BEACHES
WHALE
WATCHING & CHARTER
FISHING
KAYAKING & WATER
SPORTS
FESTIVALS
& PARTIES
PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS
BIRD
WATCHING
LIGHTHOUSES
MAN
AT THE WHEEL STATUE
TOURS
& CRUISE SHIPS
VISITING
SAILORS GUIDE
|
BEACHES
Gloucester's
famous beaches are perfect spots to walk, swim or just relax.
Bring a book and enjoy the day. Alcohol is not allowed on any
beaches. Dogs are not allowed on beaches from May
1st to September 15th. Please
respect our litter laws and help keep our beaches and parks clean.
Gloucester has adopted a "Carry In, Carry Out" policy
at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, Niles Beach and Plum
Cove Beach. Visitors should be prepared to carry any trash out
with them when they leave. Good Harbor and Wingaersheek
both have a wheelchair designed to navigate over the sand. If
you have this need, contact the head lifeguard or ask one of
the beach personnel. Many local accommodations offer special beach
parking for guests and parking is always free in the evenings.
You can also walk or bike to beaches at no charge.
For
any questions relating to resident beach stickers, use
of beaches, etc. contact the Department of Public Works,
Beach and Parks Department, at (978) 281-9785. This
is the number that should be used for school groups and private
parties looking to use the parks and beaches for outings.
 |
Good
Harbor Beach
Located
on Thatcher Road, Rte. 127A - This is a beautiful beach
with lovely, white sand facing the Atlantic. There is
a concession stand, rest rooms, and showers. Parking
fee is $20 during the week per car; $25, weekends and
holidays. Parking is limited so plan to arrive early.
Driving Directions: Take Rte. 128
into Gloucester. Follow the signs for East Gloucester/Rockport.
Go through two rotaries. Go through the first set of lights.
At the second set of lights take a left onto Bass Avenue.
Follow that for about a mile. At the intersection of Bass
Avenue and Thatcher Rd. Take a left. You will see the beach
off to the right.
Reminder: This is a carry-in/carry-out beach.
You must take your trash with you. Nothing should be left
behind but your footprints. |
 |
Wingaersheek
Beach
Situated
in the western part of Gloucester on Atlantic Street
off Rte. 133 and Concord Street, this beautiful beach
is along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. There is
a concession, rest rooms and showers. Parking fee is
$20 during the week per car; $25, weekends and holidays.
Parking is limited so plan to arrive early. Both Concord
and Atlantic Streets are narrow roads with many curves.
Please drive carefully and observe the speed limits for
your own safety.
Directions: Take Rte. 128 to Exit
14. At the bottom of the ramp, take a right onto Rte. 133.
About a mile on the left you will see a small traffic island
with a sign saying Wingaersheek Beach. Take this left. This
is Concord St. Follow until you reach another traffic island
on the corner of Concord and Atlantic St. Take a right. Follow
this along to the beach.
Reminder: This is a carry-in/carry out beach.
You must take your trash with you. Nothing should be left
behind but your footprints. |
 |
Niles
Beach
This beach is located on Eastern Point Road. It
has a wonderful view of Gloucester Harbor.
This beach is sticker parking only.
Reminder: This is a carry-in/carry out beach. You must take
your trash with you. Nothing should be left behind but your
footprints. |
 |
Pavilion
Beach
The beach is located on the eastern end of Stacy
Boulevard. It can be accessed from the Boulevard or through
Beach Court. There is no dedicated parking lot for this
beach.
Pavillion
Beach is the site of Gloucester's annual Greasy Pole
Walk Competition. The pole is shown in the photo at left. |
 |
Plum
Cove Beach
Located on Washington Street in the northern section of the
City, this beach looks out to Ipswich Bay.
This
beach is sticker parking only.
Reminder: This is a carry-in/carry out beach. You must take your
trash with you. Nothing should be left behind but your footprints. |
 |
Cressy
and Half Moon Beaches
Half
Moon is a lovely small beach ideal for families with
children. Cressy's Beach is a rocky, more natural beach.
Both are accessed from Stage Fort Park. There is a fee for
parking in the Stage Fort Park lot.
Directions: Take Exit 14 off Rte.
128. At the bottom of the ramp, take a right onto Rte. 133.
Follow to the end with the harbor in front of you. Go right.
The Park is located on the left. Parking
is $10 per car weekdays, $15 weekends and holidays.
|
 |
Long Beach
Gloucester shares Long Beach with the town of Rockport.
It is a long, sandy beach perfect for picnics and long
walks. It is located off of Thacher Road just beyond Good
Harbor Beach. There is private parking in the area as well
as motels and cottages which provide parking for their
guests.
Driving
Directions: Take Rte. 128 into Gloucester.
Follow the signs for East Gloucester/Rockport. Go
through two rotaries. Go through the first set of
lights. At the second set of lights take a left onto
Bass Avenue. Follow that for about a mile. At the
intersection of Bass Avenue and Thatcher Rd. Take
a left. Proceed past Good Harbor Beach and take a right
onto Rockport Road. |
|
