Plum Island Beach Conditions & Surf Report

Plum Island is a barrier island on the North Shore known for the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, one of New England's premier birding destinations, and long, natural, dune-backed Atlantic beaches. Quiet and wild, it draws birders, beachcombers, and those seeking an uncrowded shore north of Boston. The North Atlantic here is cold even in summer — typically the low-to-upper 60s°F at the August peak — and cold the rest of the year. Check the safety flag and rip-current risk above, be ready for cold water, and swim near a lifeguard.