Things to do in Gloucester

Activities, attractions and tours

A beach with a lifeguard tower, waves, and a large house with a tower on a rocky shore.
A beach with clear water, sandy shore, and green foliage.
A group of people in naval uniforms on a wooden deck, with a ship's rigging and a clear blue sky in the background.
A historic building labeled "MANUFACTURY" with a large chimney, a dock with fishing boats, and a sunset sky.
A coastal town with houses on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Things to do

Gloucester: Scenic Cape Ann & Rockport Self-Driving Tour

Cape Ann Harbor: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

€15
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Cape Ann Harbor: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket

Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket

€19
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket
Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport

Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport

€15
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport
Massachusetts Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: 10+ Tours

Massachusetts Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: 10+ Tours

€43
per adult
Massachusetts Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: 10+ Tours
Within A Witching Hour Spellcasting Ticket

Within A Witching Hour Spellcasting Ticket

€17
per adult
Within A Witching Hour Spellcasting Ticket
Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour

€31
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour
Witches of Salem Tour: Mysteries, Myths, and Magic

Witches of Salem Tour: Mysteries, Myths, and Magic

€27
per adult
Witches of Salem Tour: Mysteries, Myths, and Magic
Salem Historical Audio Guided Private Experience

Salem Historical Audio Guided Private Experience

€9
per traveller
Salem Historical Audio Guided Private Experience
Freedom Trail and Salem and The Witch Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle

Freedom Trail & Salem Witch: Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle

€22
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Freedom Trail & Salem Witch: Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle
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What to do in Gloucester

Stay near popular Gloucester attractions

A beach with a lifeguard tower, waves, and a large house with a tower on a rocky shore.

Good Harbor Beach

9.2/10 (191 reviews)
Stroll along Good Harbour Beach's pristine white sands, walking to Salt Island at low tide. Reserve summer parking in advance to enjoy this Atlantic gem with its gentle surf and family-friendly atmosphere.
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Where to stay in Gloucester

Find the best Gloucester areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A lighthouse, a white building with a red roof, and a stone walkway leading to the water.

East Gloucester

If you're spending some time in East Gloucester, Good Harbor Beach and Niles Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A statue of a man with a wheel, surrounded by a stone base with an inscription, in a public square with houses and cars in the background.

Downtown Gloucester

While visiting Downtown Gloucester, you might make a stop by sights like Cape Ann Museum and Capt Bill & Sons Whale Watch.

A coastal landscape with a lighthouse, rocky shoreline, and a beach.

Annisquam

Though Annisquam may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Wingaersheek Beach and Plum Cove Beach.

A lighthouse on a rocky shore with a wooden walkway leading to it.

Rocky Neck

While Rocky Neck isn't home to many top sights, Rocky Neck Art Colony and Maritime Gloucester are some notable places to visit nearby.

A garden with purple flowers and a foggy coastline.
Photo by Katia Bers
Open Photo by Katia Bers

Magnolia

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Magnolia. You might want to make time for a stop at Gray Beach or Massachusetts Bay.

A crowded beach with people swimming and sunbathing, surrounded by colorful buildings and a church steeple.

Rockport

Frequently asked questions

Is Gloucester worth visiting?
Gloucester has a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local cuisine, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Gloucester?
Start your adventures with a visit to Front Beach and Capt Bill & Sons Whale Watch. Then, tour other parts of Gloucester for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gloucester?
Front Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Gloucester and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Gloucester?
Three days in Gloucester is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Front Beach, Pavilion Beach and Pebble Beach are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Boston.
What are some activities to do in Gloucester with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all the family, here are some great ideas for what to do in Gloucester with kids.

What to do in Gloucester for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's lots of things to do in Gloucester for adults including Ipswich Bar.
Are there free things to do in Gloucester?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Gloucester. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Front Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.