Everything You Need To Know About Gloucester Beaches
June 12, 2024 / Outdoor Adventures, Things to Do & SeePlanning a beach day in Gloucester, MA? Discover everything you need to know about Gloucester’s stunning beaches, from the best spots to visit to essential tips for making the most of your seaside adventure.
Included in this guide:
When to go to Gloucester beaches
Which Gloucester beach is best
How to park at Gloucester’s beaches
Beach and waterfront hotels
Things to do at the beach
Gloucester beach dog policies

Good Harbor Beach, Credit: Brittany DiCologero
When is the best time to go to Gloucester’s beaches?
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time to head to the beach in Gloucester! The weather is warm, often ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C), making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Since summer is peak season for our beaches, we recommend planning a mid-week beach day if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds. For some beaches, you’ll also need to reserve your parking in advance.
The summer months also bring with them several events and festivals like St. Peter’s Fiesta, Culture Splash, and Gloucester Schooner Festival, plus Gloucester’s year-round lineup of live music, art galleries, and more, offering plenty of opportunities to cap off your beach day with an evening in town.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is a fantastic time for those who prefer a quieter beach experience. The crowds thin out after Labor Day, but the weather remains (mostly) pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (20-24°C), cooling down as the season progresses. If your trip coincides with the fall foliage, you can even take in a vibrant backdrop to the beaches, perfect for picturesque walks, photography, and enjoying the crisp sea breeze.

Good Harbor Beach, Credit: Elinor Teele
Winter (December to February)
Winter may not be the traditional beach season, but Gloucester’s beaches have a unique charm in the colder months. The tranquil atmosphere is perfect for solitude and reflection if you don’t mind bundling up for a brisk walk along the shore, or trying your hand at winter photography. While swimming is definitely off the table, the serene beauty of the beaches is unmatched.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Gloucester sees the beaches coming back to life after winter. It may still be a little chilly for swimming, but the milder temperatures (50s to 60s Fahrenheit or 10-20°C) make it a great time for walks along the coast. Wildlife enthusiasts can also enjoy birdwatching as migratory birds return to the area.
May also brings with it Swing Into Spring, an annual celebration of spring with special promotions, giveaways, and more throughout the month. And by Mother’s Day weekend, many of Gloucester’s seasonal activities (like whale watches, schooner sails, and harbor tours) have reopened.
Whenever you head to the beach, here are some more time-sensitive tips you may want to consider:
Tides and Weather: Always check the tide charts and weather forecasts before planning your beach day. High tides can limit beach space, and sudden weather changes are not uncommon in New England.
Facilities and Amenities: Many beach facilities and services, such as lifeguards and concessions, are only available during the peak summer season. Plan accordingly if you’re visiting in the off-season.

Wingaersheek Beach, Credit: Brittany DiCologero
Which Gloucester beach is best?
Since Gloucester is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in New England, you can’t go wrong with whichever beach you choose. With this in mind, here are some recommendations to consider.
Good Harbor Beach features fine white sand and sweeping views of the Atlantic make it an idyllic destination for families and sun-seekers alike. At low tide, a sandbar emerges, allowing visitors to walk out to Salt Island, adding a touch of adventure to the visit. The gentle waves are perfect for swimming, and the beach is well-equipped with facilities, including restrooms, showers, and a concession stand.
For those who prefer calmer waters, Wingaersheek Beach is an excellent choice. Nestled along the Annisquam River, this beach is known for its long stretches of sand and tranquil, shallow waters. The picturesque rocks and tide pools are perfect for exploration, providing hours of entertainment. The beach also offers ample amenities, like restaurants, a concession stand, and small shop. Like Good Harbor Beach, a sandbar appears here at low tide, offering the chance to walk out for a closer view of the Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse.
Half Moon Beach, located within Stage Fort Park, offers a smaller beach experience for a peaceful day by the water. Because this beach is fairly small, it’s a great spot for families with small children. The park itself also features picnic areas, a playground, and historic sites, making it a well-rounded destination for a day trip.
(Note: (Parking reservations are required for non-Gloucester residents Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park.)
View a full list of Gloucester’s beaches and lighthouses here.

Credit: John Abisamra
How to park at Gloucester’s beaches
Parking reservations are required for non-Gloucester residents at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park for visits Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. You can make parking reservations using the Blinkay app or website up to 10 days in advance.
For the most up-to-date information on beach parking, including pricing and FAQs, visit the City of Gloucester’s website.
Watch our video guide on booking reservations for beach parking:
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Does Gloucester have any hotels on the beach?
Beauport Hotel: Located on Pavilion Beach, with a shuttle to Good Harbor Beach available for overnight guests.
Cape Ann Motor Inn: Located on Long Beach, where every kitchenette and guest room overlooks the beach.
Atlantic Vacation Homes: Rents properties across Gloucester, with many featuring water views and a short walk to a nearby beach.
Atlantis Oceanfront Inn: Located less than a mile from Good Harbor Beach, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Thacher Island Twin Lighthouses.
The Hotel at Cape Ann Marina: Located a short drive from Gloucester beaches, the hotel features on the water rooms with balconies overlooking the saltwater marshes and marina on the Annisquam River.
The Vista: Overlooking Good Harbor Beach with ocean views from every room.

The Vista
What is there to do at Gloucester’s beaches?
There is lots to do at Gloucester beaches from the basics like swimming and sunbathing, to birdwatching, picnics, and more!
From the beaches located at Stage Fort Park (Half Moon Beach and Cressy’s Beach), visitors have access to a sand volleyball court, playground, a baseball field, a basketball court, street hockey rink, and tennis courts. There are also plenty of picnic tables and cooking areas (bring your own grill), a privately owned restaurant that is open to the public, and a visitor information center where volunteers are ready to help plan the rest of your trip to Gloucester
Whichever Gloucester beach you choose, North Shore Adventures & Outdoor Center provides kayak and bike rentals so you can continue to explore from land or sea. You can even have your rentals delivered to you!
Our beaches (and Cape Ann in general) are excellent spots for birdwatching and seeing wildlife throughout the year. Learn more about birdwatching here, and remember to look but not disrupt the local wildlife during your beach trip. (Please don’t feed the seagulls, or move or take home marine life.) To see more of Gloucester’s marine life during your visit, consider heading over to Maritime Gloucester or booking a whale watch with Cape Ann Whale Watch or 7 Seas Whale Watch.

Credit: Matthew Sheehan
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gloucester?
Dog policies vary by the specific beach, so we recommend checking the City of Gloucester’s website ahead of your visit. Many Gloucester beaches prohibit dogs during the peak seasons, but dates vary. Additionally, dogs are allowed year-round on Crab Beach.
There are so many things to see and do in Gloucester, Massachusetts beyond the beach, so be sure to check out our events calendar for all of the latest happenings throughout the year. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and water, and enjoy your time in America’s oldest seaport!