ATTRACTIONS

Historic Homes & Buildings

• Annisquam Light (circa 1801)
  Wigwam Point, Lighthouse Road • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-281-8865
  This historic and picturesque lighthouse and its grounds, which include an early Nineteenth Century keepers house, a stone oil house and a garage, is open to visitors and tours; the first lighthouse constructed on the site was built in 1801, while the current lighthouse was completed in 1897.  more...  map

• Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House Museum
  75 Eastern Point Boulevard • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-0800
  First built as a summer home by Henry Davis Sleeper, a well respected designer and collector during the early part of the Twentieth Century, the house evolved into a sprawling maze of over forty rooms, gables and turrets, and now houses an expansive collection of American and European art and objects that are worth exploring and enjoying, as is the impressive house itself.   map

• Eastern Point Light (circa 1832)
  Gloucester Harbor, Eastern Point Boulevard • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-281-8865
  Although the grounds to this lighthouse are currently closed to the public, there is a great vantage point from which to view the historic and scenic structure that is on a spot first established in 1832, with the current lighthouse having been constructed in 1890.  more...  map

Historic Sites & Monuments

• Man at the Wheel Statue
  Stacey Boulevard • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-1601
  Gazing towards the sea with stern look of determination, this statue of a seaman at the wheel represents and pays homage to the maritime history of the Gloucester and Cape Ann area, and bears the inscription "They that go down to the sea in ships, 1623-1923."  map

Libraries & Research Centers

• Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library
  2 Dale Avenue • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-281-9763
  Having served the public since 1830, this library features a collection of over one hundred thousand titles and a varied array of programs and cultural events; the library is a great place for research, just finding a good read, or participating in the enjoyable and educational programs and events that are offered.  more...  map

Museums & Galleries

• Beauport - SPNEA
  75 Eastern Point Boulevard • Gloucester, MA 01930
  The Sleeper McCann House
  978-283-0800
  The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities operates over thirty five properties, with houses that span the time periods between the 1600s to the present day, many of which can be toured, and some of which can be rented for special events. With the foremost goal of the society being the preservation of and education about the different historical periods as represented by historic structures, period furnishings and antiques, the organization also features a museum and bookshop, as well as the tours of the various historical properties.  more...  map

• Cape Ann Historical Museum
  27 Pleasant Street • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-0455
  This museum displays collections that honour the maritime heritage of the Cape Ann area, as well a great collection of art by regional artists, including the largest collection of paintings ands drawings by Gloucester native Fitz Hugh Lane, who is now recognized as one of the preeminent American painters of the Nineteenth Century; one will also find exhibits of the works of other area artists, decorative arts, antique furniture, and a museum library with archives, photographs, and genealogical records.  more...  map

• Essex Shipbuilding Museum
  66 Main Street • Essex, MA 01929
  978-768-7541
  Exhibits, videos and models, hands-on activities.  map

• Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center
  23 Harbor Loop • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-281-0470
  With a variety of programs and exhibits that are both compelling and educational, this center is “the only working historic waterfront in the Northeast” and features such intriguing features as a wooden marine railway, an aquarium, ships and boats that represent the different periods in the evolution of the New England fishing industry, the construction of wooden boats, and an ever changing variety of educational programs and exhibits.  more...  map

• Hammond Castle Museum
  80 Hesperus Avenue • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-2080 or 978-283-7673
  This picturesque castle overlooks the ocean, and, besides the interest of the structure itself, features displays of Renaissance art and an organ with eight thousand two hundred pipes.  more...  map

• North Shore Art Association
  197 East Main Street • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-1857, 800-943-2250 (MA only)
  This museum hosts changing exhibits of great art by some of the best painters, sculptors, and artists in other media; with educational programs, lectures, workshops, classes, events, and other programs, this museum sees its mission as being to promote and educate the public in regard to the variety and importance of American art within the nation’s culture.  more...  map

• Rocky Neck Art Colony
  77 Rocky Neck Avenue • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-4554
  The This is the oldest operative art colony in the United States, and boasts more than thirty artists in residence, in a setting that is picturesque and artistically inspiring.  map

