Gloucester, MA

Travel Guide

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.
Explore the community introduced to you by the hard-working fishermen of Wicked Tuna. Beaches, history and great seafood add to the area’s appeal.

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.

A statue of a man with a wheel, surrounded by a stone base with an inscription, in a public square with houses and cars in the background.

Downtown Gloucester

While visiting Downtown Gloucester, you might make a stop by sights like Cape Ann Museum and Maritime Gloucester.

A lighthouse on a rocky shore with a wooden walkway leading to it.

Rocky Neck

While Rocky Neck might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rocky Neck Art Colony and Maritime Gloucester.

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.

Castle Manor Inn

Castle Manor Inn

2.5 out of 5
141 Essex Avenue Gloucester MA
$229 nightly
The price is $256 total per night from Oct 21 to Oct 22
$256 total
Oct 21 - Oct 22
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"We were on our honeymoon and I wanted the quintessential New England experience. I didn’t realize I had booked the moto lodge portion so that’s on me. The pluses: the room was a good size and clean. We had a view of the water. The bed was comfortable. The minuses: the towels had giant holes in them. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2026

Castle Manor Inn
Beauport Hotel Gloucester

Beauport Hotel Gloucester

3.5 out of 5
55 Commercial Street Gloucester MA
$249 nightly
The price is $278 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$278 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
Beauport Hotel Gloucester
Sea Lion Motel and Cottages

Sea Lion Motel and Cottages

2.5 out of 5
138 Eastern Avenue Gloucester MA
$173 nightly
The price is $193 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$193 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Gloucester. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (504 reviews)
"Very cozy, clean room. Had everything we needed. Great staff and premise all around."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2026

Sea Lion Motel and Cottages
See all 1,881 properties in Gloucester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Long Beach Suites

Long Beach Suites

2 out of 5
28 Rockport Rd Gloucester MA
Stay at this aparthotel in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Long Beach and Good Harbor Beach are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (91 reviews)
"We absolutely love these units. The owners are so nice and communication is clear. My one and only suggestion after staying here for a couple years now is please put mirrors in the bedrooms. When you have multiple people trying to shower and get ready every day and only mirror is bathroom or by the ..."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

Long Beach Suites
Beach Life Bliss - steps to the beach

Beach Life Bliss - steps to the beach

Gloucester MA
Stay at this vacation home in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Plum Cove Beach and Halibut Point Reservation ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Very clean, great communication with the host. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2026

Beach Life Bliss - steps to the beach
Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!

Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!

Gloucester MA
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Good Harbor Beach and Long Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (240 reviews)
"Great location close to beach. Very clean and tidy. This is a 1910 cottage with original pine floors that has been lovingly updated with new kitchen, a wraparound deck, and comfortable seating. Parking space is limited and road is quite narrow but there is room for a fourth car to squeeze in. We ..."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2026

Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!
See all properties in Gloucester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Gloucester attractions

A beach sign with footprints and a message to keep the beach clean.

Good Harbor Beach

9.2/10 (191 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.
See properties

Things to do

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour

$40
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour
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
See Salem After Dark!

Salem's Best Ghost Tour

$24
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Salem's Best Ghost Tour
Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem

Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem

$8
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem
2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour

2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour

$40
per adult
2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour
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
See all activities in Gloucester

Frequently asked questions

Is Gloucester worth visiting?
Gloucester is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, including Wingaersheek Beach and Good Harbor Beach. Travelers can also explore distinct areas like Downtown Gloucester and East Gloucester. The local dining scene offers delicious seafood and Italian cuisine, providing a great experience for food lovers.
When is the best time to visit Gloucester?
The best time to visit Gloucester is from June through August, when the weather is typically warm and the destination is most popular with travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter, cooler months of November through January are a good bet for travelers looking to explore with fewer people around.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Gloucester?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Gloucester depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown Gloucester is home to historical sites like the Fishermen's Memorial Monument, Maritime Gloucester, and the Cape Ann Museum.
  • East Gloucester offers coastal sights such as the Eastern Point Lighthouse, entertainment at The Gorton Theatre, and Good Harbor Beach.

What is Gloucester known for?
Gloucester is known for its beautiful coastline, featuring popular spots like Wingaersheek Beach and Good Harbor Beach. Travelers can also explore historic landmarks such as Hammond Castle. The city offers a rich seafood food culture, especially in its distinct areas like Downtown Gloucester and East Gloucester.
What is a good itinerary length for Gloucester?
A good itinerary length for Gloucester is two to three days to enjoy beaches like Wingaersheek Beach and Good Harbor Beach, explore Downtown Gloucester, and visit Hammond Castle. An extended stay of four to five days allows more time for a Cape Ann self-guided driving tour or a Gloucester Harbor kayak tour, plus deeper exploration of East Gloucester. See Gloucester Activities.
How do you get around Gloucester?
In Gloucester, travelers can get around using the train, with stations like West Gloucester Station and Gloucester Station available. For more flexibility, rental cars are also an option, with services found in neighborhoods such as East Gloucester.
What are the top things to do in and around Gloucester?
Gloucester offers coastal beauty, historic sites, and unique tours for every traveler:

  • Visit Hammond Castle, a historic landmark with unique architecture
  • Kayak Gloucester Harbor to explore coastal beauty and the sea
  • Explore historic Downtown Gloucester on a Haunted Harborwalk Ghost Tour
  • Drive the Cape Ann Self-Guided Tour, covering Gloucester and Rockport
  • Relax at Wingaersheek Beach, a beautiful natural area.

How do I plan a trip to Gloucester?
To plan your trip to Gloucester, book flights and hotels early, especially during peak times. Consider a rental car for exploring attractions like Wingaersheek Beach and taking a Cape Ann driving tour. You can also arrive by train. Remember to pair outdoor activities, such as a Gloucester Harbor Kayak Tour, with indoor options for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Gloucester?
In Gloucester you can find New American cuisine, featuring dishes like gourmet burgers, artisanal pizzas, and farm-to-table options. Travelers can also enjoy fresh seafood, Italian specialties, and North American comfort foods. Additionally, there are European Mediterranean and Chinese Asian dining choices available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Gloucester?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Gloucester by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Gloucester with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Gloucester trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Gloucester?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Gloucester can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Gloucester trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Gloucester trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Gloucester trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Gloucester trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Gloucester?
If it's your first trip to Gloucester, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Gloucester hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Gloucester hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near 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

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