Does anyone have suggestions on a good parking location (preferable no fee/minimal fee), to access the following areas:

1.  "Manchester by the Sea":  specifically a paddle from/to West Beach area in Beverly along the coastline to Kettle Island?

2. A paddle out to Childrens Island, Bakers Island, Misery Island areas? (Used to park at Devereux but now they charge $20, so looking for other parking spots)

 

Thank you,

Bob K.  

Bob,

It is challenging finding a spot, especially for a group in these popular areas. 

Just yesterday the Wednesday Lunch Paddle launched at Winter Island Park in Salem.   We paddled a good bit of Salem Sound including most of the spots you mention. The parking/launching fee is $10 weekdays and $15 weekends. Winter Island Park | salemma

One option to a Manchester by the Sea launch to cover the similar area is to launch from Pavilion Beach on Western Harbor in Gloucester.  There is a small parking lot but also on street parking.   Weekends are very busy here. Ita about 3nm to Kettle Island and ~5nm to Manchester. Gloucester Beaches - Detailed Information | Gloucester, MA - Official Website (gloucester-ma.gov)

Others may chime in with local knowledge of specialty places. 

I'm planning on checking out the boat ramp by the HS in Gloucester. Also, be aware of the Greasy Pole event in Gloucester at Pavilion that is tied to the St. Peter's Fiesta coming up late June. 

Yes, another local option.

However, I wouldn't recommend the Blyman Canal on the weekend especially in the summer.  Lots of powerboat traffic in a very confined space.  It's not for the faint of heart. 

Lynch Park in Beverly is another spot that’s accessible with lots of parking. They do charge a fee but not as much as Riverhead: 15 during week, 25 on holidays. 

There’s also Tuck Point in Beverly (not TUCKS point in Manchester) which has limited nearby on street parking and is free. 

Can't find "Tuck Point in Beverly" on Floatingtrails Joe.  Is it on there?

Some good options for us maybe.

Try Google maps Barb. 

Tuck Point is also called Sandy Point Beach.  At the end of Water St.  It's indicated as an access point on floatingtrails under the name Sandy Point Beach.

Thanks Joe and Fred!

Re this: <I'm planning on checking out the boat ramp by the HS in Gloucester>

You will find that you are chased away as soon as you have unloaded your boat beside the ramp due to continuous trailer traffic and parking is not easy any more since most of the parking spots are marked "for trailer parking only"!  Use of the ramp itself is not recommended or necessary since (a) there is a charge for its use and (b) you can launch your little boat just beyond the ramp itself.  Car/truck/trailer traffic is heavy at weekends at this spot.  Pavilion beach is usually more convenient and certainly quieter.