Things to do & places to visit in Cape Ann, Massachusetts, United States

Cape Ann, just 30 miles from Boston Logan Airport, includes four communities: Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. The picturesque area that spans the coastline was founded by Pilgrims in 1623 who named it after England's Queen Anne. Today, it's home to fishermen and artists, merchants and writers.

Cape Ann region in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 21:04.

Top things to do (17)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House (247 reviews)
- Amazing designer house to tour! Don’t miss it.
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Also called Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, this fantasy mansion of more than 40 rooms is perched on the rocks overlooking Gloucester Harbor. See more..
5.0 Shalin Liu Performance Center (238 reviews)
- Beautiful venue!
Sunday: Theaters

Rockport Music presents concerts and cultural events in the "stunning acoustics and dramatic setting" (Boston Globe) of its new home, the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Rockport Music is best known for its summer chamber music festival, as well as year-round presentations of jazz, folk, and pop music; high-definition broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and National Theatre (London); and classic and independent films. See more..
5.0 Ryan & Wood Distilleries (109 reviews)
- Interesting out of the way learning experience
This location was reported permanently closed Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

Come visit and tour our craft distillery, the first legal distillery on the North Shore since Prohibition! See firsthand how fine hand crafted spirits are made in our beautiful copper pot Still. Learn how we ferment, distill, barrel age and bottle our Beauport Vodka, Knockabout Gin, Folly Cove Rum and Ryan & Wood family of Whiskies. All done on site. The tour, usually guided by Kathy or Bob Ryan, is free and lasts about an hour. Perfect for a quick stop before lunch. We are a hidden gem, just minutes from other Gloucester attractions. Scheduled Tours: Monday,Wednesday,Friday and Saturday, 10:00am and 1:00pm. Call for Private/Group Tours. Check our website for more information. See more..
5.0 Cogswell's Grant (32 reviews)
- Cogswell's Grant - Essex, MA
Historic Sites

If you love antiques, Cogswell’s Grant should be on your itinerary. This 18th century farmhouse overlooking the Essex River was the summer home of collectors Bertram and Nina Fletcher Little, and houses their celebrated collection of American folk art, including primitive paintings, redware, and painted furniture. Everything is displayed as the family lived with it and shared it with their friends and fellow collectors.Open June 1-October 15, Wed.-Sun.; tours given 11:00am - 4:00pm. See more..
4.5 Fishermen's Memorial Monument (850 reviews)
- If You Are In The Area
Monuments & Statues

I’ve seen this statue replicated so many times that it was nice to see it up close. The city has plaques listing the names of all the fishermen who have been lost to the sea dating back to the beginning of Gloucester’s origin. There isn’t much to do in Gloucester so if you are tired of the beach it’s located on a nice boardwalk/ ocean setting- very relaxing. See more..
4.5 Bearskin Neck (788 reviews)
- So many shops!
Lookouts

If you love to shop then this is the place for you. There were tons of shops to check out and we ended up spending so much money. For the most part everyone was super friendly and the views of the water were perfect! You can see motif no. 1 from here as well as the break water at the end of the shopping section. Parking is a pain so be sure to arrive early. We were lucky enough to catch a spot as someone was leaving but most of the available Parking was a good distance away. Parking is metered and runs about $1 an hour so not too bad. See more..
4.5 Halibut Point State Park (755 reviews)
- Lovely walk and views
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Scramble across ledges scarred by the granite industry and examine tide pools teeming with marine life. See more..
4.5 Good Harbor Beach (710 reviews)
- Great but
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Beaches

This picturesque curved white-sandy beach with a lazy rolling surf is a favorite among Gloucester residents and visitors. See more..
4.5 Hammond Castle Museum (665 reviews)
- A MUST SEE in Gloucester
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Castles • History Museums

Hammond Castle Museum is now closed to public tours for the winter. The Museum will reopen on April 1, 2023. Hammond Castle Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At nearly a century old, it is not handicap accessible. The Museum’s architectural style is mix of medieval castle, French chateau, and Gothic cathedral. It was custom built to encompass Hammond’s private residence, laboratory and museum quality collection of architectural elements such as the facades of medieval shops and doorways from chateaus. Hammond’s extensive list of patents, and his work on radio control and on echo guided torpedoes for the military are also on display. It is available for weddings and private rentals. See more..
4.5 Motif Number 1 (379 reviews)
- What - Motif No 1 Again!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

