Wingaersheek Beach

4.0 (180 reviews)

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Wingaersheek Beach - Beaches Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

Wingaersheek Beach - Wingaersheek at high tide - Beaches Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

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Jessica M.

My favorite beach! When the tide is out there's a huge sandbar you can walk onto - finding snails, crabs, and sand dollars . The sand is soft and the water gets pretty warm since the tide exposes so much shallow water when it goes out. There's loads of rock clusters to explore too, making it perfect for kids.

Low tide when you can still stroll at the sand bar

Kimberly T.

What a beautiful beach! I've been looking for one like Wingaersheek where the waters are bluer and clearer, where sands are a bit finer and whiter and where there are rocks that form tidal pools and ease out the waves. What prompted the search for this kind of beach was that wishful thinking of traveling to Hawaii or really another place with a nice beach haha but we all know Covid by now and what it has done so lets just leave it at that. Anyway, this beach is not really the typical beach you'd find in the East Coast (NJ specifically) where beaches are usually so open and not always safe for kids as it may suddenly become too deep if they swim even just a few feet away from the shores but here, the stretch of shallow waters is just like a playground of kids and kids-at-heart. We came on an August saturday but it was a chilly day so thats probably why the parking lot wasnt as full like how the other reviews mentioned. Too bad as i was really looking forward for a swim. My family and I did enjoy a nice stroll through the sandbar which was visible during low tide. By 2-3pm the tides have starting to return and gave a different view of the entire area. There are stores by the parking lot selling food/snacks and other beach items, the restrooms are well kept that day and the beach was really clean and maintained well. Im hoping to visit again maybe in the next summer or so. Definitely a must-see beach! Did people keep this place a secret? I wouldnt blame them of thats a "yes" though.

Colton C.

BEAUTIFUL little hidden gem in Gloucester! Very clear water, NO WEEDS OR SHELLS, and soft white sand! There are some BIG rocks to climb on and the beach is medium-small, so if it gets crowded it's not too bad!! Love! Will be back for sure!!

Lauren W.

Today myself, my mother, and grandmother all ventured out about an hour and a half to kick off our first beach day since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The beach was pretty packed and parking + food was a tad bit expensive, also we did have to move our chairs back a couple times because of the tide. However, we had a nice time sunbathing and dipping our toes in the water, and I wouldn't mind returning!

Amanda C.

Clean, white sand beach with cool tide pools when the tide is low. There's no smoking on the beach which is really nice. Carry in carry out trash. Love it here! $30 to park on 8/30/2019. Short walk from lot to beach.

Nhi B.

It's finally beach weather! Wingaersheek Beach is one of my favorite beaches near Boston and it's my go-to beach. As a Floridian, I know beaches and Wingaersheek definitely meets my criteria: 1. The sand is amazing. Beaches have GOT to had feet-friendly, clean, white sand. Wingaersheek has powdery sand that sparkles -- who doesn't love sparkles?! 2. The water is amazingly clear. Now, I'm a bit picky with the ocean; I love it, but I have an innate fear of water that I cannot see through. Wingaersheek has translucent water that allows me to see straight through to the bottom; even when it get a little deeper. My only sadness is that the water is cold. My boyfriend, who has lived here his entire life disagrees and says that it's one of the warmer beaches he's been to, so...I guess it's really what you're accustomed to. My feet were pretty numb in the water, but it became bearable after awhile; just plunge yourself in. 3. TIDE POOLS! Now, these don't really exist much in Florida. It's so cool to be able to climb rocks and look at all the critters that live in these little ecosystems. As a science teacher, I approve. Also, the sandbar is amazing. At low-tide, the water gets really shallow and it's super fun to walk the sandbar, jump in the tiny tide pools (that are empty of life), and play with the quicksand. 4. Driving and parking is pretty easy. Wingaersheek is about an hour away from Boston and has a paid parking lot. It can get pretty pricey, but if you carpool, it's easy to split the cost. From 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, it's $25.00 on weekdays and $30.00 weekends and holidays; from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, it's $15.00 weekdays and $20.00 weekends and holidays. Though, when I went this most recent time, I arrived at 4 pm and parking was free. So, I guess I lucked out! 5. The concessions and facilities were super convenient. They have a concession that sells food, drinks, floaties, sunscreen -- basically anything you might need at the beach. The restrooms and showers were clean, but they all close at 6 pm, which may be a bit inconvenient. PRO-TIP: They are a carry-in, carry-out beach which means NO trashcans on the beach. So bring your own garbage bag to carry out any trash you bring with you. They have a dumpster with recycling in the parking lot.

