Long Beach Gloucester
A stunning stretch of soft sand and clear waters, Long Beach Gloucester offers a quintessential New England beach experience with opportunities for re...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds & free parking
Long Beach Gloucester
Best Time
Avoid crowds & free parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning stretch of soft sand and clear waters, Long Beach Gloucester offers a quintessential New England beach experience with opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
"This beautiful beach is a gem, perfect for families and long walks with its soft sand and clear waters."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Private parking lots cost ~$20/day. Consider drop-off points if you have gear.
🚿 Restroom Hours
Restrooms and outdoor showers are available but close around 7 PM.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shoreline
Long Beach
Miles of soft sand perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and family fun. A true coastal escape.
Tidal Pools & Rock Formations
Near Wingaersheek Beach (adjacent)
Explore fascinating tide pools teeming with marine life during low tide. Great for curious kids!
Clear Waters for Wading
Wingaersheek Beach
Surprisingly clear waters make for refreshing dips and comfortable wading, even with gentle waves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Accommodation & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Private parking lots cost ~$20/day. Consider drop-off points if you have gear.
🚿 Restroom Hours
Restrooms and outdoor showers are available but close around 7 PM.
🌊 Tide Pool Exploration
Visit during low tide to discover fascinating marine life in the adjacent Wingaersheek Beach tide pools.
🥪 Seagull Alert!
Be cautious with food on the beach; seagulls are known to be persistent visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Private parking lots cost ~$20/day. Consider drop-off points if you have gear.
🚿 Restroom Hours
Restrooms and outdoor showers are available but close around 7 PM.
🌊 Tide Pool Exploration
Visit during low tide to discover fascinating marine life in the adjacent Wingaersheek Beach tide pools.
🥪 Seagull Alert!
Be cautious with food on the beach; seagulls are known to be persistent visitors.
🏄 Surfing Potential
The beach break and a point break near rocks offer decent surfing, especially when the swell picks up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Long Beach Gloucester for its beautiful, expansive sandy shores and clear, refreshing waters, making it ideal for families and long walks. However, some guests have noted issues with thin walls and limited hot water in nearby accommodations, as well as the inconvenience of parking and carrying gear across the sand.
"Our unit was very spacious and there was plenty of room for 4 people. Having only one bathroom was kind of inconvenient, especially because the hot water did not last long enough for even one shower. Ceiling fans only go on one speed and the air conditioners in each room would not work consistently. The walls and ceilings are paper thin, so we could hear every single footstep and conversation around us. The occupants in the unit next to us were outside in the parking lot laughing and having a grand ole time until past 11pm the first night. The second night, the same people were on their patio smoking and talking loudly. Not only could I hear their entire conversation, but the smell from their cigarettes filled our unit. I reached out to the property to make a complaint and they responded quickly stating they would remind them of the quiet hours and no smoking policy. Clearly they didn’t, because the occupants next to us partied loudly for another couple of hours. If you cherish your sleep, pick a different property! They also charged us a $175 property fee which was NOT disclosed prior to booking."
Jennifer Westerfield
"Great family beach, no parking directly on beach but private parking is a block away that include bathrooms. Some walking required but if you needed to make a quick drop off theres is a dead end spot where the beach begins and you can turn arround."
Nolberto Alvarenga
"would have given 5 stars but there's very limited hot water for showers:("
B Weiss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Long Beach is located in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available in private lots near the beach, often a block or two away, with day passes typically costing around $20.
Public transportation options directly to Long Beach are limited. It's best to check local Gloucester transit schedules for bus routes that might get you close, but driving or ride-sharing services are generally more convenient.
Parking is available in private lots, not directly on the beach. These lots usually charge a daily fee (around $20) and may require a short walk. Some offer quick drop-off spots.
Free parking is generally not available directly at Long Beach. Visiting on a weekday after 4 PM might offer reduced rates or potentially free parking depending on the season and lot policies.
