The Cape Ann
Gloucester · Rockport · Essex · Manchester-by-the-Sea · Hamilton · Wenham · Ipswich · BeverlyCape Ann & neighboring towns

Cape Ann beaches

34 beaches in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ipswich, Beverly and nearby: parking, dog rules, facilities and when the tide matters.

Lifeguards, parking fees and weekly water-quality testing run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In season, check swimming advisories on the Massachusetts beach water quality dashboard ↗.

GloucesterRockportEssexManchesterWenhamIpswichBeverly

Gloucester

Cressy's Beach

Rocky / pebble beach

Rocky beach at the lower end of Stage Fort Park looking out on Gloucester Harbor. No lifeguards. Alcohol banned throughout the park and beach.

Parking
Stage Fort Park lot. Non-residents must reserve on Blinkay, Memorial Day wknd–Labor Day: $30 weekdays, $35 weekends & holidays per car; no cash at gate. Gloucester resident sticker parks free.
Season
Not guarded. Parking reservations and fees Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day; park lot gates 8 AM–9 PM, Apr 1–Oct 31.
Dogs
Not allowed May 1–Sept 30; unleashed dogs allowed Oct 1–Apr 30.
Facilities
Restrooms (in park), Picnic and cookout areas
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Good Harbor Beach

Sandy ocean beach

At low tide you can walk out to Salt Island; watch the incoming tide. Only City beach allowing surfing in season (limited hours). Carry in, carry out.

Parking
Non-residents must reserve on the Blinkay app/site (up to 10 days ahead), Memorial Day wknd–Labor Day: $40 weekdays, $45 weekends & holidays per car; no cash at gate. Gloucester resident sticker ($20) parks free. About 500 non-resident spaces (2025 report); fills fast in summer.
Season
Lifeguards daily 9 AM–5 PM, Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day. Reservations and fees Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day; none after Labor Day. Lot gates 8 AM–9 PM.
Dogs
Not allowed Apr 1–Sept 30. Oct 1–Mar 31: off-leash allowed on even-numbered days.
Facilities
Restrooms, Showers, Snack bar, Lifeguards (summer), Accessible parking, Beach wheelchair
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Half Moon Beach

Harbor beach

Small crescent-shaped beach in historic Stage Fort Park; concrete ramp down to the sand. Grills allowed in the park. No alcohol or floats.

Parking
Stage Fort Park lot. Non-residents must reserve on Blinkay, Memorial Day wknd–Labor Day: $30 weekdays, $35 weekends & holidays per car; no cash at gate. Gloucester resident sticker parks free. Short stops at the Visitor Center are free.
Season
Lifeguards daily 9 AM–5 PM, Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day (the only guarded beach in Stage Fort Park). Park lot gates 8 AM–9 PM, Apr 1–Oct 31.
Dogs
Not allowed May 1–Sept 30; allowed Oct 1–Apr 30 under the owner’s control.
Facilities
Lifeguards (summer), Restrooms (Visitor Center), Picnic areas, Accessible ramp
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Niles Beach

Harbor beach

Sandy beach on Eastern Point Rd, East Gloucester, primarily for residents. Carry in, carry out. No alcohol, floats or inflatables.

Parking
Limited; resident beach sticker only. No non-resident parking.
Season
Lifeguards daily 9 AM–5 PM, Father’s Day weekend–Labor Day.
Dogs
Not allowed May 1–Sept 30; allowed Oct 1–Apr 30 under the owner’s control.
Facilities
Portable toilets, Lifeguards (summer)
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Pavilion Beach

Harbor beach

At 'The Fort', east end of Stacy Blvd, by the Beauport Hotel; site of the St. Peter's Fiesta Greasy Pole in June. No restrooms, no lifeguard.

Parking
Very limited street parking; no sticker or fee lot (City rules list it as open parking).
Season
Not guarded.
Dogs
Not allowed May 1–Sept 30; allowed Oct 1–Apr 30 under the owner’s control.
Facilities
Portable toilets (nearby on the Boulevard)
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Plum Cove Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Small beach on Washington St in north Gloucester (Lanesville area); the City recommends it for small children. Carry in, carry out.

Parking
Limited; resident beach sticker only. No non-resident parking.
Season
Lifeguards daily 9 AM–5 PM, Father’s Day weekend–Labor Day.
Dogs
Not allowed May 1–Sept 30; unleashed dogs allowed Oct 1–Apr 30.
Facilities
Lifeguards (summer)
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Wingaersheek Beach

Sandy ocean beach

On the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay, West Gloucester. Carry in, carry out. Surfing and floats banned while lifeguards are on duty.

Parking
Non-residents must reserve on the Blinkay app/site (up to 10 days ahead), Memorial Day wknd–Labor Day: $40 weekdays, $45 weekends & holidays per car; no cash at gate. Gloucester resident sticker ($20) parks free. About 500 non-resident spaces (2025 report); a 'lot full' sign means resident stickers only.
Season
Lifeguards daily 9 AM–5 PM, Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day. Reservations and fees Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day; none after Labor Day. Lot gates 8 AM–9 PM.
Dogs
Not allowed May 1–Sept 30. Oct 1–Apr 30: off-leash allowed on odd-numbered days.
Facilities
Restrooms, Showers, Snack bar, Lifeguards (summer), Accessible parking, Beach wheelchair
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Rockport

Back Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Gentle sandy slope with rocky edges along Beach St, a short walk north of Front Beach. Popular with scuba classes and divers. No lifeguards.

Parking
Metered street parking along one side of Beach St; resident-sticker spaces beside the American Legion Hall/bandstand and at the north end near Granite St.
Season
No lifeguards. Restrooms are seasonal: open 7 AM – 7 PM from spring, closed for the season after Columbus Day.
Dogs
No dogs on any Rockport public beach June 1 – September 15 (service animals excepted); allowed the rest of the year.
Facilities
Restrooms (seasonal)
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Cape Hedge Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Family beach with a gentle slope and wide sand between tides, behind a high bank of round stones. Strong tides at times. Footbridge to Long Beach.

Parking
Seaview St lot: Rockport resident sticker or Non-Resident Beach Sticker ($325, valid Apr 2026 – May 2027). End of South St: resident sticker plus one handicap-plate space; unrestricted street parking on South St before Camborne Way.
Season
Seasonal lifeguards (summer). Town water testing June – September.
Dogs
No dogs on any Rockport public beach June 1 – September 15 (service animals excepted); allowed the rest of the year.
Facilities
Lifeguards (summer)
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Front Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Small, sheltered family beach on Sandy Bay, walkable from downtown. Offshore swim raft. The stream can carry high bacteria for a day or two after heavy rain.

Parking
Limited metered street parking on Beach St; more meters a block away at Back Beach; private fee lots nearby. Meters/kiosks are free Nov 16 – Apr 14.
Season
Seasonal lifeguards (summer). Town water testing June – September. Restrooms 7 AM – 8 PM; they close for the season on Jan 1.
Dogs
No dogs on any Rockport public beach June 1 – September 15 (service animals excepted); allowed the rest of the year.
Facilities
Restrooms (seasonal), Lifeguards (summer), Swim raft, Accessible ramp
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Long Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Three-quarter-mile sandy beach, mostly in Rockport; cottages behind the seawall are private. Surfing only in the posted area and not 8 AM – 5 PM.

Parking
No public lot on the Rockport side: Glenmere Rd/Old County Rd parking is for Long Beach residents Apr 1 – Dec 1 (toll booth in summer). Seaview St lot needs a Rockport resident or $325 Non-Resident Beach Sticker. Private fee lot at the Gloucester end.
Season
Seasonal lifeguards (summer). Town water testing June – September. Seaview St footbridge open Apr 1 – Dec 1, weather permitting; Salt Marsh Lane footbridge year-round.
Dogs
No dogs on any Rockport public beach June 1 – September 15 (service animals excepted); allowed the rest of the year.
Facilities
Lifeguards (summer), Seawall walkway
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Old Garden Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Small beach popular with families and scuba divers; little sand at high tide. Davis Park above has benches, and the Old Garden Path cliff walk starts here.

Parking
Small resident-sticker lot. Summer parking restrictions on Old Garden Rd; unrestricted parking on some side streets.
Season
Seasonal lifeguards (summer). Town water testing June – September.
Dogs
No dogs on any Rockport public beach June 1 – September 15 (service animals excepted); allowed the rest of the year.
Facilities
Lifeguards (summer), Accessible ramp, Park with benches
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Pebble Beach

Rocky / pebble beach

More pebbles than sand and usually less crowded. Popular for sunbathing, surf-fishing, scuba and bird-watching; Camborne Pond is across the road.

