Good Harbor Beach Gloucester Massachusetts
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Good Harbor Beach Gloucester Massachusetts

4.7
·3k reviews·Gloucester, United States

A stunning stretch of white sand with clear waters, perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and exploring tide pools at low tide.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Secure parking & beat crowds

CrowdLow
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Good Harbor Beach Gloucester Massachusetts

Good Harbor Beach Gloucester Massachusetts

Best Time

Early mornings

Secure parking & beat crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning stretch of white sand with clear waters, perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and exploring tide pools at low tide.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Great beach! We love coming here for the soft sand and fun waves."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot, especially on weekends.

💰 Non-Resident Parking Fees

Be prepared for higher parking fees for non-residents. Check current rates before you go.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tide Pool Exploration

Tide Pool Exploration

Low tide

Discover marine life in shallow pools and walk to Salt Island via a sandbar.

Clear Atlantic Waters

Clear Atlantic Waters

Enjoy the clear, refreshing waters perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing.

Expansive Sandy Shoreline

Expansive Sandy Shoreline

Relax on soft white sand with ample space to spread out, even during peak season.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access Fees

Parking at Good Harbor Beach can be expensive, especially for non-residents ($45+ with tax). It fills up very quickly, so arriving early is crucial. Some locals express frustration with rising costs and restricted street parking.

Tides & Crowds

The beach narrows significantly at high tide. Low tide reveals tide pools and a sandbar to Salt Island, offering exploration opportunities. Expect large crowds on hot summer days, especially on weekends.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Secure parking & beat crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer families, more space
Crowd
Medium
When
Low tide
Why
Explore tide pools & island
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Here are 3 of our favorite beaches in Massachusetts: part 1! First is Good Harbor Beach, 2nd is Wingaersheek Beach and last is Mayflower Beach in Dennis! #beaches #newengland #vacation #travelphotography #traveltheworld #travelblogger #shoreline #ocean
@thenewenglandcouple
32.1K likes • 484.7K views

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Reddit

💰 Non-Resident Parking Fees

Be prepared for higher parking fees for non-residents. Check current rates before you go. Reddit

Good Harbor Beach 8/23/25 #erin #goodharborbeach #gloucester #storm #ocean
@jetty1121
5.6K likes • 121.2K views
Gloucester Mass is underrated! It’s one of our favorite places to visit! 1. Harbor walk 2. Good harbor beach 3. The Gloucester House 4. Wingaersheek Beach 5. Hammond Museum (castle) #Massachusetts #VisitMA #travelphotography #travelblogger #vacation #gloucester #newengland #newenglandcouple
newenglandcouple
476 likes • 20.5K views

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals tide pools and a sandbar to Salt Island for exploration. TikTok

🏖️ Bring Beach Gear

Chairs, umbrellas, and towels are essential for a comfortable day on the sand. Instagram

💛Good old Good Harbor on a perfect summer day. ☀️⛱️ #goodharborbeach #gloucester #capeann #eastcoast #summer #beach #beachday #beachvibes #beachtime #beautifuldestinations #summer #summerday #sunshine #shore #waves #sea
rockport_by_the_sea
534 likes • 5.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early arrival to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Reddit

💰 Non-Resident Parking Fees

Be prepared for higher parking fees for non-residents. Check current rates before you go. Reddit

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals tide pools and a sandbar to Salt Island for exploration. TikTok

🏖️ Bring Beach Gear

Chairs, umbrellas, and towels are essential for a comfortable day on the sand. Instagram

🦅 Watch for Seagulls

Assertive seagulls may try to snatch your food, so keep snacks secure. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Good Harbor Beach is praised for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and ample space, making it a favorite for swimming and exploring tide pools at low tide. Visitors appreciate the convenient amenities like restrooms and a snack stand, though the snack stand can be slow. The main drawbacks are the high parking fees for non-residents and the beach narrowing significantly at high tide.

"☀️🌊🏖️🦀🐚 Good Harbor Beach is a great beach with plenty of space for lots of people!

We had a great time at Good Harbor Beach and caught lots of ☀️!

At low tide you can walk across to the island and maybe find some 🦀

The food stand can be slow to order and receive your food so plan accordingly. My lobster roll and fries took 30 minutes to be ready but that was pretty common for everyone there.

Overall we had a great time at Good Harbor and will make this one of our top beaches in the area!"

Logan

"Great beach! We love coming here for the soft sand and fun waves. During low tide there are tide pools and a river the kids can explore, plus an island you can reach via a sandbar. During high tide there’s still plenty of beach. The parking is great - plentiful and stretches across the whole beach, making it easier to spread out and you never have to walk far."

Jessica Monagle

"Good parking, well stocked bathrooms, convenient snack stand, helpful walkway mat in the sand leading from the snack stand to the start of the beach, making getting to the beach earlier for anyone with mobility challenges. The views are beautiful, and the beach is clean. My only complaint was people smoking cigarettes which ruined the enjoyment of the fresh air. Also, Keep an eye on your French fries and snacks for some assertive sea gulls."

