Gloucester, Massachusetts, boasts a coastal treasure trove of stunning beaches, each offering its own unique charm and allure.
Among these gems, one stands out as a shining example of seaside splendor: Good Harbor Beach. With its expansive stretch of soft, white sand and sparkling Atlantic waters, Good Harbor Beach captivates visitors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Families flock to its shores to bask in the sun, build sandcastles, and splash in the gentle surf. Amenities like restrooms, showers, and a snack bar ensure a comfortable beach experience, while views of Salt Island add to the picturesque setting.
Good Harbor Beach truly epitomizes the quintessential New England beach experience, drawing beach lovers from near and far to its shores.
Top 10 Best Beaches in Gloucester
Gloucester, on the coast of Massachusetts, boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the region. Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked sands, serene seascapes, or thrilling water sports, Gloucester has a beach for you.
Here are the top 10 best beaches in Gloucester:
1. Good Harbor Beach
Good Harbor Beach isn’t just popular for its name; it’s a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Stretching for about a mile along the coast, its soft, powdery sands are perfect for lounging or building sandcastles with the family.
The beach’s wide expanse provides plenty of space for beach games like volleyball or Frisbee. On hot summer days, the cool Atlantic waters beckon swimmers and bodyboarders to frolic in the gentle waves.
Good Harbor Beach also offers amenities like ample parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, and a concession stand serving up snacks and refreshments.
Rating: 4.8/5
Address: Gloucester, MA 01930, United States
Phone: +19782819785
2. Wingaersheek Beach
Wingaersheek Beach is a true gem of Gloucester, known for its unique landscape and family-friendly atmosphere.
The beach’s most distinctive feature is its sandbars, which extend far into the ocean during low tide, creating shallow pools that are perfect for young children to splash around in safely.
Families often flock here to enjoy picnics on the soft sands, fly kites in the ocean breeze, and explore the tide pools teeming with marine life.
With its calm waters and stunning views of the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay, Wingaersheek Beach offers a quintessential New England beach experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
Address: 119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944, United States
Phone: +1 978-526-2019
Web Address: www.manchester.ma.us
3. Singing Beach
Just a short drive from Gloucester, Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Named for the melodic sound the sand makes underfoot, this pristine beach boasts soft, white sands and clear, turquoise waters. Visitors can stroll along the shoreline, collecting seashells and watching sailboats drift lazily by.
Singing Beach is also a popular spot for swimming, with its gentle surf and lifeguards on duty during the summer months. After a day of sun and sea, be sure to catch a breathtaking sunset over the horizon.
Rating: 4.5/5
Address: 119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944, United States
Phone: +19785262019
4. Niles Beach
Niles Beach is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet cove, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery, this secluded beach feels like a world unto itself.
Its calm waters and sandy shores make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The rocky shoreline provides opportunities for exploring tide pools and observing local wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals.
With its stunning views of Gloucester Harbor and the picturesque city skyline, Niles Beach is a favorite among locals looking to unwind and connect with nature.
Rating: 4.6/5
Address: 20 Eastern Point Blvd, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States
Phone: +19782819720
5. Plum Cove Beach
Located in the charming village of Lanesville, Plum Cove Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
This quiet stretch of shoreline offers a tranquil escape from the crowds, with its rocky shores, tidal pools, and clear, turquoise waters.
Beachcombers will delight in searching for seashells and sea glass along the sandy shores, while nature enthusiasts can explore the surrounding coastline and spot local wildlife.
Plum Cove Beach is also a popular spot for fishing, with its abundant marine life and scenic views of Ipswich Bay.
Rating: 4.5/5
Address: 1000 Washington St, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States
Web Address: gloucester-ma.gov
6. Pavilion Beach
Pavilion Beach is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Gloucester, making it easily accessible to visitors and locals alike.
Its sandy shores and calm waters make it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking with family and friends.
The beach offers stunning views of Gloucester Harbor and the bustling waterfront, with fishing boats and sailboats coming and going throughout the day.
After a day at the beach, be sure to explore the nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions in downtown Gloucester.
Rating: 4.4/5
Address: Ipswich, MA 01938, United States
7. Half Moon Beach
Between rocky cliffs on the shores of the Annisquam River, Half Moon Beach offers a secluded retreat for beachgoers seeking peace and tranquility.
Its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families with young children, who can splash and play in the tidal pools along the shoreline.
The rocky outcroppings provide opportunities for exploration and adventure, with hidden coves and tide pools waiting to be discovered.
Half Moon Beach is also a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, with its calm waters and scenic surroundings providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor recreation.
Rating: 4.6/5
Address: 24 Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States
8. Cressy’s Beach
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, Cressy’s Beach is a hidden gem known for its pristine sands and stunning views of Ipswich Bay. The beach’s calm waters and sandy shores make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Visitors can relax on the soft sands and soak up the sun, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding coastline.
Cressy’s Beach is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with its diverse ecosystem attracting a variety of seabirds and shorebirds throughout the year.
Rating: 4.3/5
Address: Gloucester, MA 01930, United States
9. Pebble Beach
True to its name, Pebble Beach is known for its smooth, colorful stones that line the shore, making it a unique destination for beachcombers and nature enthusiasts.
Located in the scenic town of Rockport, just a short drive from Gloucester, this small beach offers stunning views of Twin Lights and the open ocean.
Visitors can spend the day collecting colorful pebbles, exploring tide pools, and taking in the natural beauty of Cape Ann.
Pebble Beach is also a popular spot for photography, with its rugged coastline and scenic vistas providing the perfect backdrop for capturing memories of a day by the sea.
Rating: 4.6/5
Address: Penzance Rd, Rockport, MA 01966, United States
Web Address: www.rockportusa.com
10. Long Beach
Stretching for nearly a mile along the coastline, Long Beach offers ample space for beachgoers to spread out and enjoy the sun and surf.
Its soft sands, rolling dunes, and panoramic views of the ocean make it a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. The beach’s gentle surf and shallow waters are perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and building sandcastles with the family.
Long Beach is also a popular spot for beachcombing, with its sandy shores offering treasures like seashells, sea glass, and driftwood. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, Long Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.
Rating: 4.6/5
Address: 44-30 Rockport Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States
FAQs
Does Gloucestershire Have a Beach?
Yes, Gloucestershire doesn’t have a coastline, but Gloucester, a city within Gloucestershire, offers several beautiful beaches along its coastline.
Where Is the Best Beach in Gloucester for Kids?
Wingaersheek Beach is often considered the best beach in Gloucester for kids. Its shallow waters, sandy shores, and natural tidal pools make it perfect for family outings.
What’s the Name of the Beach in Gloucester?
Wingaersheek Beach is the name of the beach in Gloucester.
Can You Swim in Gloucester?
Yes, swimming is popular in Gloucester, especially during the summer months when the water temperature is more inviting.
Martin McEntee