Guidebook for Gloucester
Food Scene
J.T. Farnham's
88 Eastern AveJust up the road, this is a local favorite.
Close to home, this is a cozy and warm inn like restaurant with a diverse American style menu.
Windward Grille Restaurant
109 Eastern AveClose to home, this is a cozy and warm inn like restaurant with a diverse American style menu.
Charming setting on the Essex River with a great river view. A menu with lots of variety and a good wine list. The bar is popular and the staff are very hospitable.
10 paikallista suosittelee
Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar
122 Main StCharming setting on the Essex River with a great river view. A menu with lots of variety and a good wine list. The bar is popular and the staff are very hospitable.
Delish! Best spanakopita ever!Also great lamb kebabs! Enjoyed the bar which had a good selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Service was excellent with explanations for unfamiliar foods.
22 paikallista suosittelee
Ithaki Modern Mediterranean
1A Hammatt StDelish! Best spanakopita ever!Also great lamb kebabs! Enjoyed the bar which had a good selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Service was excellent with explanations for unfamiliar foods.
Hungry? You won't be at George's! Fresh and the abundance of food is plentiful. Service is second to none! Great place to start your day.
19 paikallista suosittelee
George's Coffee Shop
178 Washington StHungry? You won't be at George's! Fresh and the abundance of food is plentiful. Service is second to none! Great place to start your day.
Homemade! Outstanding variety of unique rich flavors in the creamiest of ice creams from a little joint on route 133. Portions are out of control: don't go beyond small.
9 paikallista suosittelee
DownRiver Ice Cream
241 John Wise AveHomemade! Outstanding variety of unique rich flavors in the creamiest of ice creams from a little joint on route 133. Portions are out of control: don't go beyond small.
I am a local and this just may be my new favorite local restaurant. The atmosphere is abuzz with great coastal, boathouse décor and it's just comfortable to me. The food is great too. Have not had a bad dish yet. Some say they have the BEST clam chowder around.
9 paikallista suosittelee
Boat House Grille Essex
234 John Wise AveI am a local and this just may be my new favorite local restaurant. The atmosphere is abuzz with great coastal, boathouse décor and it's just comfortable to me. The food is great too. Have not had a bad dish yet. Some say they have the BEST clam chowder around.
The good is very good and almost everything is very good. Boullabaise excellent. Breakfast here is great, and we like the evening bar environment too.
35 paikallista suosittelee
Lobsta Land Restaurant
84 Causeway StThe good is very good and almost everything is very good. Boullabaise excellent. Breakfast here is great, and we like the evening bar environment too.
Visit the AZORES! at this Portuguese restaurant in Gloucester with a full menu of delightful fish fish and seafood entrees, along with many entrees for landlubbers.
22 paikallista suosittelee
Azorean Restaurant & Bar
133 Washington StVisit the AZORES! at this Portuguese restaurant in Gloucester with a full menu of delightful fish fish and seafood entrees, along with many entrees for landlubbers.
Locally owned with over 18 years of experience in the restaurant industry, enjoy a really delicious meal at Tonno Gloucester with your friends or relatives. From sfizi and primi to homemade pasta and dolci, you're sure to find your favorite food. We love the meatballs, aracini, shrimp and polenta, the gem salad and the best bolognese we have ever had. The team uses fresh, local ingredients to make tasty Italian seafood, and of course, true to the name, the tuna is outstanding!
43 paikallista suosittelee
Tonno Restaurant
2 Main StLocally owned with over 18 years of experience in the restaurant industry, enjoy a really delicious meal at Tonno Gloucester with your friends or relatives. From sfizi and primi to homemade pasta and dolci, you're sure to find your favorite food. We love the meatballs, aracini, shrimp and polenta, the gem salad and the best bolognese we have ever had. The team uses fresh, local ingredients to make tasty Italian seafood, and of course, true to the name, the tuna is outstanding!
Cozy and comfortable local favorite. Perfect for an early morning coffee and pastry, with friendly service and fantastic espresso drinks. Located right on Main Street, this coffee shop is a great place to grab a coffee while doing some window shopping.
