Things To Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts

Gloucester, Massachusetts is a classic New England coastal town with plenty to see and do. From fresh seafood to local history, it’s a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. This guide covers the things to do in Gloucester so you can make the most of your visit.

Fishing boats docked at a harbor, with lobster traps on the pier and a clock tower and brick buildings in the background under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

7 seas Whale Watch Cruise

A humpback whale’s tail fin, or fluke, rises above the surface of the ocean, with water rippling around it. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

The top attraction in Gloucester is going out on a whale watching tour. The area is a premier spot for whale watching due to its proximity to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. When I went whale watching here, I went out with 7 Seas Whale Watch.

Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House

Large, historic stone and wood house with steep gabled roofs, arched windows, and a landscaped garden in front under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This house was the summer home of Henry Davis Sleeper, who was one of America’s first professional interior designers. It’s actually a National Historic Landmark. The house is owned by Historic New England and you can tour it.

Hammond Castle Museum

A large stone building with castle-like features sits among trees near a rocky shoreline; a white event tent is set up on the lawn. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Hammond Castle was the private residence and laboratory of the inventor John Hays Hammond. The castle was built between 1926 and 1929. Visiting can feel a bit like you’re visiting a medieval castle in Europe!

Mass Audubon’s Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary

A weathered white lighthouse with an attached building stands on rocky terrain, surrounded by a metal fence under a partly cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

You can view Eastern Point Light and Dog Bar Breakwater Lighthouse easily from this spot. In addition to lighthouses, it’s also a great spot for bird watching. It’s a great spot to spend some time along the coast.

Cape Ann Lighthouse Cruise

Two tall stone lighthouses stand on a rocky coastline with several small buildings and greenery under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

If you love New England lighthouses, you can take a lighthouse cruise with Harbor Tours of Cape Ann. On the cruise, you can see six different lighthouses as well as other points of interest. It’s a great way to see all of the lighthouses in the area!

See The Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial

Bronze statue of a fisherman at a ship’s wheel, with buildings and trees in the background under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This statue was put up to celebrate the city’s 300th anniversary and honor the lives of its fishmen who were lost at sea. It can be found on the south side of Stacy Boulevard at the edge of Gloucester Harbor. There is a path here along the harbor that you can walk during your visit.

Grab Seafood

A gray building displays the Blue Collar Lobster Co. sign with entertainment hours and three yellow flower boxes below, surrounded by nautical decor. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Grab some seafood while you’re in town. There are plenty of places to grab seafood, whether you’re looking for a lobster roll or something else. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite, water views while you dine, or a nice sit-down restaurant, Gloucester has you covered.

Go Out On A Chartered Fishing Trip

A white and blue fishing boat named "FAT TUNA" docked at a marina, with fishing gear visible and a person working near the back of the boat. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Gloucester, MA is a great spot for chartered fishing. With experienced captains (including some from Wicked Tuna) and access to prime fishing grounds, it’s the perfect place to land striped bass, tuna, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, a Gloucester fishing charter offers a reliable and exciting day on the water.

Shop In Downtown

A wooden cabinet with shelves displays glass bottles, decorative boxes, greeting cards, ceramic items, and vases, with flowers and a bust on top. A sign reads, "You are the mom everyone wishes they had. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

There are a lot of unique shops to check out while you’re in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Whether you’re looking to window shop, buy souvenirs, or buy something for family and friends, there are plenty of shops to check out. You can even find official Wicked Tuna merchandise in Gloucester!

Maritime Gloucester

A large mural on a blue building reads "SEA POCKET AQUARIUM" with a wave design painted underneath the text. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Maritime Gloucester aims to inspire students and visitors to value maritime heritage, marine science, and environmental stewardship through hands-on education and experiences. There are two areas to visit. First, there is the pier which is free and open to the public. There’s also the gallery and aquarium, which requires paid admission.

Grab Breakfast or Lunch At Cape Ann Coffees

A breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese on a bagel sits on parchment paper next to a hot coffee in a to-go cup on a mosaic table. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This coffee shop has a variety of hot and cold drinks, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, snacks, soups, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. You can grab something to go inside or through the drive-thru or dine inside.

Stay At Beauport Hotel

A large, multi-story waterfront building with balconies overlooks a sandy beach, with two people standing near the water under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

If you’re looking to stay overnight, consider staying at Beauport Hotel. This waterfront hotel offers luxury hotel rooms and suites. The hotel has a beach, a restaurant, a rooftop pool bar, and more. It’s close to downtown as well, making it a great spot to stay.