Kaitlin M.

I'm local, so I know the deal! This beach is GORGEOUS, with the softest sand, shallow water (thus a little warmer than most beaches in the area), a ton of tide pools, pretty views of the Annisquam river and boats coming and going, dunes, it's really great. There are serviceable bathrooms, a snack bar, and showers for a rinse. From the parking lot you don't have to lug your beach stuff too far--its a quick walk through the dunes on a path to get to the beach. This might just be the most beautiful beach on the north shore. Pro tip: sometimes you can find sand dollars on the left side of the beach. The parking lot is small and gets crowded quickly, so you have to be there really EARLY to get in--locals with stickers have a special section of the lot, too, so it's tough for out of Towners (and on weekends, residents often get turned away, too, if they don't get there as early as possible). They will sometimes post signs on the highway saying if the lots are closed so look out for them, but you have to wait in a long line to get in and sometimes you get there just to be turned away. Good Harbor has a bigger lot, and Stagefort Park does, too--and sometimes Stagefort runs shuttles to other beaches from there. I recommend trying to come during the week if you're able--much better chance at getting a spot. CASH ONLY for parking here--crazy this day and age, but true, so come prepared. Carry in carry out, no trash cans so be prepared. Seagulls are AGGRESSIVE and will go into your open bags looking for food, so don't leave your stuff unattended or open. Greenheads are rampant here during July. Check twitter for greenhead reports because they usually last one high tide cycle (full moon to full moon) and no bug spray works--they use their eyes not nose to find you.

Pearl C.

I loved it. The water was clear and not that deep so was good for the kids and I like that even though it's public it's still pretty much reservations required which keeps it to limited amount of people. I would definitely go back

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Nate Y.

Elite 15

282

237

19 years ago

I give four stars for the soft sand, rocky shore to climb around, and blue refreshing water to paddle/swim around in. There's even a sand bar that you can walk to when it's low tide. I was fortunate enough to hang with some friends whose mom had a house off the private area of the beach. I felt like the token Kennedy. The residents there aren't pretentious though toward beachgoers from the public beach... as long as your not on their beach at high tide! I hear it has a decent snack bar as well. You can drink beers as long as your discrete and it's in a cup, but I don't know if that goes for the public beach. read more

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Chu C.

119

18 years ago

This is a great beach for kids! Soft sand, very clean, lots of space to build sand castles and other creations. To the far right are some tide pools with miniature sea life to dig for and catch. We found a small crab, a mussel, and some small clams and sea snails. Bring your sifter, pail and shovel. The water is pretty warm for the East Coast (at least up to about 1-2 feet), and there aren't any really big waves, so it's perfect for toddlers and up. There's some sort of rocky outcropping just under the water's surface, so you'll see people who look like they're walking on water pretty far out there. It's $25 to park, and on the Saturday we went, the main lot filled up by 10AM, but they continue to park people up Atlantic St. Ignore the website directions that tell you to get off at Route 128 Exit 14, it's MUCH closer at exit 13. There is a concession stand at the shower/bathroom area (which was just adequate at best), but line was really long, so we didn't even bother with that. There were a couple of shaved ice stands there too. The only negatives: there are a very few biting flies, especially over by the standing water, so it might be a good idea to bring some OFF! In order to get to the beach, you have to go down a long, winding road which can be kind of a pain. We didn't have enough cash, so we had to go all the way back to 128N and go up to the Gloucester rotary. read more

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So S.

6 years ago

Like this beach but if you're a minority driving up you get stares, especially during this time. No we don't have covid. Teen working could've been more polite. Parking lot full, residents only. Don't bother driving an hour here. read more

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Person In Hat M.

15 years ago

Went to Wingaersheek Beach this afternoon, a Sunday, with the kids. Got there at 3 pm, parking lot wasn't full up thankfully. $15 to park. It was quite busy. There was a stinky smell in the air, not unlike sewage, maybe coming from the rocks? The water was shallow for miles it seemed, no place to swim, though not freezing at least. The kids loved exploring the rocks and came back with clams, crabs and snails. And small cuts and scrapes on their feet. With the low tide much of the shore was wet sand and the dry beach was very far behind the water line. This meant if you wanted to get wet you had to walk a long way to do it. We're not going back there. read more

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Therese S.

15 years ago

I went to this beach Labor Day weekend with some college buddies. The other reviewers are correct that you should take Exit 13 off from Route 128N. There will be signs to guide you to the beach. We all had a great time at this beach. We got there early to enjoy the low tide where you can walk very far out on the sandbar. We also found some sand dollars. As the tide came in, we played on the rocks and their crashing waves. The tidal pools are fun to explore. The water is pretty *cold*. But you get used to it. Yes, parking is steep at $25 on weekends, but it's a very popular beach. The crowd does die down mid-afternoon, and then there are reduced parking fees. I must say this beach has some good amenities: restrooms, a snack bar with plenty of hot, unhealthy food (delish), plenty of lifeguards, and an Italian ice stand. Loved this beach. read more

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Scott C.

183

17 years ago

Best beach on the North Shore, by far. Excellent slope on the beach so it's great for kids. Low tide sports a nice long sand bar running away from the beach into the harbor so you can walk a long way out. Short jetty/rocks for exploring. Very pricey parking ($25), but you can arrive after 3 ($15) or 5 (free) and still have fun. Very crowded some days and they do occasionally run out of parking. Honestly, they could charge $50 and still get the folks here. Go early or late is the key. read more

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Rose F.

170

16 years ago

$25 to park if you don't have a resident sticker. The being said- great family beach. They do have a little fried food shack and bathroom area for amenities. The tide leaves nice kid pools along the beach. It's perfect if they are building castles or if you have kids under 5. There isn't much surf here. They also don't allow boogie boards. There are lots of fun rocks to climb and explore. Cold water of course but it's MA. Fantastic family beach. read more

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Nicole B.

11 years ago

Best beach in MA. Hands down. Pretty gold sparkly sand which is incredibly soft, island feel, clear blue water and beautiful scenery surrounding you. read more

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Matthew L.

Elite 24

1325

1573

8 years ago

Visited while up in the area and heard this is the go to beach while on Cape Anne. First off, this is hidden off Route 128 exit 13 and if you don't get to this parking lot by 10am, any day, you are out of luck! This lot fills sometimes by 9:30am and cars are lined up miles down the winding road going in so you better get to the lot early to pay the $30 cash only fee required. If you think you are going to wait in line to see if you get a spot after 9:30am, forget it. Secondly, this beach gets very crowded, meaning there is a limited area at high tide to set up your chairs etc. and it is literally, shoulder to shoulder, back to back groups of people. If you think you are going to keep your kids near you building a sand castle, think again, there is no room. However once the tide lowers, this place enlarges by acres and has a sand bar that you can walk all the way out to the Cape Anne point, plus tons of rocks and inlets to explore and find hermit crabs etc. Another good thing is there is a ton of life guard coverage all over the beach and even the rocks so plenty of coverage for the masses of people that come here. The water is moderately warm in spots and cold in other spots. There is also really not a lot of waves or an undertow so kids can go farther out and it is pretty shallow. There is a snack bar onsite with burgers, fries, ice cream and Italian Ice carts around the beach as well as a souvenir beach shop selling all sorts of things. The place has public restrooms and porta-potty's for use near the parking area. Not a bad place to visit despite the crowds and popularity of this place. read more

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Amy K.

Elite 10

16 years ago

The sand is powdery softness under your feet, the views are beautiful and the rocks are fun to climb on. A bit off the 'beaten path' but we go to Singing Beach a lot and don't really mind the trek. I don't love the $25 parking fee but I do love that you can park close to the beach, if you time it right and aren't turned away altogether. read more

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Tasha E.

16 years ago

I took my 2 kids there today, for the first time. I agree, it's a good beach for all kids, any ages. The tide goes out really, really far and leaves tidal pools behind with little creatures. It has nice sand (not sure I'd call it white powder). Rocks to climb on, etc... What you will definitely need: BUG SPRAY. The small bugs, "no-see-ums" I've heard them called before, are terrible! There was no wind/breeze. I assume they would be less of a nuisance if the wind is blowing. Anyway, I'd pack the bug spray to be safe. The concessions are reasonable. The bathrooms clean. Nice atmosphere. People were quiet and kept to themselves, no loudmouth riff-raff that I saw. The only other thing I'd add is do not leave food accessible at all. I watched the seagulls pilfer peoples blankets as soon as they left them. One bird literally ripped a plastic grocery bag up to get what was inside of it. And, FYI the fee to park is $20 during the week. Also, no trashcans on the beach. read more

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Lisa M J.

Elite 13

14 years ago

Solid beach for the North Shore (good beach space, sand not to rocky, in a cove/inlet so theoretically water will get a bit warmer). Has food stand and flush toilet at edge of parking area going onto beach. In "high season" parking is $25/car If I am going to drive to the beach from Boston I would rather head south to Newport where parking is slightly cheaper and you can drive/stroll around a picturesque city when you are done with the sun & sand. read more

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Vanilla P.

Elite 10

146

1050

16 years ago

I saw soooo many ladies in bikinis who shouldn't have been in bikinis! That made this trip worth it. Also, hairy men, sexy ladies with implants, kids having fun, and normal dudes snoozing. Such a great (compact) area to people watch. The sand was nice and clean, and everyone seemed really happy there. I think the great snack bar had something to do with it. read more

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Hiba A.

6 years ago

Do NOT go if you don't have a Gloucester residence parking pass. They will not allow you park on the beach parking and there is no other parking near by. Complete waste of my time. If you insist on going get dropped off because you will not have access to ANY parking near this beach if you do not live in Gloucester. read more

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Marc H.

265

17 years ago

I'm not really a beach guy, but it is tough to understate the appeal of Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester. It isn't the biggest beach in the area, but that is part of its charm; it has more of a cozy vibe to it, and because it is fairly small, it is perhaps a bit more family-friendly. Also, the ocean here is a bit more calm than in other spots around Cape Ann, which is definitely a good thing if you have kids or aren't a great swimmer but want to check out the water. It is expensive to park here, but worth it in my mind; and to me, the best time to go is late in the day, so if you opt for that, perhaps there is a chance you won't have to pay for parking at all. read more

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Tori S.

336

6 years ago

the parking lot is atrocious and the men working the ticket booth and telling you where to park are so rude and unprofessional. if you dont like your job then quit. stop taking out out in customers who did nothing to you read more

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Whitney R.

Elite 13

16 years ago

Now that summer's here (yes, I'm realizing this a tad late, though better than never!), I've been exploring a few beaches. Prior to going to Wingaersheek, I had only been to Nantasket, which I gave 4 stars. I've decided to give Wingaersheek 4 stars as well, but for very different reasons: 1. It is so gorgeous, being there makes you feel like your really on vacation. The view is amazing, with a scenic lighthouse in the distance, and clear blue water. 2. When the tide is out, you can walk a significant distance into the water and only be in up to your thighs (I'm 5'5", as a reference). There's also an amazing sandbar that curves into the water, equipped with a lifeguard at the tip. While walking on it, waves come at you from both sides. It's really neat. 3. There's a snack bar that serves breakfast (perfect for morning beach-goers). To be fair, a few things that weren't so great were: 1. The time it takes to get there from Boston (mostly in rush hour traffic) 2. The cost of parking (though this seems consistent with other beaches on the North Shore) 3. The temperature of the water (it is so freakin' cold!). Even so, Wingaersheek is super high on my list of places to relax during the hot Boston summers. read more

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Squidy D.

8 years ago

Great beach for children, sheltered with very little surf and undertow. Very busy on popular weekends carry in carry out so please take your trash with you and help keep the beach clean read more

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Laura K.

6 years ago

Beautiful beach. The tide pools are great for kids to explore. Lots of hermit crabs and other sea creatures to be discovered. The price for parking is high but is on par with other beaches in the area. Arrive early on holidays and hot weekend days or you will end up getting turned away. read more

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Wendy L.

130

14 years ago

I heard a lot of people compare this beach to Crane beach. I've never been to Crane beach because of the horseflies in the summer. Wingaersheek is really clean and well kept. Parking is $20 right next to the entrance but I heard that it fills up fast during the weekend and residents get priority for parking spots. I went on a weekday so it wasn't super crowded. White sand and clear water! What more can you ask for? The water is a bit cold but thats like most beaches in the area. I'll definitely be going back if I have another day off to avoid to crowd. I highly recommend this beach for people who live in MA/NH. read more

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Tim G.

18 years ago

Went there yesterday. We are not morning people so arrived in the Gloucester area at around 1:00 hoping that some of the early crowd had left to free up parking. First attempted Good Harbor beach, but no parking available. Then headed to Wingaersheek. The sign a few miles from the beach said parking lots full, residents only, but we wisely decided to ignore that. On arriving at the lot there were plenty of spaces. Perhaps the smartest people are those who arrive after 5 when it is free (I am pretty sure that years ago it was free at 3). The beach is great, not too crowded. Wonderful sand. After the initial shock even the water felt reasonably warm. Good for little kids - we used to come here when my daughter was a toddler. Back with her again as a 20 year old - just as good both times. read more

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Kevin C.

18 years ago

I've motored through the Annisquam exiting the north side, always thought Wingaersheek Beach was on the left on Wingaersheek Rd. not Atlantic Ave. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's a beautiful beach. Hope I haven't ruined it for the locals. ;-) If your there and see a 40' Catamaran "Windswept" sail by give a holler, we're friendly. read more

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Carey M.

Elite 13

141

8 years ago

Off all the beaches in Cape Ann, this has the most interesting layout. The beach extends over shallow water for several hundred feet, so that at low tide you can walk out onto sandbars. There is also a crop of boulders to the right, which create interesting tide pools and vantage points. Behind that area is an extension of the beach that looks out over the Annisquam River. Sand is fine white powder. read more

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Nina K.

12 years ago

This is not a very large beach but has beautiful sand. As mentioned before, it is $25 to park. It is VERY family friendly ... Perhaps too much. I don't have children and I was amazed at the lack of ... Non-families. I recommend going at high tide and waiting out to the edge of the rocks, in the waist deep water. read more

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Cecile B.

16 years ago

beautiful beach! We loved our time there, got there at low tide and there was a sand bar extending out into the ocean about 1/2 mile. Great to walk out there. We climbed on the rocks on the beach, sat down for a picnic and had a really really nice time. Not sure if it was b/c we went before Memorial day weekend, but parking was only $15. Snack bar providing your basics. Clean restrooms. A great place to go back to or take guests! read more

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Justin W.

8 years ago

Great beach! With sparking white sand (Who doesn't like sparking sand?) and very cool water, it's a great beach! Except for the annoying green horseflies, a.k.a greenheads, of course (Got attacked by a by a swarm of them!) There are a TON of big ole rocks to climb on, plus the tidal pools have shells (and hermit crabs!) in em too. Although you can get sunburned (ow!) it's a great beach! EXTRA TIPS Don't let your children try to run faster than the waves. (One of my children nearly drowned when he did this, but a lifeguard spotted him and he rescued him.) The parking fee varies from time to time, day to day. Bring sunblock HIGHER THAN SPF 60 so you don't get sunburned. EXTRA TIPS FOR YOUR KIDS (9 years or younger) Your kids should swim where water is to their waist. I don't recommend having infants swim in the sea. Your kiddos can have beach balls, but not floating devices. (Plus you can have footballs and soccer balls.) On the far right of the beach there is a volleyball net, if you want to play beach volleyball. read more

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Melissa R.

8 years ago

The best beach in Mass !!! So much fun !!! My son hates the beach but when we go here he never wants to leave

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H M.

16 years ago

A gorgeous beach, and a great place to take your dog during the off season. read more

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Kaitlin H.

8 years ago

Awesome beach! We come every summer and stay just 2 miles from the beach in an Air BnB. This beach is always clean as far as I have seen and they have lifeguards from 9-5. Only problem is if you are there in the morning before the trash men come you see trash scattered by the entrance. Also, lots of sand dollars by the sand bar when the tide is out! read more

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Kim S.

