Beaches of Greater Cape Ann
Greater Cape Ann is blessed with an abundance and variety of beaches for you to enjoy all year round. From Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches in Gloucester to Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the Sea and Crane Beach in Ipswich, warm summertime sands and beautiful shores await. Rockport’s Front Beach is a walk-to family beach in the seaside village on Sandy Bay, and Pebble Beach, Cape Hedge and Long Beach all offer up-close views of Thacher Island’s Twin Lights at low tide. And when carefree summer days come to an end, the cooler months are still great for an invigorating beach walk or sightseeing.
We invite you to find your own special beach here and keep coming back year after year!
Gloucester Beaches
Gloucester Beach Information & Regulations
Starting Memorial Day weekend, 2023, Gloucester non-residents will be required to make advance reservations for parking at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park using the Blinkay app. Visit www.facebook.com/gloubeaches for up-to-date information.
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 Greater 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.
For the 2023 beach season Gloucester will be implementing an online reservation system for non-resident parking at Good Harbor Beach. For the latest beach information visit facebook.com/gloubeaches.
- 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 from 3 – 5 p.m.; and on weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., $25 from 3 – 5 p.m.
- Gates open at 8 a.m. and are locked at 9 p.m.. The beach is handicapped accessible, and a beach wheelchair is available.
Directions: Take Route 128 North into Gloucester. Follow the signs for East Gloucester/Rockport. Go through two rotaries. At the first traffic light you have two options. Option one: take a left onto Eastern Avenue (Route 127 N) and follow for approximately ½ mile to the Shaw’s Plaza on your right. Turn right at the end of the plaza onto Barn Lane. At the end of Barn Lane turn left onto Thatcher Road and the beach lot will be approximately ¼ mile on your right. Option two: continue through the first light, and then turn left onto Bass Avenue (Route 127A) at the next light. Follow Bass Avenue for approximately ½ mile and then turn left onto Thatcher Road. The beach parking lot will be approximately ½ mile on your right.
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.
For the 2023 beach season Gloucester will be implementing an online reservation system for non-resident parking at Wingaersheek Beach. For the latest beach information visit facebook.com/gloubeaches.
- 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 from 3 – 5 p.m.; and on weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., $25 from 3–5 p.m.
- Gates open at 8 a.m. and are locked at 9 p.m.. The beach is handicapped accessible, and a beach wheelchair is available.
Directions: Take Route 128 North to Exit 13. At the bottom of the ramp, take a left onto Concord Street and follow for about 1 ½ miles. You will see a traffic island with a sign saying Wingaersheek Beach. Turn right onto Atlantic Street and follow to the end. Both Concord Street and Atlantic Street are narrow, winding roads with many curves. Please drive carefully and observe the speed limits not only for your own safety but for the safety of those who may be walking along the road.
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 expansive lawns.
For the 2023 beach season Gloucester will be implementing an online reservation system for non-resident parking at Stage Fort Park. For the latest beach information visit facebook.com/gloubeaches.
- 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 restau-rant 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.
Half Moon Beach at Stage Fort Park 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.
For the 2023 beach season Gloucester will be implementing an online reservation system for non-resident parking at Stage Fort Park. For the latest beach information visit facebook.com/gloubeaches.
- 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.
Directions: Take Exit 14 off Route 128 North. At the bottom of the ramp, bear right onto Route 133 toward Gloucester. Follow to the end with the Harbor in front of you. Bear right onto Western Avenue (Route 127) and then take an immediate left on Hough Avenue into Stage Fort Park.
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 boatwatching. Just 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.
- Alcohol is prohibited.
- 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.
Directions: 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 and adjacent to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center located at 33 Commercial Street.
Located on Eastern Point Road in East Gloucester, Niles is primarily enjoyed by residents (a resident sticker is required for beachside parking). It’s a quiet, family beach with breathtaking vistas spanning Gloucester Harbor to the Boston skyline across the horizon.
- Lifeguards are on duty daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. from Father’s Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- Portable restrooms are available seasonally.
Directions: Follow Route 128 North to its terminus at the Route 127A traffic lights in Gloucester. Proceed through the light and follow East Main Street through East Gloucester for approximately 2 miles. Niles Beach is located on Eastern Point Road, approximately 1/3 mile beyond the junction with Rocky Neck Boulevard and on the way to Eastern Point. A public parking lot is located along Rocky Neck Boulevard, offering easy access to Rocky Neck and a short hike to Niles Beach.
Located just North of Gloucester, Plum Cove is the perfect beach for families with small children. The cozy beach overlooks Ipswich Bay and offers a quiet day at the beach away from the crowds. Please note: a resident sticker is required to park at Plum Cove Beach, which assists with crowd control.
- Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Father’s Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- Alcohol is prohibited.
- All floatation devices and surf boards are prohibited.
Directions: Follow Route 128 North the first rotary (Grant Circle) in Gloucester. Exit the rotary on Route 127 north toward Annisquam. Continue for approximately 4 miles to Plum Cove Beach and the village of Lanesville just beyond.
