A scenic beach with soft white sand and a salt marsh. At low tide, visitors can walk to Salt Island, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming. Located in historic Gloucester on Cape Ann.
Beaches for Walking
Rye Harbor State Park
While not a swimming beach, this scenic park offers access to a picturesque working harbor with fishing boats, charter services, and coastal views. Perfect for watching marine activities and sunsets.
Jenness State Beach
A popular beach known for excellent surfing conditions and soft sand. Tends to be less crowded than Hampton Beach while offering similar amenities and beautiful coastal views.
Jenness Beach (Cable Road)
A popular surfing spot adjacent to Jenness State Beach but with different access. Known for consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere popular with the local surf community.
Jasper Beach
Not a traditional sand beach but a unique geological site covered in smooth multicolored jasper and rhyolite stones that make a musical sound when waves wash over them. A natural wonder for rock enthusiasts.
Drake’s Island Beach
A quieter alternative to Wells Beach with softer sand and fewer crowds. Features a family-friendly atmosphere with typically calmer waters and a residential setting.
Fortune’s Rocks Beach
A two-mile stretch of sandy beach backed by impressive beach homes. Less crowded than nearby beaches, it offers good swimming, interesting rock formations, and excellent sunrise views.
Pine Point Beach
A long sandy beach at the mouth of the Scarborough River, offering views of Old Orchard Beach. Popular for fishing, clamming, and bird watching along with traditional beach activities.
Moody Beach
A largely private beach with limited public access at low tide, known for its soft sand and family-friendly environment. Famous for a landmark Supreme Court case about private beach rights.
Laudholm Beach
A pristine beach accessed via a mile-long trail through the Wells Reserve conservation area. Features unspoiled natural beauty, excellent bird watching, and educational programs.