Gloucester Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Gloucester, located in the beautiful state of Massachusetts, is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. Nestled on the scenic Cape Ann peninsula, Gloucester is a popular destination for travelers who seek both relaxation and adventure.

One of the highlights of Gloucester is its stunning coastline, which stretches for miles and is adorned with picturesque beaches and rocky shores. Good Harbor Beach, with its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, is a favorite spot for sunbathers and swimmers. For those who prefer a more rugged experience, Wingaersheek Beach offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by sand dunes and grassy areas perfect for picnicking.

Gloucester is also known for its rich maritime history, which is evident in its charming harbor and bustling fishing industry. Visitors can explore the city's past at the Cape Ann Museum, which houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase Gloucester's role as a fishing and seafaring hub. The museum also offers guided tours that delve into the city's maritime heritage.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Gloucester offers a wealth of recreational activities. The city is a haven for boating and sailing enthusiasts, with numerous marinas and rental services available. Fishing charters are also popular, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of catching their own fresh seafood.

In addition to its natural beauty and maritime history, Gloucester boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to numerous art galleries and studios, showcasing the work of local artists. The Rocky Neck Art Colony, located in the heart of Gloucester, is a must-visit destination for art lovers, with its charming streets lined with galleries and studios.

When it comes to dining, Gloucester offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes. From fresh seafood shacks serving up mouthwatering lobster rolls to upscale restaurants offering gourmet cuisine, there is something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to savor the local catch of the day, as Gloucester is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes.

Alternative names: Settled: 1623Population: 29.8 thous. (2019)Area: 41.51 mi²Elevation: 26 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°36'45"N, 70°39'48"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Gloucester Top Attractions

Gloucester Attractions - What to See and Explore

Gloucester offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Hammond Castle, Good Harbor Beach, Beauport, Annisquam Harbor Light. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum
Hammond Castle
Hammond Castle is located on the Atlantic coast in the Magnolia area of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The castle, which was constructed between 1926 and 1929, was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond, Jr. an inventor and pioneer in the study of remote control who held over four hundred patents.
42°37'10"N • 70°37'53"W
Good Harbor Beach
Beach • Outdoor activities • Park
Museum • History museum • Specialty museum
Beauport
Beauport, also known as Sleeper–McCann House, Little Beauport, or Henry Davis Sleeper House, is a historic house in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Annisquam Harbor Light
Annisquam Harbor Light Station is a historic lighthouse on Wigwam Point in the Annisquam neighborhood of Gloucester, Massachusetts. It can be viewed from nearby Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester.
Monuments and statues • Central Gloucester
Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial
Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial is a historic memorial cenotaph sculpture on South Stacy Boulevard, near entrance of Stacy Esplanade in Gloucester, Massachusetts, built in 1925.
Beach • Park • Playground
Stage Fort Park
Stage Fort Park is a park at Stage Head in Gloucester, Massachusetts, part of the Essex National Heritage Area. It contains two beaches, a large playground, picnic benches, two baseball fields, a basketball court, a dog park and plenty of room for any weekend activities.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Ten Pound Island Light
The Ten Pound Island Light is a historic lighthouse in Gloucester Harbor in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It is located on Ten Pound Island, near the eastern end of the harbor.
Museum • History museum • Art museum
Cape Ann Museum
Cape Ann Museum is an art and historical museum located in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Its collection and programming focuses on the artists and art colonies of Cape Ann, including the Rocky Neck Art Colony and the Folly Cove Designers.
42°36'44"N • 70°39'35"W
Capt. Bill & Sons Whale Watch
Dolphin and whale watching • Boat or ferry
City hall • Central Gloucester
Gloucester City Hall
Gloucester City Hall is located at 9 Dale Avenue in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was built in 1870 and dedicated the following year, and has served as the main location for the city's offices since then.
Bridge • Annisquam
Annisquam Bridge
The Annisquam Bridge is a historic bridge in Annisquam, Massachusetts, a village within the city of Gloucester. The bridge was built in 1861 to replace an earlier 1847 bridge that crossed Lobster Cove. It is a wooden pile bridge, a type of which only two others were found in New England as part of a c. 1979 survey.
Church • Central Gloucester
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church is a historic Roman Catholic church at 136-144 Prospect Street and 2-4 Taylor Street in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Ship • Central Gloucester
Adventure
Adventure is a gaff rigged knockabout schooner. She was built in Essex, Massachusetts, USA, and launched in 1926 to work the Grand Banks fishing grounds out of Gloucester. She is one of only two surviving knockabout fishing schooners – ships designed without bowsprits for the safety of her crew.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Eastern Point Light
Eastern Point Light is a historic lighthouse on Cape Ann, in northeastern Massachusetts.It is known as the oldest seaport in America. The harbor has supported fishermen, whalers, and traders since 1616.
Museum • History museum • Historical place
Sargent House Museum
The Sargent House Museum is a historic house museum located at 49 Middle Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts. The museum is open on weekends from Memorial day to Columbus day, and offers guided tours of the historic home, a small gift shop, and rotating exhibits in its exhibit space.
Museum • Art gallery • Shopping
North Shore Art Association
The North Shore Art Association of East Gloucester, Massachusetts is one of the oldest art associations in the United States. Founded in 1922, it was the gathering place of some of the great American artists of the 20th century.
Cemetery • Central Gloucester
Oak Grove Cemetery
The Oak Grove Cemetery is a historic cemetery, founded in 1854, which is bounded by Derby, Washington, and Grove Sts. and Maplewood Avenue in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
42°36'38"N • 70°39'29"W
Schooner Adventure
Museum • Boat tours • Tours
Library • Central Gloucester
Gloucester Lyceum
The Gloucester Lyceum of Gloucester, Massachusetts, was an association for "the improvement of its members in useful knowledge, and the advancement of popular education." It incorporated in 1831.

Things to See and Do in Gloucester by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Gloucester.

Culture

North Shore Art Association
Gloucester
MuseumArt galleryShoppingEast Gloucester
Local Colors Artists' Cooperative
Gloucester
MuseumArt galleryShoppingCentral Gloucester
Lexicon Gallery & Studios
Gloucester
MuseumArt galleryShoppingMagnolia

Shopping

North Shore Art Association
Gloucester
MuseumArt galleryShoppingEast Gloucester
Local Colors Artists' Cooperative
Gloucester
MuseumArt galleryShoppingCentral Gloucester
Lexicon Gallery & Studios
Gloucester
MuseumArt galleryShoppingMagnolia

Other categories

Museum History museum

Day trips

Gloucester – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Gloucester, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), Quincy Market (Boston), Faneuil Hall (Boston).

29 milesSW
Impressionist art and Egyptian treasures
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston stands as a beacon of culture and history in the United States. Established in 1870, this grand institution is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the country, boasting a collection that encompasses nearly 500,000 works...
26 milesSW
Shopping, Market, Flea market
Quincy Market, Boston
Quincy Market is a historic marketplace in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, that has become a beloved landmark and a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. Located in the city's downtown area, Quincy Market consists of a main building, Faneuil Hall, flanked by...
26 milesSW
Historic indoor-outdoor shopping center
Faneuil Hall, Boston
Faneuil Hall, located in the heart of Boston, United States, stands not only as a bustling shopping center but also as a site steeped in history. Known as "The Cradle of Liberty," it was built in 1742 and has been an integral part of Boston's social and political life...
27 milesSW
Original colonial seat and state capitol
Old State House, Boston
The Old State House stands as a testament to the rich history of Boston, United States. This Georgian-style building, constructed in 1713, is one of the oldest public buildings in the country and has played a crucial role in the American Revolution.
27 milesSW
Interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater
Museum of Science, Boston
Nestled in the heart of Boston, the Museum of Science stands as a beacon of exploration and education, capturing the imagination of visitors with its interactive exhibits and cutting-edge presentations. This esteemed institution is dedicated to making science...

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Best Time To Visit Gloucester

Learn when is the best time to travel to Gloucester weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, May, June, July and August. Most of it rains in March, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Gloucester?

The top attractions to visit in Gloucester are:

What is the best time to visit Gloucester?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.