Gloucester, Massachusetts, situated on Cape Ann on the north shore of Boston, is called America’s First Seaport. The setting of many motion pictures equivalent to CODA and The Perfect Storm and the TV present Wicked Tuna, Gloucester is picturesque and gives numerous issues to do with youngsters, particularly in the summertime months. It’s nice for a weekend getaway or a street journey from Boston. Read our favourite issues to do in Gloucester MA with youngsters.
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Things to Do in Gloucester MA With Kids
Location of Gloucester
Gloucester is situated north of Boston on the North Shore. It’s on Cape Ann, which is separate (and in an wrong way) from Cape Cod. You might do a day journey from Boston and even New Hampshire, though it’s possible you’ll wish to spend greater than at some point.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Do you wish to expertise deep-sea fishing for your self? It may be such a enjoyable option to actually see what goes into the fishing trade in Gloucester. Luckily, there are deep-sea fishing journeys and charters you could e-book for a half-day, 3/4 of a day, or a full day, relying in your plans.
On these journeys, you’ll go on a ship to fish for haddock, cod, and different native fish. Many of those fishing charters will allow you to carry house a cleaned fish to cook dinner at house or at a neighborhood restaurant. Check the main points earlier than reserving.
Depending on the constitution you select, you’ll in all probability be supplied with fishing provides, otherwise you could possibly carry your personal when you’ve got them. Again, verify the precise particulars of whichever constitution you select. My son did this as a part of a birthday celebration for one among his mates, and he actually loved it (and we liked having the native meals to cook dinner!).
Many of those charters take off proper down the road from the Downtown space proper by the Gloucester Harbor.
Whale Watching in Gloucester
Whale watching is a enjoyable exercise that households can get pleasure from collectively. In Gloucester, there are a number of totally different whale-watching firms you could e-book a visit with throughout your loved ones trip.
While seeing a whale is rarely a assure, these whale-watching firms typically have a really excessive success charge of whale sightings on their journeys. These are longer journeys, and it takes some time to get to the realm of the Atlantic Ocean the place the whales frolic.
Be certain to arrange correctly to your tour. It may be chillier on the water, so that you’ll need layers, in addition to sunscreen. If you might be susceptible to seasickness, you’ll wish to be ready for that as effectively.
Check along with your particular constitution to seek out out whether or not snacks are offered onboard. You might have to carry money to pay for snacks whereas in your journey.
Beaches in Gloucester
There are a number of attractive seashores in Gloucester which are good for a low-key seaside day. These lovely seashores are among the many finest seashores in Massachusetts.
Our private favourite of the Gloucester Beaches is Good Harbor Beach. This attractive seaside gives a paid parking zone, a snack bar, and altering rooms/restrooms. During low tide, you’ll be able to stroll over to Salt Island to discover. It’s one among my favourite seashores within the space.
Another fashionable seaside in Gloucester is Wingaersheek Beach. Like Good Harbor, this seaside gives a concession stand, altering rooms, and restrooms. Parking reservations are actually required at these seashores – you will get particulars on the Gloucester web site.
There are numerous different seashores within the space, together with Long Beach (which can also be partly in Rockport), Plum Cove Beach, Cressy’s Beach, Half Moon Beach (situated in Stage Fort Park), and Niles Beach. A Gloucester seaside sticker could also be required if you wish to park at these seashores. Check all present seaside data on the Gloucester web site.
Afternoon in Rockport
Rockport Massachusetts borders Gloucester, and it’s the right spot for a day journey. If you wish to do some buying throughout your journey, you’ll discover quaint retailers and boutiques in historic Bearskin Neck. Metered parking is offered, after which you’ll be able to simply stroll round this pedestrian space.
If the climate is good, it’s possible you’ll contemplate getting a scrumptious lobster roll at Roy Moore Lobster after which consuming outdoors on their again deck. Arrive early or after the lunch rush to get a desk. The views are exceptional, particularly on a transparent day.
There are additionally numerous quaint and scrumptious ice cream retailers in Bearskin Neck in case you are in search of a deal with. Also you should definitely take a look at Motif #1, a well-known purple fishing shack that may be seen proper from Bearskin Neck. It’s the most effective locations to stroll round.
Rockport gives different points of interest along with Bearskin Neck. This consists of Halibut Point State Park.
Where to Eat in Gloucester MA
As you’d count on, there are some scrumptious seafood eating places in Gloucester. Here are a few of our favourite eating places:
Tonno Gloucester: This Italian restaurant gives a number of the finest pasta dishes round, together with scrumptious seafood. Get their well-known bluefin tuna if it’s at the moment out there. Make reservations, as it is a fashionable eating location. They not too long ago added a phenomenal new patio for outside seating.
Blue Collar Lobster: Order on the window, after which carry your meals to one of many many outside waterfront tables. While seafood is clearly the principle attraction right here, those that don’t love seafood will discover some choices on the menu. They additionally supply a full bar.
Bishco Gloucester: For one thing a bit totally different, go to this downtown store providing gourmand sandwiches, roll-ups, and salads.
Long Beach Dairy Maid and Surfside Subs: We visited this sub store and adjoining ice cream stand a number of instances throughout our journey. Portions are big (particularly for the ice cream and pizza), and it’s a fantastic informal spot for meals.
Sightseeing in Gloucester
Gloucester is gorgeous, and also you’ll wish to stroll round and discover the surroundings. Don’t miss the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial Monument and Fisherman’s Wives Memorial, which is situated alongside the waterfront. It’s close to Stage Fort Park, the place you’ll discover customer data, strolling trails, and extra.
There’s additionally the Rocky Neck artwork colony, the place you’ll discover artwork galleries, retailers, and eating places.
Where to Stay in Gloucester MA
While Gloucester MA could be a nice day journey from Boston, or a part of a better New England street journey, there are additionally some locations to remain in Gloucester. Vacation houses are particularly fashionable and may be booked via fashionable trip house rental firms the native firm Atlantic Vacation Homes.
Two of the extra fashionable motels are the Atlantis Oceanfront Inn and the Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks. We didn’t keep at these, as a substitute choosing a trip house. However, these are the 2 I’d contemplate if we selected a resort.
You may discover close by locations to remain on this map (affiliate hyperlinks).
