Gloucester, Massachusetts, situated on Cape Ann on the north shore of Boston, is called America’s First Seaport. The setting of many motion pictures comparable to CODA and The Excellent Storm and the TV present Depraved Tuna, Gloucester is picturesque and gives numerous issues to do with children, 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 children.

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Issues to Do in Gloucester MA With Youngsters
Location of Gloucester
Gloucester is situated north of Boston on the North Shore. It’s on Cape Ann, which is separate (and in an wrong way) from Cape Cod. You would do a day journey from Boston and even New Hampshire, though it’s possible you’ll need to spend greater than sooner or later.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Do you need to expertise deep-sea fishing for your self? It may be such a enjoyable technique to actually see what goes into the fishing business in Gloucester. Fortunately, there are deep-sea fishing journeys and charters which you can guide 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 deliver dwelling a cleaned fish to prepare dinner at dwelling or at a neighborhood restaurant. Verify the small print earlier than reserving.
Relying on the constitution you select, you’ll most likely be supplied with fishing provides, otherwise you might be able to deliver your personal if in case you have them. Once more, verify the particular particulars of whichever constitution you select. My son did this as a part of a celebration for certainly one of his pals, 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 which you can guide a visit with throughout your loved ones trip.
Whereas seeing a whale isn’t a assure, these whale-watching firms usually 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 world of the Atlantic Ocean the place the whales frolic.
Be sure you put together correctly in your tour. It may be chillier on the water, so that you’ll need layers, in addition to sunscreen. In case you are susceptible to seasickness, you’ll need to be ready for that as nicely.
Verify together with your particular constitution to search out out whether or not snacks are offered onboard. Chances are you’ll have to deliver money to pay for snacks whereas in your journey.
Seashores in Gloucester
There are a number of attractive seashores in Gloucester which can be good for a low-key seaside day. These stunning seashores are among the many finest seashores in Massachusetts.
Our private favourite of the Gloucester Seashores is Good Harbor Seashore. This attractive seaside gives a paid car 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 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. Verify all present seaside data 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 purchasing throughout your journey, you’ll discover quaint outlets 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 take into account 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 outlets in Bearskin Neck in case you are on the lookout for a deal with. Additionally make sure you take a look at Motif #1, a well-known pink fishing shack that may be seen proper from Bearskin Neck. It’s among the finest 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 count on, 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 a few of the finest pasta dishes round, together with scrumptious seafood. Get their well-known bluefin tuna if it’s at present out there. Make reservations, as this can be a well-liked eating location. They lately added a phenomenal new patio for out of doors seating.
Blue Collar Lobster: Order on the window, after which deliver 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. In addition they supply a full bar.
Bishco Gloucester: For one thing a bit of 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 enormous (particularly for the ice cream and pizza), and it’s an incredible 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 situated 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, outlets, and eating places.
The place to Keep in Gloucester MA
Whereas Gloucester MA could be a nice day journey from Boston, or a part of a better New England street journey, there are additionally some locations to remain in Gloucester. Trip properties are particularly well-liked and will be booked by well-liked trip dwelling rental firms the native firm Atlantic Trip Properties.
Two of the extra well-liked resorts 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 dwelling. Nevertheless, these are the 2 I might take into account if we selected a lodge.
You can too discover close by locations to remain on this map (affiliate hyperlinks).