Nora K

What People Like

Beautiful white sand
Clear Atlantic waters
Tide pool exploration

What People Dislike

High parking fees
Beach narrows at high tide
Slow snack stand

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Good Harbor Beach is located at 99 Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930. Driving is the most common way to get there. Parking is available on-site but fills up quickly. TikTok

Public transportation options to Good Harbor Beach are limited. It's best to drive or consider ride-sharing services. Reddit

There is a large parking lot directly across from the beach. However, it has a fee and fills up very early, especially on weekends and holidays. Reddit

Parking fees can be substantial, particularly for non-residents, with costs around $45-$47 mentioned for a day. Reddit

Historically, some street parking was available, but many areas are now resident-only, making paid parking the primary option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no separate entrance fee, but parking fees are charged. These fees can be quite high for non-residents. Reddit

The beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. TikTok

Advance parking reservations are generally not available. It's a first-come, first-served system, emphasizing the need for early arrival. Reddit

Amenities include restrooms, changing rooms, a snack stand, and showers. A walkway mat is provided for easier beach access. Reddit

Dogs are generally not permitted on Good Harbor Beach during the peak summer season when lifeguards are on duty. Check local regulations for off-season policies. Instagram

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

You can swim, boogie board, surf, explore tide pools at low tide, walk to Salt Island, and relax on the sand. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the beach has gentle waves suitable for children, and tide pools offer fun exploration. The sandbar to Salt Island is also a hit. Reddit

The water is known for being clear and refreshing, offering good conditions for swimming and water sports. TikTok

It can get very crowded, especially on hot summer days and weekends. Arriving early is recommended to avoid the peak crowds. Instagram

Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a convenient snack stand on-site that offers food and drinks. Reddit

The snack stand can be slow, with wait times of around 30 minutes for food orders like lobster rolls. Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a good way to save money and avoid long waits at the snack stand. Instagram

Yes, there are dining options in Gloucester, including places like The Gloucester House and Castaways Vintage Cafe, which is recommended before heading to the beach. Instagram+1

The snack stand usually offers beachside favorites like lobster rolls, fries, and other quick bites. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the expansive shoreline, clear waters, tide pools, Salt Island, and the picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. TikTokInstagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Instagram

Look for interesting shells, marine life in tide pools, and the dramatic coastline, especially during different tide levels. TikTok

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with Gloucester authorities before flying a drone. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach, while a macro lens can be useful for tide pool photography. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Good Harbor Beach is a fantastic choice for families. The gentle waves are perfect for little ones to splash in, and the tide pools at low tide offer a natural aquarium for discovery. TikTok Walking the sandbar to Salt Island is an adventure in itself. The beach is spacious, allowing kids room to play, and the on-site amenities like restrooms and a snack stand add convenience. Reddit Just be mindful of the assertive seagulls when picnicking! Reddit

Pro-tip: Arrive early to secure parking and a good spot on the sand before the crowds build. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save time and money at the snack stand. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

While parking fees can be a significant expense, budget travelers can still enjoy Good Harbor Beach. Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to avoid the costs and wait times at the snack stand. Instagram Visiting on a weekday might offer a slightly less crowded experience and potentially a more relaxed atmosphere than a busy weekend. Instagram

Consider visiting during the off-season when parking might be less expensive or more readily available, and the beach is less crowded. Instagram While the beach itself doesn't have an entrance fee, the parking cost is the primary expense to factor into your budget. Reddit

🌊 Water Sports Enthusiasts

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Parking and Fees

Parking at Good Harbor Beach is a significant consideration for visitors. For non-residents, the daily parking fee can be quite steep, with reports of costs around $45-$47 including tax. Reddit This has led to some local frustration regarding accessibility and rising costs. The parking lot is extensive, stretching across the entire beach, which is a plus for spreading out once you're in. However, it fills up extremely rapidly, often by mid-morning on busy days. Arriving as early as possible, ideally before 8 AM, is highly recommended to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Historically, street parking was an option, but many of these areas have since become resident-only, further emphasizing the reliance on the paid lot. Reddit This situation means that planning your visit around peak times and being prepared for the cost are essential parts of your trip. For those seeking a more budget-friendly experience, exploring other beaches in the region or visiting during the off-season might be considered. Instagram

Tides, Islands, and Exploration

The tidal patterns at Good Harbor Beach significantly influence the visitor experience. At low tide, the beach transforms, revealing fascinating tide pools teeming with small marine life. This is a prime time for exploration, especially for families with children. TikTok Furthermore, a sandbar emerges, creating a walkable path to Salt Island. Visitors can venture out to the island, climb on its rocks, and enjoy unique perspectives of the coastline. Reddit

As the tide rises, the beach narrows considerably. While this can make the shoreline feel more intimate, it also means that the available space for sunbathing and activities diminishes. Reddit Understanding the tide schedule is key to maximizing your visit, whether you're eager to explore the intertidal zone or simply want to ensure you have ample space on the sand. The dramatic change between high and low tide offers a dynamic and engaging natural spectacle. Instagram

Beach Amenities and Comfort

Good Harbor Beach is well-equipped to provide a comfortable beach day. Visitors will find well-maintained restrooms and changing rooms, which are crucial for families and those spending the entire day. Reddit A convenient snack stand is available for purchasing food and drinks, though be prepared for potential wait times, as orders can take around 30 minutes. Reddit For easier access across the sand, a helpful walkway mat is provided, particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges. Reddit

While the amenities aim to enhance comfort, some visitors have noted issues like cigarette smoking, which can detract from the enjoyment of the fresh sea air. Reddit Additionally, the local seagulls are known to be quite assertive, so keeping a close eye on your food is advised to prevent any unwanted aerial raids. Reddit Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall provision of facilities contributes to a positive and convenient beach experience.