Parking
Parallel parking along one-way Penzance Rd beside the beach; signs mark resident-sticker and unrestricted sections. Cape Hedge parking is a short walk.
Season
No lifeguards. Town water testing June – September.
Dogs
No dogs on any Rockport public beach June 1 – September 15 (service animals excepted); allowed the rest of the year.
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Essex

Clammer's Beach

Harbor beach

Sandy beach on Walker Creek at Conomo Point Rd and Middle Rd. At low tide the water is reached across mud and shallows. Also a small-boat launch.

Parking
Conomo Point parking is for Essex residents with stickers ($20/yr, valid Sept 1 – Aug 31). An older (c. 2005) regional survey noted 3–4 public roadside spaces outside the resident signs.
Season
No lifeguards listed. Town water sampling Memorial Day – Labor Day, once every 4 weeks at this beach.
Dogs
Dogs allowed on Essex public beaches except in June, July and August.
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Front Beach (Conomo Point)

Harbor beach

Gravel beach on the Essex River at the north end of Conomo Point, about 100 ft to the water, with good access at all tides. Also a small-boat launch.

Parking
Conomo Point parking is for Essex residents with stickers ($20/yr). An older (c. 2005) survey: 7–8 resident roadside spaces here; nearest public roadside spaces at Clammer's Beach, about ¼ mile.
Season
No lifeguards listed. Town water sampling Memorial Day – Labor Day, once every 4 weeks at this beach.
Dogs
Dogs allowed on Essex public beaches except in June, July and August.
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Manchester-by-the-Sea

Black Beach

Rocky / pebble beach

Small sand-and-pebble beach on Ocean St near Coolidge Reservation. No amenities besides trash barrels.

Parking
No parking spaces at the beach.
Season
Town publishes no season or lifeguard details for this beach.
Dogs
Dogs allowed Oct 15 – Apr 14 only.
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Magnolia Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Small beach below the basketball court on Shore Rd, Magnolia, reached only through Gloucester. No amenities. Land to the east is private, no access.

Parking
City of Gloucester-owned spaces by the basketball court on Shore Rd, Magnolia; a Gloucester parking permit is required. Number of spaces not stated.
Dogs
Not stated
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Singing Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Half-mile beach known for squeaky 'singing' sand. No boogie boards, rafts, kayaks or skim boards; ball play only in marked area; no alcohol. Lot closes 10 PM.

Parking
120-space lot, residents only except weekdays June 15 – Labor Day (not holidays): limited non-resident parking $35, cash/check, while attendant on duty. Walk-on fee $10/day ages 13–65 (season $35). Masconomo Park 3-hr visitor spaces ~½ mi; Manchester train station ½-mi walk.
Season
Typically open Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day. Bathhouse weekends 9 AM – 5 PM until mid-June, then daily 9 AM – 7 PM to Labor Day. Walk-on passes collected 9 AM – 5 PM.
Dogs
Dogs allowed Oct 15 – Apr 15 only (no dogs on Manchester beaches Apr 16 – Oct 14); voice control, max two per person, clean up.
Facilities
Restrooms, Showers, Changing stalls, Snack bar, Accessible restroom, Lifeguards (summer)
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Tuck's Point

Harbor beach

Harbor park with a small pebble beach, swings, picnic lawn, rentable Chowder House, and a rotunda with harbor views that is open to all.

Parking
Lot is for resident stickers, boater placards and Chowder House rental guests.
Season
Town publishes no swim season or lifeguard details. Chowder House rentals run Memorial Day weekend – 4th weekend of September.
Dogs
No dogs on the Chowder House side May – September; town rule bars dogs from Manchester beaches Apr 16 – Oct 14.
Facilities
Restrooms, Picnic areas, Swings
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

West Manchester Beach

Harbor beach

Small beach on Harbor Street, before the private road at Boardman Ave. No amenities.

Parking
Only two parking spaces, for Manchester residents.
Season
Town publishes no season or lifeguard details for this beach.
Dogs
Dogs allowed Oct 15 – Apr 14 only.
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

White Beach

Sandy ocean beach

Sand-and-cobble beach at Kettle Cove on Ocean St. Parking is for Manchester sticker holders only.

