Find the Best Gloucester Beach for Your Personality & Lifestyle 

July 05, 2023 / Outdoor Adventures, Things to Do & See

Looking for a perfect beach day where you can enjoy the summer sun, surf, and sand? The exquisite beaches in Gloucester, Massachusetts are perfect for a beach vacation, a day trip with the family, or an evening stroll after a long day of work. 

The unique thing about the beaches in Gloucester is that no two are the same. Some have soft white sand to sink your toes into, while others have beautiful pebbles and shells to explore, admire, and collect. Some beaches have waves for body surfing, while others are family-friendly with gentle waves for youngsters to enjoy. 

No matter the type of beach you are seeking this summer, Gloucester has options for your day trip or vacation. Explore the personalities of each beach here and make your choice for a day filled with fun, scenic vistas, and the salty smell of the ocean. 

Gloucester Beach Parking Reservation System 

Before we describe the unique beach options in Gloucester, it’s important to understand the parking reservation system so you can plan your beach trip accordingly. 

Residents can purchase their 2023 Gloucester Resident Beach Sticker through the online portal or in person.

For non-residents, the City of Gloucester is using a new online reservation system called  Blinkay for entrance to Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park. Blinkay can be utilized either through a mobile app on your phone or on the Blinkay website. Reservations, which are non-refundable, can be made 10 days in advance as cash is no longer accepted at the entrances to Good Harbor, Wingaersheek, and Stage Fort Park (Half Moon Beach & Cressy Beach). 

For a full list of prices please visit our website page entitled Gloucester Beach Parking or visit the City of Gloucester’s website. 

Favorite Beaches In Gloucester

Wingaersheek Beach 

Located along the Annisquam River and opening up to Ipswich Bay, Wingaersheek Beach is not just a uniquely named beach, but one that is beloved by families for the crystal clear water, unique rock formations, and tidal pools for investigating hermit crabs and clams.

Wingaersheek Beach is known for its soft sand and gentle waves. At low tide, visitors can walk considerable distances out from shore or enjoy the tidal pools that become of great interest to our youngest visitors.  

Wingaersheek Beach provides on-duty lifeguards during the reservation hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day and there are restrooms available. 

Good Harbor Beach 

Good Harbor Beach is also a favorite of visitors to Gloucester. The waves at Good Harbor are perfect for body surfing while the low tide offers the opportunity to walk over the sand bar to Salt Island.  Don’t forget to get back before the tide rolls in or you will have a bit of a swim. 

Good Harbor Beach provides on-duty lifeguards during the reservation hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day and there are restrooms available. 

Half Moon Beach & Cressy’s Beach 

Both of these beautiful beaches are located within Stage Fort Park along Gloucester’s Harbor which makes for stunning scenic views during your beach stay. 

Half Moon Beach is a crescent-shaped beach (thus its name) that is surrounded by boulders and shady trees. This somewhat secluded beach allows for shade for those who want to enjoy the beach but want to get out from the direct sun at times. Kayakers and paddleboarders enjoy this beach as a place to launch or enjoy a refreshing swim after a few hours of paddling. If you love water sports, biking, or outdoor adventures, you will want to visit North Shore Adventures in Rockport for rentals, activities, and the largest flip flop selection on the North Shore!

Half Moon Beach provides on-duty lifeguards during open hours and restrooms at the park. 

Cressy Beach is located along the shore of Stage Fort Park. It is a rocky shoreline so we suggest bringing water shoes but many enjoy the breezes, lounging areas, and picnic options along the wide expanse of grass. Cressy’s does not offer lifeguard services but there are ample restrooms and food options for picnicking. 

Pavillion Beach 

Located along Gloucester’s working harbor on Stacy Boulevard, Pavilion Beach is a pebble beach that will give you stunning views of the boats, harbor, and the Greasy Pole competition during Fiesta! 

Pavilion Beach is conveniently located along the Boulevard where many visitors take the opportunity to walk along the water, see the Fisherman’s Memorial Statue and take a short walk into the downtown area where they can enjoy a wide variety of dining and shopping experiences. 

For those staying near downtown or Rocky Neck, you may want to check out Niles Beach between Rocky Neck and Eastern Point in Gloucester. And if you’re staying in the Annisquam or Lanesville areas during your Gloucester vacation, try Plum Cove Beach in Lanesville neighborhood, known for its picturesque sunsets over the water. Parking at these beaches is resident-only, but they are easily accessible by bike or walking 

Which beach suits your personality? Do you want to sit back and relax while you read a good book and listen to the surf gently lap on the sand or do you want the excitement of riding the waves? It’s all up to you as you plan your beach day of fun in the sun in Gloucester.