Good Harbor Beach

Neighborhood or Village: East Gloucester

The most well-known and popular beach in Gloucester, and for good reason. The beach has sugar-soft 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. 

Wingaersheek Beach

Neighborhood or Village: West Gloucester

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. 

Pavilion Beach

Neighborhood or Village: Central Gloucester

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 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.  

Learn more about the St. Peter's Fiesta

Halfmoon Beach at Stage Fort Park 

Neighborhood or Village: Central Gloucester 

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 when the beach shrinks. 

Niles Beach

Neighborhood or Village: East Gloucester, by Rocky Neck

Parking: 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. 

Learn more about The Rocky Neck Art Colony

Gray Beach (Magnolia Beach)

Neighborhood or Village: Magnolia

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. 

Trail Info and Map 

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. 

To learn more about parking at Long Beach, visit: longbeachparkinglot.com

Plum Cove Beach

Neighborhood or Village: Lanesville

Snorkeling enthusiasts take note. You will need to be dropped off by rideshare to access this beach. There is no visitor parking available. For this reason Plum Cove Beach would usually be left off a tourist guide. However,  for snorkelers, this beach is a hidden gem. At high tide it is one of the better small beaches on Cape Ann, but at low tide the cove is an excellent place for exploring a lively habitat.