Things to do in Gloucester

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Good Harbor Beach featuring a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Half Moon Beach which includes a beach, general coastal views and a sunset
Maritime Gloucester as well as a small group of people
Maritime Gloucester showing a sunset and a bay or harbor
Good Harbor Beach which includes a sunset and a coastal town

Gloucester Attractions

It's little wonder so many travelers flock to Gloucester year after year. This captivating city is overflowing with tempting things to do. Whether you're into seeing the sights or having a go at more adventurous experiences, you'll never have a boring moment here.

If you're ready to hit the streets of Gloucester, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an experienced guide show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {68 fun activities in Gloucester fun activities in Gloucester} are also worth a look.

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Gloucester must see attractions

1. Wingaersheek Beach

Bounded by the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay, Wingaersheek Beach is an attractive destination to visit for those who love to swim and play in calm water. Wander along the long stretch of white sand and find the perfect spot to settle in for the day. You’ll find plenty to do and explore at one of the most popular beaches in Gloucester.
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Wingaersheek Beach which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views

2. Good Harbor Beach

Gloucester is renowned for its beaches, with Good Harbor Beach one of the most beautiful. Walk across long swaths of soft, white sand and choose the perfect spot for enjoying a day by the sea. The landscape changes dramatically with the tide and brings different adventures to enjoy. Sunrise and sunset are particularly enchanting, the favored times of the area’s artists and photographers.
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Good Harbor Beach featuring a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views

3. Hammond Castle

Hammond Castle Museum was originally built in the late 1920s as a home for inventor, scientist and art collector John Hays Hammond Jr. Perched high on a cliff with Atlantic Ocean views, the magnificent fortress is a fitting site for Hammond’s extraordinary collections. Admire the stone archways and windows inspired by medieval castles before stepping inside to explore.
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Hammond Castle which includes heritage elements, general coastal views and a sunset

4. Maritime Gloucester

Enjoy plenty of seafaring action at Maritime Gloucester, with indoor and outdoor attractions. Visit the pier that’s home to the Marine Railway, the oldest continuously operating example in America. Wander through a gallery with interactive displays and artifacts and enter the aquarium to get close to marine species.
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Maritime Gloucester as well as a small group of people

5. Cape Ann Museum

Just a short walk from Gloucester’s waterfront, the Cape Ann Museum showcases the largest collection of work by local native Fitz Henry Lane, a renowned maritime artist. Admire the collections of other works by Cape Ann artists and exquisite decorative pieces. The preservation of culture and history here also includes artifacts from the major industries of granite quarrying and fisheries.
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Cape Ann Museum which includes outdoor art

6. Half Moon Beach

Half Moon Beach is loved by couples for its romantic outlook and by families with children who enjoy splashing in shallow water. Choose a spot on the golden sand and admire the giant boulders adding to the scenery. It’s just a short walk to a park with facilities to suit everyone, along with sections of the popular HarborWalk trail.
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Half Moon Beach which includes a beach, general coastal views and a sunset

7. Eastern Point Lighthouse

You can’t miss the Eastern Point Lighthouse at the entrance to Gloucester Harbor. Walk along the granite jetty for panoramic views of the lighthouse itself, the harbor and the Boston skyline across the open ocean. The lighthouse you see today was built in 1890 and joins a keepers’ quarters, an oil house and a bell tower.
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Eastern Point Lighthouse

8. Niles Beach

Pack a picnic, an umbrella and a book for a peaceful day at Niles Beach. It’s a scenic spot that’s generally enjoyed by residents, with a wide stretch of soft, white sand drifting into calm water. This is a place to spend lazy days soaking up the sun between leisurely strolls on the sand and refreshing dips in the sea.
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Niles Beach featuring general coastal views, a bay or harbor and a beach

9. Stage Fort Park

From picnics to ball games and regular events throughout the year, Stage Fort Park sets the scene for fun. Stroll from your picnic blanket to one of two beaches for a swim. Take advantage of the sports courts and playgrounds. The central location of the park makes walking to other attractions in Gloucester quite easy.
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Stage Fort Park showing a coastal town and a bay or harbor

Recommended things to do in Gloucester

Number of things to do
68
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Ultimate Salem Witch Trials Trip Planner Your Complete Guide: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Gloucester

Free Things to Do in Gloucester

Leave your wallet in the hotel. It's easy to have a blast in Gloucester without handing over a cent.

