Re-Discover Gloucester
Be a tourist in your own backyard and play, dine, stay with us!
Be a tourist in your own backyard and play, dine, stay with us!
Founded in 1623, and known as “America’s oldest seaport”, Gloucester was the largest fishing port in America in the second half of the 19th century, and one of the top five ports in the world at that time. In addition to its contributions to the fishing industry, Gloucester also produced granite in nearby quarries as well as being home to the oldest art colony in the U.S. The city is less than one hour north of Boston and is directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Gloucester is one of four communities that make up the Cape Ann region (Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea).
Discover Gloucester is your reliable “go-to” resource to assist you in charting your visit. We are grateful for your attention and want to ensure you that we’ve got your health and safety concerns top of mind. As news of travel restrictions change almost daily, we hope to provide you with helpful tips and thoughtful messaging as you plan your visit to our alluring coastal community. Whether you are revisiting Gloucester or exploring our local neighborhoods for the first time, we invite you to navigate your way through our comprehensive list of lodging choices, outdoor dining, shopping, and a variety of activities for every interest, especially open-air adventures!
We encourage you to re-discover all that Gloucester has to offer. Here is our suggested list of safe and fun things to see and do!
Site of the landing of the first settlers in 1623. Gloucester became the second permanent settlement of the early Puritans in the New World, preceded by Plymouth in 1620. Enjoy the park with over 25 acres of natural beauty including our beaches and spectacular views of the harbor and beyond. The Visitor Welcoming Center will be open to visitors to assist with brochures, maps and guides. Stage Fort Park is part of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway.
America’s oldest continually operating art colony (since 1850), Gloucester has played a vital role in America’s art history. Artists such as Fitz Henry Lane, Winslow Homer, John Sloan, Stuart Davis, and Edward Hopper have all captured the light of Gloucester, as our many artists do to this day. This quaint neighborhood is a lovely area to stroll, shop, and get up close and personal with many artisans who showcase their work with pride! You can catch some beautiful water views and enjoy an ice cream cone, fresh seafood, or a nice iced cold beverage along the way.
The iconic statue, also known as the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial, presides over Stacy Boulevard, at the edge of Gloucester Harbor. Sculpted by artist Leonard Craske and modeled after a local fisherman, the monument was completed in 1925 in honor of Gloucester’s 300th anniversary. It has become the symbol of the city and a place to remember the 10,000+ men lost at sea during the city’s long history. Their names are recorded on memorial plaques surrounding the structure.
Eastern Point marks the southern tip of the peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern portion of Gloucester Harbor. Poet T. S. Eliot summered here for 20 years (“The sea is all about us,” he wrote in “The Dry Salvages”), and painter Winslow Homer lived at the lighthouse for a time. Come sunset, it’s easy to see why. Get a better look by walking or fishing on Dog Bar Breakwater, a quarter-mile stretch of granite blocks built in 1904 to keep ships from running aground and to shelter Gloucester Harbor from storms, which offers panoramic views of the water and shorelines.
Gloucester’s charming Main Street features some of your favorite recognized brands, along with many unique locally made items handcrafted by resident artists and craftsmen. Offering antiques, art, pottery, books, jewelry, toys, clothing, shoes, home goods and souvenirs – perfect for that one of a kind item to take home. Food lovers will also delight in the offerings in Downtown from charming coffee shops, to unique olive oils to fresh pasta, chocolate and cheese, Wicked Tuna tee-shirts to homemade Italian bread and pastries…not to mention a bunch of delightful outdoor dining options!
Nearly 400 years of history and innovation are written in the streets and buildings of this town. Wander the downtown Harbor Walk or visit Maritime Gloucester (Phase 3) to learn more about our past and present as one of America’s important fishing towns. Walk along the harbor to view our working vessels and pleasure craft. Or get on the water, with your own vessel or a chartered fishing excursion or water shuttle. Being a mariner in Gloucester allows you to view our city and coastline from a new perspective.
Follow the Harborwalk for the best views from every angle in town. The 1.2-mile path traverses through town between The Gloucester House and Stage Fort Park. Make sure to stop at the Fisherman’s Memorial (famous for the statue and sobering list of fishermen who died at sea) and the Fishermen’s Wives’ Memorial. The walk is defined by 42 granite pillars that tell the stories of important people and events of Gloucester’s history. Bookmark this link, which has a list of public restrooms open during business hours. If you are looking for more outdoor fun at the water, check out Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches, both accessible to the public and with facilities that include restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. More information about public beaches HERE.