Derby Wharf Beach

Boats regularly anchor in Salem Harbor

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Salem, Massachusetts

Significance:

The first British colonists arrived in Salem by sea in 1626

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

Four historic wharves extend into Salem Harbor at Salem Maritime—remnants of the 50 plus wharves that once lined the harbor during the height of Salem’s international trade. These thin strips of man-made land are perhaps the best remnants of Salem’s Golden Age of Sail. The Derby Wharf Beach is situated between two of these historic wharves, Derby Wharf and Tucker Wharf.

The contrast of the built cultural environment on the shore and the Salem Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean is a defining feature of Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The park has approximately one mile of shoreline around the historic wharves and Derby Wharf Beach on Salem Harbor. This area provides an important viewshed of Salem Sound as well as vital estuarine resources.