Things to do in Gloucester

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

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Most popular activities in Gloucester

Tours & day trips

See all 80 activities
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 132 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $36 per adult
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 12 activities
Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $30 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 10 activities
Massachusetts Highlights: Freedom Trail, Salem & More Tour

Massachusetts Highlights: Freedom Trail, Salem & More Tour

Activity duration is 2 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $50 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

See all 3 activities
Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sighti...

Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sighti...

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $50 per adult
Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sighti...Opens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Gloucester

Number of things to do
90
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!

 

 

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

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

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

Hammond Castle
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
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
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
Pavilion Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town

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

Stage Fort Park

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.