Gloucester, Massachusetts, positioned on Cape Ann on the north shore of Boston, is called America’s First Seaport. The setting of many films comparable to CODA and The Perfect Storm and the TV present Wicked Tuna, Gloucester is picturesque and provides numerous issues to do with youngsters, particularly in the summertime months. It’s nice for a weekend getaway or a street journey from Boston. Read our favourite issues to do in Gloucester MA with youngsters.
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Things to Do in Gloucester MA With Kids
Location of Gloucester
Gloucester is positioned north of Boston on the North Shore. It’s on Cape Ann, which is separate (and in an wrong way) from Cape Cod. You might do a day journey from Boston and even New Hampshire, though chances are you’ll need to spend greater than in the future.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Do you need to expertise deep-sea fishing for your self? It could be such a enjoyable solution to actually see what goes into the fishing business in Gloucester. Luckily, there are deep-sea fishing journeys and charters which you could 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 residence a cleaned fish to cook dinner at residence or at a neighborhood restaurant. Check the small print earlier than reserving.
Depending on the constitution you select, you’ll most likely be supplied with fishing provides, otherwise you could possibly carry your individual if in case you have them. Again, verify the precise particulars of whichever constitution you select. My son did this as a part of a birthday celebration for certainly one of his buddies, and he actually loved it (and we liked having the native meals to cook 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 get pleasure from collectively. In Gloucester, there are a number of totally different whale-watching corporations which you could e book a visit with throughout your loved ones trip.
While seeing a whale is rarely a assure, these whale-watching corporations usually have a really excessive success charge of whale sightings on their journeys. These are longer journeys, and it takes some time to get to the world of the Atlantic Ocean the place the whales frolic.
Be positive to organize correctly to your tour. It could be chillier on the water, so that you’ll need layers, in addition to sunscreen. If you’re susceptible to seasickness, you’ll need to be ready for that as effectively.
Check along with your particular constitution to search out out whether or not snacks are supplied onboard. You might have to carry money to pay for snacks whereas in your journey.
Beaches in Gloucester
There are a number of attractive seashores in Gloucester which can be good for a low-key seashore day. These lovely seashores are among the many greatest seashores in Massachusetts.
Our private favourite of the Gloucester Beaches is Good Harbor Beach. This attractive seashore provides a paid parking zone, a snack bar, and altering rooms/restrooms. During low tide, you may stroll over to Salt Island to discover. It’s certainly one of my favourite seashores within the space.
Another widespread seashore in Gloucester is Wingaersheek Beach. Like Good Harbor, this seashore provides a concession stand, altering rooms, and restrooms. Parking reservations are actually required at these seashores – you may get particulars on the Gloucester web site.
There are numerous different seashores within the space, together with Long Beach (which can be partly in Rockport), Plum Cove Beach, Cressy’s Beach, Half Moon Beach (positioned in Stage Fort Park), and Niles Beach. A Gloucester seashore sticker could also be required if you wish to park at these seashores. Check all present seashore data on the Gloucester web site.
Afternoon in Rockport
Rockport Massachusetts borders Gloucester, and it’s the right spot for a day journey. If you need to do some procuring throughout your journey, you’ll discover quaint retailers and boutiques in historic Bearskin Neck. Metered parking is offered, after which you may simply stroll round this pedestrian space.
If the climate is sweet, chances are 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. Also 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 probably the greatest locations to stroll round.
Rockport provides different sights along with Bearskin Neck. This contains Halibut Point State Park.
Where to Eat in Gloucester MA
As you’d anticipate, there are some scrumptious seafood eating places in Gloucester. Here are a few of our favourite eating places:
Tonno Gloucester: This Italian restaurant provides among the greatest pasta dishes round, together with scrumptious seafood. Get their well-known bluefin tuna if it’s at present accessible. Make reservations, as this can be a widespread eating location. They not too long ago added a gorgeous 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. While seafood is clearly the primary attraction right here, those that don’t love seafood will discover some choices on the menu. They additionally provide a full bar.
Bishco Gloucester: For one thing slightly totally different, go to this downtown store providing gourmand sandwiches, roll-ups, and salads.
Long Beach Dairy Maid and Surfside Subs: We visited this sub store and adjoining ice cream stand a number of instances throughout our journey. Portions are big (particularly for the ice cream and pizza), and it’s an excellent informal spot for meals.
Sightseeing in Gloucester
Gloucester is gorgeous, and also you’ll need to stroll round and discover the surroundings. Don’t miss the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial Monument and Fisherman’s Wives Memorial, which is positioned alongside the waterfront. It’s close to Stage Fort Park, the place you’ll discover customer data, strolling trails, and extra.
There’s additionally the Rocky Neck artwork colony, the place you’ll discover artwork galleries, retailers, and eating places.
Where to Stay in Gloucester MA
While Gloucester MA could be 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. Vacation properties are particularly widespread and could be booked via widespread trip residence rental corporations the native firm Atlantic Vacation Homes.
Two of the extra widespread resorts are the Atlantis Oceanfront Inn and the Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks. We didn’t keep at these, as a substitute choosing a trip residence. However, these are the 2 I’d think about if we selected a resort.
You can even discover close by locations to remain on this map (affiliate hyperlinks).
