Folly Cove
Gloucester, MA
Folly Cove is a small cobble beach in Lanesville on the Gloucester and Rockport line, about 75 yards of stones tucked between two rocky points. It is one of the most popular dive sites in New England, and the cove is accessible at all tides. Bring a sense of humor about the parking and you will be fine.
A scenic, sheltered cove with legendary diving draws a devoted crowd, but parking is genuinely awkward and the shore is all stone.
How we score beachesThe small pull off is limited to Gloucester residents, so unload your gear and park a quarter to half a mile away. Parking just over the line in Rockport and on the far side of the road works.
The dirt pull off at the cove is restricted to Gloucester residents. Others park in legal spots along the road, some a short walk over the Rockport line, and carry gear back.
The beach is cobble with rock on both sides, so the footing is uneven and not well suited to wheelchairs or strollers.
Summer and early fall bring clear, calmer water and plenty of divers. Winter swell can make the entry rough.
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