Know Before You Go
Your “Go-To” Guide with helpful information to prepare for your visit to Gloucester
Know Before You Go
Your “Go-To” Guide with helpful information to prepare for your visit to Gloucester
TRAVEL RESOURCES
MASSACHUSETTS REOPENING PLAN – CURRENT PHASE
On March 22, 2021, Massachusetts advanced to Phase 4, Step 1 of the State’s Reopening Plan.
MASSACHUSETTS’ RESIDENT VACCINE ELIGIBILITY TIMELINE:
On March 17, 2021, Governor Baker today announced the dates that all remaining residents and certain worker groups will be eligible for a vaccine. All residents can preregister to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine. Appointments will be offered based on eligibility and available appointments nearby.
The full timeline is available at mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases.
THE STATE’S CURRENT COVID PLANS VIEW FULL DETAILS HERE.
Travel in Massachusetts has been quite different for the past year, being vigilant is still our mantra here in Gloucester and Cape Ann. We are encouraged with the news of the available vaccine, that we might realize a glimpse of the reassuring possibilities ahead!
Our goal remains steadfast to provide you with as much information as possible so that when it’s time for you to visit, you are aware of the best practices put into place for your protection and comfort.
Here are some helpful travel tips for planning ahead and a few common safety precautions to make your journey even more enjoyable. If you’re visiting or traveling in Massachusetts, it’s important to do so safely.
– Bring a face covering to wear in public settings and stay six feet apart from one another.
– Wash your hands often, bring some hand sanitizer as a convenient option.
– Practice social distancing and stay home if you are sick.
– Make dining reservations or shopping appointments in advance.
Discover Gloucester invites you to our charming coastal city chock full of authentic experiences, delicious fresh seafood and warm hospitality. Come STAY, DINE, SHOP AND PLAY BY THE RULES with us!
Places to Stay
From waterfront hotels to a cozy inns, plan an overnight or extended stay in Gloucester. Book at one of the many lodging establishments offering a variety of options and safe stay that best suit your travel and accommodation needs in and around Gloucester and Cape Ann: Beauport Hotel Gloucester, Cape Ann’s Marina Resort, Cape Ann Motor Inn, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn, Harborview Inn, Addison Choate, Rockport Inn & Suites, and Atlantic Vacation Homes.
Restaurants & Dining Establishments
Several dining establishments are now open with limited seating. In Gloucester, they include 1606 Restaurant & Bar, Seaport Grille, Mile Marker One, Minglewood Harborside, Jalapeno’s, Topside Grille, Oliver’s Harbor, Passports, Charlie’s, The Causeway, Mom’s Kitchen, The Azorean, Saltwater Café, Bishco, Café Sicilia’s, Woodman’s of Essex, Cala’s in Manchester. Click HERE for an updated list.
Please note that BARS are NOT open for business (upcoming in Phase 3/4). Patrons must sit at a dining table to enjoy a meal with their beverages.
Shops and Services
Several Retailers are open for your shopping pleasure. Open stores and businesses in and around Main Street in Downtown Gloucester include Design of Mine, Pop Gallery, Mark Adrian Shoes, Cape Ann Olive Oil, The Brass Monkey, Dogtown Book Store, Good Linens, Weathervane, Beth Williams Studio, Jane Deering Gallery and Turtle Alley Chocolates. Shops and galleries are open throughout Rocky Neck Artist Colony.
We encourage you to go directly to the business website for hours of operation details. Click HERE for an updated list.
Stage Fort Park (including Cressy’s and Half Moon Beaches)
Stage Fort Park is open to the public for enjoyment year-round. The Gloucester Visitor Welcoming Center is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. The Public Restrooms are available available at the Visitor Center from Memorial Day through to the end of September. Parking is limited with payment of a daily parking fee.
Parks
Dogtown – Open to the public
Ravenswood, Mt Ann Park and Halibut Point State Park are currently open
to the public. Check out thetrustees.org for more information.
Halibut Point State Park – Open to the public
Beaches
Good Harbor and Wingaersheek beaches are currently available to non-residents on a limited capacity on a first-come, first-served basis. Niles and Plum Cove beaches are all Residents Only (until further notice).
Updated information provided each Wednesday on the Gloucester Beaches Facebook page.
Public Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at these locations: Welcoming Center at Stage Fort Park, The Gloucester House (public restroom).
Parking
Public lots are open on Rogers Street, St. Peter’s Square, Main Street and many cross streets including Pleasant, Middle, Prospect – Parking Meters are currently being enforced.
Safety
Appropriate face coverings and 6-foot social distancing is required according to the State’s current COVID plan. Remember to maintain 12 feet distance between you and your closest neighbors on the beach any time of the year.
In the Summer 2020, a group of young Gloucester residents (see photo above) created and launched the “Just Wear It. Masks Are for Everyone” poster campaign, translated in a several languages, to encourage the Gloucester community and all visitors to wear a mask according to the state mandate. As one of the creators stated in the Gloucester Daily Times, “It is not just about your own safety…It is about the safety of others.”
Please visit DiscoverGloucester.com, Gloucester-ma.gov, or Mass.gov for additional details.
Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you soon! Be safe!