
Good Harbor Beach Gloucester Massachusetts
A stunning stretch of white sand with clear waters, perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and exploring tide pools at low tide.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure parking & beat crowds

Good Harbor Beach Gloucester Massachusetts
Best Time
Secure parking & beat crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning stretch of white sand with clear waters, perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and exploring tide pools at low tide.
"Great beach! We love coming here for the soft sand and fun waves."

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
💰 Non-Resident Parking Fees
Be prepared for higher parking fees for non-residents. Check current rates before you go.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tide Pool Exploration
Low tide
Discover marine life in shallow pools and walk to Salt Island via a sandbar.

Clear Atlantic Waters
Enjoy the clear, refreshing waters perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing.

Expansive Sandy Shoreline
Relax on soft white sand with ample space to spread out, even during peak season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access Fees
Tides & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
💰 Non-Resident Parking Fees
Be prepared for higher parking fees for non-residents. Check current rates before you go.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals tide pools and a sandbar to Salt Island for exploration.
🏖️ Bring Beach Gear
Chairs, umbrellas, and towels are essential for a comfortable day on the sand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
💰 Non-Resident Parking Fees
Be prepared for higher parking fees for non-residents. Check current rates before you go.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals tide pools and a sandbar to Salt Island for exploration.
🏖️ Bring Beach Gear
Chairs, umbrellas, and towels are essential for a comfortable day on the sand.
🦅 Watch for Seagulls
Assertive seagulls may try to snatch your food, so keep snacks secure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Good Harbor Beach is praised for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and ample space, making it a favorite for swimming and exploring tide pools at low tide. Visitors appreciate the convenient amenities like restrooms and a snack stand, though the snack stand can be slow. The main drawbacks are the high parking fees for non-residents and the beach narrowing significantly at high tide.
"☀️🌊🏖️🦀🐚 Good Harbor Beach is a great beach with plenty of space for lots of people!
We had a great time at Good Harbor Beach and caught lots of ☀️!
At low tide you can walk across to the island and maybe find some 🦀
The food stand can be slow to order and receive your food so plan accordingly. My lobster roll and fries took 30 minutes to be ready but that was pretty common for everyone there.
Overall we had a great time at Good Harbor and will make this one of our top beaches in the area!"
Logan
"Great beach! We love coming here for the soft sand and fun waves. During low tide there are tide pools and a river the kids can explore, plus an island you can reach via a sandbar. During high tide there’s still plenty of beach. The parking is great - plentiful and stretches across the whole beach, making it easier to spread out and you never have to walk far."
Jessica Monagle
"Good parking, well stocked bathrooms, convenient snack stand, helpful walkway mat in the sand leading from the snack stand to the start of the beach, making getting to the beach earlier for anyone with mobility challenges. The views are beautiful, and the beach is clean. My only complaint was people smoking cigarettes which ruined the enjoyment of the fresh air. Also, Keep an eye on your French fries and snacks for some assertive sea gulls."
Nora K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Good Harbor Beach is located at 99 Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930. Driving is the most common way to get there. Parking is available on-site but fills up quickly.
Public transportation options to Good Harbor Beach are limited. It's best to drive or consider ride-sharing services.
There is a large parking lot directly across from the beach. However, it has a fee and fills up very early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Parking fees can be substantial, particularly for non-residents, with costs around $45-$47 mentioned for a day.
Historically, some street parking was available, but many areas are now resident-only, making paid parking the primary option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no separate entrance fee, but parking fees are charged. These fees can be quite high for non-residents.
The beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Advance parking reservations are generally not available. It's a first-come, first-served system, emphasizing the need for early arrival.
Amenities include restrooms, changing rooms, a snack stand, and showers. A walkway mat is provided for easier beach access.
Dogs are generally not permitted on Good Harbor Beach during the peak summer season when lifeguards are on duty. Check local regulations for off-season policies.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, boogie board, surf, explore tide pools at low tide, walk to Salt Island, and relax on the sand.
Yes, the beach has gentle waves suitable for children, and tide pools offer fun exploration. The sandbar to Salt Island is also a hit.
The water is known for being clear and refreshing, offering good conditions for swimming and water sports.
It can get very crowded, especially on hot summer days and weekends. Arriving early is recommended to avoid the peak crowds.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a convenient snack stand on-site that offers food and drinks.
The snack stand can be slow, with wait times of around 30 minutes for food orders like lobster rolls.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a good way to save money and avoid long waits at the snack stand.
Yes, there are dining options in Gloucester, including places like The Gloucester House and Castaways Vintage Cafe, which is recommended before heading to the beach.
The snack stand usually offers beachside favorites like lobster rolls, fries, and other quick bites.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the expansive shoreline, clear waters, tide pools, Salt Island, and the picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography.
Look for interesting shells, marine life in tide pools, and the dramatic coastline, especially during different tide levels.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with Gloucester authorities before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach, while a macro lens can be useful for tide pool photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Arrive early to secure parking and a good spot on the sand before the crowds build. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save time and money at the snack stand.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the off-season when parking might be less expensive or more readily available, and the beach is less crowded. While the beach itself doesn't have an entrance fee, the parking cost is the primary expense to factor into your budget.
🌊 Water Sports Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Fees
Historically, street parking was an option, but many of these areas have since become resident-only, further emphasizing the reliance on the paid lot. This situation means that planning your visit around peak times and being prepared for the cost are essential parts of your trip. For those seeking a more budget-friendly experience, exploring other beaches in the region or visiting during the off-season might be considered.
Tides, Islands, and Exploration
As the tide rises, the beach narrows considerably. While this can make the shoreline feel more intimate, it also means that the available space for sunbathing and activities diminishes. Understanding the tide schedule is key to maximizing your visit, whether you're eager to explore the intertidal zone or simply want to ensure you have ample space on the sand. The dramatic change between high and low tide offers a dynamic and engaging natural spectacle.
Beach Amenities and Comfort
While the amenities aim to enhance comfort, some visitors have noted issues like cigarette smoking, which can detract from the enjoyment of the fresh sea air. Additionally, the local seagulls are known to be quite assertive, so keeping a close eye on your food is advised to prevent any unwanted aerial raids. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall provision of facilities contributes to a positive and convenient beach experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit