Gloucester, Massachusetts, situated on Cape Ann on the north shore of Boston, is named America’s First Seaport. The setting of many films reminiscent of CODA and The Good Storm and the TV present Depraved Tuna, Gloucester is picturesque and gives numerous issues to do with youngsters, particularly in the summertime months. It’s nice for a weekend getaway or a street journey from Boston. Learn our favourite issues to do in Gloucester MA with youngsters.
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Issues to Do in Gloucester MA With Children
Location of Gloucester
Gloucester is situated north of Boston on the North Shore. It’s on Cape Ann, which is separate (and in an other way) from Cape Cod. You could possibly do a day journey from Boston and even New Hampshire, though it’s possible you’ll wish to spend greater than someday.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Do you wish to expertise deep-sea fishing for your self? It may be such a enjoyable solution to actually see what goes into the fishing trade in Gloucester. Fortunately, there are deep-sea fishing journeys and charters that you may e book for a half-day, 3/4 of a day, or a full day, relying in your plans.
On these journeys, you’ll go on a ship to fish for haddock, cod, and different native fish. Many of those fishing charters will allow you to carry house a cleaned fish to prepare dinner at house or at an area restaurant. Test the main points earlier than reserving.
Relying on the constitution you select, you’ll in all probability be supplied with fishing provides, otherwise you might be able to carry your personal in case you have them. Once more, test the precise particulars of whichever constitution you select. My son did this as a part of a party for certainly one of his buddies, and he actually loved it (and we liked having the native meals to prepare dinner!).
Many of those charters take off proper down the road from the Downtown space proper by the Gloucester Harbor.
Whale Watching in Gloucester
Whale watching is a enjoyable exercise that households can take pleasure in collectively. In Gloucester, there are a number of completely different whale-watching firms that you may e book a visit with throughout your loved ones trip.
Whereas seeing a whale isn’t a assure, these whale-watching firms typically have a really excessive success price of whale sightings on their journeys. These are longer journeys, and it takes some time to get to the realm of the Atlantic Ocean the place the whales frolic.
Make sure you put together correctly on your tour. It may be chillier on the water, so that you’ll need layers, in addition to sunscreen. If you’re vulnerable to seasickness, you’ll wish to be ready for that as nicely.
Test together with your particular constitution to seek out out whether or not snacks are offered onboard. You might have to carry money to pay for snacks whereas in your journey.
Seashores in Gloucester
There are a number of attractive seashores in Gloucester which can be excellent for a low-key seaside day. These stunning seashores are among the many greatest seashores in Massachusetts.
Our private favourite of the Gloucester Seashores is Good Harbor Seashore. This attractive seaside gives a paid parking zone, a snack bar, and altering rooms/restrooms. Throughout low tide, you’ll be able to stroll over to Salt Island to discover. It’s certainly one of my favourite seashores within the space.
One other well-liked seaside in Gloucester is Wingaersheek Seashore. Like Good Harbor, this seaside gives a concession stand, altering rooms, and restrooms. Parking reservations at the moment are required at these seashores – you may get particulars on the Gloucester web site.
There are many different seashores within the space, together with Lengthy Seashore (which can also be partly in Rockport), Plum Cove Seashore, Cressy’s Seashore, Half Moon Seashore (situated in Stage Fort Park), and Niles Seashore. A Gloucester seaside sticker could also be required if you wish to park at these seashores. Test all present seaside info on the Gloucester web site.
Afternoon in Rockport
Rockport Massachusetts borders Gloucester, and it’s the proper spot for a day journey. If you wish to do some buying throughout your journey, you’ll discover quaint retailers and boutiques in historic Bearskin Neck. Metered parking is on the market, after which you’ll be able to simply stroll round this pedestrian space.
If the climate is good, it’s possible you’ll think about getting a scrumptious lobster roll at Roy Moore Lobster after which consuming outdoors on their again deck. Arrive early or after the lunch rush to get a desk. The views are exceptional, particularly on a transparent day.
There are additionally numerous quaint and scrumptious ice cream retailers in Bearskin Neck if you’re on the lookout for a deal with. Additionally be sure you take a look at Motif #1, a well-known pink fishing shack that may be seen proper from Bearskin Neck. It’s the most effective locations to stroll round.
Rockport gives different points of interest along with Bearskin Neck. This consists of Halibut Level State Park.
The place to Eat in Gloucester MA
As you’d anticipate, there are some scrumptious seafood eating places in Gloucester. Listed below are a few of our favourite eating places:
Tonno Gloucester: This Italian restaurant gives among the greatest pasta dishes round, together with scrumptious seafood. Get their well-known bluefin tuna if it’s presently obtainable. Make reservations, as it is a well-liked eating location. They just lately added a fantastic new patio for out of doors seating.
Blue Collar Lobster: Order on the window, after which carry your meals to one of many many out of doors waterfront tables. Whereas seafood is clearly the principle attraction right here, those that don’t love seafood will discover some choices on the menu. Additionally they provide a full bar.
Bishco Gloucester: For one thing a little bit completely different, go to this downtown store providing connoisseur sandwiches, roll-ups, and salads.
Lengthy Seashore Dairy Maid and Surfside Subs: We visited this sub store and adjoining ice cream stand a number of instances throughout our journey. Parts are large (particularly for the ice cream and pizza), and it’s a fantastic informal spot for meals.
Sightseeing in Gloucester
Gloucester is gorgeous, and also you’ll wish to stroll round and discover the surroundings. Don’t miss the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial Monument and Fisherman’s Wives Memorial, which is situated alongside the waterfront. It’s close to Stage Fort Park, the place you’ll discover customer info, strolling trails, and extra.
There’s additionally the Rocky Neck artwork colony, the place you’ll discover artwork galleries, retailers, and eating places.
The place to Keep in Gloucester MA
Whereas Gloucester MA generally is a nice day journey from Boston, or a part of a larger New England street journey, there are additionally some locations to remain in Gloucester. Trip properties are particularly well-liked and may be booked via well-liked trip house rental firms the native firm Atlantic Trip Houses.
Two of the extra well-liked motels are the Atlantis Oceanfront Inn and the Ocean Home Lodge at Bass Rocks. We didn’t keep at these, as a substitute choosing a trip house. Nevertheless, these are the 2 I’d think about if we selected a resort.
You too can discover close by locations to remain on this map (affiliate hyperlinks).
