Summer Visitors to Salisbury & Plum Island

The construction on the Salisbury jetty has only had a minor impact on the summer visitors boating in the Merrimack River, visiting Salisbury Beach State Reservation, or fishing off the north end of Plum Island. There had been some concerns before construction began, that summer beach goers and tourists would go elsewhere along the coastline. On the recent hot days, the main beach parking lot at the state reservation has been nearly full. The trucks hauling stones in from a quarry in Rhode Island have had to share the reservation road with car loads of beach goers.

The north end of Plum Island along the Merrimack River is great place for a picnic on the beach. It is rarely crowded because there is no swimming along this stretch of beach due to strong currents. It is a great place to get a view of construction  on the jetty.

A sail boat navigates the channel heading into Newburyport Harbor.

On a clear day, you can see the Isles of Shoals in the distance. (Click on the photo to enlarge it)

The mouth of the Merrimack River can be busy on some days with sail and power boat traffic.

This is favorite location for striped bass fisherman. they setup of their poles in standings and enjoy the day in their beach chairs as they hope to catch "stripers" for dinner.

A couple takes advantage of the empty lifeguard stand to get a nice view.

At the Salisbury Beach State Reservation, beach goers setup for the day outside of 

the construction area.

A good part of the main parking lot remains open while construction is ongoing.