Fishermen's Memorial Monument - Get to grips with some of the historical events of the area through this site.

Half Moon Beach - Practice skipping stones, watch the sun come up or just enjoy the views from the foreshore.

Stage Fort Park - No matter if you can tell your geraniums from gerberas, it's easy to find beauty in this gorgeous display.

Things to Do in Gloucester with Kids

Nothing tops hanging out with the family. Gloucester offers a superb range of family friendly experiences that the whole gang will love:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Gloucester? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gloucester

Wingaersheek Beach featuring rugged coastline

Wingaersheek Beach

Offering fun in the sun, this coastal playground has calm water and everything you need for a day by the sea.

Wingaersheek Beach
Good Harbor Beach which includes a sunset and a coastal town

Good Harbor Beach

4.5/5(18 reviews)

With a reputation as Gloucester’s prettiest beach, this curve of white sand lapped by rolling waves sets the scene for soaking up the sun.

Good Harbor Beach
Hammond Castle which includes heritage elements, general coastal views and a sunset

Hammond Castle

4.5/5(8 reviews)

A medieval-style castle overlooking the blue ocean waters in Gloucester features a spellbinding collection of art, artifacts and quirky inventions.

Hammond Castle
Maritime Gloucester as well as a small group of people

Maritime Gloucester

Discover Gloucester’s maritime history at the historic working waterfront with an aquarium, a scenic pier and educational programs on marine sciences.

Maritime Gloucester
Cape Ann Museum which includes outdoor art

Cape Ann Museum

5/5(3 reviews)

Step back in time to discover Gloucester’s history at a charming museum featuring fascinating artifacts, maritime artworks and a sculpture park.

Cape Ann Museum
Half Moon Beach which includes a beach, general coastal views and a sunset

Half Moon Beach

Shaped like a crescent moon and framed by greenery, this scenic beach rests in the heart of some of Gloucester’s top attractions.

Half Moon Beach
Eastern Point Lighthouse

Eastern Point Lighthouse

Get your camera ready for a visit to this historic lighthouse that’s an iconic Gloucester landmark surrounded by spectacular views.

Eastern Point Lighthouse
Niles Beach featuring general coastal views, a bay or harbor and a beach

Niles Beach

A favorite of the locals, this beach offers Boston skyline views along with soft sand and calm water for relaxing days by the sea.

Niles Beach
Stage Fort Park showing a coastal town and a bay or harbor

Stage Fort Park

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy a day by the sea in a grassy Gloucester park that’s popular for festivals, farmers markets and concerts during summer.

Stage Fort Park

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Gloucester

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Annisquam

While Annisquam might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Wingaersheek Beach and Plum Cove Beach.

Annisquam
Beautiful place to walk and enjoy the views. This foggy noon created the atmosphere of an unreal world.

Magnolia

Nestled in Gloucester, this small village boasts its own library, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy Gray Beach at Coolidge Reservation or take in scenic views of Kettle Cove at Surf Park.

Magnolia
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Gloucester

Front Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and swimming

Rockport

Photo by Christa Harlin

Essex

Manchester-by-the-Sea showing a sunset and a bay or harbor

Manchester-by-the-Sea

Frequently asked questions

Is Gloucester worth visiting?
Gloucester offers a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or regional cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Gloucester?
Once you've visited major attractions like Front Beach and Pebble Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying Gloucester's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gloucester?
Don't go home without visiting Front Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Gloucester.
Is three days enough to stay in Gloucester?
Three days in Gloucester is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many travelers book for two days on average. Front Beach, Pebble Beach and Pavilion Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Boston.
What are some activities to do in Gloucester with kids?
Deciding what to do in Gloucester with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Gloucester for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in Gloucester for adults including Ipswich Bar.
Are there free things to do in Gloucester?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Gloucester. If you're stuck for ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Front Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their traveling adventures.

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