Dogtown, Annisquam, Lanesville
Some of Gloucester’s most rewarding experiences happen away from the waterfront bustle — in the places where the city breathes a little slower. Annisquam, Dogtown, and Lanesville each have their own distinct personality, but together they tell a story about a side of Cape Ann that visitors don’t always expect to find: deeply rooted, genuinely wild, and quietly beautiful. Whether you’re tracing the footpaths of a 17th-century village, hiking through 3,600 acres of ancient woodland, or watching the sun sink into Lanes Cove, this corner of Gloucester has a way of getting under your skin.
Explore quiet beaches, scenic trails, and Gloucester’s more secluded coastal neighborhoods in Annisquam, Lanesville, and Dogtown. Visit the historic Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse, one of Gloucester’s oldest lighthouses, overlooking the entrance to the Annisquam River. Relax along the calm shoreline at Plum Cove Beach or take in the rugged Atlantic scenery and granite-lined coast at Folly Cove. Inland, Dogtown’s wooded trails and boulder-strewn landscape offer a glimpse into Gloucester’s history and natural beauty, with conservation areas protected by Greenbelt, Essex County’s Land Trust providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring Cape Ann’s quieter side.
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