• Schooner Adventure
  4 Harbor Loop • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-281-8079
  This National Historic Landmark is the home of Gloucester’s last fishing schooner, and offers interesting and educational on board tours.  more...  map

Parks, Gardens & Zoos

• Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary
  Eastern Point Boulevard • Gloucester, MA 01930
  800-AUDUBON
  Run under the aegis of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, this wildlife sanctuary protects native wildlife, while offering visitors the chance to commune with nature and perhaps view some of the protected wildlife while walking nature trails. more...  map

• Ravenswood Park
  Western Avenue • Gloucester, MA 01930
  Route 127
  978-526-8687
  Depending upon the season, this beautiful six hundred acre forest offers opportunities for walking, hiking, cross country skiing, exploring on snowshoes, and more, in the peaceful setting of this park that includes nearly ten miles of trails and carriage paths.  more...  map

Tours & Cruises

• 7 Seas Whale Watch
  63 Rogers Street • Gloucester, MA 01930
  In Historic Downtown Gloucester at Harbor Cove
  888-283-1776
  Featured on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, 7 Seas Whale Watch's comfortable Privateer IV is the only Gloucester whale watch boat with a GPS display, which allows you to track the vessel's speed, position, heading and changes in ocean depth. "Every 7 Seas Whale Watch cruise is accompanied by an experienced marine biologist who will provide insight into the lives of the great whales and the particular whale behaviors you observe." Lighthouse and lobstering tours are also available. more...

• Anne Rowe Charters
  Seven Seas Wharf • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-2046
  With over thirty years of experience, this charter company specializes in deep sea fishing excursions, especially for Haddock and Cod. more...  map

• Capt. Bill & Sons Whale Watch
  24 Harbor Loop • Gloucester, MA 01930
  Historic Harbor Loop in Downtown
  978-283-6995
  Offers daily whale watch trips with sightings guaranteed. Visit the onsite nautical gift shop and whale museum. more...  map

• Cloud Nine Charters LLC
  P.O. Box 1112 • Gloucester, MA 01931
  978-283-7088
  For something a bit different, one can take advantage of the week-long or long weekend cruises that are offered aboard this yacht, where no language other than French is spoken, although passengers need not know French, nor have any sailing experience or knowledge.  more...  map

• Connemara Bay Charters
  47 Crafts Road • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-0197
  Connemara Bay Charters features both fishing charters for blue fish, haddock, sharks, tuna, cod, striped bass, and more, as well as pleasure charters that include whale watching, sightseeing, family outings, watching firework displays, gathering lobsters, and more.  more...  map

• Discovery Adventures Sea Kayaking
  P.O. Box 31 • Gloucester, MA 01931
  978-283-3320, 866-KAYAKER
  With the goal of offering something for those of all ages and experience levels, Discovery Adventures features kayaking tours and snorkeling on Ipswich Bay, and summer programs that are geared towards children. The guided sea kayaking tours will afford breathtaking scenery, and a feeling of independence and oneness with the ocean and natural surroundings.  more...  map

• Essex River Cruises
  5 Dodge Street • Essex, MA 01929
  Essex Marina
  978-768-6981
  Cruise along scenic Essex River, Hog Island Tour.  map

• Gloucester Maritime Trail
  Stage Fort Park Information Center • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-281-8865
  Here, visitors can take advantage of four enjoyable and educational self-guided tours through America’s first seaport.   map

• Harbor Tours
  Harbor Loop, Roses Wharf • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-283-1979
  This touring company offers island site seeing tours, as well as lobster trap hauling cruises, and more.  more...  map

• Schooner Thomas E. Lannon
  Seven Seas Wharf • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-281-6634
  Daily sailing excursions into the harbour are offered aboard this beautiful, sixty-five-foot fishing schooner, which include relaxing and scenic two-hour cruises. . more...  map

• Sloop Boat Charters
  Saint Peter's Square • Gloucester, MA 01930
  978-768-2569
  Sloop Boat Charters features sailing and lobster gathering trips aboard an historic fishing sloop.   map