Top Things to do in Cape Ann
What to do and see in Cape Ann, Cape Ann: The Best Nature & Parks
Cape Ann, just 30 miles from Boston Logan Airport, includes four communities: Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. The picturesque area that spans the coastline was founded by Pilgrims in 1623 who named it after England's Queen Anne. Today, it's home to fishermen and artists, merchants and writers.
Restaurants in Cape Ann
1. Halibut Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 725 reviews
Scramble across ledges scarred by the granite industry and examine tide pools teeming with marine life.
Reviewed By hmuchas - Charleston, United States
Wonderful walk around an old granite quarry with markers explaining the process of extracting granite in the days before electric drills and heavy equipment.
2. Good Harbor Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
This picturesque curved white-sandy beach with a lazy rolling surf is a favorite among Gloucester residents and visitors.
Reviewed By 81vadimr
Good Harbor beach is one of the best beaches of North Shore in Massachusetts. Deepest and cleanest send. A little island near by with easy access in low tide, just be careful of poison ivy. Parking lot is not very big and filled very quickly in the hot Summer days. Be there before 9am to guarantee the spot. Enjoy it
3. Plum Cove Beach
4. Dogtown Common
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
This Gloucester trail runs through quarries and woods.
Reviewed By Luv2TravelWN
A very interesting area to go hiking. Many trails and all types of large granite rocks strewn everywhere. There are a large number of them which have had stone cutters engrave savings into that make for a fun hike. The trails are long and could be confusing so make sure to get a map ahead of time to make the hike more enjoyable. Worth a visit and plan on a few hours to full enjoy it.
5. Stage Fort Park and Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
This small park overlooking Gloucester harbor marks the spot where the area was first settled in the early 1600s.
Reviewed By Louetta - Georgetown, United States
Stage Fort is really nice. It is right on the ocean and there is a large grassy area, a couple of small beaches, places to cook out, a big snack bar and a long concourse along the beach that you can even walk into town (about a mile). Nice views, right on the ocean. People come in groups and stay for the day. Great for families, you can cook, kids can play on the grass or in the water. There is also a ball field over near the road. I tend to spend my time in the area up past the rest rooms up the hill where there is a smallish beach and plenty of areas to lie out on the rocks above the beach or amongst the trees. All sorts of stuff goes on in this relatively secluded area. I enjoy taking my top off and though I wouldn't on crowded weekends girls do but you might be bothered or photographed. Best wait for weekdays. Parking is kind of expensive. I've heard 15 and I've heard 20. I bicycle so I don't know. Bring your fluids and food if you want. They have full dinners at the snack bar, clams and stuff but a quart of clams is well over $10 plus fries and drinks. It's a stiff walk but there is a well kept concrete walkway all along the edge of the water over the bridge (which opens for boats) and up into town. They have very nice sit down restaurants but you're talking about a mile and a half.
6. Long Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By MBOS9 - Boston, United States
We love this beach! Clean sand and clear water. Not as overcrowded as Good Harbor or Wingaersheek. Parking is less expensive and there’s restrooms and changing areas.
7. Essex River
8. Thacher's Island
9. Coolidge Reservation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Hike past a scenic pond and through a small forest of pine and oak to reach a spectacular seaside lawn offering memorable views of Massachusetts Bay and the North Shore.
Reviewed By williamm690 - Boston, United States
The centerpiece of the spectacular Coolidge Reservation is the Ocean Lawn, which is the largest "lawn," with most amazing ocean view, you will likely ever see. A late October morning, following recent rains, afforded sparkling views not only of the faraway Boston skyline, but of the even more-distant blue hills of the South Shore. From here you fully comprehend why Massachusetts is so aptly called the Bay State. Also on offer: a large pond, with a trail leading to the small and thoroughly charming Magnolia Beach, otherwise accessible only by road from adjacent Gloucester. The trails throughout are well marked and maintained.
10. Ravenswood Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Explore a shrouded landscape of hemlock groves, a magnolia swamp, and other trees species where you'll find remnants Colonial habitation.
Reviewed By misterclean6 - Manchester-by-the-Sea, United States
This park is a gem for a delightful stroll through the woods. Pleasant and an easy hike with mother nature.
