Parked in no parking along shore front for 2 hours with no problem on a sunday and labor day weekend. many others did the same. The only other place to park was vistor parking of 20 min at the restrooms(eww so gross) or 15/day/car in the pay lot. The views were great and climbing the large boulders and trailways was fun. The ocean was at out feet with wet caked smooth sand and lots of stones to pick from for jewelry making. There was an excess of debri littered around.
We had been traveling for several days and wanted to let our Pom run off some energy. This dog park was one of the best that I have ever seen. It was not only divided between small and large dogs, but also had an agility work area and a separate area for unfriendly dogs. It was right on the bay, a wonderful place to take your dog.
I visited here recently while seeing friends on the North Shore. I had not been to this park in 23 years, and had not remembered it being so beautiful. There are many short hiking trails, open fields, and picnic tables with amazing water vistas, as well as a small, pristine, private beach. The park was surprisingly clean of trash and in general was well-maintained by the City of Gloucester. From several vantage points one gets a great panoramic view of shoreline Gloucester as well as Eastern Point, nearby islands, and the tower at Hammond Castle. This was a great find on a crisp and sunny fall day. I will look forward to returning again next time I am in the area.
For people looking for a place to bring kids or a large group of people, look no further. This area can provide entertainment for all. This area has a playground for kids, swingsets, an enclosed dog park/walk, a baseball field, a small beach, a rock climbing area, and also plenty of walking paths for all to use. Additionally, there area rest rooms and food available. In certain sections, there are also picnic benches and other spots perfect to spend a summer day.
If visiting Gloucester, don't miss the point with the cannons looking out over the harbor-beautiful view!
We visited here on a recent summer weekday when we arrived too late at Wingaersheek and parking was already full. The beach is seriously tiny but in a cute cove. No waves, but a few rocks to check out. Lots of families with small kids. The best thing about this beach is that it is lined with trees and offers a lot of shade, which is great for those of us who don't love direct sun all day on the beach. Sand was not that clean, however, and I found two small pieces of broken glass with sharp edges (not sea glass), which made us put our sandals on for the rest of the day. Bring a cooler with lunch, because unlike at Wingaersheek, there isn't a café to purchase food or drinks. Even a couple vending machines in the on-site Visitors' Center would have been welcome. Big park adjacent to the beach and nice playground. Bathrooms were adequately clean as well. Beach parking was only $10, not too bad, but I think too expensive for the size and quality of the beach.
Castle Manor Inn and Sea Glass Restaurant are 5 minutes or less from the main boulevard where there is a beautiful beach (Pavillion Beach), continue walking to the park (3 minutes more) and you will find two more very different beaches. One very protected and parents love it because it is very sheltered and kids love this beach, safe and pristine. (2 more minutes later you can walk to the next beach) Adorned with pebbles large and small everywhere, beautiful walking areas and lots of trails carved out in granite throughout the in the park . One of the prettiest I have ever seen. Don't miss it.
Although the visitor's center was closed because of the date, the park was awesome with incredible views of the water. Very peaceful and beautiful.
great palce for a picnic lunch or just to take a break after sightseeing. The park has plenty of free parking
This park is a beautiful break from your every day. Just take an hour to sit on a bench facing the sea or just climb onto a rock and absorb the sunshine. There is a cove beach that is small and charming. A seafood stand is adjacent to the park and quite good. Grassy space for kids to run and play as well as bathrooms.