Eastern Point Lighthouse Gloucester
Iconic beacon on Gloucester's coast, offering stunning ocean views and a historic breakwater walk. A true New England gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Eastern Point Lighthouse Gloucester
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic beacon on Gloucester's coast, offering stunning ocean views and a historic breakwater walk. A true New England gem.
"It feels like one of Gloucester’s best-kept secrets, with that perfect New England vibe."
Ignore 'Private Road' Signs
Visitors are welcome! Drive to the end for the lighthouse parking. :road:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The breakwater has uneven stones; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eastern Point Lighthouse
Eastern Point, Gloucester, MA
Iconic beacon offering breathtaking ocean vistas and a glimpse into maritime history. Still in use today!
Dog Bar Breakwater Lighthouse
End of the main breakwater
A charming, smaller lighthouse at the end of a long stone breakwater, perfect for a scenic walk.
Sunrise and Sunset Views
Lighthouse grounds and breakwater
Witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets painting the sky over the Atlantic. A photographer's dream!
+4Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Private Roads
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ignore 'Private Road' Signs
Visitors are welcome! Drive to the end for the lighthouse parking.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The breakwater has uneven stones; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Parking Fee
Expect a small fee (around $10) for parking at the lighthouse lot. +1 :moneybag:
No Restrooms Onsite
Plan accordingly, as there are no public restrooms at the lighthouse or breakwater. +1 :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ignore 'Private Road' Signs
Visitors are welcome! Drive to the end for the lighthouse parking.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The breakwater has uneven stones; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Parking Fee
Expect a small fee (around $10) for parking at the lighthouse lot. +1 :moneybag:
No Restrooms Onsite
Plan accordingly, as there are no public restrooms at the lighthouse or breakwater. +1 :toilet:
Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial views of the lighthouse and coastline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Eastern Point Lighthouse is a beloved hidden gem offering stunning coastal views and a quintessential New England experience. Visitors appreciate the dramatic scenery, the walk along the breakwater, and the picturesque lighthouse, though some note the lighthouse interior isn't accessible and the breakwater terrain can be challenging.
"A hidden gem! Eastern Point Lighthouse is a cool place to visit in Gloucester, with amazing views of Gloucester, and you can even see as far as Boston. Along the way, you'll pass by a lot of signs saying private road, residents only, etc. Ignore those signs. The lighthouse is completely public. There's a small parking lot you have to pay $10 for, and a short trail to get to the breakwater. Great place worth checking out in Gloucester!"
Lucas ルーカス
"Beautiful lighthouse. U cant actually get to it . U looked at it from the causeway. Lots of lobster boats to see coming and going. To get there lots of signs telling u not to drive on the private roads. But they r not. Just ignore them . $10 to park"
Thomas Campbell
"It feels like one of Gloucester’s best-kept secrets. Tucked at the very tip, it’s got that perfect New England vibe, waves crashing on the rocks, gulls calling overhead, and a long breakwater that makes you feel like you’re walking straight into the ocean.
Getting there is part of the adventure. You have to drive down a tiny private road, and there’s no real dedicated parking lot and There are no restrooms.
The lighthouse is closed to the public, but the scenery more than makes up for it. Between the salty breeze, endless water views, and that peaceful coastal feel, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger."
San Dee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Eastern Point Lighthouse, drive down Eastern Point Road in Gloucester. You'll encounter signs indicating 'private road,' but visitors are permitted to proceed to the small parking area at the end.
Public transport options directly to Eastern Point Lighthouse are limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have your own vehicle.
There is a small, unpaved parking lot near the lighthouse. Parking typically costs around $10. It can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. +1
Yes, you can drive your car to the lighthouse parking area. Just be mindful of the 'private road' signs and continue to the end of the road.
Eastern Point Lighthouse is part of the scenic Cape Ann area, which offers other lighthouses, beaches, and the charming city of Gloucester with its maritime history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to purchase tickets to visit the grounds of Eastern Point Lighthouse. Access to the lighthouse itself is restricted, but the surrounding breakwater and views are free to enjoy after parking.
The grounds and breakwater at Eastern Point Lighthouse are generally accessible year-round. The lighthouse tower itself is not open to the public for tours.
While there's no entrance fee for the lighthouse grounds, there is a parking fee of approximately $10 for the small lot. +1
Unfortunately, the Eastern Point Lighthouse tower is closed to the public and not accessible for tours. Visitors can explore the breakwater and enjoy the exterior views.
The breakwater is open to visitors, but it's important to be cautious as the stones can be uneven. It's a popular spot for walking and enjoying the ocean views.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at Eastern Point Lighthouse. Golden hour also provides beautiful, warm light.
Yes, drone photography is popular here, capturing stunning aerial perspectives of the lighthouse and coastline. Ensure you follow all local drone regulations.
You can capture classic lighthouse shots, expansive ocean views, dramatic waves crashing against the rocks, and the charming Dog Bar Breakwater Lighthouse.
Visiting during sunrise or early morning generally means fewer crowds, making it easier to get unobstructed photos. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details of the lighthouse or distant boats.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can walk along the long stone breakwater, admire the lighthouse from the exterior, enjoy the ocean breeze, and take in panoramic views of Gloucester Harbor and the Atlantic. +1
The main breakwater leading to Dog Bar Breakwater Lighthouse is about 2250 feet long, taking roughly 20 minutes to walk one way.
No, there are no public restrooms available at the lighthouse or on the breakwater. Visitors should plan accordingly. +1
The breakwater is made of uneven stones, requiring careful footing. The paths around the lighthouse are also unpaved, consisting of grass and stones.
You might spot seagulls, other seabirds, and potentially seals in the water. The area is part of a wildlife sanctuary.
🎫 🌊 Coastal Views & History
Originally built in 1832, the lighthouse has been rebuilt multiple times to guide ships into Gloucester Harbor. It's a significant part of the area's maritime heritage.
From Eastern Point Lighthouse, you can enjoy expansive views of Gloucester Harbor, the Atlantic Ocean, and on clear days, you might even see as far as Boston.
The Dog Bar Breakwater Lighthouse is a smaller, secondary light located at the end of the long breakwater, serving as an additional navigational aid for vessels entering the harbor.
While not a primary whale watching spot, you might occasionally see marine life from the breakwater. Dedicated whale watching tours depart from Gloucester.
The 'private road' signs are a local quirk. Visitors are allowed to drive to the lighthouse parking area, so don't let them deter you.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that there are no restrooms on-site, so plan accordingly before you arrive. The open space and the sound of the waves can be captivating for children, offering a refreshing break from screens and indoor activities. It's a chance for them to connect with nature and experience a bit of New England's iconic coastline.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+3 Drone videography is highly encouraged, with many creators showcasing stunning aerial perspectives that highlight the lighthouse's dramatic setting. +1Beyond the main lighthouse, the Dog Bar Breakwater Lighthouse provides a secondary, charming subject. The rugged coastline, crashing waves, and the vastness of the Atlantic offer endless compositional possibilities. Be prepared for the uneven terrain on the breakwater, which can add a unique element to your shots. The 'private road' aspect adds a touch of exclusivity to the journey, making the final reveal of the lighthouse even more rewarding.
🚶♀️ Nature & Coastal Enthusiasts
The drive down the residential streets, even with the 'private road' signs, adds to the feeling of discovering a hidden gem. It's a place to breathe in the salty air, listen to the waves, and appreciate the rugged charm of the New England coastline. The lighthouse itself, though not accessible inside, is a picturesque focal point against the stunning natural backdrop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Beacon: Eastern Point Lighthouse
+1While the lighthouse tower itself is not open for public tours, the surrounding grounds and the impressive Dog Bar Breakwater Lighthouse at the end of the long stone breakwater offer ample opportunities for exploration and appreciation. The breakwater walk provides stunning, unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and the bustling Gloucester fishing fleet.
Many visitors find the journey to the lighthouse to be part of the adventure. Navigating the narrow residential streets, often marked with 'private road' signs, adds a sense of discovery. This unique access, combined with the dramatic coastal scenery, creates a memorable experience that captures the essence of New England's rugged beauty.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Eastern Point
+3Drone photography offers a unique perspective, allowing you to capture sweeping aerial views of the lighthouse, the breakwater, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic. Many creators have shared breathtaking drone footage, showcasing the lighthouse from above and highlighting its dramatic coastal setting.
+1Beyond the sunrise, sunset also provides stunning photographic opportunities. Even on stormy days, the dramatic interplay of light and waves against the lighthouse can result in powerful and evocative images. Remember to wear sturdy shoes for navigating the uneven stones of the breakwater, which can add an interesting foreground element to your shots.
The Breakwater Experience
Navigating the breakwater requires careful attention. The stones are not uniformly placed, and the terrain can be uneven, making sturdy footwear essential. Despite the challenging footing, the reward is immense: panoramic views of the coastline, the open sea, and the chance to observe the active fishing boats of Gloucester Harbor.
This walk is often described as a good leg workout and a chance to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Atlantic. It's a place where you can feel the salty spray, hear the cries of seagulls, and truly appreciate the power and majesty of the ocean.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit