2012 Cape Ann Guide – Experience Cape Ann…serving Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Issue link: http://capeannguide.epubxp.com/i/133875
Beaches of Cape Ann GOOD HARBOR BEACH BOARDWALK Gloucester GOOD HARBOR BEACH Route 127A (Thatcher Road) With shining white sand stretching out into the Atlantic, beautiful Good Harbor is one of the most popular beaches on Cape Ann. At low tide, one can take a leisurely stroll out to Salt Island while at high tide one can enjoy body surfing or Styrofoam boogie boards (all other floatation devices and surf boards are prohibited). Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Carry In – Carry Out policy for trash, so all visitors should bring a trash bag with them. Alcohol is prohibited. Concession stands are open during the summer so patrons may purchase food, drinks, toys, and other items as needed. Restrooms and showers are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. Parking (buses prohibited) is available during the week at a rate of $20 per vehicle, and on the weekends and holidays at $25 per vehicle. Non-resident parking is limited so arrive early in order to get a parking space, especially during the summer months. Gates open at 8:00 am and are locked at 9:00 pm. The beach is handicapped accessible. Directions: Take Route 128 North into Gloucester. Follow the signs for East Gloucester/Rockport. Go through two rotaries. At the first traffic light you have two options. Option one: take a left onto Eastern Avenue (Route 127 N) and follow for approximately ½ mile to the Shaw's Plaza on your right. Turn right at the end of the plaza onto Barn Lane. At the end of Barn Lane turn left onto Thatcher Road and the beach lot will be approximately ¼ mile on your right. Option two: continue through the first light, and then turn left onto Bass Avenue (Route 127A) at the next light. Follow Bass Avenue for approximately ½ mile and then turn left onto Thatcher Road. The beach parking lot will be approximately ½ mile on your right. WINGAERSHEEK BEACH Route 133 to Concord Street (Exit 13) to Atlantic Street Hugging the shore of the Annisquam River and stretching out toward Ipswich Bay, Wingaersheek Beach 32 is a large beach with a cozy feel. Adults and kids alike enjoy the numerous tidal pools and large rocks for climbing that adorn the beach. A long sandbar is exposed at low tide and makes for a perfect beach stroll. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. All floatation devices and surf boards are prohibited. Carry In – Carry Out policy for trash, so all visitors should bring a trash bag with them. Alcohol is prohibited. Concession stands are open during the summer so patrons may purchase food, drinks, toys, and other items as needed. Restrooms and showers are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. Parking (buses prohibited) is available during the week at a rate of $20 per vehicle, and on the weekends and holidays at $25 per vehicle. Non-resident parking is limited so arrive early in order to get a parking space, especially during the summer months. Gates open at 8:00 am and are locked at 9:00 pm. The beach is handicapped accessible. Directions: Take Route 128 North to Exit 13. At the bottom of the ramp, take a left onto Concord Street and follow for about 1 ½ miles. You will see a traffic island with a sign saying Wingaersheek Beach. Turn right onto Atlantic Street and follow to the end. Both Concord Street and Atlantic Street are narrow, winding roads with many curves. Please drive carefully and observe the speed limits not only for your own safety but for the safety of those who may be walking along the road. As you turn onto Atlantic Street look for the sign regarding the beach parking lot. If the "lot full" sign is out it means the lot is closed to non-residents and only those with a resident beach sticker can gain access to the lot. CRESSY'S BEACH AT STAGE FORT PARK Route 127 (Western Avenue) to Hough Avenue Located on the lower side of historic Stage Fort Park, Cressy's Beach is a rocky beach with a breathtaking view of Gloucester Harbor. Families and couples spend countless hours during the summer enjoying cookouts, picnics and playing Frisbee on the park's wide open lawns. Dogs are allowed in the park but are prohibited on the beach. Restrooms are located within the park as well as at a privately owned restaurant located adjacent to the park. Parking is available at Stage Fort Park at a rate of $10 per vehicle weekdays and $15 on the Cape Ann Guide 2013 ~ Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport weekends and holidays. Alcohol is prohibited. Directions: Take Exit 14 off Route 128 North. At the bottom of the ramp, bear right onto Route 133 toward Gloucester. Follow to the end with the Harbor in front of you. Bear right onto Western Avenue (Route 127) and then take an immediate left on Hough Avenue into Stage Fort Park. HALF MOON BEACH AT STAGE FORT PARK Rte 127 (Western Avenue) to Hough Avenue Half Moon Beach is a quiet, intimate, crescent shaped beach located at historic Stage Fort Park. Surrounded by a rocky hill and ample shady spots, it offers more seclusion from the rest of the park. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. All floatation devices and surf boards are prohibited. Dogs are allowed in the park but are prohibited on the beach. Restrooms are located within the park. Parking is available at Stage Fort Park at a rate of $10 per vehicle weekdays and $15 on the weekends and holidays. Alcohol is prohibited. The beach is handicapped accessible. Directions: Same as for Cressy's Beach above. PAVILION BEACH Western Avenue (Route 127) at the eastern end of Stacy Boulevard Near Gloucester's famous Fishermen's Memorial Statue (The Man at the Wheel), Pavilion Beach on Gloucester Harbor is the perfect site for beach combing and for gazing upon the plethora of watercraft as they head out to the channel. Located a short walk from downtown Gloucester, the beach is perfect for a quick dip before a trip to many of the nearby restaurants and shops just waiting for you to explore. The beach, a mix of sand and stone, does not have lifeguards on duty. Alcohol is prohibited. Limited public parking is available along Stacy Boulevard. Free public parking is also available at the nearby Saint Peter's parking lot, located at the intersection of Rogers and Commercial Streets and adjacent to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center located at 33 Commercial Street. GOOD HARBOR BEACH