Best Beaches in Gloucester MA

When discussing seashores in Massachusetts and New England, most individuals concentrate on the gorgeous seashores in Cape Cod, together with the Cape Cod National Seashore. However, there are some attractive seashores in different areas of Massachusetts, particularly North of Boston on the opposite Cape – Cape Ann. Cape Ann is dwelling to the fishing city of Gloucester MA, which presents a number of fantastic seashores which might be nice for households. Here are the perfect seashores in Gloucester, MA.

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Gloucester is positioned North of Boston off Route 128. The closest airport, Logan International Airport, is positioned about 50 minutes away. There are a number of nice Gloucester seashores proper on the town.

The Best Beaches in Gloucester MA – Located on Cape Ann

Note that reservations are actually required for nonresident parking. They can now be made 10 days upfront in season, and refunds aren’t supplied. Cash is now not accepted on the gate.

Wingaersheek Beach

One of the preferred seashores in Gloucester MA is Wingaersheek, positioned within the western a part of Gloucester (on the tip of Atlantic Street). Like different well-liked seashores in the summertime, Wingaersheek has restricted parking that fills up on sizzling days. Don’t overlook to make your parking reservations early.

Wingaersheek Beach has lifeguards on obligation from Memorial Day weekend by means of Labor Day from 9:00 am to five:00 pm each day. Parking opens at 8:00 am in season.

The seashore presents a concession stand (with meals, drinks, and seashore requirements), restrooms, and bathe services. It’s a phenomenal seashore with nice views and could be very well-liked with households.

Good Harbor Beach

My favourite seashore in Gloucester is the attractive Good Harbor Beach. It’s positioned on Thatcher Road/Route 127A, with an adjoining massive parking zone. Like Wingaerseek Beach, parking at Good Harbor Beach through the summer season season might be restricted, particularly on weekends and exceptionally sizzling days. Reservations for parking are required.

Parking is open from 8 am – 9 pm in the summertime, with lifeguards on obligation from 9 am to five pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Restrooms, showers, and a concession stand are supplied till 6 pm in season. It has stunning white sand, and many area for households to unfold out.

During low tide, beachgoers can stroll over to Salt Island. Lifeguards alert guests because the tide begins to alter to excessive tide so you can also make your method again. It’s an excellent little stroll to take if you would like a break from swimming and sunbathing.

Good Harbor Beach can be an excellent seashore for boogie boarding, and styrofoam boogie boards are allowed. Be certain to pack your personal boogie board to make use of on the seashore.

At Good Harbor Beach, you too can discover tide swimming pools and watch the hermit crabs. Bring your personal seashore toys, though you could find some on the concession stand. When my children had been youthful, they cherished taking part in within the tide swimming pools – it’s a enjoyable exercise that’s distinctive to this Gloucester seashore.

As you drive from 128 to Good Harbor Beach, you’ll cross by Shaw’s Supermarket. It’s an excellent spot if you should fill up on any snacks or drinks to your day on the seashore. Although there’s a snack bar, you’ll undoubtedly discover a extra intensive choice on the grocery retailer. Get there early.

Half Moon Beach

Half Moon Beach, named for the form of the seashore, is positioned in Fort Point State Park. This small seashore presents restrooms and lifeguards on obligation from 9 am-5 pm, Memorial Day by means of Labor Day.

Nearby Towns

Gloucester isn’t the one waterfront city on Cape Ann. There is a lot to do in Gloucester, however if you are within the space, you might also wish to go to a few of these different cities.

Manchester-by-the-Sea presents a number of seashores together with White Beach and Singing Beach (named for the sound the sand makes).

Rockport is a must-visit. In addition to seashores (together with Long Beach, Front Beach, and Back Beach), Rockport presents Bearskin Neck, a pedestrian space the place you possibly can store, eat, and discover the waterfront. This could be much less of a seashore day and extra of a vacationer, purchasing day.

Ipswich is most well-known for its clam huts, together with the Clam Box, which is definitely formed like a clam field. There are additionally a variety of seashores in Ipswich together with the favored Crane Beach.

Where to Stay in Gloucester

Cape Ann is a well-liked trip vacation spot for each guests to Massachusetts and native staycationers. Surprisingly, there isn’t an abundance of chain motels within the space. Some of the preferred choices embody:

Check out the map beneath for extra lodging choices. (affiliate hyperlinks)

When we stayed in a single day in Gloucester (relatively than day-tripping), we booked a trip dwelling. There are a number of choices throughout Cape Ann, in varied value ranges. Expect to pay extra if you wish to be inside strolling distance of a seashore.

In addition to the usual trip rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO, you’ll additionally discover some native realtors specializing in the world. We like Atlantic Vacation Homes which presents trip leases North of Boston. A whole lot of these properties ebook early, so that you’ll wish to verify for a house as quickly as you resolve to remain.

While visiting Gloucester, be sure you go to a number of the native eating places. Our favourite is Tonno, an Italian restaurant with scrumptious seafood. If you need ice cream, go to Long Beach Dairy Maid, the right spot for a post-beach deal with.

General Tips for Visiting Beaches in Gloucester MA

These seashores are extremely popular, particularly for Massachusetts residents seeking to calm down on a sizzling summer season day. A seasonal resident seashore sticker is obtainable for Gloucester residents. These seashore stickers can be utilized at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park.

Beach parking can refill on busy sizzling days, particularly for non-residents of Gloucester. Reservations are actually required for parking. There’s additionally a Facebook web page that you could comply with for parking updates.

Some of those seashores limit parking to residents solely – both on a regular basis or simply throughout sure instances. Check their web site earlier than going to ensure parking can be supplied throughout your go to. You can even discover present parking charges on the web site.

Each seashore has its personal insurance policies, however there are a number of guidelines that apply throughout all the greatest seashores in Gloucester MA. Dogs (besides within the low season in some circumstances, in addition to service canines), alcohol, flotation gadgets aren’t permitted.

Riptides might be a problem on the seashores. The Gloucester seashore web site lists this YouTube video as a useful useful resource. Some of the general public seashores have a carry-out coverage for trash, so try to be ready to take all your trash with you.

These seashores might be extremely popular in the summertime, with restricted shade. Therefore, you’ll wish to be sure you have a seashore umbrella or another form of shelter, particularly if going to the seashore with little children. Plenty of sunscreen can be important. Check out our seashore packing checklist right here earlier than going.

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