Gloucester

Gloucester is a coastal city on Cape Ann, in Massachusetts. Its fishing heritage is reflected in the harbor-side Fisherman’s Memorial, with a statue and names of those lost at sea. Cape Ann Museum has work by 1800s maritime artist Fitz Henry Lane. East, the sands of Good Harbor Beach extend to Salt Island at low tide. Southwest, 1920s medieval-style Hammond Castle Museum was home to inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr.
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Top attractions in Gloucester

The Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Memorial
1. The Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Memorial
4.8
(168)
Memorial park
Sights & Landmarks
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Beautiful Park. Walking and views.
Overall very nice day me and my wife ate at the lobster land food was very good service was good too meet the cast wicked tuna
Landmarks we Know. Back to Gloucester exploring the coast and the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. We visited this memorial in 1979. It is great to be back to remember our fellow sailors. The inscription is from the Bible, specifically Psalm 107:23, 24, which reads: "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep". #abuelosmochileros_landmarks #abuelosmochileros_gloucester #abuelosmochileros_massachusetts
It is wonderful path in the middle of the city. The flowers are just so beautiful and it makes the walk around there worthwhile. You can see also go in the water as there is a mini beach version of it. You can walk to the rocks and enjoy the view of the water. Ample parking available on the street. The most amusing things is that you can see the bridge open for boats to cross which causes traffic but it's nice to watch. Well maintained and definitely worth stopping here for the walk!
This entire Waterfront area is very nice for walking sitting on a bench looking at the ocean and taking advantage of the lobster roll truck. One of the best lobster rolls I've had in a long time in the ladies running it were so pleasant and when I expressed how good the food was they were genuinely appreciative
Beautiful!!! Walking path right by the water. A park is close with rocks to climb for a better view.. Bonus.. They had flowers beds down the strip between the water and road. 💕
Our walk was extremely pleasant and relaxing despite the slow rain. The park and flower beds are gorgeous.
Beautiful historic town! Recommend stopping by.
Good Harbor Beach
2. Good Harbor Beach
4.7
(2840)
Public beach
Outdoor Activities
Small beach with prime swimming conditions is surrounded by dunes & marshes & has limited parking.
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One of my favorite beaches in MA. At noontime, tide is low, and you can walk out to the island and explore!!! No dogs allowed on the beach in the summer starting April 1 or $300 fine. Also, you need parking passes to come if you are not a resident.
Great beach! We love coming here for the soft sand and fun waves. During low tide there are tide pools and a river the kids can explore, plus an island you can reach via a sandbar. During high tide there’s still plenty of beach. The parking is great - plentiful and stretches across the whole beach, making it easier to spread out and you never have to walk far.
☀️🌊🏖️🦀🐚 Good Harbor Beach is a great beach with plenty of space for lots of people! We had a great time at Good Harbor Beach and caught lots of ☀️! At low tide you can walk across to the island and maybe find some 🦀 The food stand can be slow to order and receive your food so plan accordingly. My lobster roll and fries took 30 minutes to be ready but that was pretty common for everyone there. Overall we had a great time at Good Harbor and will make this one of our top beaches in the area!
We visited Good Harbor Beach in July and really loved it! We booked our parking spot a few days in advance, so when we arrived, we just had to show our reservation — super easy and convenient. We went early in the morning, which allowed us to park close to the beach entrance. People start arriving around noon, so depending on what time you like to enjoy the beach, parking and getting a good spot can be easier or a bit more challenging later in the day. The beach itself is very beautiful, with calm waters that are perfect for families with kids. We had such a relaxing and fun day, and we’ll definitely be coming back next summer!
Although the parking is limited and prices are salty, after 3-3:30pm the parking is free and there's always spaces to park. Short distance between parking lot and the beach, well maintained bathrooms but not so well maintained showers. Clearly a popular beach, by the crowd today. The water was ice cold in early August on a 80F Sunday. The tide rises suddenly in the afternoon, it's a beautiful scene to admire while sunbathing. Very pleasant beachn!
Good parking, well stocked bathrooms, convenient snack stand, helpful walkway mat in the sand leading from the snack stand to the start of the beach, making getting to the beach earlier for anyone with mobility challenges. The views are beautiful, and the beach is clean. My only complaint was people smoking cigarettes which ruined the enjoyment of the fresh air. Also, Keep an eye on your French fries and snacks for some assertive sea gulls.
