Things to do in Gloucester

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A beach with a lifeguard tower, waves, and a large house with a tower on a rocky shore.
A beach with clear water, sandy shore, and green foliage.
A group of people in naval uniforms on a wooden deck, with a ship's rigging and a clear blue sky in the background.
A historic building labeled "MANUFACTURY" with a large chimney, a dock with fishing boats, and a sunset sky.
A coastal town with houses on a cliff overlooking the sea.

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

Things to do

Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket

Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket

$22
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket
Salem MA: Immersive Costume Photography Experience

Salem MA: Immersive Costume Photography Experience

$149
per adult
Salem MA: Immersive Costume Photography Experience
Freedom Trail and Salem and The Witch Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle

Freedom Trail & Salem Witch: Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle

$25
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
Freedom Trail & Salem Witch: Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle
Schooner When And Sunset Sail

Sailing on Historic Schooner Yacht in Salem, MA

$48
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Sailing on Historic Schooner Yacht in Salem, MA
See Salem After Dark!

Salem's Best Ghost Tour

$24
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Salem's Best Ghost Tour
Salem 101 General History Tour

Salem 101 General History Tour (Massachusetts)

$25
per adult
Salem 101 General History Tour (Massachusetts)
Walk Among Us: the Salem Horror Tour

Walk Among Us: The Salem Horror Tour

$29
per adult
Walk Among Us: The Salem Horror Tour
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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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A rocky shoreline with large boulders and calm water.

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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A beach with a lifeguard tower, waves, and a large house with a tower on a rocky shore.

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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A stone archway with a view of the sea.

4. 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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An art gallery with wooden flooring and paintings on the walls.

5. 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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A beach with clear water, sandy shore, and green foliage.

6. 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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A group of people in naval uniforms on a wooden deck, with a ship's rigging and a clear blue sky in the background.

7. 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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A coastal town with rocky shores, a prominent church, and a clear blue sky.

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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A coastal scene with clear blue water, rocky shoreline, and several sailboats anchored in the distance.

9. 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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A lighthouse on a rocky coastline with a clear blue sky.

Recommended things to do in Gloucester

Number of things to do
123
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $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!

 

 

Stay near popular Gloucester attractions

A rocky shoreline with large boulders and calm water.

Wingaersheek Beach

9.4/10 (83 reviews)
This pristine beach captivates with white sands, clear shallow waters, and dramatic rock formations. Visit at low tide to explore expansive sandbars and discover hidden tide pools teeming with marine life.
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Where to stay in Gloucester

Find the best Gloucester areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Gloucester
Learn more about Gloucester
A lighthouse, a white building with a red roof, and a stone walkway leading to the water.

East Gloucester

If you're spending some time in East Gloucester, Good Harbor Beach and Niles Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Gloucester MA Fishermens Memorial

Downtown Gloucester

While visiting Downtown Gloucester, you might make a stop by sights like Cape Ann Museum and Capt Bill & Sons Whale Watch.

Annisquam lighthouse in Massachusetts

Rocky Neck

If you're spending some time in Rocky Neck, Rocky Neck Art Colony and Bryan Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal landscape with a lighthouse, rocky shoreline, and a beach.

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.

A garden with purple flowers and a foggy coastline.
Photo by Katia Bers
Open Photo by Katia Bers

Magnolia

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Magnolia. You might want to make time for a stop at Gray Beach or Massachusetts Bay.

 

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

A crowded beach with people swimming and sunbathing, surrounded by colorful buildings and a church steeple.

Rockport

An aerial view of a town with a prominent red brick building, a church with a steeple, and a large white building with a dome.

Essex

A harbor with boats and houses in the background.

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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