Parking
Resident-sticker parking only (May 1 – Oct 1); no parking 10 PM – 5 AM. No non-resident parking listed.
Season
Town publishes no season or lifeguard details for this beach.
Dogs
Dogs allowed Oct 15 – Apr 14 only (town rule for all Manchester beaches).
Facilities
Portable toilets
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Wenham

Pleasant Pond Beach

Lake

Wenham town beach on a 29-acre pond; the beach lot is for Wenham and Hamilton sticker holders. Swim at your own risk. No alcohol, smoking or ball playing.

Parking
Residents only: lot for Wenham and Hamilton sticker holders. 2026 stickers: Wenham $50 first car, $20 each extra, seniors 65+ $10; Hamilton $100, $40 each extra, seniors $20. Violators may be ticketed.
Season
Beach hours 10 AM–6 PM, Memorial Day–Labor Day. No lifeguards.
Dogs
No pets on the beach.
Official page ↗Map ↗

Ipswich

Crane Beach

Sandy ocean beach

About 4 miles of sand; stay out of fenced plover nesting areas. Greenhead flies for a few weeks in July–early Aug. No re-entry on a pass.

Parking
Advance pass per car (2026). Summer: nonmembers $35 weekdays / $40 weekends & holidays ($15 / $25 after 4 PM); Trustees members $18 / $20 (Supporting $10, Sustaining and up free). Apr 1–Memorial Day and after Labor Day–Oct 31: nonmembers $15 / $25; Nov–Mar $10. Walk/bike $5 (members free). Passes required summer Fri–Sun & holidays; at capacity only pass holders and 2026 Ipswich resident-sticker cars (Town lot) get in.
Season
Open year-round 8 AM–sunset (gate closes 20 min before sunset). Lifeguards 9 AM–5 PM daily Memorial Day–Labor Day; bathhouse, snack shack and store open Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Dogs
Dogs Oct 1–Mar 31 only ($5/dog nonmembers, free for members), below the high-tide line; off-leash only in the marked No Leash Zone, 6-ft leash elsewhere; never on dunes, trails or Castle Hill.
Facilities
Restrooms, Lifeguards (summer), Snack bar, Outdoor showers, Changing rooms, Beach store, Umbrella and chair rentals, Accessible mat, Beach wheelchairs, Accessible parking, Picnic tables, Bike racks
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Pavilion Beach

Harbor beach

Town-owned beach at Great Neck; all sandy areas beyond the retaining wall are public. No alcohol, fires or overnight parking; carry in, carry out.

Parking
Lot and nearby roads are Ipswich resident parking only May 15–Sept 15 (resident sticker required). No non-resident fee option listed.
Season
Resident-only parking May 15–Sept 15. No lifeguards.
Dogs
No animals on the beach Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Facilities
Hand-launch boat access
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Sandy Point State Reservation

Sandy ocean beach

DCR beach at the southern tip of Plum Island (77 acres). Tidal currents in the channel are unusually swift. Plover and tern nesting area; no alcohol.

Parking
Reached only through Parker River National Wildlife Refuge: $5 per car daily refuge entry (cash or check), free on foot or bike. The refuge often closes to cars at capacity in summer; parking at Sandy Point is limited.
Season
Open sunrise to sunset (DCR). No lifeguards listed.
Dogs
No dogs (DCR); pets are never allowed on the refuge.
Facilities
Restrooms, Beach wheelchair
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Steep Hill Beach

Sandy ocean beach

The more secluded beach on the Crane Estate, below Castle Hill. No lifeguard coverage or facilities are listed for it.

Parking
No lot of its own: beach access from Castle Hill is not permitted and Castle Hill parking is for cultural-site visitors only. On the Trustees map it adjoins the west end of Crane Beach (Crane admission applies there).
Season
Not stated separately (Crane Estate property).
Dogs
No dogs or horses at Steep Hill Beach at any time.
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Beverly

Brackenbury Beach

Sandy ocean beach

A 49-ft public strip at the end of Brackenbury Lane between two private beaches. Magnetite black sand: bring a magnet.

Parking
No designated parking and very limited space; visitors park on side streets and walk down Brackenbury Lane.
Season
No lifeguard; swim at your own risk.
Dogs
City ordinance §117-10: Memorial Day–Labor Day, leashed dogs in city parks only 7:30 PM–7:30 AM; no rule specific to this beach.
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Dane Street Beach

Harbor beach

Sandy beach at Lyons Park (93 Lothrop St) facing Beverly Harbor and Salem, with a big lawn and one of the city’s most popular play structures.

