
Cressy's Beach
Wingaersheek Beach boasts pristine white sands and clear waters, transforming into a tide pool paradise at low tide. A rocky gem on the Massachusetts ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds & parking fees

Cressy's Beach
Best Time
Avoid crowds & parking fees

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wingaersheek Beach boasts pristine white sands and clear waters, transforming into a tide pool paradise at low tide. A rocky gem on the Massachusetts coast.
"Extremely rocky, but beautiful nonetheless! A great place for kids to explore."

🚗 Reserve Parking Online
Non-residents MUST book parking in advance online. Don't risk being turned away!
⏰ Go on Weekdays
Weekdays, especially after 4 PM, offer fewer crowds and potentially free parking.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tide Pool Wonders
Along the shore at low tide
Discover fascinating marine life and unique rock formations in shallow pools left by the receding ocean. Perfect for curious minds!
Expansive White Sands
Main beach area
Sink your toes into soft, white sand stretching out to meet crystal-clear waters. A classic beach day dream come true.
Rocky Nooks & Crannies
Shoreline and tidal areas
Explore the unique, rocky landscape offering fun climbing spots for kids and interesting geological features.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Tide Pool Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Reserve Parking Online
Non-residents MUST book parking in advance online. Don't risk being turned away!
⏰ Go on Weekdays
Weekdays, especially after 4 PM, offer fewer crowds and potentially free parking.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Low tide is best for exploring tide pools and sandbars.
🪨 Embrace the Rocks
It's a rocky beach, great for collecting unique stones!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Reserve Parking Online
Non-residents MUST book parking in advance online. Don't risk being turned away!
⏰ Go on Weekdays
Weekdays, especially after 4 PM, offer fewer crowds and potentially free parking.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Low tide is best for exploring tide pools and sandbars.
🪨 Embrace the Rocks
It's a rocky beach, great for collecting unique stones!
🥪 Pack Snacks & Lunch
Limited food options on-site. Grab local treats like fish & chips beforehand!
🧊 Water is Chilly!
Even in summer, the water can be quite cold. Be prepared!
🐚 Beachcombing Treasures
Keep an eye out for sea glass and interesting shells.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cressy's Beach for its stunning white sands and crystal-clear waters, especially highlighting the magical tide pools revealed at low tide. While many find it beautiful and great for families, the beach's extremely rocky nature is a recurring point of feedback, with some noting the cold water.
"Very rocky! Like extremely. But beautiful nonetheless!!"
Melissa E
"Did my open water scuba cert here in April.... Slightly chilly and not much to see underwater and the beach is rocky as hell. So much fun."
J Phillips
"The water is cold, frozen 🥶 but is a good place to be with family and kids."
Anny Cruz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cressy's Beach, also known as Wingaersheek Beach, is about an hour's drive from Boston. You can take Route 128 North to Route 133 East, then follow signs for Gloucester. Parking is limited and requires online reservations for non-residents.
Public transportation options are limited. While there are buses to Gloucester, you'll likely need a taxi or rideshare from the bus stop to the beach. Driving is the most convenient option.
Parking fees vary. Non-residents typically pay around $30-$35 on weekdays and weekends, respectively, and reservations are often required. Check the official website for current pricing and reservation details.
For non-residents, parking without a reservation is highly discouraged and often impossible during peak times. It's best to secure your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Information on specific accessibility features can be limited. It's advisable to contact the local visitor center or beach management directly for the most up-to-date accessibility details. The rocky terrain might pose challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need traditional 'tickets,' but you do need to reserve and pay for parking if you are a non-resident. Residents may have different access rules.
The beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, parking access and facilities may have specific hours, especially during the off-season. It's best to check local listings for exact times.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays, especially after 4 PM, or during the shoulder seasons (late spring, early fall). Early mornings are also generally less crowded.
Typically, dogs are not allowed on most Massachusetts beaches during the summer season to maintain cleanliness and safety. Always check local ordinances before bringing pets.
The primary cost is for parking, which is charged per vehicle. There isn't a separate 'entrance fee' to walk onto the beach itself, but parking is essential for most visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing for sea glass, exploring tide pools at low tide, and building sandcastles. The rocky areas are also fun for climbing.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. The shallow waters at low tide are perfect for little ones to splash in, and the tide pools offer endless discovery.
Amenities typically include restrooms and sometimes outdoor showers. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
Yes, you can swim, but be aware that the water is often quite cold, even in summer. There are no lifeguards, so exercise caution.
Pack sunscreen, hats, plenty of water, towels, beach chairs, snacks, and beach toys. Water shoes can be helpful due to the rocky areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are very limited food options directly at the beach. It's highly recommended to bring your own food or grab something from nearby Gloucester before heading over.
Gloucester offers many dining options. Consider Turner's for fish and chips or Virgilio's for Italian sandwiches, as suggested by locals.
Yes, picnics are welcome! It's the best way to ensure you have food and drinks readily available during your beach day.
Alcohol policies can vary by town and beach. It's best to check local regulations for Gloucester to confirm if alcohol is permitted. Generally, it's often restricted on public beaches.
Gloucester is renowned for its fresh seafood. Many local restaurants offer excellent catches, from casual fish and chips to more upscale dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The tide pools, rocky outcrops, and the expansive sandy shores at low tide offer stunning photographic opportunities. The clear water and coastal scenery are picturesque.
Absolutely! The natural beauty, varied textures of sand and rock, and the ocean backdrop make it a popular and beautiful spot for senior portraits.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful, soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the tide pools offer interesting shots regardless of the sun's position.
Drone usage is often restricted in public areas and near beaches to ensure safety and privacy. Check with local authorities or the Gloucester town website for specific drone regulations.
Landscape photography, beach portraits, and macro shots of tide pool inhabitants are very popular. The unique rocky formations also lend themselves to dramatic coastal shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Rocky Coastline
While beautiful, the rocky nature means that walking barefoot can be challenging for some. Water shoes are highly recommended, especially for navigating the shoreline and exploring the tide pools. The rocks also contribute to the beach's distinct aesthetic, making it a popular subject for photographers seeking dramatic coastal landscapes. Remember to tread carefully and be mindful of slippery surfaces, particularly when the rocks are wet. The interplay of rock, sand, and water creates a dynamic and ever-changing environment that draws visitors back time and again.
Tidal Treasures: The Magic of Low Tide
Checking the tide charts before your visit is crucial to fully experience this aspect of the beach. Planning your visit around low tide will allow you to walk out further onto the sandbars and explore the tide pools at their most accessible. The clear, shallow water in these pools makes observation easy and enjoyable. It's a chance to connect with marine nature in a hands-on way, making your beach day memorable and enriching.
Navigating Parking and Peak Season
During peak season, parking fees can be substantial, with costs varying between weekdays and weekends. Some visitors suggest that visiting after 4 PM on weekdays might offer a reprieve from both crowds and potentially lower parking costs, making it a strategic time to visit. Understanding these parking dynamics is key to a stress-free visit. It's always wise to check the official beach or town website for the most current information on reservation requirements, fees, and operating hours before you plan your trip.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit