Dog Bar Breakwater and Breakwater Light
Walk a granite breakwater to a historic lighthouse, offering stunning views of Gloucester Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Dog Bar Breakwater and Breakwater Light
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk a granite breakwater to a historic lighthouse, offering stunning views of Gloucester Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
"This Lighthouse is a beautiful spot full of history and charm. The views are stunning."
👟 Sturdy Shoes Essential
The breakwater is rocky and uneven. Wear good walking shoes for a safe and comfortable experience. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Respect Private Roads
Drive slowly and respectfully past private residences to reach the public lighthouse access. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dog Bar Breakwater Walk
Eastern Point
A scenic, moderate hike along a granite breakwater with crashing waves on one side and calm harbor waters on the other.
Eastern Point Lighthouse
End of the breakwater
A historic and charming lighthouse offering stunning views of the rocky coastline and open ocean.
Gloucester Harbor Views
Along the breakwater
Experience the best free panoramic views of Gloucester Harbor and the surrounding seascape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Private Roads
Footwear and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Shoes Essential
The breakwater is rocky and uneven. Wear good walking shoes for a safe and comfortable experience. +1 :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Respect Private Roads
Drive slowly and respectfully past private residences to reach the public lighthouse access. :car:
🅿️ Parking Patience
The parking lot is small and fills fast. Be patient, spots open up regularly. :parking:
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture stunning coastal landscapes and lighthouse shots, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Shoes Essential
The breakwater is rocky and uneven. Wear good walking shoes for a safe and comfortable experience. +1 :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Respect Private Roads
Drive slowly and respectfully past private residences to reach the public lighthouse access. :car:
🅿️ Parking Patience
The parking lot is small and fills fast. Be patient, spots open up regularly. :parking:
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture stunning coastal landscapes and lighthouse shots, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caution)
While the name suggests it, some Reddit users advise against bringing dogs due to the terrain and private road concerns. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Dog Bar Breakwater and Eastern Point Lighthouse a beautiful and historic spot with stunning ocean and harbor views. The walk along the breakwater is a highlight, offering a sense of peace and perspective. While the journey involves navigating private roads and limited parking, the non-commercialized, scenic nature of the location makes it a worthwhile destination for lighthouse enthusiasts and nature lovers. +1
"So, this place is worth the visit and the aggravation to get there 😂
Wear study shoes since the ground is rocky and bar is uneven and sometimes wet.
Literally every road says private property no trespassing except for members and residents. (They’re just trying to keep you out) I get it they pay a lot for their privacy and views, HOWEVER… the 2 lighthouses are at the end of Eastern point and are on public property that is part of the Audubon Society and is a wildlife refuge.
So be respectful of the people that live there. Drive slowly and follow the “tiny” 2 way roads to the end of the point.
If you are a member I believe you get in free with your Audubon membership. For non members it is $10 to park.
The lot is very small and fills up fast. But people don’t stay for more than an hour or two. So spots open up pretty quickly.
This is definitely one of my favorite lighthouse now and I will be going back."
Katie Green
"This Lighthouse is a beautiful spot full of history and charm. The lighthouse itself stands proudly at the edge of the harbor, and the views of the rocky coastline and open water are stunning. Walking along the long breakwater out to the lighthouse gives you a sense of peace and perspective, with waves crashing on one side and calm waters on the other.
It’s not a commercialized stop, which makes it feel even more special—quiet, scenic, and a great place to reflect or just enjoy the ocean. Just ignore the residents only signs and continue to drive until the road enalds. Definitely worth a visit if you love lighthouses, photography, or simply being by the sea."
Greg Brown
"Cool lighthouse on the end of the breakwater. It's a moderate hike out via the breakwater path, and when you're there, you'll be greeted with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Nice place to take a walk."
Lucas ルーカス
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Navigate to Eastern Point in Gloucester, MA. Be aware that many roads are marked 'private,' but continue to the end of Eastern Point Road. The lighthouse and breakwater are on public Audubon Society land. +1
The roads are narrow and winding, with some residential areas. Drive slowly and be mindful of residents. The final stretch to the lighthouse parking is accessible.
Yes, GPS will guide you to the general area of Eastern Point. Look for signs for the Audubon Society or Eastern Point Lighthouse once you're in the vicinity.
Ignore the 'private property' signs on the roads leading to the lighthouse; the path to the lighthouse and breakwater is public. +1
Public transportation options are limited directly to the breakwater. It's best accessed by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee for the breakwater or lighthouse itself. However, there is a parking fee of $10 for non-Audubon members.
The grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. The lighthouse itself may have specific tour times if available.
Yes, parking is $10 for non-Audubon Society members. If you are a member, you may get free access.
The lighthouse and breakwater are accessible year-round, though weather conditions can affect the experience.
The main restriction is respecting the private residences. The breakwater itself is a natural, open area.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
It's a moderate hike along a granite breakwater. The terrain is rocky and uneven, and can be wet. +1
Expect stunning panoramic views of Gloucester Harbor, the rocky coastline, and the open Atlantic Ocean.
It's generally safe if you wear appropriate footwear and are mindful of the uneven, rocky surface and waves. +1
While the name suggests it, some visitors advise against it due to the terrain. If you do, keep your dog on a leash and be cautious.
Absolutely! It's a prime location for coastal photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Gloucester has a vibrant waterfront with many seafood restaurants. Rocky Neck Avenue is known for its traditional and international seafood options.
There are no specific picnic facilities, but you can bring your own food to enjoy the scenic views. Be sure to pack out all trash.
Gloucester offers a wide range of dining, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale restaurants, many with harbor views.
No, there are no food vendors or facilities at the lighthouse or on the breakwater itself.
'The Bourdain' is a popular griddled mortadella and provolone sandwich with Dijon, served on a griddled bun at Rocky Neck.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the lighthouse and coastline.
You can capture dramatic wave action against the breakwater, serene harbor scenes, and the iconic lighthouse.
The end of the breakwater offers the most expansive views. Experiment with different angles along the path.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can help capture details of the lighthouse and distant boats.
Drone usage may be restricted due to proximity to a wildlife refuge and residential areas. Check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities on the breakwater. The educational aspect of the lighthouse and the wildlife refuge can be engaging for older children interested in nature and maritime history.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the sweeping coastal vistas, while a telephoto lens can isolate the lighthouse or distant boats. Be mindful of the weather; stormy skies can add incredible drama to your shots.
🐶 Dog Owners
There are no designated dog-walking areas on the breakwater, and you'll need to be respectful of private property. Consider exploring other dog-friendly beaches or parks in Gloucester if the breakwater seems too risky for your pet.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Eastern Point Lighthouse
The breakwater itself, constructed to protect the harbor, offers a unique walking experience. The granite blocks create a rugged path, with the powerful Atlantic on one side and the calmer harbor on the other. This contrast in water conditions is a fascinating aspect of the walk and provides diverse photographic opportunities. The area is also part of the Audubon Society's wildlife refuge, highlighting its ecological importance.
While the journey involves navigating some private roads, the public access to the lighthouse and breakwater is a cherished local amenity. It's a place where history, nature, and stunning coastal scenery converge, offering visitors a memorable experience away from commercialized tourist traps.
Navigating the Breakwater: What to Expect
The length of the breakwater walk is moderate, providing ample time to soak in the views. On one side, you'll experience the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean with waves crashing against the granite. On the other, the waters of Gloucester Harbor remain relatively calm, often dotted with fishing boats and sailboats. This duality makes the walk particularly engaging.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions. The breakwater is exposed, so wind can be a factor, and sea spray is common. It's advisable to check the weather forecast before you go and dress in layers. Despite the rugged terrain, the walk is considered a rewarding experience for its scenic beauty and sense of tranquility.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit