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
MASSACHUSETTS CURRENT STATE
Effective May 29, 2021, Massachusetts is fully reopened lifting all COVID-19 restrictions including indoor face mask requirements with the exceptions of public and private transportation settings and healthcare facilities.
Masks are still mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.
OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL ORDER
The Travel Advisory is still in place recommending all visitors and returning residents to MA quarantine for 10 days upon arrival or receive a negative COVID-19 test result. Those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are exempt from the advisory (individuals who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines or who have received a single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine). Learn more here.
MASSACHUSETTS’ RESIDENT VACCINE ELIGIBILITY TIMELINE
Preregistration closed on May 25. Massachusetts offers vaccinations at retail locations, pharmacies, mass vaccination, and regional collaboratives. People 12 years of age or older, can walk-in or make an appointment. Find a vaccine location here.
THE STATE’S COVID PLANS VIEW FULL DETAILS HERE.
With the reopening of Massachusetts, 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.
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- – While masks are not required by the state, some businesses may have their own mask requirements. As a result, it is recommended to continue to bring your mask to Gloucester. If you have not been vaccinated, please wear a mask.
- – Some businesses are opting to keep capacity limits for some time. Please be aware that it may be recommended to make advance reservations or timed tickets for dining, events, other activities or experiences, or even a waiting period until capacity is available inside local establishments.
We encourage you to go directly to the business website for hours of operation details.
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 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
Dining establishments are open with limited indoor and outdoor 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. View our DINE page to browse more dining options.
Shops and Services
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 to view local retailers and galleries.
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
Gloucester’s award-winning beaches are a favorite destination for visitors. Before visiting our beautiful beaches, please familiarize yourself with the City’s rules, regulations, parking, and amenities as it varies by beach. Stay in the know with 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.
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!