Cressy Beach
Gloucester, MA
Cressy Beach is a rocky, pebble strewn beach at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, with sweeping views across the harbor. It is more of a place to sit and look at the water than to swim laps. Picnic and cookout areas sit right above the shore.
Great harbor views and cookout spots make it a favorite for picnics, but the stony shore is not a proper swim beach.
How we score beachesCome for the harbor view and a cookout rather than for a swim. Non-residents need to reserve parking ahead in summer.
Non-residents pay $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends and holidays, and must reserve through the Blinkay app in summer.
The park has restrooms and a level walk to the beach edge, though the shore is uneven stone and pebble.
Summer evenings are the best time for a cookout and harbor sunsets. Fall is quiet and the park is close to empty.
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