Our Beach Guide
Parking reservations are required at some of Gloucester Beaches
Good Harbor, Wingaersheek, and Halfmoon beaches are by reservation only from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Reservations can be made up to 10 days in advance and will guarantee you have a spot to park. These reservations are required, payment is not accepted at the gate. For info on making reservations, visit: https://gloucester-ma.gov/299/Beach-Information
A quick note: We have noticed that some guests are not big fans of this, and we understand why. We realize that it can be inconvenient for guests who are unwilling or unable to make online reservations. Although a parking reservation system comes with it's own inconveniences, once a reservation is made our guests can be sure that they will be able to access the beach at any time that day without being greeted by the sold out parking signs that used to ruin many trips to Gloucester's beaches.
If reservations are sold out, or if you would like to avoid reservations:
- Before Memorial Day Weekend and after Labor Day, you do not need a reservation. Parking will be free.
- Use rideshare, taxi or public transportation (no walk-on charges)
- Visit after 5:00pm (free parking)
- Visit one of the other beaches on our list below that don't require reservations
Good Harbor Beach
Village: East Gloucester
Parking: Reservations Required
Description: Good Harbor Beach is the most well-known and popular beach in Gloucester, and for good reason. The beach has perfect sand, open ocean views and big waves for surfing and boogie boarding. At high tide the beach has a creek and footbridge on the southern end. At low tide the northern end has a sandbar to access Salt Island.
Our Tip: The walk to Salt Island is beautiful, but don't stay too long. A tide cycle is about 11 hours, so it could be a long night if you get trapped!
Wingaersheek Beach
Neighborhood or Village: West Gloucester
Parking: Reservations Required
Description: Wingaersheek Beach is on the mouth of the Annisquam River. The water is calm, the sand is very soft and the beach has a gentle slope providing lots of shallow water and calm waves. The big rocks are fun for climbing and exploring. At low tide visitors can walk a sand bar up to a half mile long that sticks out into the bay.
Our Tip: The beach is very long, and the water does have a current. Keep an eye at the shore so you don't drift too far from your spot.
Pavilion Beach
Neighborhood or Village: Central Gloucester
Parking: Free along Stacy Boulevard or St. Peter's Square.
Description: Known best for the St. Peter's Fiesta, specifically the 'Greasy Pole' spectacle in which brave locals to walk out on a grease-covered pole over the ocean. The beach is perfectly adequate and has a mix of sand and pebbles. It has somewhat calmer seas, free parking, and is close to downtown for those who want to bundle their beach day with some urban exploration.
Our Tip: If visiting during the annual St. Peter's Fiesta, it will be standing room only. Otherwise, it's a great option for both relaxing or swimming.
Halfmoon Beach at Stage Fort Park
Neighborhood or Village: Central Gloucester
Parking: Reservations Required, or search for free parking along Stacy Boulevard.
Description: Halfmoon Beach is located inside Stage Fort Park. It is in a small moon-shaped cove surrounded by steep cliffs that have remnants (and cannons) from a Revolutionary War fort. It is very popular for families and gatherings. This beach can become overcrowded at times, especially at high tide.
Our Tip: Explore the paths of the park and old fort, walk the flower gardens at Stacy Boulevard, and pack a picnic to enjoy at the top of Tablet Rock to make this a full day by the ocean.
Niles Beach
Neighborhood or Village: East Gloucester, by Rocky Neck
Parking: Free parking on Rocky Neck Ave (1/2 mile away)
Description: Generally a locals beach, but notable for its southwest facing waterfront and close proximity to Rocky Neck Art Colony. On clear days visitors can see a sunset over the water (rare for the east coast), and the Boston Skyline.
Our Tip: This beach is perfect for a evening swim or sunset moment paired with a dinner and drink, or art gallery stroll at Rocky Neck Artist District.
Gray Beach (Magnolia Beach)
Neighborhood or Village: Magnolia
Parking: Free (see description)
Description: This beach is located partly in Magnolia Village, and partly in Manchester-by-the-sea. Much of the beach is private, and a big part of it is for the exclusive use of Manchester Beach Club members. However, a brief, scenic and easier hike can bring you to a public section of the beach that is virtually untraveled. Park at Coolidge Reservation (in Manchester-by-the-sea) and follow the signs to the beach for less than a mile. Enjoy the beautiful views, white sand, and moderate waves in seclusion.
Our Tip: Pack light and arrive early to get one of the 10-20 parking spaces available. On rare occasion, parking may be filled, circle back again after a scenic trip through Magnolia Village or a visit to the Hammond Castle Museum.
Long Beach
Neighborhood or Village: East Gloucester
Parking: Privately owned lot, daily rates apply.
Description: A long, narrow, pristine and sandy beach on the border of East Gloucester and Rockport. It is in the next neighborhood over from Good Harbor Beach. This beach is not on the radar of most travelers, but is just as beautiful. Parking along the street is not allowed; however, a paid privately owned lot has daily rates for visitors, as available at time of arrival or by reservation.
Our Tip: Make sure to visit Long Beach Dairy Maid on the way out.
To learn more about the parking lot at Long Beach, visit: longbeachparkinglot.com
Plum Cove Beach
Neighborhood or Village: Lanesville
Parking: No visitor parking
Description: You will need to be dropped off by rideshare to access this beach. For this reason Plum Cove Beach would usually be left off a tourist guide. However, for snorkeling enthusiasts this beach is a hidden. At high tide it is one of the better small beaches on Cape Ann, but at low tide the cove is the best place around for exploring a lively habitat with just a mask and snorkel.