This beach on the North Shore is undoubtedly the best one around. Located in Gloucester, it boasts a long and beautiful stretch of sand, complete with public porta-potties and an ice cream shop. The beach is spacious enough to accommodate multiple families, with ample room for games and sandcastle building. The surf is gentle, and there's even a side channel where little ones can safely play and explore the rocks for snails and crabs. However, be warned that the seagulls can be a nuisance, so keep a close eye on your food. Parking can be a bit pricey for non-locals, but there are ways to save. If you visit during the week or close to 5pm, parking is free. Additionally, parking is free during the off-season, and there's free parking on Nautilus road with beach access. However, these spots fill up quickly, so it's best to arrive early if you want to snag a spot. Overall, this beach is a must-visit for anyone in the area.
What an absolute gem of a beach! The sand is as soft as butter, the view is breathtaking and the location is superb (not to mention the amazing Holy Cow ice cream shop nearby). We arrived early and stayed until about 3:00 pm, enjoying an early dinner and some ice cream before returning to the beach for low tide and the sunset. I was blown away by the abundance of sand dollars, clams, crabs and the stunning panoramic view. It was truly amazing and worth the trip! Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, ideally a week prior, and try to arrive by 11 am to secure a prime spot. The bathrooms are clean and there's a food stand available (although we didn't indulge, it looked appetizing!). Just be careful of the seagulls, as they'll swoop down and snatch your food in a heartbeat! This is a very clean and family-friendly beach with gentle waves and comfortably warm water. Boogie boards and puddle jumpers are not permitted, but that doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of this quiet and peaceful beach. So go ahead and savor the experience!
The beach is a marvelous gem, though it mandates a resident sticker for vehicular access 🚗. The limited parking availability ensures a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere. Additionally, two Porta Potties are conveniently located on site. This idyllic spot is perfect for a lovely outdoor picnic during a leisurely bike ride.
This beach offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its secluded location provides a sense of privacy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The sand is of exceptional quality, offering a soft and comfortable surface to walk on, while the crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming and other water activities. It's worth noting that this beach is only open seasonally, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. Overall, this is a wonderful spot to unwind and soak up some sun, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Contribution from Anonymous reviewer. Gary Beach is nearly privately owned and not open to the public. There is a small parking area on the Gloucester end that is by permit only. No part of the beach is in Gloucester, although the Parking area is. Trespassers will be asked to leave the beach by landowners.