, perfect for capturing coastal charm.
Gloucester's Working Waterfront
This bustling area presents a blend of maritime history and modern commerce, with fishing vessels and traditional schooners, making it ideal for documentary and street photography.
Marblehead Historic District
A charming area with old, colorful homes, winding roads, and stunning architecture. It is an artist’s dream for capturing unique street photography.
Gloucester Harbor
A bustling harbor with fishing boats and scenic views, ideal for capturing maritime and coastal scenes.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
This nature reserve offers stunning backdrops of forests, meadows, wetlands, and trails, perfect for capturing wildlife and natural landscapes. Unique features include a historic mill and a covered bridge.
Half Moon Beach
Located within Stage Fort Park, this crescent-shaped beach offers charming views and a picturesque shoreline perfect for capturing beach scenes.
Hellcat Dunes Loop
This location offers a scenic boardwalk path with views of three-story-high dunes, suitable for capturing unique landscapes and sunset scenes.
Emerson Point
A scenic overlook offering beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge offers a fantastic opportunity to capture wildlife and natural landscapes, especially during the summer months.
Steel Derrick Quarry
An abandoned quarry with dramatic rock formations. Offers unique opportunities for capturing industrial and natural landscapes.
Devereux Beach
A beautiful beach with a picturesque background, perfect for capturing the serene moments of the ocean and the surrounding coastline. It is also a popular spot for sunset photography.
Ipswich River Watershed
A natural area with diverse wildlife and scenic views, ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
Atlantic Path
A scenic coastal path offering picturesque views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs, perfect for landscape photography.
Devereux Beach and the Causeway
This beach offers a beautiful causeway that connects to a small island, providing a unique perspective for capturing beach scenes and coastal landscapes.
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
A natural area with diverse wildlife and scenic views, ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
Maritime Gloucester
A maritime center showcasing Gloucester's fishing industry history and marine life. It offers opportunities to document educational exhibits and marine activities.
Abbot Hall
A historic building famous for its architecture and the 'Spirit of '76' painting, making it a great spot for architectural and historical photography.
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
A scenic drive that offers views of the coastline and surrounding landscapes, ideal for capturing dynamic roadside scenes.
Appleton Farms
A scenic farm with rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, ideal for nature and landscape photography.
.jpg)
Stage Fort Park
A scenic park with picnic areas and walking trails, offering views of the harbor and surrounding landscape.
Essex River
A scenic river with charming boats and historic buildings, offering opportunities for waterscape and architectural photography.
Annisquam Village
A quaint village with historic homes and charming streets, perfect for capturing rustic street scenes and local architecture.
Bradstreet Farm
A rustic farm offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Old Garden Path
A scenic walking path with lovely views of coastal banks and seaside homes, offering a peaceful setting for photography.
Old Burial Hill
A historic cemetery with old graves and a scenic view of Marblehead Harbor, perfect for capturing the town's history and its connection to the sea.
Addison Gallery of American Art
Located in Phillips Academy, this gallery offers a mix of modern architecture and art, suitable for architecture and art photography.
Babson Boulder Trail, Gloucester
A scenic hiking trail with inscribed boulders. Great for nature and inspirational photography.
Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School
A campus with diverse landscapes and structures, providing a mix of natural and architectural photography opportunities.
Little Harbor
A picturesque harbor with sailboats and yachts, offering a serene backdrop for capturing maritime life and peaceful landscapes.
Breakheart Reservation
A 640-acre park offering diverse landscapes including forests, hills, and bodies of water. It's perfect for capturing nature and wildlife photography.
Weir Hill
Located in North Andover, Weir Hill offers picturesque views from its summit, making it ideal for capturing panoramic natural landscapes.
Sandy Point State Reservation
Located on Plum Island, this area offers scenic beaches and salt marshes, ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Marblehead Neck
A scenic area perfect for capturing sunrise when the sky is painted with vibrant colors. It offers a serene landscape with the ocean in the background.
Cripple Cove
A quiet cove with historic significance, offering serene views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
Wenham Town Forest
A forested area with opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
Ward Reservation
Offering diverse landscapes and scenic views, Ward Reservation is another excellent location for nature and landscape photography.
Abbot Hall and Washington Square
This historic site features Abbot Hall, a building with a clock tower offering views of the town. It's ideal for street photography and capturing Marblehead's architecture.
Holt Hill
A scenic hill in Andover with expansive views, ideal for panoramic landscape shots.
Hamilton Wenham Public Library
A modern building with a striking facade, perfect for capturing architectural detail.
Wenham Lake
A scenic lake with surrounding woods, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Goldthwait Reservation
A nature preserve with walking trails and scenic views, ideal for capturing wildlife or nature photography.
Goldthwait Beach
A scenic beach with a picturesque backdrop, perfect for capturing beach landscapes and sunsets.
Lynnfield Meeting House
A historic structure with a rich history, featuring oak frames and pine pews from the early 19th century. It offers a blend of colonial architecture and community significance.
Spiggot Falls River Walk
A scenic river walk with natural beauty, offering opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
Harbor Walk
A scenic path along the harbor, offering opportunities to capture the boats and the surrounding landscape.
Jodrey State Fish Pier
A bustling spot for photography, especially for capturing fishing boats and harbor scenes.
Brooksby Farm
A scenic farm with orchards, offering a rustic backdrop for nature and landscape photography. Capture the beauty of seasonal fruits and flowers.
Wenham Town Hall
A historic building with a charming facade, suitable for capturing architectural details and local historical significance.
Shore Road
Shore Road runs along the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. It is ideal for capturing scenic drives and coastal photography.
Stevens-Coolidge Place to Weir Hill Trail
A scenic trail connecting Stevens-Coolidge Place to Weir Hill, offering opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
Salisbury State Park
A scenic park with access to Plum Island and the beach, offering opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
Marblehead Neck Beach
A scenic beach area with opportunities for capturing ocean views and beach activities.
Phillips Academy Campus
A historic campus in Andover with a mix of old and new architecture, making it suitable for architecture and educational photography.
Woman's Club
A historic building with unique architecture, offering opportunities for architectural photography.
Stevens Pond
A serene location with a weir, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Gerry's Pond
A serene pond with a walking path, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Sandy Bay Yacht Club
A spot to capture serene views of Sandy Bay and the surrounding marina activity.
Edgewood Farm Trail
A scenic trail in North Andover that offers unique views of Lake Cochichewick, suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Crocker Park
A scenic park with a playground and walking paths, offering opportunities for capturing family or outdoor activities.
Hamilton Public Safety Building
A contemporary structure with a blend of form and function, offering opportunities for urban photography.
Lake Cochichewick
A serene lake in North Andover, ideal for capturing reflective landscapes and nature photography.
Beverly Farms Train Station
This historic train station provides a quaint backdrop for portraits and architectural photography. Its nostalgic charm is enhanced by the surrounding greenery.
Downtown Andover
The historic downtown area offers a mix of old and new architecture, making it suitable for street and architecture photography.
Parker River Bridge
A scenic bridge offering views of the Parker River and surrounding marshlands, ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Old Garden
A scenic area with beautiful views of gardens and coastal banks, offering serene photography opportunities.
Centre Farm - The 1785 Reverend John Mottey House
A colonial-era house reflecting Lynnfield's historical past, offering a picturesque setting for architectural photography.
Marblehead Community Center
A community hub with a playground and walking areas, offering opportunities for capturing family or outdoor activities.
Shawsheen Village
A charming historical area in Andover, offering opportunities for architecture and street photography.
Graffiti Andover Walkabout
A vibrant location featuring street art, suitable for urban and portrait photography.
Marblehead Museum & Historical Society
A collection of historic buildings housing exhibits and galleries, offering a backdrop for architectural and historical photography.
Mt. Pleasant Street
A street with charming shops and a view towards Motif #1, offering a mix of street and architectural photography.
Shawsheen Square
This charming square provides opportunities for street and architectural photography, with a mix of old and new buildings.
Dock Square
A central area with shops and a picturesque view of the harbor, offering a mix of street and harbor photography.
Centre Congregational Church
A religious landmark with distinctive architecture, offering a peaceful and serene setting for photography.
Calvary Christian Church
A modern church with a contemporary design, providing a calm atmosphere for religious and architectural photography.
MarketStreet Lynnfield
A modern shopping and dining area with a mix of contemporary architecture and lively community activities.
Andover Public Library
A modern architectural building in Andover, suitable for architecture and street photography.
Tuck's Candy and the Judy Rotenburg Studio
A charming spot with a mix of local shops and artistic venues, offering opportunities for street and architectural photography.
Ocean Alliance
Near Rockport, it offers unique photo opportunities with its coastal setting and marine life.
Kimball's Starlight Ballroom (Historic Site)
Though not active, this historic site can offer insights into Lynnfield's past entertainment venues. Photographing the current state can provide a nostalgic or abandoned feel.