Location: Gloucester
Top Things to do in Gloucester
Top 10 Things to do in Gloucester, United States
With its sandy North Shore beaches, rocky outcrops, green parks, hemlock woods and wild estuaries full of shorebirds, it is no wonder that Gloucester has attracted such a rich and diverse artists' community. Fitz Hugh Lane, Winslow Homer and John Sloan are just some of the artists who have taken inspiration from Gloucester's beautiful surrounds. Still boasting dozens of galleries and boutiques, as well as museums, theaters and an artists' colony, the city's art scene clearly continues to thrive.
Restaurants in Gloucester
1. Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 186 reviews
Also called the Beauport Sleeper-McCann House, this fantasy mansion of more than 40 rooms is perched on the rocks overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
Reviewed By JVC3515 - Antrim, New Hampshire
This is the most unique house tour guided by very well informed guides. They're knowledgable, engaging and share very interesting backgroung stories and facts that take you back to 1907 when construction started on this masterpiece. This place ranks in the top 2 or 3...MoreThanks for the lovely review of Beauport. The house has been preserved with most of Henry Sleeper's interiors intact, so guides really enjoy sharing the history and beauty of it with visitors.
2. Cape Ann Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
The Cape Ann Museum tells multiple stories, all relating to a single remarkable place. From its earliest days as a fishing and shipping port to its mid-19th century role in the granite industry, to its singular charms of light and sea that have attracted countless artists from the 19th century to the present, Cape Ann boasts a rich and varied culture of nationally significant historical, industrial, and artistic achievement. The Museum's fine art collection includes the largest grouping of works by native son and renowned marine artist, Fitz Henry Lane, as well as work by other prominent painters and sculptors who lived on, visited or were inspired by Cape Ann. The work of contemporary Cape Ann artists is also collected and exhibited. The permanent collection includes fine and decorative arts, and artifacts from the major industries of the area - the fisheries and granite quarrying. Founded in 1873 as the Cape Ann Scientific and Literary Association, today the Museum is a vibrant cultural center that includes galleries, an auditorium, library/archives, a children's activity center, two sculpture gardens and two historic homes. In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum offers a rotating schedule of special exhibitions throughout the year as well as related programs and events. Visit us today to discover the treasures of Cape Ann.
Reviewed By Julie32159 - The Villages, Florida
While neither my husband nor I are great art-museum goers, we enjoyed our visit here because we both like history. And there is much of Gloucester's history represented in the paintings and other objects very well displayed throughout the museum. Great stories behind the items on display. Visiting here gave us a much better understanding of the whole area as well as Gloucester's role in it. Docent-led tours are available with the price of admission. Definitely worth a couple of hours here. We parked across the street in public parking and then had lunch nearby. Nice way to spend much of a rainy day in town.
3. Bearskin Neck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 605 reviews
Reviewed By John S - Nevis, Minnesota, United States
Although we were near the end of the tourist season, the majority of businesses were still open. Huge variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The area was not crowded (late October). We had no trouble parking, though I would be sure that would not be true in July / August. We were here in July 1977 and it is just as good today as it was then.
4. Fishermen's Memorial Monument
5. Motif Number 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By Rottman - Vegas
Our tour guide said that this is the most photographed building in Massachusetts, and I believe it. It should be photographed from different locations to get the best perspective. There are clean public restrooms nearby. The town of Rockport was one of our favorites in New England. It is so quaint and authentic looking, although it still has the prerequisite tee shirt shops. Walk through the town to the water. There is a neat little lobster shop on the right that has a huge tank with probably 100 lobsters in it. You can get a lobster roll reasonable or 3 whole lobsters for $40. Great.
6. Good Harbor Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
This picturesque curved white-sandy beach with a lazy rolling surf is a favorite among Gloucester residents and visitors.
Reviewed By Taughboyne - NJ
Low tide on a warm late September mid-week day was a great time to visit this beach. We walked in from a nearby motel, along the seafront hugging road, and dropped down on an elegantly humped footbridge over the creek that flows along along the back of the beach before then turning to join the sea at its southern end. The sands were very fine-grained, pristine, hard and glinting with mica crystals. The tidal flow at the creek mouth was strong and it must be great for kids floating on tubes in summer to ride upstream on the surge. The beach has rocky headlands at either end, sporting interesting old houses. Loads of room and attractive views. Certainly worth a return visit.
7. Wingaersheek Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By Kris H - Midland, TX
After lunch in Gloucester, we decided to go to Wingaersheek beach. Longer drive than anticipated but a beautiful
drive and worth it. The weather is unseasonably warm today, so probably more people there than usual, but not crowded by any means. A beautiful view with a lighthouse across the way. Very fine white sand. If we'd come more prepared for beachcombing we would've stayed longer.
8. Stage Fort Park and Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
This small park overlooking Gloucester harbor marks the spot where the area was first settled in the early 1600s.
Reviewed By Gagens - Albion
We enjoyed a brief stop here, looking for interesting rocks on the rocky shore. Fun to climb the rock steps to the top of the large boulder for a beautiful view of Gloucester!
9. Hammond Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 470 reviews
Medieval-style castle built by inventor John Hays Hammond.
Reviewed By angeleyes27 - Marlton, New Jersey
Inventor John Hammond who had over 400 patents and pioneer in remote control built this medieval style castle as a showcase for his art and as a wedding present for his wife. This attraction offers a self guided tour. You are given a map and watch a movie about his life. It is pretty cool with an indoor pool, secret passageways, a bridge and a number of bedrooms. He was a practical joker and had a straw stuffed mattress in one of the guest bedrooms to give them the full medieval experience. There is also a large pipe organ. Very interesting.
10. Ryan & Wood Distilleries
Overall Ratings
5 based on 92 reviews
Come visit and tour our craft distillery, the first legal distillery on the North Shore since Prohibition! See firsthand how fine hand crafted spirits are made in our beautiful copper pot Still. Learn how we ferment, distill, barrel age and bottle our Beauport Vodka, Knockabout Gin, Folly Cove Rum and Ryan & Wood family of Whiskies. All done on site. The tour, usually guided by Kathy or Bob Ryan, is free and lasts about an hour. Perfect for a quick stop before lunch. We are a hidden gem, just minutes from other Gloucester attractions. Scheduled Tours: Monday,Wednesday,Friday and Saturday, 10:00am and 1:00pm. Call for Private/Group Tours. Check our website for more information.
Reviewed By Jesseric234 - Dumont, New Jersey
Ryan & Wood is an amazing spot to visit. We walked in, having missed the tour, and were given a quick "3 minute tour" which lasted about half an hour! The family that runs the distillery are super sweet and super accommodating. And the spirits are wonderful! The gin especially. Make this a stop during your trip- you won't regret it ❤️
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