What to do in Gloucester, MA

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Good Harbor Beach featuring a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views

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 {69 fun activities in Gloucester fun activities in Gloucester} are also worth a look.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

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Most popular experiences in Gloucester

Cruises & boat tours

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Boston-Salem High-Speed Ferry

Boston-Salem High-Speed Ferry

Activity duration is 50 minutes
4.4 out of 5 with 69 reviews
Price is $52per adult
Boston-Salem High-Speed Ferry

Tours & day trips

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History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
4.8 out of 5 with 66 reviews
Price is $40per adult
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

Private & custom tours

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The North Shore: Salem & Cape Ann Private Day Trip from Boston

The North Shore: Salem & Cape Ann Private Day Trip from Boston

Activity duration is 6 hours
Price is $840per adult*
The North Shore: Salem & Cape Ann Private Day Trip from Boston

Holiday & seasonal tours

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Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $35per adult
Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Gloucester Attractions Information

Number of things to do
69
Things to do from
$5
Cheapest thing to do
Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem
Top 5 things to do
Top 5 things to do under $25
Top 5 things to do 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!

 

 

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Gloucester

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Frequently asked questions

What to do in Gloucester on a sunny day?
A Ultimate Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Gloucest is a fun way to explore the area and soak up some rays.
Are there cheap things to do in Gloucester?
There are lots of activities and tours here that’ll catch your eye if you’re traveling on a shoestring:


What can you do in Gloucester for free?
Your escape to Gloucester needn’t break the bank with free things like these to discover:

  • Good Harbor Beach
  • Wingaersheek Beach
  • Stage Fort Park
  • Niles Beach

Popular places to visit

Image for Good Harbor Beach

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
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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
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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
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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
Image for Cape Ann Museum

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
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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
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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
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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
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Pavilion Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Pavilion Beach during your trip to Gloucester? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Pavilion Beach

Areas of Gloucester

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Annisquam

If you're spending some time in Annisquam, Wingaersheek Beach and Front Beach are top sights worth seeing.

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

Magnolia

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Magnolia. You might want to make time for a stop at Singing Beach or Half Moon Beach.

Magnolia
See our Where To Stay guide

Day trip destinations 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