Plum Island is located off Northern Boulevard in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Plum Island, named after the beach plum shrubs that grow in the dunes, is a popular beach with locals and the surrounding area. The small parking lot limits the size of the crowds, creating a quieter beach experience. The paths to the beach are through dunes and can be a difficult walk; there is a wooden overpass provided. Once on the beach water is only steps away, has a sharp slope, and a strong undertow. The sand has small amounts of debris and seaweed, but nothing that would require water shoes. One of the additional draws to the beach is the location; Plum Island is popular with bird watchers with a variety of migrating birds stopping in the area.