10 paikallista suosittelee
Lone Gull Coffee House
146 Main StCozy and comfortable local favorite. Perfect for an early morning coffee and pastry, with friendly service and fantastic espresso drinks. Located right on Main Street, this coffee shop is a great place to grab a coffee while doing some window shopping.
Exciting atmosphere with the best margarita's in town. New on the food scene and quickly becoming a local hot space, this restaurant is great to watch a big game, or grab a bite to eat.
12 paikallista suosittelee
Machaca
14 Rogers StExciting atmosphere with the best margarita's in town. New on the food scene and quickly becoming a local hot space, this restaurant is great to watch a big game, or grab a bite to eat.
Sclafani's Italian Bakery
49 Washington StNichols Ocean Home Candies
1 Crafts RdCake Ann
63 Rogers Streetcakes, bakery, and great stuff! love this place.
Alexandra's Bread
265 Main Stthe bread is to die for!
Fish Tacos at Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant ($14.95)
Spice up your lunch or dinner at Jalapenos with their delicious Fish Tacos dish. Tempt your tummy with three tacos featuring fresh, local haddock fried in an egg and corn flour batter, served on your choice of corn or flour tortilla, shredded lettuces, pico de gallo, and a side of mango salsa.
15 paikallista suosittelee
Jalapeños
88 Main StFish Tacos at Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant ($14.95)
Spice up your lunch or dinner at Jalapenos with their delicious Fish Tacos dish. Tempt your tummy with three tacos featuring fresh, local haddock fried in an egg and corn flour batter, served on your choice of corn or flour tortilla, shredded lettuces, pico de gallo, and a side of mango salsa.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great place to relax with a craft brew and locals. They have a good selection of everyday food, moderately priced all on the waterfront with a industrial coastal vibe. Sit on the deck and watch the fishing boats because you don't want to be in a rush at this place ... things take a wee bit longer from the kitchen, but no problem with the great beer and friendly service.
A Beer Flight at Cape Ann Brewing Company ($12.50)
Craft beer lovers can enjoy a 4-ounce sampling of six Cape Ann Brewing beers currently on tap of your choosing. Sit inside at one of the long beer hall tables or outside on the waterfront deck to take in the flavor of the atmosphere and beer.
20 paikallista suosittelee
Cape Ann Brewing Company & Brewpub
11 Rogers StGreat place to relax with a craft brew and locals. They have a good selection of everyday food, moderately priced all on the waterfront with a industrial coastal vibe. Sit on the deck and watch the fishing boats because you don't want to be in a rush at this place ... things take a wee bit longer from the kitchen, but no problem with the great beer and friendly service.
A Beer Flight at Cape Ann Brewing Company ($12.50)
Craft beer lovers can enjoy a 4-ounce sampling of six Cape Ann Brewing beers currently on tap of your choosing. Sit inside at one of the long beer hall tables or outside on the waterfront deck to take in the flavor of the atmosphere and beer.
This place makes it easy to enjoy an afternoon, a game on the screen, or time with friends and family. Centrally located to relax in the afternoon or evening with good selection of items, moderately priced. The tavern like environment includes high pub chairs and benches, and a walk around central bar.
22 paikallista suosittelee
Minglewood Tavern
25 Rogers StThis place makes it easy to enjoy an afternoon, a game on the screen, or time with friends and family. Centrally located to relax in the afternoon or evening with good selection of items, moderately priced. The tavern like environment includes high pub chairs and benches, and a walk around central bar.
A local favorite and summertime hot spot, spend your evening dancing along the waterfront at Mile Marker One. Situated along the Cape Ann Marina, grab a drink and watch the boats pass by along the channel, or indulge in Sunday's Blues Brunch Buffet. With amazing food, drinks, and live music an evening at Mile Marker is not one to miss!
30 paikallista suosittelee
Mile Marker One Restaurant
75 Essex AveA local favorite and summertime hot spot, spend your evening dancing along the waterfront at Mile Marker One. Situated along the Cape Ann Marina, grab a drink and watch the boats pass by along the channel, or indulge in Sunday's Blues Brunch Buffet. With amazing food, drinks, and live music an evening at Mile Marker is not one to miss!
Beauport Hotel Gloucester
55 Commercial StParks & Nature
Ravenswood Park offers 600 acres for solitude and quiet contemplation of nature. Whether you prefer to surround yourself with snow-covered hemlocks, experience spring emerging in a burst of color and aroma, or escape the summer’s heat – you’ll find a refuge here. With 10 miles of carriage paths and trails that meander through the park, you can find plenty of room to picnic, bird watch, walk, cross-country ski, and simply appreciate the outdoors. Children love the Ledge Hill Trail – a 2-mile round-trip walk among magical-looking, fern-covered boulders.
26 paikallista suosittelee
Ravenswood Park
Ravenswood ParkRavenswood Park offers 600 acres for solitude and quiet contemplation of nature. Whether you prefer to surround yourself with snow-covered hemlocks, experience spring emerging in a burst of color and aroma, or escape the summer’s heat – you’ll find a refuge here. With 10 miles of carriage paths and trails that meander through the park, you can find plenty of room to picnic, bird watch, walk, cross-country ski, and simply appreciate the outdoors. Children love the Ledge Hill Trail – a 2-mile round-trip walk among magical-looking, fern-covered boulders.
A special place. The weather-beaten bluffs here make up a low rocky coastal shelf covered in bayberry, greenbriar, and shadbush. During storms, waves crash over the rocky shore. Tidal pools harbor snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars. Above the reservation is the former Babson Farm Quarry, now filled by natural underground springs. Granite quarried here at the turn of the 20th century paved thousands of city streets and built bridges, tunnels, monuments, warehouses, and buildings, such as Boston's Custom House Tower.
115 paikallista suosittelee
Halibut Pointin osavaltionpuisto
Gott AvenueA special place. The weather-beaten bluffs here make up a low rocky coastal shelf covered in bayberry, greenbriar, and shadbush. During storms, waves crash over the rocky shore. Tidal pools harbor snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars. Above the reservation is the former Babson Farm Quarry, now filled by natural underground springs. Granite quarried here at the turn of the 20th century paved thousands of city streets and built bridges, tunnels, monuments, warehouses, and buildings, such as Boston's Custom House Tower.
Six miles of footpaths, bridle paths, and farm roads (easy walking and great for jogging strollers), some of which are part of the Bay Circuit Trail, crisscross the farm. Rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings are part of this 1,000 acre pastoral landscape – a rare glimpse into New England’s agricultural past. A gift of Colonel Francis R. Appleton, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the country.
22 paikallista suosittelee
Appleton Farms
Massachusetts 1ASix miles of footpaths, bridle paths, and farm roads (easy walking and great for jogging strollers), some of which are part of the Bay Circuit Trail, crisscross the farm. Rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings are part of this 1,000 acre pastoral landscape – a rare glimpse into New England’s agricultural past. A gift of Colonel Francis R. Appleton, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the country.
best beach in the world, with a creek, a swim and walk to island, fantastic shoreline and frequent surfing conditions
118 paikallista suosittelee
Good Harbor Beach
best beach in the world, with a creek, a swim and walk to island, fantastic shoreline and frequent surfing conditions
Niles Beach station
Great sunsets, lovely smaller beach
Wingaersheek Beach
Special beach with miles of sea and sand.
Enjoy a casual scenic drive along Gloucester’s picturesque backshore. Stop at any point to pause and soak in the beauty of the scenery and local attractions. Take Route 127 to East Main Street and follow along the harbor through East Gloucester passing by Rocky Neck and down the road to Niles Beach. Continue on to Atlantic Road arriving at the backshore and Bass Rocks with sweeping views of the ocean, and the Twin Lights on Thacher Island. Continue on to 127 to head back to Downtown Gloucester or head over to Good Harbor Beach, or head on up to Rockport to continue on the Cape Ann loop. We love to share your photos on our social channels.
Atlantic Road
Atlantic RoadEnjoy a casual scenic drive along Gloucester’s picturesque backshore. Stop at any point to pause and soak in the beauty of the scenery and local attractions. Take Route 127 to East Main Street and follow along the harbor through East Gloucester passing by Rocky Neck and down the road to Niles Beach. Continue on to Atlantic Road arriving at the backshore and Bass Rocks with sweeping views of the ocean, and the Twin Lights on Thacher Island. Continue on to 127 to head back to Downtown Gloucester or head over to Good Harbor Beach, or head on up to Rockport to continue on the Cape Ann loop. We love to share your photos on our social channels.
Built in 1801, the Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse (Annisquam Light) marks the entrance to the Annisquam River at Wigwam Point. It is situated on the Annisquam River and is one of the four oldest lighthouses to surround the Gloucester peninsula. In 1897, Annisquam Light’s wooden frame was replaced with the existing 41-foot brick tower, with a focal plane of 45 feet. The original 1801 wooden keeper’s house is still being used as housing for the Coast Guard who maintains the iconic lighthouse. Annisquam Light is accessible from the nearby village of Annisquam in Gloucester, but there is no public access path. The road to the lighthouse is private and there is no parking.
Annisquam Lighthouse
45 Norwood HeightsBuilt in 1801, the Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse (Annisquam Light) marks the entrance to the Annisquam River at Wigwam Point. It is situated on the Annisquam River and is one of the four oldest lighthouses to surround the Gloucester peninsula. In 1897, Annisquam Light’s wooden frame was replaced with the existing 41-foot brick tower, with a focal plane of 45 feet. The original 1801 wooden keeper’s house is still being used as housing for the Coast Guard who maintains the iconic lighthouse. Annisquam Light is accessible from the nearby village of Annisquam in Gloucester, but there is no public access path. The road to the lighthouse is private and there is no parking.
Sightseeing
Experience a bit of history in Gloucester, overlooking the harbor. Peer down the barrels of the cannons from the American Revolution, or scale the rustic boulders, sit on Pavilion Beach or walk the trails.
45 paikallista suosittelee
Stage Fort Park and Beach
24 Hough AveExperience a bit of history in Gloucester, overlooking the harbor. Peer down the barrels of the cannons from the American Revolution, or scale the rustic boulders, sit on Pavilion Beach or walk the trails.
Just a 15 minute drive away, you can find the iconic town of Rockport, home to the infamous Motif No.1. Enjoy an afternoon of sight seeing along the shore, and be sure to stop in to some of the local shops and art galleries along the way. You'll find unique places that reflect the local appreciation for art and creativity where you can purchase hand crafted pottery, or snack on old fashioned saltwater taffy! Stop for a coffee at the Bean and Leaf Cafe and take in the stunning waterfront views, or enjoy a local seafood dinner at Ray Moore's Fish Shack.
31 paikallista suosittelee
Bearskin Neck
Bearskin NeckJust a 15 minute drive away, you can find the iconic town of Rockport, home to the infamous Motif No.1. Enjoy an afternoon of sight seeing along the shore, and be sure to stop in to some of the local shops and art galleries along the way. You'll find unique places that reflect the local appreciation for art and creativity where you can purchase hand crafted pottery, or snack on old fashioned saltwater taffy! Stop for a coffee at the Bean and Leaf Cafe and take in the stunning waterfront views, or enjoy a local seafood dinner at Ray Moore's Fish Shack.
Cape Ann is known as the Whale Watching Capital of the World. Enjoy marine and wildlife on this excursion.
10 paikallista suosittelee
Whale watching
27 Rogers StCape Ann is known as the Whale Watching Capital of the World. Enjoy marine and wildlife on this excursion.
Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
24 Harbor Looplocal office, with a ton of visitor information.
North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
I-95 Southboundcovers Greater Boston at Bostonusa.com
11 paikallista suosittelee
Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
99 Copley Plcovers Greater Boston at Bostonusa.com
Gloucester Fleet Deep Sea Fishing & Charters
75 Essex AveYankee Fleet
1 Parker St7 Seas Whale Watch
63 Seas WharfDestination Salem
245 Washington Stgreat source for all things Salem!
Schooner Adventure
1-99 State Fish PierSchooner Adventure
1-99 State Fish PierArts & Culture
great for all ages! take a look inside Gloucester's heritage with a focus on maritime history and happenings.
17 paikallista suosittelee
Maritime Gloucester
23 Harbor Loopgreat for all ages! take a look inside Gloucester's heritage with a focus on maritime history and happenings.
Gloucester Stage Company
267 E Main StRockport Music-Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main StTry the Outside Walking Tour with Cape Ann Museum ($20)
Put on your walking shoes and discover Gloucester by foot on one of Cape Ann Museum’s walking tours in and around the area. Tours take place on Saturday mornings from May through September. Good news, the last two scheduled walks are taking place this month: Hopper’s Houses Walking Tour (Sat. Oct 20 at 1pm), and Gloucester Guide – Downtown & Waterfront Walking Tour (Sat. Oct. 27 at 10am). Tickets are $20 for non-museum members and include admission to the museum.
69 paikallista suosittelee
Cape Ann Museum
27 Pleasant StTry the Outside Walking Tour with Cape Ann Museum ($20)
Put on your walking shoes and discover Gloucester by foot on one of Cape Ann Museum’s walking tours in and around the area. Tours take place on Saturday mornings from May through September. Good news, the last two scheduled walks are taking place this month: Hopper’s Houses Walking Tour (Sat. Oct 20 at 1pm), and Gloucester Guide – Downtown & Waterfront Walking Tour (Sat. Oct. 27 at 10am). Tickets are $20 for non-museum members and include admission to the museum.
America's oldest art colony with galleries, shops, dining and nightlife.
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Rocky Neck
America's oldest art colony with galleries, shops, dining and nightlife.
Today, the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library acts as a public charitable corporation as designated under a charter granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1872. Its purpose remains to serve as an institution for “maintaining a free library, lectures, collections in natural history and works of art, and the promotion of intellectual culture generally.”
Visit the library to learn about Gloucester, use their free Internet access, take out a book or two, or attend an event or program that will inpsire you through connection and life-long learning. Don’t forget to check out the library’s “Good Vacation” reading list featuring works of fiction, history, and children’s books.
Sawyer Free Library
21 Dale AveToday, the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library acts as a public charitable corporation as designated under a charter granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1872. Its purpose remains to serve as an institution for “maintaining a free library, lectures, collections in natural history and works of art, and the promotion of intellectual culture generally.”
Visit the library to learn about Gloucester, use their free Internet access, take out a book or two, or attend an event or program that will inpsire you through connection and life-long learning. Don’t forget to check out the library’s “Good Vacation” reading list featuring works of fiction, history, and children’s books.
in the fall, there is little doubt that Hammond’s favorite time of year was October. He had surrounded himself with objects from antiquity and felt a connection with the spirits of the original owners or artisans who created these objects. House guests that were invited to visit during October were never quite sure what Hammond had in store for them, especially after the sun set, and the candles were lit. 2018 marks Hammond Castle's 30th year of hosting six evenings of Halloween haunts
55 paikallista suosittelee
Hammond Castle Museum
80 Hesperus Avenuein the fall, there is little doubt that Hammond’s favorite time of year was October. He had surrounded himself with objects from antiquity and felt a connection with the spirits of the original owners or artisans who created these objects. House guests that were invited to visit during October were never quite sure what Hammond had in store for them, especially after the sun set, and the candles were lit. 2018 marks Hammond Castle's 30th year of hosting six evenings of Halloween haunts
Getting Around
Cape Ann Transportation Authority
3 Pond RdWest Gloucester Train Station
Gloucester station
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
123 Eastern AveEssentials
Market Basket
400 Somerville AveCommon Crow Natural Market
200 Eastern AveStop & Shop
779 McGrath HwyShaw's
127 Eastern AveCVS
6 Thatcher RdCVS
6 Thatcher RdWalgreens
201 Main StNor'east Cleaners
15 Summer StNoreast Cleaners
31 Railroad Ave