Gloucester is home to the oldest seaport in the United States. For years it has been, and continues to be, a destination for fishermen, artists, and vacationers. It sits between Ipswich Bay and Massachusetts Bay, and is bordered by Ipswich, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Gloucester is made up of several areas, including Lanesville, Central, Annisquam, East Gloucester, West Gloucester, Magnolia, and others.
Gloucester offers residents the ability to enjoy the stunning 60-mile coastline and quiet lifestyle, yet it is only 50 minutes North of Boston. Hop on the commuter rail in Central Gloucester or drive on Route 128 or Route 1.
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Gloucester Parks & Beaches
Whether it is a hot, sunny summer day or a cool fall afternoon, Gloucester parks and beaches offer outside recreation year-round. With lovely views of the ocean and the coast, residents and visitors can enjoy and relax at one of the many sandy spots. Gloucester also has many parks with miles of hiking trails great for running, biking, or leisurely strolls. You can also visit one of the three lighthouses in Gloucester: Annisquam Lighthouse, Eastern Point Lighthouse, and Ten Pound Island Lighthouse.
Gloucester beaches:
- Good Harbor Beach - white, sandy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean. During low tide, walk out to Salt Island.
- Wingaersheek Beach - a beautiful beach in Western Gloucester, between Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay.
- Plum Cove Beach - a small beach great for families and children.
- Half Moon Beach - named after its crescent shape, this beach is a quiet retreat in historic Stage Fort Park.
- Cressy's Beach - a rocky beach located at the lower end of Stage Fort Park.
Gloucester parks & trails:
- Gloucester HarborWalk - award-winning public space known for its architectural beauty while showcasing the seaport.
- Ravenswood Park - 600 acres of secluded wood with hiking trails and old carriage roads.
- Dogtown & Babson Boulder Trail - trails of boulders featuring inspirational quotes.
Gloucester Arts
Gloucester is famous for its beautiful views, which have inspired artists for many years. Home to the oldest working art colony in North America, Gloucester continues to attract painters, sculptors, poets, and musicians. The many museums and galleries of Gloucester showcase its strong sense of history and the many years of artistic expression inspired by its salty shores.
Visit some of Gloucester's museums:
- Cape Ann Museum - houses the largest collection of work by Fitz Henry Lane, a well-known marine artist native to Gloucester.
- Hammond Castle Museum - built between 1926 and 1929, this was the medieval-style home of John Hays Hammond, Jr, one of America's premier inventors.
- Maritime Gloucester - a working waterfront museum.
- Rocky Neck Art Colony - a mix of history and culture, and situated in Gloucester's working harbor, this is a great place to stroll and experience art.
Downtown Gloucester
Gloucester's downtown is a pedestrian-friendly area with locally owned shops and restaurants. Lined with brick buildings and just a short walk from the waterfront, downtown Gloucester offers historic charm and is a great spot for get-togethers, a night out and more!
Some places to eat in Gloucester:
- Topside Grill - A Gloucester staple for over 25 years, serving fresh seafood, American fare, and weekly specials.
- Cape Ann Brewing Co. - Take a tour of the brewery and taste a selection of craft beers on tap, with a selection of pub food options.
- Short & Main - Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- The Gloucester House - Locally caught seafood located right on the harbor.
- Ohana- New American Cuisine with a Hawaiian twist.
- Tonno- Coastal Italian seafood and other treasures from land and sea.
- 1606 at the Beauport Hotel- New England coastal dining at its best, featuring expansive ocean views and outdoor dining.
- Lobsta Land- Cape Ann’s most eclectic menu in a family friendly, comfortably casual atmosphere.
- Latitude 43- Extensive menu featuring an outdoor patio located directly on the Harbor.
- Minglewood Tavern- Live music and great food!
- The Causeway- A local favorite serving Italian and seafood entrees for over ten years.
- The Franklin Cafe- Warm and friendly dining in a casual yet sophisticated neighborhood perfect meeting place for dining, drinking and socializing.
- Sugar Magnolias- Casual family-style restaurant offering breakfast, brunch and lunch.
- The Rudder- One of the Boston areas finest restaurants due to its fresh ingredients and creative menu.
- The Studio- Delicious food located on Rocky Neck.
Gloucester Schools
Gloucester serves over 3,000 students. There are five elementary schools (Beeman Memorial, East Gloucester, Plum Cove, Veterans' Memorial, and West Parish), one middle school (O'Maley Innovation Middle School), and one high school (Gloucester High School).
Living in Gloucester
Discover what is currently on the market in Gloucester, MA:
Single Family Homes • Condominiums • Waterfront Homes
Contact us if you have questions or would like to learn more about Gloucester real estate.