If you finished Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay wondering where you could find that perfectly picturesque (and hopefully less cursed) New England island in real life, we have good news: You can visit many of the places that brought it to life right here on Cape Ann!
The fictional Widow’s Bay may not exist, but much of the hit horror-comedy was filmed in Gloucester and Rockport, with additional filming taking place elsewhere in Massachusetts. Cape Ann’s working harbors, historic streets, rocky coastline, and classic New England scenery helped create the distinctive look of the series.
Fresh off a record-breaking 14 Emmy wins, including Outstanding Comedy Series, we’re excited to share some of the real-world locations that inspired Widow’s Bay:
Half Moon Beach & Stage Fort Park, Gloucester
Remember the inaugural swim? That beach is very real, and fortunately, your visit won’t include anything frightening lurking beneath the surface.
The scene was filmed at Half Moon Beach, a small crescent-shaped beach tucked inside Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park. Mayor Tom Loftis takes the inaugural plunge here to officially kick off the summer season, only for things to take a decidedly Widow’s Bay turn.
You can recreate the swim if you’re feeling brave (and in town when the water is warm enough), but there’s plenty to see without getting wet. Walk the paths through Stage Fort Park, take in views of Gloucester Harbor, enjoy a picnic, and stop at Half Moon Beach to see one of the show’s most recognizable Cape Ann filming locations.
Lanes Cove, Gloucester
The Harbor Master’s Office and ferry landing where mainlanders arrive in Widow’s Bay can be found at Lanes Cove in Gloucester.
Located along the northern side of the city, this small historic cove provided exactly the kind of authentic coastal backdrop the fictional island needed. Several scenes involving Tom and Wyck were filmed here, and fans may also recognize the area associated with the show’s headless Richard Warren statue.
Eastern Point Lighthouse, Gloucester
Another unmistakable part of the Widow’s Bay landscape is its lighthouse. The real-life location is Eastern Point Lighthouse, which has stood at the entrance to Gloucester Harbor since the 19th century. In the series, the lighthouse plays into an ongoing bit involving Tom and lighthouse keeper Garrett.
Eastern Point Lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but you can explore the scenery around Gloucester’s Eastern Point and take in views of the harbor and coastline by walking out on Dog Bar Breakwater.
Bearskin Neck & Old Harbor Road, Rockport
For the closest thing to walking through downtown Widow’s Bay, head to Bearskin Neck in Rockport. Much of the fictional town center was created using this historic waterfront neighborhood, where narrow streets lead past galleries, shops, restaurants, weathered buildings, and Rockport Harbor.
Old Harbor Road appears throughout the series, and is where the exterior of the fictional Salty Whale restaurant was created. Just behind it, White Wharf provided the backdrop for additional scenes, including Patricia’s memorable reading spot.
White Wharf, Rockport
Fans may recognize White Wharf from some of the earliest moments of the series, including scenes with Evan and his friends. The wharf appears again throughout the season and sits just steps from many of the other Rockport filming locations, making it easy to see several recognizable Widow’s Bay spots during one walk through Bearskin Neck and the Old Harbor.
Explore More of Cape Ann
Once you’ve found the filming locations, you can even bring home something inspired by the show.
Stop into Denim Blanket Co. in Rockport, where you may just find Widow’s Bay-inspired merchandise alongside the shop’s collection of New England-made goods, apparel, home décor, gifts, and more.
One of the things that makes Widow’s Bay work so well is its mix of New England history, maritime culture, local legends, and just enough supernatural activity to make you question what might be hiding in the fog. If that was your favorite part of the show, continue the experience with Gloucester’s Haunted Harborwalk.
The 90-minute guided ghost tour winds through historic downtown Gloucester and along the harbor, sharing stories of sea serpents, haunted mansions, spectral sailors, the witches of Dogtown, and other legends from the city’s nearly 400-year history.
While you’re here, head out on a whale watch from Gloucester Harbor, explore the galleries of Rocky Neck Art Colony, walk along Gloucester’s working waterfront, take a schooner sail, visit the Cape Ann Museum, or spend an afternoon wandering the shops, galleries, and harborfront streets of Rockport.