Discover Beaches & Lighthouses in Gloucester

Gloucester is home to several beaches and lighthouses. Explore the coastal magic of Gloucester where you can observe lighthouses, hike land conservation, and tan or swim on the beach. During your visit, make sure to explore some of our popular beach and lighthouse destinations. Read more about Gloucester beaches and lighthouses; narrow down your results by three categories, Features, Month of Visit, and Neighborhood. 

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Locations

Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse (Annisquam Light)

Downtown

Website

Built in 1801, the Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse (Annisquam Light) marks the entrance to the Annisquam River at Wigwam Point. It is situated on the Annisquam River and is one of… Read more »

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Niles Beach

East Gloucester

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Located near Eastern Point with beautiful views of Gloucester harbor and the Boston skyline. Walk-ons only.

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Dog Bar (at Eastern Point Lighthouse)

East Gloucester

At the entrance to Gloucester Harbor, sits a spectacular 2,250’ granite jetty, known as DogBar Breakwater, or just the Breakwater.

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Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary

East Gloucester

(978) 887-9264

Website

What Eastern Point lacks in space it more than makes up for in views and wildlife.

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Pavilion Beach

Downtown

Website

Located adjacent to Downtown Gloucester, Pavilion Beach is the perfect spot to take a quick dip or simply just put your feet in the water.

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Folly Cove

Lanesville

Located right on the Gloucester-Rockport line, Folly Cove is one of Cape Ann’s most popular scuba diving spots, offering a great wall just outside of the cove and an abundance of sea life.

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Wingaersheek Beach

West Gloucester

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Flour soft white sand, tide pools, lighthouse views, calm water. Lifeguards, food, changing rooms, restrooms, fee for parking.

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Plum Cove Beach

Lanesville

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Located on Washington Street in the northern section of the City, this small, quiet beach has been enjoyed by families in Lanesville for many years.

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Long Beach

Rockport

Off of Rockport Road and spanning both Gloucester and Rockport.

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Cressy’s Beach

Downtown

Website

Located at the lower end of Historic Stage Fort Park, this rocky beach overlooks Gloucester Harbor.

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Good Harbor Beach

East Gloucester

(978) 281-9785

Website

Wide flat beach excellent for walking, body surfing, volleyball. Lifeguards, food, changing rooms, restrooms, fee for parking.

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Eastern Point Lighthouse

East Gloucester

The lighthouse station itself is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and is closed to the public.

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Half Moon Beach

Downtown

Half Moon is a small quiet beach located in historic Stage Fort Park.

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Thacher Island Twin Lighthouses

Rockport

Cape Ann Light Station, also known as Thacher Island Twin Lights, was first established on Thacher Island in 1771. Thacher Island is located about a mile offshore of Rockport.

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Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse (Straitsmouth Island Light)

Rockport

617-599-2590

Website

Originally built in 1835, Straitsmouth Light marks the entrance to nearby Rockport Harbor. View this charming lighthouse from downtown Rockport, Bearskin Neck, or by sea.

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Ten Pound Island Lighthouse c. 1821

Downtown

Built in 1821 to help mariners find their way into Gloucester’s inner harbor, Ten Pound Light can be seen from many points along the waterfront.

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Town of Rockport

Rockport

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Discover Rockport’s beautiful beaches, quaint shops, historical landmarks, delicious restaurants, working studios, and its charm.

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Greenbelt, Essex County’s Land Trust

Essex

978-768-7241

Website

Greenbelt, Essex County’s Land Trust is the most active land conservation organization in our region, having protected more than 19,000 acres in Essex County since 1961.

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