First time coming here and it was enjoyable. We got there for 8am so there was plenty of parking, I do think $45 with tax $47 this year for parking for non residents is terrible! I did enjoy the fact that there are little waves here so its not a quiet beach. Walking the beach at low tide in the morning was nice, you can go to the puddles around the rocks to see what's in there and also cross the water to the island and climb it which we did not do. There's bathrooms with changing rooms, a food area, and an area that sells beach accessories. The beach at low tide looks very large but when it starts to come i it does get quite narrow. The seagulls are very vicious come lunch time, I saw a few attack people while eating their food.
Good Harbor Beach is a stunning stretch of beautiful white sand facing the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of Gloucester’s most beloved coastal gems. The beach offers perfect conditions for boogie boarding and surfing, while at low tide, visitors can walk out to Salt Island, and at high tide, enjoy body surfing. The beach is well-equipped with concession stands, restrooms, and showers, plus lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. The wide sandy expanse is perfect for long, leisurely strolls by the ocean’s edge, and the views include Salt Island, Thacher Island, and Saratoga Creek.
Hammond Castle Museum
3. Hammond Castle Museum
4.6
(2746)
Museum
Historical landmark
Sprawling medieval-style complex built in the 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond & open for tours.
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A Real-Life Fairy Tale! This place felt absolutely magical to me! Just about an hour’s drive from Boston, it’s the perfect escape from the city. There’s free parking available, though it can get quite packed on weekends—so plan accordingly. You can buy tickets online or in person, and they offer both guided and self-guided tours. We opted for the self-guided one, which gave us plenty of time to explore at our own pace. The castle itself is stunning, with beautifully preserved architecture and scenic views all around. Their guided maps are really helpful and let you soak in both the history and the surroundings. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking for something more meaningful than just another restaurant outing. Highly recommend for a day trip!
The Hammond Castle tour turned out to be an incredible surprise—completely unplanned, yet unforgettable. Stepping inside felt like entering a living medieval castle, still echoing with the presence of its eccentric creator. The stunning collection of art, furniture, and décor, all housed within a custom-designed fortress, revealed the mind of a true inventor who clearly delighted in entertaining, impressing, and astonishing his guests beyond imagination.
Hammond Castle is genuinely magnificent. I first went there because I was hired to be in a film, & it was so beautiful that I immediately knew I had to return as a tourist to explore and learn more about its history. The architecture is stunning, full of unique details, and the views of the ocean are breathtaking. Visiting as a tourist is such a fun experience. The castle isn’t overwhelmingly huge, so you can comfortably see everything in a few hours, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. There are tons of interesting exhibits and historical tidbits about John Hays Hammond Jr. and the castle itself, which makes it feel like stepping back in time. It’s also very photogenic, perfect for anyone who loves photography or just wants a unique day trip. I had an incredible time both being part of a movie there and exploring it on my own. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just looking for a fun and different outing, I highly recommend Hammond Castle!
Beautiful! It’s worth the uber from Salem. I’d recommend getting the ticket that allows you to explore on your own. You can explore most of the grounds without a ticket. But, inside the castle is very much worth the ticketed price. And the workers were very nice and helpful.
It was such an enjoyable experience! The exhibits are well-organized and supported with informative panels. The place is very clean, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Definitely worth a visit!
We took the guided tour. They only really take you into 2 of the rooms and then the rest you just explore. I'd highly recommend doing guided if you want to learn about what an interesting, peculiar guy Hammond was. I had no idea it was basically a castle themed/built museum ABOUT castles. It's a museum about castles, inside a castle. The gift shop will tell you there were 17 cats and he was buried with them, the tour will tell you that the gift shop is making things up and he had maybe 14 the whole 30 some odd years he was there. That was a bummer. The pool room has TONS of hidden gems that you need a guide to tell you. The view outside is amazing. It's definitely something you have to see.
John Hays Hammond Jr built Hammond his oceanside castle between 1926 and 1929 to house his historical artifact collection (Also radio control experiments and inventions). Cant forget the 8.5 ft deep heated swimming pool in his indoor courtyard he built to resemble a 15th century French village square. Goals. It was beautiful and nice to wander around inside and out. Complete with gift shop and wedding venue options the modern day is present here. The $25 admission is bareable because im sure the upkeep is atrocious.
