Major city · United States
Topsfield
Half a day: walk the Parson Capen House, then hike Bradley Palmer State Park. Skip unless you are already on the North Shore for the Topsfield Fair (late September) or a quiet nature stop.
Topsfield is a small inland town on Massachusetts' North Shore, best known for the Topsfield Fair (America's oldest agricultural fair, held since 1818) and two large nature preserves. Most visitors come for the fair or as a quick stop between Salem and Newburyport. Without the fair, the town offers a 17th-century house museum and hiking trails — enough for a morning or afternoon.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–October (fair in late September)
- avoid November–March (many trails and the sanctuary have limited hours or are muddy)
- Airports
- BOS · MHT
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Topsfield911 ▾
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
- Topsfield Police (non-emergency)978-887-1212
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Topsfield, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe town.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 978-887-1212 Topsfield Police (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBOS Boston Logan International (About 40 min drive (45 km (28 mi)) via I-95 and US-1; no direct public transport.).BOS Boston Logan International (About 40 min drive (28 mi (45 km)) via I-95 and US-1; no direct public transport.).
- Getting aroundCar is essential.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (diner)US$2–4
- Sit-down mealDinner entrée at a sit-down restaurantUS$18–30
- Street or quick mealLunch sandwich at a deliUS$8–14
- BeerBeer at a pubUS$6–9
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$30 · Mid US$60 · High US$120
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BOS Boston Logan International (About 40 min drive (45 km (28 mi)) via I-95 and US-1; no direct public transport.) · MHT Manchester-Boston Regional (About 50 min drive (60 km (37 mi)); often cheaper for rental cars.)BOS Boston Logan International (About 40 min drive (28 mi (45 km)) via I-95 and US-1; no direct public transport.) · MHT Manchester-Boston Regional (About 50 min drive (37 mi (60 km)); often cheaper for rental cars.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C) low), wettest May (13 rain days), driest Aug (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Topsfield: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
11 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
10 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
12 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential. US-1 runs north–south through town; local roads connect the state park and sanctuary. No public transit within Topsfield.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 25 min
US-1 south to MA-128 south, about 20 min drive
Combine Topsfield with Salem for a full day.
Door to door: 20 min
US-1 north, about 15 min drive
Waterfront and restaurants; easy after the fair.
Door to door: 15 min
US-1 north, about 10 min drive
Crane Beach and clam shacks.
Door to door: 35 min
US-1 south to MA-128 east, about 30 min drive
Working fishing port and Rocky Neck.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Topsfield centre
No hotels in town; a few B&Bs and inns. Most visitors stay in Danvers, Peabody or Salem.
Danvers / Peabody
10–15 min drive south; chain hotels and motels along US-1.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$30–60 (day trip, no accommodation)
- Mid
- US$60–120 (includes lunch and park fees)
- High
- US$120+ (dinner, winery tasting, B&B)
Trip budget
| Day trip (no overnight)2 × 1 night × US$0 | US$0 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$60 | US$120 |
| Topsfield Fair entry (if attending)2 × US$15 · Parking US$25 extra | US$30 |
| Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary entry2 × US$4 · Adults; seniors/children US$3 | US$8 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$16 |
| Trip total≈ US$87 per person per day, bed included | US$174 |
No hotels in town; budget assumes you sleep elsewhere.
2026 estimate in USD; day-trip only, no accommodation.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (diner) | US$2–4 |
| Lunch sandwich at a deli | US$8–14 |
| Dinner entrée at a sit-down restaurant | US$18–30 |
| Beer at a pub | US$6–9 |
| Gas (per gallon) | US$3.50–4.50 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Topsfield Fair draws heavy traffic on US-1; parking is US$25 (2026 estimate) and fills by midday.
- Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary trails close at dusk; no entry after 4 PM in winter.
- Parson Capen House is open by appointment only — call or check the town website before visiting.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 911
- Topsfield Police (non-emergency)
- 978-887-1212
Pocket card
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TopsfieldTopsfield
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
- Topsfield Police (non-emergency)978-887-1212
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Boston Logan → Topsfield by taxi/rideshare: about US$70–100, 40 min
- Topsfield → Salem by rideshare: about US$20–30, 20 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (HEH-loh)
- Thank you — Thank you (THANK yoo)
- How much? — How much? (how MUCH)
- Where is the bathroom? — Where is the bathroom? (wair iz the BATH-room)
English is universal; no language barrier.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Topsfield. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–October (fair in late September) · avoid November–March (many trails and the sanctuary have limited hours or are muddy) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Topsfield
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