Discover Cape Ann, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester

Discover Cape Ann

Perched on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Cape Ann contains all the best of New England. Quaint, picturesque towns, granite coastlines interspersed with sandy coves, historic mansions and working fishing boats. First settled in 1623, the region's history is well preserved in both our buildings and culture. While the land was difficult to cultivate, the vast resources of the sea enabled Gloucester to become, at one time, the largest and now America's oldest seaport The success of the fishing, shipbuilding and merchant vessels brought more commerce to the area and as life became easier, the beauty of the area was discovered.

Cape Ann became the summer residence and favorite vacation destination for many families from Boston, New York, Philadelphia and even as far as Chicago and Milwaukee. Artists flocked to Cape Ann for inspiration. Some could not leave and we boast the oldest working art colony in the country. Recreational boaters moored their yachts and sailboats in our harbors and rivers. Restaurants to this day serve fish brought in daily by our fishermen, clams dug in our estuaries and lobsters trapped right off shore. Stores sell antiques found hidden away and modern handcrafted works of art in the form of pottery, jewelry and furniture.

Cape Ann, locally and lovably known as 'the Other Cape', has been able to insulate itself from the overdevelopment often seen in coastal communities. We like the relaxed atmosphere that we have been able to preserve and still enjoy the finer things in life. After a day at the beach or on the water, you can still enjoy a night at the theater and gourmet dinner in town. And we are even luckier than that. With Boston, Salem, and Newburyport within 30 miles and coastal Maine only a 90 minute drive, Cape Ann is Calling.

Browse through some of what we have to offer below and then Click Here for links to Cape Ann Activities. Find the history of Gloucester here.

Beaches and Parks

●Good Harbor Beach, beautiful white sand beach with full services and tidal island only a five minute walk
●Wingaersheek Beach, on Ipswich Bay with full services and calm waters
●Half Moon Beach and Cressey's Beach, at Stage Fort Park with snack bar, grills and playground
●Pavilion Beach
●Niles Beach
●Long Beach, just past Good Harbor in Rockport
●Front Beach, Back Beach, Pebble Beach
●Singing Beach, yes the sand actually sings as you walk on it, in Manchester-By-The-Sea
●Halibut Point State Park, hiking, quarry, and incomparable vistas

Boating

●Whale Watching, go on a whale safari to view these magnificent creatures
●Deep Sea Fishing, party boats and private charters
●Boat Tours, see lighthouses, castle and mansions, working harbor, river and marshes. Even go lobstering.
●Schooner Tours, harbor tours, dinner and music cruises
●Kayaking, on the ocean or the river
●Diving

History

●Gloucester's Fishing Fleet, buy seafood 'Right Off the Boat'
●Man at the Wheel Statue and Fisherman's Memorial
●Schooner Adventure, 1926 fishing schooner
●Dogtown, abandoned settlement
●Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center
●Essex Shipbuilding Museum

Arts and Culture

●Rocky Neck Art Colony, the oldest working art colony in the United States
●Cape Ann Museum
●North Shore Art Association
●Beauport Museum
●Hammond Castle Museum
●The Crow's Nest and other sites from 'The Perfect Storm'
●Israel Horowitz's Gloucester Stage Company
●Cape Ann Symphony
●Rockport Chamber Music Festival

Shopping

●Main St., Gloucester, wander through historical buildings for art, antiques, books and more
●Antiquing Center of Essex, find your lost treasure
●Bearskin Neck, Rockport for shopping, galleries, restaurants and Motif #1

Just out of Town...

●Crane's Beach Reservation and Crane Castle
● Ipswich, "The Birthplace of the American Revolution"
● Salem, see the Witch Trials as they really happened
●Newburyport and Plum Island
●Boston, go by car or train
● Kittery outlet shopping and coastal Maine