Gloucester Beaches

10/01/2026

Attention Beach-goers!

It's officially the best time of the year - for our furry friends at least! Dogs are now allowed on our beaches and we are excited to have them back. Dog owners, please make sure you review our Dog Rules and Regulations to learn which days of the week offleash dogs are permitted: https://gloucester-ma.gov/996/Dog-Regulations

Reminder that our lifeguards are gone until next summer, so please visit our beaches responsibly!

Dog Information; Rules, Regulations, and Licensing

09/22/2026

Attention Residents - Storm Approaching!

The US National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory for today, Tuesday Sept 22nd through the evening of Thursday Sept 24th. Friday Sept 25th and Saturday Sept 26th are also expected to see high winds with a chance of showers.

Storms with high winds can lead to increased wave activity and pose a danger to vessels. We've added some helpful guidance for the owners of boats, kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft stored on the rocks or shore:
- Make sure your moorings are secure and can withstand the expected surge levels
- Remove sails and stow below, especially roller furling jibs. If you can't remove the sails, make sure they are secure to prevent them from coming loose
- Close all ports, remove all funnels, and install caps
- Secure the tiller or the wheel with line
- Remove coils of line and other gear not permanently attached from the deck
- Secure all kayaks, canoes, and row boats that are along the shore

Most importantly - your safety! You are more important than your vessel, so make sure if you can, you are safe on shore while the storm makes landfall.

09/18/2026

Find places to stay on Cape Ann this October during Salem Haunted Happenings. Just a short drive or train ride from Halloween in Salem!

09/14/2026

Attention Beach-goers!

Summer is wrapping up, and the season change comes with some regulation changes as well.

Reminder that lifeguards are no longer stationed at the beaches, so please take extra caution. Our beach reservations and sticker season has also wrapped up, so we are no longer requiring reservations or resident stickers to park in the beach lots.

Dog owners - you have a little longer to wait! Dogs are still prohibited on all beaches except for Crab beach until September 30th. After that day, please check our website for rules and regulations regarding when dogs can go on our beaches: https://gloucester-ma.gov/996/Dog-Regulations

Detailed information on our beaches can be found on our website here: https://gloucester-ma.gov/1215/Gloucester-Beaches---Detailed-Informatio

While the leaves may be starting to change, we hope you will still take time to walk along our scenic shores and check out downtown! From fresh seafood to fall sweaters, our shops and restaurants have what you need to make the season change memorable. Check out Discover Gloucester's website to learn more about what we have to offer: https://discovergloucester.com/

We hope to see you there!

08/24/2026

Attention Beachgoers!

We hope you have enjoyed your summer at our beautiful beaches! While it's not over yet, we are easing into the off season.

Starting today, August 24th, lifeguards will no longer be at Niles Beach and Plum Cove. All other beaches will be guarded through Labor Day.

Please remember to use safety when at the beach, and help keep them clean.

Thank you!

08/08/2026

Reminder - Cannon Firing TODAY

Cannon firing is happening today at approximately 10:05AM at Stage Fort Park. This will be part of the Daughters of the American Revolution's anniversary event for the Battle of Gloucester. If you are in the area of Stage Fort Park this morning, please expect to hear cannon firing.

08/06/2026

All beaches are open! Please remember to be responsible with trash and carry out what you carry in, help keep our beaches clean!

Beach Closure Notice - UPDATE

UPDATE Aug 6th, 2026 - Pavilion Beach has been retested and cleared to open. All beaches are open!

August 4th, 2026 - Pavilion Beach is closed due to bacterial exceedance. Testing is being redone today, and we will share more information when the beach reopens.

If you are interested in learning more about our beach testing, visit our website: https://gloucester-ma.gov/1443/Beach-Testing

08/04/2026

Beach Closure Notice - UPDATE

UPDATE Aug 6th, 2026 - Pavilion Beach has been retested and cleared to open. All beaches are open!

August 4th, 2026 - Pavilion Beach is closed due to bacterial exceedance. Testing is being redone today, and we will share more information when the beach reopens.

If you are interested in learning more about our beach testing, visit our website: https://gloucester-ma.gov/1443/Beach-Testing

07/09/2026

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) classifies areas for shellfish harvest. Permit holders should review classification information prior to harvesting shellfish.

07/08/2026

*These classes are a collaboration with the City of Gloucester, Gloucester residents only may register. The YMCA is America's favorite swim instructor, trusted by families for generations. Our YUSA Safety Around Water program is specially designed for beginners and focuses on what matters most: keep...