From Boston, take MA-128 North towards Gloucester. Follow signs for Route 133 East and then signs for Long Beach. The exact route may vary slightly depending on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no 'tickets' in the traditional sense for Long Beach itself. Entry to the beach is free, but you will likely need to pay for parking in designated lots. +1
Long Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, parking lot facilities and restrooms typically operate from morning until around 7 PM.
The beach itself does not have an entrance fee. The cost associated with visiting Long Beach is primarily for parking in the private lots.
While generally open, be aware of potential restrictions on fires, alcohol, and pets, especially during peak season. Check local signage for specific rules. Seagulls can be a nuisance if you bring food.
Some parking lots may offer online reservations or allow drop-ins. It's advisable to check with specific lot operators, like those near Long Beach and Rockport, for their policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, long walks on the expansive sandy shore, and exploring tide pools at the adjacent Wingaersheek Beach. Surfing is also possible when conditions are right.
Yes, Long Beach is considered a great family beach due to its soft sand, clear waters, and ample space. The adjacent Wingaersheek Beach is particularly noted for its family-friendly tide pools.
Restrooms and outdoor showers are available near the parking areas. They are convenient for rinsing off sand but typically close by 7 PM.
The beach offers a beach break and a point break near rocks, making it suitable for surfing, especially when the swell is up.
The water is often described as clear and refreshing, with temperatures around 67 degrees Fahrenheit in early August. It's suitable for wading and swimming.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't many dining options directly on the beach, nearby Gloucester offers excellent seafood. Surfside Subs on Thatcher Road is known for lobster rolls.
Surfside Subs on Thatcher Road in Gloucester is highly recommended for their lobster rolls. Blue Collar Lobster Co. in Gloucester is also a popular spot.
You can bring your own food, but be prepared for persistent seagulls who are attracted to food. It's often advised not to eat directly on the beach.
Yes, picnic tables are available in the area near the parking lot and restrooms, providing a convenient spot for a meal.
Besides Surfside Subs, explore Gloucester's downtown area for various seafood restaurants and casual eateries. Long Beach Dairy Maid is a local spot for treats.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vast expanse of the beach, the ocean waves, and potential rainbows after a sun shower. The adjacent rocky areas and tide pools also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for beach photography. Clear days provide vibrant ocean blues, while cloudy days can create dramatic skies.
Look for interesting wave patterns, the long stretch of the beach itself, and the marine life within the tide pools at Wingaersheek Beach.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant wave shots. A polarizing filter can enhance ocean colors.
Drone usage may be restricted in public areas. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone near beaches or residential areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking can be a bit of a walk from the beach, so consider a quick drop-off if you have a lot of gear. Visiting on a weekday afternoon can help avoid the biggest crowds and potentially offer better parking situations.
🏄 Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
🚗 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Bringing your own food and drinks is also a great way to save money, though be mindful of the seagulls. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waters of Long Beach
For those seeking more active water pursuits, Long Beach provides opportunities for surfing. The beach break and a point break near the rocky areas can offer decent waves, especially when the swell picks up.
It's worth noting that while the water is generally inviting, some accommodations near the beach have reported issues with limited hot water for showers, which could impact post-swim comfort.
Navigating Parking and Access
Instagram Reels and TikTok videos often highlight the convenience of these parking areas, with some mentioning quick drop-off spots where you can unload before parking.
Visiting on a weekday, especially after 4 PM, is frequently recommended as a strategy to avoid crowds and potentially find reduced parking rates or even free parking, depending on the specific lot and time of year. It's also important to be aware of the operating hours for amenities. Restrooms and outdoor showers, conveniently located near the parking areas, usually close by 7 PM, so plan accordingly for post-beach cleanup.
Family Fun at Long Beach and Beyond
Adjacent to Long Beach, Wingaersheek Beach is often highlighted as a prime spot for family exploration, particularly due to its fascinating tide pools.
Practical considerations for families include the availability of restrooms and outdoor showers near the parking areas, which are essential for managing sandy children after a day of play.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit