Updated in 2025
Pavilion Beach is once again open to visitors. This is a public area of the city where you can be on all sandy areas, including those behind the retaining wall. The Department of Cemeteries and Parks maintains the beach. Pavilion Beach offers easy access to the water and picturesque views and is next to Great Neck Park.
Notably, from May 15 to September 15, parking spaces near the beach are reserved exclusively for residents. This rule applies to both parking lots and adjacent roads. To avoid misunderstandings, visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with the applicable parking rules and regulations, which are available on the city’s official website.
Local authorities emphasize the importance of complying with these rules. According to administration representatives, the main goal is to ensure comfort and safety for local residents during the high season. This is especially true on weekends and holidays, when the number of people wanting to visit the beach increases significantly.
What you should know before visiting Pavilion Beach:
- All sandy areas are open to the public
- Parking and roads near the beach are for residents only during the summer season
- Information signs with the current rules are posted
- The beach is maintained by the Parks Department and cleaned daily
- Great Neck Park is nearby and is a great place for a walk
In addition, new signs and information boards have been installed at Pavilion Beach this season. They help visitors find their way around more quickly, learn the boundaries of the public area, and understand the rules. There are also plans to increase the number of park staff who will provide explanations and monitor compliance with the rules.
Local residents have also requested more trash cans and containers to keep the beach clean. The administration has already promised to purchase additional containers and increase the frequency of their maintenance.
Old News: Pavilion Beach Became “Residents Only” During the Pandemic
In 2020, city authorities temporarily restricted access to Pavilion Beach to Ipswich residents only as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. Despite the limits, the restriction
came into force amid large crowds gathering on the beach.
City manager Tony Marino told a council meeting that despite the official decision, the number of cars at the beach remained high on weekends. This raised concerns and sparked discussion about closing the car park while maintaining access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Possible measures and residents’ reactions
Council members considered various scenarios, from closing the beach on weekends to introducing an alternating access schedule. The need to install temporary barriers and call in the police to control the situation was also discussed.
Then, Council President William Whitmore suggested keeping the beach open on weekdays when the flow of people decreases. However, closing the parking lot could have led to cars appearing in residential neighborhoods near the beach. Residents expressed concerns about noise, traffic jams, and litter.
Resident and council member Kerry Makin emphasized that for many, Pavilion Beach is a place to watch the sunrise or moonrise. She suggested keeping access open in the early hours when the beach is tranquil.
Following the discussions, the authorities monitored the situation regularly and revisited the issue as necessary. The main priority remained public safety and compliance with health regulations.