Fall in Love with Rockport: Your Future Home by the Sea

Looking to find a new home in Rockport, Massachusetts? You’ll find countless charming places to explore! From the stunning beaches to its vibrant downtown, here are some of the most popular and must-see locations around Rockport that are well worth a visit this upcoming season.

Bearskin Neck

Right off of Dock Square lies Bearskin Neck, right in the heart of Rockport, Massachusetts. Bearskin Neck is one of the most scenic stretches on the North Shore filled with various locally-owned restaurants, shops, and art galleries. This charming little stretch of land is packed with everything one would search for in a hometown—scenic views, delicious eats, hands-on shopping, and a whole lot of small-town coastal magic.

Scattered along the neck are various wharfs that all offer stunning views of Rockport Harbor. The salty breeze, boats bobbing in the harbor, and gulls calling overhead create a scene that feels like a real-life postcard.

Bearskin Neck, a prime location for tourists, welcomes everyone. Art lovers will appreciate the various beautiful galleries and scenery, food enthusiasts can indulge in some of the region’s world-renowned seafood—from fresh lobster rolls to creamy clam chowder—and for the more adventurous little ones, tide pools and rocky shorelines nearby offer endless hours of discovery.

Motif #1

Tucked into the picturesque harbor of Rockport, Massachusetts, Motif #1 stands as an enduring symbol of New England’s coastal charm and artistic legacy, being known as the most painted building in America. This iconic red fishing shack, with its simple form and weather-worn facade, has captured the imagination of painters and photographers for over a century. But beyond its rustic beauty lies a story of resilience, creativity, and community pride.

As early as the mid-1800s, Rockport began attracting painters inspired by its dramatic shoreline and working harbor. When artist and teacher Lester Hornby referred to the shack as “Motif #1” in the early 20th century, the nickname stuck—and the building quickly rose to fame in art circles far beyond the North Shore.

The original structure, a working fishing shack, was destroyed during the Blizzard of 1978. But the town quickly rebuilt it to match the original design, preserving its historic look and cultural importance. Today, Motif #1 is more than just a favorite subject for plein air painters—it’s a symbol of Rockport’s connection to the sea, its artistic soul, and its strong sense of identity.

Shalin Liu

Located right in the heart of Rockport, Massachusetts—a small town known for its rocky shoreline and vibrant arts scene—is a local cultural treasure known as the Shalin Liu Performance Center.

Opened in 2010, the Shalin Liu is a concert hall designed to showcase chamber music and has been a town staple ever since. It beautifully integrates Rockport’s coastal charm with its arts scene. With a scenic view of the ocean right beyond the stage, this 330-seat venue hosts various sorts of classical music, jazz, pop, and folk concerts. It’s a home for Rockport music, providing a welcoming space for both world-renowned performers and community events.

The Shalin Liu is a masterpiece of not only the architecture, but of its acoustics, built with the perfect balance of form and function. The acoustics are warm, rich, and clear—whether you're hearing a solo pianist, a jazz trio, or a full string ensemble. Tied in with the beautiful ambience of crashing waves and passing boats, the Shalin Liu is not only a place for music. It’s an experience.

Rockport Art Association & Museum

As one of the oldest art associations in the country, the Rockport Art Association is a local treasure for artists and art-lovers all around.

The harbors, seascapes, and beautiful villages of Rockport, Massachusetts are one-of-a-kind, so Rockport quickly became a popular location for painters in the late 1800s. Painters here created a community where they taught classes to the public and opened all sorts of galleries across town. So, the Rockport Art Association was founded in 1921 by a group of local artists looking to display Rockport’s gorgeous art scene.

This cozy museum features a collection of famous historical works, and it always has exquisite artwork for sale by highly regarded local artists. There are six different galleries featuring a variety of historical and contemporary artwork, and there is even a beautiful courtyard out back providing beautiful scenery where people can enjoy their lunches and get some fresh air.

With a warm atmosphere and over 13,000 visitors worldwide annually, there is always a place for everyone at the Rockport Art Association.

Halibut Point State Park

Nestled at the northeastern tip of Rockport, Halibut Point State Park offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and ample opportunities to explore.

Previously known as the Babson Farm Quarry, Halibut Point became a hub for granite extraction in the 19th century. The quarry eventually ceased operations in 1929, but its legacy endures. During World War II, a 60-foot fire control tower was constructed on-site to aid in coastal defense. Today, this tower houses a small museum and visitor center, offering insights into both the area's industrial past and its natural wonders.

The Halibut Point Trail—perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and photography—meanders through woodlands, past the quarry pond, and down the beautiful coastline. Along the shore, tide pools teem with marine life, including snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars. The rocky ledges and sweeping ocean vistas make it a haven for nature lovers.

Halibut Point State Park provides diverse experiences with something to offer for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy a quiet escape.

Front Beach

Known as a beach town, Rockport is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches of the North Shore. Front Beach is famous not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its prime location. Situated just a five minute walk right to the downtown area, it offers easy access to both the sand and the various shops, galleries, and restaurants that make the area so inviting. Front Beach provides the ideal setting to spend a relaxing day sunbathing, take a dip in the refreshing waters, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shore.

If you're ready to make Rockport, Massachusetts your home, you'll be surrounded by the beauty and charm of this coastal town every day. From the beautiful beaches and lively downtown to the rich history, Rockport offers an exceptional quality of life. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to enjoy vibrant community life, there's a perfect home waiting for you here.