Pavilion Beach
Gloucester, MA
Pavilion Beach runs along the eastern end of Stacy Boulevard in Gloucester, looking out over the harbor and the Fisherman's Memorial statue nearby. It is the beach where the St. Peter's Fiesta greasy pole contest is held every summer. Locals use it for a quick dip and a walk on the boulevard.
A working harbor backdrop and festival history give it real character, but limited parking and no lifeguard keep it modest.
How we score beachesThe greasy pole contest during St. Peter's Fiesta in late June draws crowds, so avoid the beach that weekend if you want peace. The rest of the summer it is easy.
Parking is very limited near the beach, so plan to use nearby street or lot parking downtown and walk over.
The beach sits right beside the boulevard's paved sidewalk, so the path from the street is flat.
Summer evenings are best for the harbor light. The beach has no lifeguard, so swim carefully.
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