Visited Hammond Castle with my family and really enjoyed it! The castle itself is fascinating, filled with unique artifacts and rich history. Some of the hallways and alleys are narrow, and there are quite a few steps, but the architecture and craftsmanship are beautiful. It was a bit warm during our summer visit, but that didn’t take away from the experience. Definitely worth a stop if you appreciate history and want to explore a truly unique place in the area.
Wingaersheek Beach
4. Wingaersheek Beach
4.6
(1791)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Known for swimming & low-tide exploration, this scenic beach features large boulders & a snack hut.
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Wingarsheek Beach is one of the popular beaches on the North Shore in the Gloucester area, with a wide area for many people to come and enjoy on the weekends. The beach does get pretty crowded even at close to closing, and needs reservations in advance for parking (currently $45 for weekends). The beach itself is really nice, with soft sand, a few rocky areas, and nice clear water to play in or take photos at. It is a perfect area for a beach date or hanging out on the beach for the day if you want to go elsewhere that isn't Cape Cod.
My husband and me visited this beach every year, We love the tranquility of its waters and their crystal-clear waters. This beach is perfect for families with children or for people who don't know how to swim because it's flat and the water doesn't go deeper than knee-deep for several stretches. If you come during the summer, you'll find lifeguards and remember to reserve your parking online several days in advance. 100% recommended 💖
“Beautiful beach with stunning views and very clean surroundings. Parking is $47 on holiday weekends (usually $37).”
Awesome beach with very nice water. The beach runs shallow for almost a mile which provides a lot of playing ground for the kids. One of the downside is the parking which is just so costly ~$50 for non resident parking. However we went in evening at around 5 and at them it's free. There is proper washroom which gets closed by 6pm. There are couple of porta pottys which are available.
Honestly, the beach itself is beautiful—the sand sparkles, and the water is clear. Unfortunately, the experience is overshadowed by how crowded it gets, making it hard to relax. The facilities aren’t great, with bathrooms that aren’t clean and no rinse stations to wash off the sand. Because of this, I have mixed feelings about recommending it. If you’re looking for a calm, peaceful getaway, this may not be the right spot. But if you enjoy a lively, social, party-style beach vibe, you might have a better time here.”
Second or third time visiting one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. Parking lot has to be purchased online with ten days in advance, and it sells out fast. It's almost $50 per car, which would be okay if the bathrooms were in better condition or didn't close before 6pm, and the staff wasn't so utterly rude. This is the safest beach for little children to swim, explore and have fun during summer. I highly recommend it, but make sure to be ready to leave by 5pm or you'll be taking all the sand into your car/house.
Fine sand, big boulders and clear waters in Gloucester. Definitely one of the best beach in the state.
If you’re into a more peaceful ocean experience, this is the place for you! Calm pools and shallow, clear waters make for a delightful experience as you walk out towards the various rock formations. Super munchkin friendly! If you’re wanting to board, go somewhere else, as there are no breakers here, and watch out for the gulls. Those anarchists will snatch food right out of your box as you’re walking away from the snack bar, and should not be trusted. Their beaks are mad sharp yo.
Stage Fort Park
5. Stage Fort Park
4.7
(2656)
Park
Nature & Parks
Beaches, tennis courts, a restaurant, dog park & more on the site of Gloucester's first settlement.
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Even on a foggy day, this park is gorgeous. It’s very walkable with many trails along the harbor, and there are places for you to go onto the beach. This is a lovely and wonderful park that is well-maintained and a highlight of Gloucester. In the summer, it is absolutely beautiful because of all the flowers growing along the trail.
This is a beautiful park, not to be missed. We arrived around 2pm and were able to park for free. The staff at the visitors center was so friendly and helpful. There are plenty of picnic tables under the shade. The view overlooking Half Moon Beach and the harbor is beautiful.
Very great place to take a walk and go fishing. There is a visitor center, if you want to know where you can fish, please ask that lady. They have a bathroom under the patio. Super nice view over there. And free parking lots.
This is a beautiful park with fantastic views. It also has a beach and so much history. My family especially liked seeing the cannons. Unfortunately, we were unable to fully explore the park as we would have liked, due to our schedule, This would definitely be a place that I would go back to. There were many picnicking areas that had shade. The visitor center was well maintained.
The park is 5 stars but there are tons of unleashed dogs, and I stepped in dog poop. People blast awful music and its hard to enjoy any of the spaces here bacause of that. Parking is expensive too. The rules need to be enforced, otherwise youre better off going somewhere else.
Nice park for families. Scenic views of the Atlantic. Good amenities. Beaches are rocky and "swim at your own risk.
such a beautiful spot for the family. playground, trails and the stunning view of the Gloucester Harbor. plenty of picnic tables and you can even grill there.
Far from where we are but well worth it.. had a fantastic family day in a beautiful place with great pictures and you can grill there.. 10/10
Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House
6. Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House
4.7
(173)
Temporarily Closed
Historical place museum
Museums
Tours of a unique, circa-1907 house owned by storied interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper.
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Stunning views and beautiful architecture to photograph a Portrait, Wedding or special event. Check out this recent ceremony taken by me. When booking this location you do not have access to the museum. You only get to use the beautifully landscaped grounds. So keep that in mind when planning a photoshoot.
Absolutely fabulous historic home. The tour was fantastic and detailed, with illuminating stories about the fascinating Henry Davis Sleeper and his home. The design of each room is magical and eclectic, and the gardens are stunning. An absolute must visit!
The Beaufort, Sleeper-McCann House is an absolute treasure. The home is so well preserved it’s as if Henry Davis Sleeper is just in another one of the other fifty rooms of this spectacular home. It’s a visual marathon and just when your eye has settled on 1 object in a collection of 100 you are swept away by the wallpaper or silk lamp shade that has been pleated and ruffled, sitting on a federal style drop leaf tiger maple table a top a psychedelic centuries old hooked rug. Our tour guide Brian was great! He had a vast knowledge of the decor, Henry Davis Sleeper and the events of the world during the creation of this home.
Had our wedding ceremony here in September followed by a first floor tour for our guests. It ended up storming the night before and raining during the ceremony, the staff were super kind and helpful in deciding how to set up for the weather and handling all the house tours. Kristen was incredibly helpful and responsive when organizing everything!
What a beautiful and scenic property. Many photo opportunities, great 1 hr led tour and history. Don’t hesitate to visit and go!
Beautiful historic home, we did the 1 hour tour and it felt very rushed to get us through the house without allowing time to really take in the items on display, which was a little bit of a let down since there's so much in there, and all of it seemingly meaningful/intentional
A very eclectic home to visit with many nooks and crannies, and many rooms both large and small. Beautiful views of the ocean! Many collections to see. The docent was informative about the home's history. The signs approaching the museum could be more visible as well as more of them near it, since the area is very busy and heavily trafficked in season and when the weather is nice.
Beautiful eclectic mansion. No two rooms are themed the same. Amazingly maintained. Great way to spend the afternoon.
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Other notable attractions

Cape Ann Museum (CAM)
Temporarily Closed
Art museum
Museums
Cultural center with maritime & fine-art collections, historic homes & library about Cape Ann life.
Eastern Point Lighthouse
Sights & Landmarks
Lighthouses
Painter Winslow Homer lived in this lighthouse featuring a tower built in 1890 that's still in use.
Main Street Nails & Spa
Nail salon
Sights & Landmarks
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck
Art center
Neighborhoods
Longtime, eclectic arts quarter with galleries, boutiques & restaurants in colorful old houses.
Cape Ann Brewing Co
Permanently Closed
Brewery
Food & Drink
Family-owned brewery/eatery offers craft ales & pub fare plus tours, concerts & a waterfront deck.
Ryan & Wood Distillery
Permanently Closed
Liquor store
Food & Drink
The Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Memorial
Memorial park
Sights & Landmarks
Long Beach
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Maritime Gloucester
Maritime museum
Museums
Restored industrial harbor buildings, now with education & visitor centers, aquariums & exhibitions.
Ravenswood Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Hemlock groves, magnolia swamp, miles of trails & old carriage roads offered on 600 secluded acres.

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Weather in Gloucester

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Monthly temperature highs and lows in Gloucester
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