Half Moon Beach
Gloucester, MA
Half Moon Beach is a small crescent of sand inside Stage Fort Park, reached off Western Avenue in Gloucester. It has lifeguards in season, restrooms at the visitor center, and a handicapped accessible path. The park is where the Gloucester settlers first landed in 1623, so a picnic here comes with a history lesson.
A sheltered little beach in a historic park is easy for families, though summer reservations add a step to every visit.
How we score beachesBring lunch and use the park's picnic grounds. Non-residents need a parking reservation in summer, so book before you leave home.
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, non-residents must reserve parking through the Blinkay app, and cash is not accepted.
The city lists the beach as handicapped accessible, with restrooms at the Stage Fort Park visitor center.
Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The crescent shape shelters the sand from a lot of wind.
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