7 minute read
Beaches
THE BEACHES
of CAPE ANN
Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester.
GLOUCESTER Good Harbor Beach
With shining white sand stretching out into the Atlantic and picturesque views of Thacher Island’s twin lights, Good Harbor Beach is one of the most popular on Cape Ann. At low tide, take a leisurely stroll out to Salt Island while at any tide one can enjoy great swimming and body surfing. Lifeguards are on duty daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. • Restrooms and showers are open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. • Parking is available during the week at a rate of $30 per vehicle 8 a.m.–3 p.m., $20 3–5 p.m.; and on the weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle 8 a.m.–3 p.m., $25 3–5 p.m.
Wingaersheek Beach
Hugging the shore of the Annisquam River and extending out toward Ipswich Bay, Wingaersheek Beach is a long expanse of sand, dunes and tidal flats with a warm and cozy charm. Adults and kids alike enjoy exploring the numerous tidal pools and climbing the large rocks that adorn the beach. A long sandbar is exposed at low tide and makes for a perfect beach stroll. Lifeguards are on duty daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. • Restrooms and showers are open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. • Parking is available during the week at a rate of $30 per vehicle 8 a.m.–3 p.m., $20 3–5 p.m.; and on the weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle 8 a.m.–3 p.m., $25 3–5 p.m.
Non-resident parking is limited so arrive early in order to get a parking space, especially during the summer months. Gates open at 8 a.m. and are locked at 9 p.m. The beach is handicapped accessible. u Route 133 to Concord Street (Exit 54) to Atlantic Street
Cressy’s Beach at Stage Fort Park
Located on the lower side of historic Stage Fort Park, Cressy’s Beach is a rocky beach with breathtaking views of Gloucester Harbor. Families and couples spend countless hours during the summer enjoying cookouts, picnics and playing Frisbee on the park’s wide open lawns. • Dogs are allowed in the park yet are prohibited on the beach. • Restrooms are located within the park as well as at a privately owned restaurant located adjacent to the park.
• Parking is available at Stage Fort Park at a rate of $15 per vehicle weekdays and $20 on the weekends and holidays. • There are no lifeguards. u Route 127 (Western Avenue) to Hough Avenue
Half Moon Beach at Stage Fort Park
Half Moon Beach is a quiet, intimate, crescent-shaped beach located at historic Stage Fort Park. Surrounded by a rocky hill and ample shady spots, it offers more seclusion from the rest of the park. Lifeguards are on duty daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The beach is handicapped accessible. • Dogs are allowed in the park yet are prohibited on the beach. • Restrooms are located within the park. • Parking is available at Stage Fort Park at a rate of $15 per vehicle weekdays and $20 on the weekends and holidays. u Route 127 (Western Avenue) to Hough Avenue
Pavilion Beach
Near Gloucester’s famous Fishermen’s Memorial Statue (The Man at the Wheel), Pavilion Beach on Gloucester Harbor is a popular site for beachcombing and boat-watching. Conveniently located a short walk from Gloucester’s downtown, this beach is the perfect spot for a summer swim before (or after) a visit to nearby restaurants and stores. A mix of sand and popplestones, Pavilion Beach does not have lifeguards on duty. • Limited public parking is available along Stacy Boulevard. Free public parking is also available at the nearby
Saint Peter’s parking lot, located at the intersection of Rogers and
Commercial streets. u Western Avenue (Route 127) at the eastern end of Stacy Boulevard
Niles Beach
Niles Beach is located on Eastern Point Road in East Gloucester. Primarily enjoyed by residents (a resident sticker is required for beachside parking), Niles is a quiet family beach with breathtaking vistas over Gloucester Harbor to the Boston skyline on the horizon. • Lifeguards are on duty daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. from Father’s Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
BEACH RULES
All Gloucester beaches have a Carry In/Carry Out policy for trash, so all visitors should bring a trash bag. Alcohol is prohibited. Concession stands are open at Good Harbor and Wingaersheek beaches during the summer so patrons may purchase food, drinks, toys and other items as needed.
All information was accurate at time of printing. Please check with the local municipality or the Chamber for updates prior to making beach plans.
• Portable restrooms are available seasonally. u Eastern Point Road, East Gloucester
Plum Cove Beach
Located near Lanesville, Plum Cove is the perfect beach for families with small children. The cozy beach overlooks Ipswich Bay and offers a quiet day away from the crowds. Please note: a resident sticker is required to park at Plum Cove Beach. • Lifeguards are on duty daily 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. from Father’s Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. u Washington Street (Route 127) in the northern part of Gloucester, near Lanesville
ROCKPORT Front Beach
Sandy Bay acts as the beautiful backdrop for Front Beach, the perfect beach for all the swimmers and sunbathers in your group. When you’ve had enough sun, restaurants and shops are just steps away. There are also many inns and B&Bs nearby. • Paid on-street parking is available adjacent to Front Beach, and long-term parking is available in a privately operated lot across the street. In July and August, the CATA
Park & Ride (Blue Gate Lane off
Route 127) provides free parking and a daily trolley shuttle ($1 per person) directly to downtown Rockport and
Front Beach. u Route 127A, Main Street to Beach Street, Downtown Rockport
Back Beach
Back Beach is home to one of the best scuba diving areas in the region. Dive in and discover the submerged world beneath the ocean. This sandy and rocky beach is perfect for divers, swimmers and walkers. On summer Sunday evenings, the Rockport Legion Band performs free outdoor concerts at the bandstand located just across the street. • Paid on-street parking is available along the entire extent of Back Beach. u Route 127A, Beach Street in Downtown Rockport
Old Garden Beach
This small sand and popplestone beach with an adjacent municipal park offers a beautiful view over Sandy Bay and grassy areas for picnics with friends and family. Old Garden is another favorite location for divers. The small beach parking area is restricted to those with resident parking stickers. Please observe posted parking restrictions. Limited onstreet parking is available nearby. u Old Garden Road, Rockport
Pebble Beach
Water-smoothed popplestones and pebbles blanket this picturesque crescent beach. Search among the rocks for shells or bring your binoculars to capture views of Cape Ann’s sea-loving birds and the Boston skyline to the southwest. There is a rocky reef just offshore where divers enjoy the underwater life at 20- to 30-foot depths. • Limited parking is available on
Penzance Road adjacent to the beach.
Cape Hedge Beach
This is a secluded stretch of rocky beach separated from Long Beach by a short, seasonal foot bridge. Smooth sand is minimal at high tide. A quiet oasis, Cape Hedge Beach is located about 2½ miles from Rockport’s shops and restaurants. • Very limited non-resident parking is available along South Street. Please observe posted parking restrictions. u South Street, Rockport
Long Beach
About a mile in length, Long Beach offers one of the best views of Thacher Island’s twin lighthouses. Investigate the tidal pools or take a casual stroll, soaking in the sun. The beach is lined with quaint New England beach houses. Enjoy the day at Long Beach and then head into town for a fresh lobster dinner. Parking is available in a private, seasonally operated lot, accessible from Rockport Road, off Route 127A
Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
in Gloucester. u Route 127A (Thatcher Road to Rockport Road)
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA Singing Beach
The sands resonate with your footsteps as you stroll this immaculate beach. Bask in its clear blue waters amid stellar vistas. Enjoy a thirst-quenching Italian ice at the snack bar. • The parking area is for residents only (from mid-April through mid-October) so you may have to walk from the train station or the center of town to enjoy this beach. Just under a mile, everyone does it! • $5 seasonal walk-on fee. • Visit manchester.ma.us for added details u Route 127 to Beach Street, Manchester
