Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Cape Ann, Massachusetts, United States
- 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 Gloucester Center (83 reviews)
-Scenic Walk
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 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
Tuesday: 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
Tuesday: 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
Tuesday: 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
Tuesday: 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
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 9:00 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..
What's a Hidden gem?
We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.
