Things to Do in Gloucester, MA - Gloucester Attractions
Things to Do in Gloucester
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- steve fNewport, RI328 contributionsThe park lines the shoreline, the statue in the middle. Across the walkway was the names of over 5,000 that died at sea dating back about 200 years.Written August 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- trnama9 contributionsI posted a photo of the exterior of Hammond Castle on my Facebook, captioned "Europe?? Nope - Gloucester, MA!"
To say this place is impressive doesn't even come close. It's jaw-dropping, especially when you enter the Great Hall. It'll take you a while to simply absorb and comprehend everything in there - how old all those artifacts, art works, pieces of furniture, and massive architectural elements are, and the sheer logistics of having them all shipped safely from Europe or elsewhere to Massachusetts in the 1920s, and then having them all installed in this highly eccentric creation of a dwelling. Mind-boggling, but, of course, if you have the wealth that John Hays Hammond had ......
And then there's the realization of what an astonishingly prolific, futuristic, 400-patent-holding inventor he was, right alongside his obsessive collecting of antiquities. It's almost too much to take in! I had to promptly get on the Internet after our visit to learn more, much more about JHH ... and some it was disturbing.
Anyway, we were there on a dark rainy Monday in mid-September, which made the whole experience brooding and atmospheric, with an edge of spooky - intensified by the bleak grey choppy Atlantic Ocean DIRECTLY below the windows.
Important! -- Before planning to visit, be aware: navigating the many old, uneven, sometimes-slippery stone surfaces and steps, exterior as well as interior, can be difficult for some. I believe the website says something like "elder-unfriendly." Those with mobility and/or balance issues may find Hammond Castle challenging, or even inaccessible. Some areas of the Castle seem like a confusing rabbit warren of dim, narrow passages and steep, precarious steps ... there are some handrails, some heavy ropes to hang onto, and some carved-in stone grooves to grip, but you must always be very careful.Written September 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - qtmom0523Windsor Locks, CT2 contributionsAmazing beach. Found shells and sea glass. Very clean. The waves were great in September and the water warm. We stay at good harbor inn. Nothing like waking up and hearing the waves and walking the gorgeous beach.Written September 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- delawarevisitor2018Newark, DE19 contributionsWe thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Beauport. The docent was very knowledgeable and the interior designs of the house encompassed various times in American history. We learned that Mr. Sleeper was a major influence on Henry DuPont and the development of Winterthur. If you have enjoyed visiting Winterthur, you should pay a visit to Beauport.Written October 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ambassador435631United States13 contributionsWe visited this beach for the first time in summer 2022, and this will be a beach we will be coming back to each year. What a find! So beautiful, perfect for families with kids, and even the young at heart. The bathrooms close early, I wish they could be open till sunset, and even the food stalls should be open longer for a perfect summer beach experience.Written January 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Trish WMcMurray, PA949 contributionsThis is a lovely shore view drive and there is a small parking lot when you get to the lighthouse. Follow the path to the left along the fence to reach the jetty. From the path by the fence you can get a photo of the lighthouse without the tower that sort of spoils the view. You can walk out the jetty but it is extremely rocky. We had a lovely time just driving in and walking out to the beginning of the jetty.Written September 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kay-cee-1138Houston, TX443 contributionsWe discovered Stage Fort Park by accident one Sunday morning, as we were going to the Hammond Castle Museum, located about a mile further south along the coast. We arrived before the museum's opening time, so we drove further north up 127 to see what we could see in the meantime. On the right, down toward the water was this park. We stopped for a while and found a large, clean park with lots of parking (this was mid-May, and parking was free). The park has a fine view out over the ocean, benches here and there for sitting, and an octagonal bandstand. There are large rocks down toward the water's edge, some historical markers along the road, and the Gloucester City visitor's center is in the park too, though it was closed during our visit. Overall, it was a nice find and a welcome break for a while before the museum opened. Judging from the size of the parking lot, it must be popular during the summer months.Written May 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ellen BAgawam, MA13 contributionsVery nice walking route, bocce courts, benches overlooking the water, beautiful gardens and statuary, including the Gloucester Fishermen's Memorial and Wives Memorial statues. There appeared to be a 'dog-friendly' section of rocky beach. Parking is plentiful and free along the street. Adjacent is Stage Fort Park, a city park, easy to walk to on the adjoining path. Parking at Stage Fort Park is $20, but free after around 3:00 p.m. There's a Visitor's Center which has very limited parking spots.Written August 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Laurie J2 contributionsSightseeing and window shopping at it's best, oh and the food-WOW! Rich in history and beauty. It should be on everyone's list of must see. Drive anywhere and the ocean view is right beside you.Written August 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JanineSTSebastopol, CA10 contributionsI love this cozy theatre. Excellent shows (I saw Lucas Hnath’s The Thin Place). Well worth the trip to North Shore and as good as what you can see in Boston.Written October 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN3,136 contributionsPleasant walk along the Western Harbor of Gloucester which includes sea glass filled Pavilion Beach. Includes the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial. This area should definitely be included in a visit to the historic fishing port.Written July 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HoneoyefallsmbHoneoye Falls, NY48 contributionsA lovely mile long beach that's mostly peopled by locals. A private parking lot at the Gloucester side has showers. It's a wonderful white sand beach but it's narrow, so plan your trip when the tide is lower.Written September 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ClassydinerOrlando, FL205 contributionsIt was nice walking around and checking out the shops after a boat ride. Charming little town. Shady trees and quaint restaurants to take an afternoon break. Not as crowded as Rockport. Another town to explore. Not a real destination like Rockport.Written August 28, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cat Noble15 contributionsGet a trail map and bring bug spray. Recommend long pants and long-sleeved shirt. Plenty of parking; dogs welcome.Written August 14, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Janice H3 contributionsMy husband and I took our nieces to this beach last summer. It's a great little beach tucked away and easy to miss. The day we went it wasn't too crowded and the parking was reasonable. I suggest brining a grill or your own food. There is a place to get food, but it wasn't that great. It's a bit rocky, so I suggest brining beach shoes so you can walk around. The park is beautiful.Written June 30, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gloucester
- The top attractions to visit in Gloucester are:
- Good Harbor Beach
- Fishermen's Memorial Monument
- Hammond Castle Museum
- Wingaersheek Beach
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- The best outdoor activities in Gloucester according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Gloucester on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Gloucester according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Ultimate Boston Self-Guided Bundle Audio Tour
- Salem and North Shore Full Day Private Tour
- Private tour to northern Massachusetts coast from Boston - Hotel pick up
- The most popular things to do in Gloucester with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Fishermen's Memorial Monument
- Wingaersheek Beach
- Good Harbor Beach
- Hammond Castle Museum
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
Gloucester Attractions Information
Attractions | 120 |
|---|---|
Attraction Reviews | 9,687 |
Attraction Photos | 4,337 |
Local Time | America/New_York |