Ipswich Beaches
Crane Beach, managed by The Trustees, is a spectacular North Shore gem, and enjoyable in every season. This white, sandy beach stretches four miles along the shore with dunes, boardwalk trails and even a pine forest for hiking and birdwatching. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, a refreshment stand, bathhouse, beach store, first aid and EMT office, and restrooms are available for beachgoers.
- In season, lifeguards are on duty daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Crane Beach is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. The entrance gate closes 20 minutes prior to sunset.
- From October 1 through March 31, dogs (a fee for non-members) and horses are permitted on the beach (a fee for non-members).
- Advance passes are required for week-ends only beginning May 1, 2023 and are required daily beginning May 15, 2023. For more information and to obtain a day beach parking pass, please visit thetrustees.org/place/crane-beach-on-the-crane-estate/.
Directions: From Rt. 128 North Exit 45B, take Rt. 1A north for 8 mi. to Ipswich. Turn right onto Rt. 133 East and follow for 1.5 mi. Turn left onto Northgate Rd. and follow for 0.5 mi. Turn right onto Argilla Rd. and follow for 2.5 mi. to entrance and parking (1,300 cars) at end of road. From Gloucester Rt. 128 South Exit 53, take Rt. 133 West and follow to Ipswich. Once over the Ipswich line, take a right opn Northgate Rd. and follow above directions.
310 Argilla Road
Ipswich, MA 01938
Telephone: 978.356.4354
E-mail: cranebeach@thetrustees.org
Located near Great Neck Park, this small, sandy town beach is perfect for families with young children who enjoy exploring the seashore. Don’t forget to bring a pail and shovel. Pavilion Beach is a town owned area, all sandy areas even beyond the retaining wall allow public access.
- No lifeguards on duty.
- Carry In/Carry Out policy for trash.
- Public parking is available Monday through Friday.
- The parking lot area and roads near Pavilion Beach are resident parking only.
- No alcohol and no fires.
More information may be found on the Ipswich, MA website
Directions: From Rt. 133/Rt. 1A to Ipswich, take County Rd, to East St. to Jeffrey’s Neck Rd. Slight right onto Little Neck Rd.
Manchester-by-the Sea Beaches
This immaculate beach will have you singing as you look at the clear blue waters and white sands. Enjoy a thirst quenching Slurpie or Italian ice at the snack bar.
- Walking from the train station or the center of town is just under a mile—everyone does it!
- Walk-On Fee: $10 daily / $35 seasonal
- No alcoholic beverages allowed on the beach.
- Visit manchester.ma.us for additional details.
Parking Restrictions at Singing Beach Parking Lot
- October 15 – April 15: Non-resident parking in designated spots only; dogs allowed on the beach.
- April 15 – June 20: Parking is for residents of Manchester-by-the-Sea only with a resident parking sticker.
- June 20 – Labor Day: Non resident parking permitted with $30 fee Monday through Friday when attendant is on duty and space allows. Not on Holidays including Monday, July 4, 2022.
- Resident Parking only at all other times.
Directions: Take Route 95/128 North. Stay on Route 128, and take Exit 16 (Pine Street/ Manchester exit). Take a Left at the end of the ramp. Follow to the end. Take a Left onto Route 127 and follow until you come to an intersection of a gas station, Crosby’s Market, and the Post Office. At this point Route 127 takes a sharp left turn – Do not follow route 127 any further. Continue straight over the railroad tracks onto Beach Street. Follow Beach Street 1/2 a mile to the end. Welcome to Singing Beach.
Fun fact: Why is it called Singing Beach?
Rockport Beaches
Sandy Bay acts as the beautiful back-drop for Front Beach, the perfect spot for all the swimmers and sunbathers in your group. When you’re finished with your day at the beach, restaurants and shops are just steps away. There are also many inns and B&Bs nearby providing beachside accommodations.
- 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.
Directions: Route 127A , Main Street to Beach Street, Downtown Rockport
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 cross the street from Back Beach.
- Paid on-street parking is available along the entire extent of Back Beach.
Directions: Route 127A , Main Street to Beach Street, Downtown Rockport
This small sand and popplestone beach is a favorite among families with small children. 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.
- Old Garden Road and adjacent side streets are restricted to resident-only parking on weekends and holidays.
- Limited on-street parking is available nearby.
Directions: Old Garden Road, Rockport
Water-smoothed popplestones and pebbles blanket this picturesque cres-cent 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 under-water life at 20- to 30-foot depths.
- Limited parking is available on Penzance Road adjacent to the beach.
- Please observe posted parking restrictions.
Directions: Penzance Road, Rockport
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. The Cape Hedge and Long Beach parking lot is restricted to residents only.
- Please observe posted parking restrictions.
Directions: South Street, Rockport
About a mile in length and lined with quaint New England beach houses, Long Beach offers one of the best views of Thacher Island’s twin lighthouses. Investigate the tidal pools, enjoy a casual stroll or jog, and soak in the sun. 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 in Gloucester.
- The Cape Hedge and Long Beach parking lot is restricted to residents only.
Directions: Route 127 (Thacher Road), Rockport