Looking to hit the beach before or after your Essex River Cruise? We have you covered. We LOVE a good beach day and with the beauty of Cape Ann out our backdoor, there is not shortage of cool beaches.
Unfortunately, Essex doesn't have a lot of great public beaches, but our neighbors in Gloucester and Ipswich have some amazing ones. Here's three we love -
Good Harbor in Gloucester:
Located on Thatcher Road/Route 127A, Good Harbor is a beautiful beach with lovely white sand. At low tide, one can walk out to Salt Island, while at high tide, one can enjoy body surfing or boogie boards.
Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Surfing, inflatable objects, and all flotation devices (with the exception of Styrofoam boogie boards) are prohibited during the hours lifeguards are on duty. Alcohol is also prohibited.
Gloucester has adopted a 'Carry In-Carry Out' Policy for Good Harbor and Wingaersheek beaches. Please be prepared to carry out any trash with you when you leave.
Food, drinks, beach toys, and other beach necessities are available at the concession. Restrooms and showers are also available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
Parking is available during the week at a rate of $30 per vehicle, and on the weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle. (After Labor Day, beaches may be open with reduced rates charged, weather permitting.)
Parking reservations are required for non-resident beachgoers and can be made via the reservation system. Cash will no longer be accepted at the gate for parking.
Wingersheek in Gloucester:
Situated in the western part of Gloucester at the end of Atlantic Street off Route 133 and Concord Street, this beautiful beach runs along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay.
At low tide, the beach extends out for hundreds of yards and a long sandbar is exposed, making for a great place to walk.
Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Surfing, inflatable objects and all flotation devices are prohibited during the hours the lifeguards are on duty.
Alcohol is prohibited on the beach and Gloucester has adopted a 'Carry In–Carry Out’ policy at Wingaersheek and Good Harbor beaches so please be prepared to carry out any trash with you when you leave.
Food, drinks, beach toys, and other beach necessities are available at the concession. Restrooms and showers are also available from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily. During periods of inclement weather, all facilities may close early. Parking is available during the week at a rate of $30 per vehicle and on the weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle. After Labor Day, beaches may be open with reduced rate charges, weather permitting.
The gates open at 8:00am and are locked at 9:00pm. Parking reservations are required for non-resident beachgoers and can be made via the reservation system. Cash will no longer be accepted at the gate for parking.
Cranes Beach in Ipswich
Crane Beach on the Crane Estate is a 1,234-acre conservation and recreation property located in Ipswich, immediately north of Cape Ann.
It consists of a four-mile-long sandy beachfront, dunes, and a maritime pitch pine forest.
The beach is open year-round, and is free to Ipswich residents with the purchase of a yearly beach parking sticker. Non-residents must pay a fee to enter. In the summer months there is a refreshment bar, and the restrooms, showers and changing facilities are open year-round.
Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach from October 1st through March 31st.
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