Parking
Small free lot plus street parking, open to residents and non-residents (limited).
Season
Bathhouse open July 1–Sept 7, 2026, 10 AM–5:30 PM. City inventory says lifeguards in summer.
Dogs
City ordinance §117-10: Memorial Day–Labor Day, leashed dogs in city parks only 7:30 PM–7:30 AM; no rule specific to this beach.
Facilities
Restrooms (bathhouse, summer), Lifeguards (summer), Playground, Picnic tables, Water fountain, Accessible ramp to beach
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Independence Park

Harbor beach

Sandy beach with breakwater and seawall below a lawn on Lothrop St (Rte 127); kayaks can launch here. No accessible path from street to beach.

Parking
Street parking only, for residents and non-residents; no fee listed.
Season
Open year-round; no lifeguard.
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed in the park (Ward 2 dog park) but not on the beach 7:30 AM–7:30 PM.
Facilities
Benches, Water fountain
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Lynch Park Beach

Sandy ocean beach

The smaller of Lynch Park’s two beaches, with open Atlantic views; sandy/rocky shore with tide pools. No umbrellas or tents in the park.

Parking
Lynch Park lot (55 Ober St): free with Beverly resident sticker. Non-residents May 23–Sept 7, 2026: $15 weekdays, $25 weekends & holidays, seniors/active military $5 Mon–Fri; cash only. Free to all off-season.
Season
Non-resident fees and bathhouse May 23–Sept 7, 2026. Park open 6 AM–10 PM.
Dogs
Memorial Day–Labor Day, leashed dogs in Lynch Park only 6–7:30 AM (city ordinance); on-leash dogs allowed off-season.
Facilities
Restrooms (summer), Snack bar (seasonal)
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Mingo Beach

Rocky / pebble beach

Small public beach on Hale St (Rte 127) near Endicott College. The rocky shore can be hazardous to cross; watch for poison ivy.

Parking
No parking; walk in from elsewhere.
Season
No lifeguard; swim at your own risk.
Dogs
City ordinance §117-10: Memorial Day–Labor Day, leashed dogs in city parks only 7:30 PM–7:30 AM; no rule specific to this beach.
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Obear Park

Harbor beach

Neighborhood park and beach on the Bass River at 145 Livingstone Ave, with baseball field, basketball and tennis courts.

Parking
Plenty of parking (City); no fee listed.
Season
Bathrooms open May 25–Sept 7, 2026, 9 AM–5 PM. Lifeguards not stated.
Dogs
City ordinance §117-10: Memorial Day–Labor Day, leashed dogs in city parks only 7:30 PM–7:30 AM; no rule specific to this beach.
Facilities
Restrooms (summer), Playground, Pavilion, Ball field and courts
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Pleasant View Beach (Goat Hill)

Harbor beach

Small tidal sand-and-pebble beach at the mouth of the Bass River below Gillis Park/Goat Hill, a block from downtown. Mud flats at low tide.

Parking
Street parking only, on Porter St; open to all.
Season
No lifeguard; swim at your own risk.
Dogs
City ordinance §117-10: Memorial Day–Labor Day, leashed dogs in city parks only 7:30 PM–7:30 AM; no rule specific to this beach.
Facilities
Playground, Picnic tables, Water fountain, Basketball court
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗

Woodbury Beach (Lynch Park)

Sandy ocean beach

The larger of Lynch Park’s two beaches. Carry in, carry out (no trash barrels); no umbrellas, tents, charcoal grills or drones in the park.

Parking
Lynch Park lot (55 Ober St): free with Beverly resident sticker (car garaged in Beverly). Non-residents May 23–Sept 7, 2026: $15 weekdays, $25 weekends & holidays, seniors/active military $5 Mon–Fri; cash only. Free to all off-season. Lots close when full.
Season
Non-resident fees and bathhouse May 23–Sept 7, 2026 (bathhouse Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–8 PM). Park open 6 AM–10 PM.
Dogs
Memorial Day–Labor Day, leashed dogs in Lynch Park only 6–7:30 AM (city ordinance); on-leash dogs allowed off-season.
Facilities
Restrooms (summer), Snack bar (seasonal), Splash pad, Playground, Picnic tables, Rose Garden
Tides ↗Official page ↗Map ↗