Plum Cove Beach
A charming, semi-sandy cove in Gloucester, MA, famous for its stunning sunsets and sea glass hunting opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour magic
Plum Cove Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, semi-sandy cove in Gloucester, MA, famous for its stunning sunsets and sea glass hunting opportunities.
"This is such a beautiful and picturesque spot for watching a sunset!!"
🚗 Parking Permit Needed
Non-residents face strict parking rules & high fines. Walk if possible!
💎 Seek Sea Glass
This beach is a prime spot for finding beautiful sea glass. Keep an eye out!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
The entire beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues over the Ipswich Bay.
Seaglass Hunting
Along the shoreline
Hunt for treasures! This beach is a known spot for finding beautiful pieces of sea glass.
Picturesque Cove
The main beach area
A charming, smaller beach with scenic views, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Tide Pool Treasures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Permit Needed
Non-residents face strict parking rules & high fines. Walk if possible!
💎 Seek Sea Glass
This beach is a prime spot for finding beautiful sea glass. Keep an eye out!
🌅 Sunset Views
Spectacular sunsets make this a must-visit spot for photographers and romantics.
🚻 Portable Restrooms
Clean portable restrooms are available on-site for visitor convenience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Permit Needed
Non-residents face strict parking rules & high fines. Walk if possible!
💎 Seek Sea Glass
This beach is a prime spot for finding beautiful sea glass. Keep an eye out!
🌅 Sunset Views
Spectacular sunsets make this a must-visit spot for photographers and romantics.
🚻 Portable Restrooms
Clean portable restrooms are available on-site for visitor convenience.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
For tide pooling, check the tide charts as they aren't always accessible at low tide.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plum Cove Beach is a picturesque and charming spot, particularly loved for its stunning sunset views and opportunities for sea glass hunting. While many appreciate its beauty and suitability for families, the extremely limited and strictly enforced parking for non-residents is a significant drawback, often leading to frustration and hefty fines. Some visitors also note the sand quality and occasional seaweed presence.
"A great place to relax on a smaller semi sandy beach. We went at low tide but no accessible tide pools so didn't see any crabs, may need to be in water to spot them. Parking available with permit, recommend walking if possible. No available bathrooms."
Michaela S
"First of all if you aren’t local with a resident sticker there is NO parking. They ticket frequently and apparently it’s $85. We were warned so I parked about 3/4 mile away on a main road with no signs. When I got back to my car there was a nasty note. Sigh. Definitely a town that does NOT want tourists to come to the beach. Other than that it’s a sweet little beach. No big waves but very pretty. Would be great for kids!"
Joanell Serra
"No parking for non-locals. Beach was smelly, dirty, lots of sea weed and flies everywhere. Sand was gravel. There was a lifeguard chair. Doesn't seem enjoyable. There are portable bathrooms."
Porter Charles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plum Cove Beach is located in the Lanesville neighborhood of Gloucester, MA. It's a scenic drive along Route 127. If driving, be aware of extremely limited non-resident parking and potential for high fines. Many visitors opt to park further away and walk to the beach.
Parking is very restricted for non-residents. If you don't have a local permit, you risk significant fines ($85). It's often recommended to park a distance away and walk, or explore public transport options if available.
Information on direct public transport to Plum Cove Beach is limited. It's best to check local Gloucester transit schedules for routes that might get you close, from where you may need to walk.
The most reliable way to avoid parking tickets is to not park directly at the beach if you are not a local resident. Consider parking a mile or so away and enjoying a walk to the beach.
While some visitors have posted photos of dogs at the beach, it's essential to check local ordinances for current dog-friendly policies, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to enter Plum Cove Beach itself. The primary concern for visitors is parking, which is restricted and can incur hefty fines for non-residents.
Plum Cove Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, parking restrictions may apply outside of specific times, and it's always wise to be mindful of local regulations.
The beach itself is free to access. The only potential fee is for parking, which is strictly enforced for non-residents and can be quite expensive.
While the beach is a popular spot for sunset viewing, overnight stays or late-night visits might be subject to local ordinances. It's best to check with Gloucester authorities for specific rules. 
Yes, Plum Cove Beach is often described as a sweet little beach, great for kids due to its smaller size and generally calm waters.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors enjoy relaxing on the semi-sandy shore, swimming in the cove, hunting for sea glass, and capturing stunning sunset photos. It's a picturesque spot for a leisurely day.
Yes, there are portable restrooms available at Plum Cove Beach, which have been noted as clean and stocked with toilet paper.
The beach is described as semi-sandy, with some reviews mentioning it feeling more like gravel. It's a smaller cove beach, not a vast expanse of fine sand.
Plum Cove Beach is a nice little swimming cove. The waters are generally calm, making it suitable for a refreshing dip.
While not guaranteed, visitors sometimes look for crabs and other small marine life, especially during low tide. The main draw is the beautiful coastal scenery and potential for finding sea glass.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no permanent restaurants directly on Plum Cove Beach, food trucks have been known to visit, offering options like tacos and tots. Nearby Gloucester and Rockport have numerous dining choices.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great option. There are no food facilities directly on the beach, so packing your own snacks and meals is recommended.
Gloucester and Rockport offer a variety of dining experiences. For seafood lovers, consider Blue Collar Lobster Co. in Gloucester for lobster rolls, or restaurants in Rockport with ocean views.
You'll likely need to drive a short distance into Gloucester or Rockport to find convenience stores or markets for snacks.
There are no designated picnic areas directly on the beach. However, you can find spots to lay out a blanket and enjoy your own picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire beach offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunset. Look for unique angles along the shoreline, the rocky outcrops, and the picturesque cove itself.
Absolutely! Plum Cove Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture vibrant colors over the water.
You can capture coastal landscapes, seascapes, sunset shots, and details like sea glass. Drone photography is also popular here.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, if you plan on commercial photography or drone usage, it's always best to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting. Weekday evenings are also less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Pack a picnic, find a cozy spot on the sand, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon. The intimate size of the cove adds to its charm, making it feel like a private slice of paradise.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Plum Cove Beach Parking
For those who manage to find parking, it's often described as limited. The beach itself is a smaller, picturesque cove, and the parking situation reflects its intimate size and local community focus. Social media posts often highlight the beauty of the beach, but rarely show extensive parking lots, reinforcing the need for pre-trip research and a flexible attitude towards arrival.
Key takeaway: Prioritize walking to Plum Cove Beach if you are not a local resident to avoid parking tickets and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Always check local signage and be aware of parking restrictions.
The Allure of Sea Glass Hunting
When searching for sea glass, it's often most fruitful to explore the shoreline at low tide. This exposes more of the beach and the areas where sea glass tends to collect. While some visitors have noted that tide pools may not always be accessible or productive, the general shoreline remains a promising area.
Pro-tip: Be patient and observant. Look closely along the waterline and among the pebbles and seaweed. The most rewarding finds often come after dedicated searching.
Capturing Plum Cove's Coastal Charm
+2 The combination of the tranquil cove, the gentle lapping waves, and the expansive sky creates a truly magical setting for photography. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the natural scenery provides ample opportunities for captivating shots.Beyond sunsets, the beach offers a variety of photographic subjects. The unique textures of the sand and rocks, the clarity of the water, and the potential for finding sea glass all contribute to the visual appeal. Drone photography has also gained popularity, offering a unique aerial perspective of the coastline and the charming neighborhood.
+1 Remember to be mindful of other visitors and any local regulations regarding drone usage.Photography tip: Visit during the 'golden hours' – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset – for the most flattering light. Weekday evenings are also ideal for capturing unobstructed views without large crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit