Discover the most popular places to visit in Gloucester
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.
Explore this 1920s medieval-style castle built by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr. on Massachusetts' coast. Wander through grand halls filled with Roman and Renaissance artefacts while enjoying dramatic ocean views.
This pristine beach captivates with white sands, clear shallow waters, and dramatic rock formations. Visit at low tide to explore expansive sandbars and discover hidden tide pools teeming with marine life.
After visiting Stage Fort Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Gloucester. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Maritime Gloucester showcases the oldest operating marine railway in the US alongside interactive exhibits of local marine life. Explore the historic Dory Shop or sail the harbour aboard the traditional Schooner Ardelle.
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
This crescent-shaped cove offers calm waters and golden sand within historic Stage Fort Park. Explore the rocky cliffs for picturesque views of Gloucester Harbour while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Plum Cove Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Gloucester. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
"Loved our room. Very elegant and immaculate. Absolutely excellent location. Celebrated our 24th anniversary in style. Parking is a little walk. Would recommend dropping off one person and luggage then go park."
"I loved the room with a view of the water. It was clean with plenty of room.
Parking in front of the room was convenient.
We had a late check-in which went smoothly.
What I didn't like was our power going out twice. Only our room, which means it wasn't a general power outage. When we reported it we were asked if we had used a blow dryer. We had not. (I had used my CPAP all night with no problems.)
This response tells me this is not a new issue. And that it's an unresolved issue.
In addition,...
"Hotel was fine. Pretty basic for the price. Breakfast was fair. Beautiful location with a long paved waterfront walk that leads to a state park or into town for a bite to eat. Pretty quiet but nothing special for the cost."
"Great location, helpful staff, and a beautiful convenient property, the breakfast could be a better but if you want a good breakfast there are some good choices nearby"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gloucester offers a delightful blend of beach and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for a scenic getaway. Visitors can enjoy music concerts, explore local arts centres, and participate in educational experiences. Weekend getaways can be enhanced with walking tours, exciting adventures, and a plethora of attractions, alongside seasonal activities that cater to diverse interests.
Shopping
For unique gifts, visit Bewitched in Salem, 20.9km from Gloucester. You can also explore Todd Farm Flea Market, a lively spot for various treasures, also 20.9km away. If you're up for a drive, MarketStreet Lynnfield, 32.2km from Gloucester, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment options.
Recreation
Immerse yourself in soothing melodies at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, just 6.4km from Gloucester. Enjoy captivating performances at the Gorton Theatre, perfect for a romantic evening. For relaxation, explore the serene Halibut Point Reservation, where nature rejuvenates the spirit and fosters wellness.
Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Capt Bill & Sons Whale Watch, where you can marvel at magnificent whales in their natural habitat. For a scenic hike, explore Dogtown’s picturesque trails surrounded by lush landscapes. For family fun, visit the Water Park of New England, a short drive from Gloucester.
Nightlife
Gloucester's nightlife offers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Visit Park-9 Dog Bar, a charming drinking pub 40.2km away, where you can unwind with craft drinks in a romantic setting and enjoy lively entertainment vibes throughout the evening.
Find the best attractions near Gloucester
Gloucester, Massachusetts, is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of scenic beauty and rich history. Key attractions include the Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester Docks, and the vibrant Gloucester Quays. Visitors can enjoy the local parks and explore historic houses and museums, making it an ideal destination for those seeking culture and relaxation by the sea.
Long Beach: Experience the quintessential beach vibes at Long Beach, located 4.8km from Gloucester. This beautiful stretch of sand offers a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, ensuring a relaxing day by the sea.
Peabody Essex Museum: Immerse yourself in culture at the Peabody Essex Museum, situated 14.8km away. This renowned art museum features an impressive collection of Asian art, maritime artifacts, and American decorative arts, making it a cultural treasure trove.
Cape Ann: Discover stunning scenery at Cape Ann, located 6.4km from Gloucester. This picturesque cape boasts rugged coastlines, charming fishing villages, and scenic beaches, offering ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
Best time to go to Gloucester
The best time to visit Gloucester is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Gloucester
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Gloucester.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Gloucester holiday package cost?
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be thrilled with how little a holiday to Gloucester costs! Our packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Gloucester?
You're likely to find lower rates and greater availability in January, February and March. Explore our cheap Gloucester holiday packages and you could score some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Gloucester?
Typically, a few days is great for a Gloucester holiday. With a well-organised schedule, you can check out all the best sights such as Cressy Beach, as well as explore some hidden treasures along the way.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Gloucester?
Gloucester has everything you need for an amazing trip. Begin your Gloucester holiday on a high note by exploring major attractions like Capt Bill & Sons Whale Watch.
How to find the best Gloucester package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to find some great Gloucester package deals. When you begin your search, simply set your maximum budget and then order the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your trip for midweek, or look for Gloucester package deals in the off-peak season. Switch up your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's usually best to book your holiday package as soon as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Gloucester holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more cash in your pocket. Bundle your hotel, car rental and flight into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll typically get a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still have the freedom to create a tailored Gloucester holiday by choosing your preferred airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Gloucester?
If you're considering a spontaneous Gloucester getaway, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can land terrific deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Gloucester?
Choose your dates: What you'd like to do in Gloucester and your favourite season will help you decide when to get away.
Budget wisely: As well as the cost of your hotel, you'll need to consider other expenses too. These include flights, transportation and food. Also, set aside a little extra for unexpected costs that may come up during your trip to Gloucester.
Decide how long to go away for: Now that you're up to speed on Gloucester, you can figure out the perfect length of your break. Create a rough itinerary and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to see.
Combine your airfare and accommodation: Once you've nailed down your travel dates and duration, lock in the right Gloucester holiday package for you.