My wife and I enjoyed seeing the replica of a 1840 fishing shack now located in Bearskin Neck. I recall seeing a shack like this in a movie or two, but didn't know the history. For those who haven't research it, this is why the shack is called Motif 1. "Built around the time of the Civil War, its prominent position at the end of the pier made it a natural backdrop for artists painting harbor pictures. Finally in the early 1930s, while critiquing a group of students’ pictures, several of which featured the little red shack, Lester Hornby, using a term often employed by French students to describe frequently painted sites, exclaimed, “What – Motif No. 1 again!” His fateful words stuck and since then the little red shack has been referred to as “Motif No. 1.”" See more..
4.5 Wingaersheek Beach (318 reviews)
- Like a wink from heaven
Beaches

Twice in the past, before Gloucester wisely adopted an online parking reservations system for the summer high season, I waited in stop-and-go traffic hoping in vain to get to this famous beach, but ultimately ran out of time and had to turn around on both occasions. I eventually had a chance to visit in early December, at sunset. The long wait was worth it. While the many summer services on this beach were closed, of course, the stirring beauty of the flat rippled sandy shoreline, stretching in dusky majesty toward the Annisquam Lighthouse on the horizon in one direction, and the North Shore coastline on the other, knows no season. A cold wind was blowing steadily, but nonetheless there was a scattering of intrepid beach visitors, each seemingly taking in the wondrous show in reverent silence. In this rarefied setting, a brief flash of surrendering sunlight on a distant window was like a wink from heaven. See more..
4.5 Stage Fort Park and Beach (247 reviews)
- One of the best visitor centers around
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Parks

This seaside park overlooking Gloucester harbor marks the spot where the area was first settled in the early 1600s. Here, you can stroll along the rocky shore and swim in the calm and clear waters of Half Moon Beach, or explore Cressy's Beach which is located at the lower end of the park. There is also a sand volleyball court and plenty of picnic and cooking areas, and also a dog park. Located about a mile from downtown Gloucester, Stage Fort Park and Beach can be easily reached through a leisurely walk along the charming waterfront. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Front Beach (141 reviews)
- Cold but refreshing
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM Beaches

I would never visit Rockport in the summer without going for a swim at front beach. The first day we were there this year the water was unbelievably cold. I would actually like to know what the temperature was. The key to going swimming in Rockport is to just jump right in; completely immerse yourself. Swimming in the cold water is very refreshing and feels fantastic. The beach was clean and the raft was out in the water so you could swim out to it. My sons purchased a ball in town that bounces on the water and they spent a lot of time playing in the water with that as well. We had a lot of fun. See more..
4.5 Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Memorial (120 reviews)
- A lovely tribute on a beautiful walkway
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It's a touching and welcome thing to have a monument dedicated to the fishermen's wives in Gloucester, a short distance away from that which remembers fishermen lost at sea. This community honors the importance and value of the contribution made by women to this city and its people. The entire walk along the coast here is quite lovely, so if you're in town, I'd highly recommend taking the time for a stroll. See more..
4.5 Rockport Breakwater (115 reviews)
- Lovely summer visit!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

Rockport's Breakwater was rebuilt in the winter of 2015. It's now possible to walk along it's relatively flat surface to the end (@1/8 mile.) It's a terrific spot to view the harbor, Motif #1, and sailboats. Or, just to enjoy the great outdoors. Proper footwear is a necessity. See more..
4.5 Gloucester Center (83 reviews)
- Scenic Walk
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Downtown working-class section of Gloucester See more..
4.5 Long Beach (76 reviews)
- Less crowded than Good Harbor, come at lower tide
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM, 11:00 PM - 12:00 AM Beaches

A lovely mile long beach that's mostly peopled by locals. A private parking lot at the Gloucester side has showers. It's a wonderful white sand beach but it's narrow, so plan your trip when the tide is lower. See more..
4.5 Maritime Gloucester (70 reviews)
- Gloucesters only marine touch tank, schooners, docks, and wonderful waterfront views
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Maritime Gloucester is Cape Ann's destination for maritime heritage, discovery and fun! Located on Gloucester's historic harbor, our working waterfront and maritime discovery center is family-friendly, accessible and fun for all ages. Get inspired by the wonders of marine life in our Sea-Pocket Aquarium and interactive touch tank. Learn about the area's rich maritime heritage in the Gorton's Schooner Gallery, Children's Room, Stellwagen Bank Exhibit, Dory Shop, or Dive Locker. Become a hands-on part of the working waterfront at America's oldest marine railway, authentic working exhibits on our historic pier, or on daily sails aboard the Schooner Ardelle. Visit our our Maritime Shop which we have stocked with tshirts, hats, unique gifts and a large selection of maritime-themed books for the whole family. Plan your visit during Labor Day weekend for the 35th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival and Maritime Heritage Day. "Maritime Gloucester - Engaging Community. Inspiring Discovery." See more..
4.5 Rockport Art Association & Museum (63 reviews)
- A Gem
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums

The Rockport Art Association & Museum is one of the oldest and most active art organizations in the country. The Association has a long and distinguished history that has spanned 95 years. Each year the RAA&M welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. The RAA&M continues to be one of Cape Ann’s most prominent cultural beacons. Since its founding, the Association has steadily increased in size and currently includes approximately 280 artist & photography members, and hundreds of contributing members. By promoting year-round programs of classes, lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions and community outreach, as well as an impressive museum collection, the RAA&M remains dedicated to its mission of making fine art appreciation accessible to all. See more..
4.5 Ravenswood Park (63 reviews)
- A wonderful short or long hike near Gloucester
Parks

Explore a shrouded landscape of hemlock groves, a magnolia swamp, and other trees species where you'll find remnants Colonial habitation. See more..
4.5 Half Moon Beach (52 reviews)
- Beautiful
Beaches

Nice place to take a stroll and to take in the view! Good place to relax and enjoy the beach. I will be back to visit again soon! See more..
4.5 Essex Shipbuilding Museum (43 reviews)
- Salty history in lovely Essex
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Over 4000 wooden ships have been built on the banks of the Essex River since 1668. The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum traces the evolution of traditional boat building through artifacts, photographs, hands-on exhibits and tour guides with deep knowledge of maritime and local history. The School House building interprets ship models from the Smithsonian Institute. See more..
4.5 Gloucester Stage Company (38 reviews)
- What a Performance by all
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

The Gloucester Stage Company's mission is to present the highest quality professional theatrical productions while contributing to the cultural, economic and educational development of Cape Ann. Open seasonally. Please check our website for current season lineup, seasonal box office hours and to buy tickets. Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday 12-6pm. Additional hours May-October are an hour prior to show times. See more..
4.5 Twin Lights on Thatcher's Island (36 reviews)
- Sixty-four acres of unspoiled beauty and maritime history
Lighthouses

Book your launch ride ahead on the Thacher Island website, so you don't miss the unique experience of exploring the twin-lighthouses island a mile off shore from Rockport. Climb the North Lighthouse or stroll the tree shaded bower of Anne's Way to the south end of this little slice of heaven. Then return the east or west shore path. Bring whatever you might need ( like water or a snack) and be prepared to carry out you water bottles and bags. There are no 'amenities' which is why it's unspoiled. See more..
4.5 Coolidge Reservation (33 reviews)
- Winter walking in Natural Conservation Land, without Reservation!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Hike past a scenic pond and through a small forest of pine and oak to reach a spectacular seaside lawn offering memorable views of Massachusetts Bay and the North Shore. See more..
4.5 Niles Beach (32 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Beaches

This area was beautiful to just sit and relax. The weather and the people were awesome. This seems like the perfect time of the year to visit. See more..
4.0 Eastern Point Lighthouse (215 reviews)
- A nice remote lighthouse.
Lighthouses

Serving as a guide to ships entering the scenic and commercial Gloucester harbor from the Atlantic Ocean, this 36-foot tall cylindrical brick tower was built in 1832 and automated in 1986. See more..
4.0 Singing Beach (179 reviews)
- Nice clean water
Beaches

I’ve tried to visit this beach many times, it is a big challenge, if you are not a resident, to find parking especially during weekends. There is another parking before the beach that you can park your car if not a resident but the spots are limited. Once you overcome parking problems then you can enjoy the beach :) Ive been there couple times, the water is deep and very cold for my taste, but my friend find it perfect and was swimming for an hour! I should not forget to mention that is always clean :) See more..
4.0 Main Street (163 reviews)
- Charming
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Visited Main St yesterday! It was cold and windy, but we had a great time! The best thing about THIS Main St is that the majority of the stores are actually open even in winter, unlike many of the other nearby towns. Lots of charming little shops that would appeal to any interest! And the BEST little Italian bakery!!!! Will definitely be visiting again soon! See more..
4.0 The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (148 reviews)
- Great for special gifts
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Galleries

The oldest working artist's colony in the country. See more..