Good Harbor Beach
Gloucester, MA
Good Harbor Beach is roughly six tenths of a mile of soft white sand on Thatcher Road, backed by dunes and a tidal creek. Lifeguards, a concession stand, restrooms, and showers make it the easiest big beach on Cape Ann. At low tide you can walk across the sand to little Salt Island.
The sand, dunes, and Salt Island walk make it a genuine Cape Ann institution, and the reservation system and cost are its main hurdle.
How we score beachesNon-residents must reserve parking ahead in summer, and lots fill early on hot days. Book a slot as soon as your plans are firm.
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, non-residents reserve parking through the Blinkay app or website, with weekday rates of $40 and weekend and holiday rates of $45. Cash is not accepted at the gate.
The city lists handicapped accessible parking, and restrooms and showers are on site. The beach itself is soft sand with a tidal creek to cross near the middle.
Dogs are prohibited from April 1 to September 30.
Lifeguards work from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and July through August is peak season. Shoulder seasons bring low crowds and cold, clear water.
More Atlantic Coast beaches
Coast Guard Beach
Eastham, MA · Atlantic Coast
A National Seashore beach backed by grassy dunes and a tidal marsh, with clean Atlantic surf and one of the Cape's most scenic approaches on foot from the parking area.
Surfside Beach
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Open Atlantic swell and a wide sandy shoreline about three miles from Nantucket town, popular with locals for its bodysurfing waves and quieter, less commercial feel.
Jones Beach State Park
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A classic Long Island beach with six and a half miles of shoreline, a landmark water tower, boardwalk, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts through the summer.