Elite 22

302

305

5309

10 years ago

Beautiful clean beach. Get there SUPER early to avoid traffic and get guaranteed parking. read more

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Emely V.

8 years ago

I love this beach! It's especially great for those who have kiddos due to its long shallows and Tidal pools. Can't Not notice the clear water as well! read more

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Xana R.

9 years ago

It is a beautiful beach, very family oriented, very clean, and I love it when is low tide and I think $30 parking to spend most of your day there is fair compared to the other Gloucester beaches. However I give it 2 stars for this reason: Sunday late afternoon we decided to drive from Lowell to Wingaersheek (about an hour drive) to spend an hour or two enjoying the low tide with our two daughters. We got there at 4:30pm and what was our surprise when they were charging $20 for parking!!!!!!! Really?!!!!!!! Why?????? At 4:30pm???!!!!!! This is a very busy and looked for beach. I have gone early in the morning on a Saturday to find the parking already closed!!!!! Of course we refused to pay that amount for only an hour or two so we went to Stage Fort, we parked for FREE, we enjoyed the beach, ate an ice cream, and walked Western Ave! read more

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Lauren B.

10 years ago

By far my most favorite beach to bring my son to! Parking is $20 but well worth it to me. read more

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K O.

8 years ago

Great beach, especially for little ones, especially the when it's low tide. There's a sand bar and the water stays very shallow. In order to guarantee parking, you need to get there very early. I arrived about 8:45 on a Saturday and sat in 1 mike of traffic for 30 minutes waiting to get into the parking lots. By the time I got in, there was only a handful of spaces left. Parking is $30 and cash only! read more

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Andrew N.

17 years ago

Honestly, I read the reviews, I figured I'd try it, left early, at least I thought. If everything went as planned we should arrived at 10:30. About a mile and a 1/2 away we hit traffic, we sat in traffic for over an hour, and never made it, the parking lot filled up. I don't know what goes on there but it must be magical, I am going back because I need to know, why someone would wait in hours of traffic for sand and sea. read more

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Oman S.

6 years ago

Love this beach its so great for kids with soft sand and a very shallow sand back that stretches out quite far.

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Chiara M.

9 years ago

Nice beach but the line is too long every day to get in. In the weekend if you don't get there at 9 or early no spot available.

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Anthony B.

10 years ago

Couldn't possibly find a better family beach, tidal pools for kids to find stuff, small waves, warm water and a sand bar at low tide. You'll never find a better beach read more

Wingaersheek Beach - Tidal pools for kids - Beaches Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

Wingaersheek Beach - Big ole rocks to play on - Beaches Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

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Courtney K.

136

10 years ago

Little black flies/gnats bite and are everywhere. They also failed to inform you all facilities including concessions, showers, and restrooms are closed. It's also not included in the information for the beach on the city website. I thought part of the parking fee was for the use of the facilities. read more

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Lori D.

11 years ago

I wanted to love this place, really I did. But since I never made it there it's hard to write a good review. Left Wayland at 8:30. Was exiting in Gloucester around 9:20. GPS said less than 3 miles to go. That took us around an hour and 20 min. Only to find out parking was full. With two kids in the car and another family of 5 supposed to meet us there, we had it. We turned around and went to Stage Fort park instead. Found out that many others there were in the same situation we were. Very disappointed. Wish there was a better way to know the lot is full before you are stuck in the traffic. read more

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Page 3 of 5

Atlantic St
Gloucester, MA 01930
Directions
Visit Website
https://gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?nid=299

Hours

What time does Wingaersheek Beach open?

What time does Wingaersheek Beach close?

Indoor Amenities

Does Wingaersheek Beach allow dogs?

Yes, Wingaersheek Beach allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Wingaersheek Beach have bike parking?

Yes, Wingaersheek Beach has bike parking.

Does Wingaersheek Beach have parking?

Yes, Wingaersheek Beach has parking options. Private Lot Parking

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Ask the Community - Wingaersheek Beach

Are there open bathrooms? We plan on going this week.

Yes, there are bathrooms and showers next to the concession stand

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Are dogs allowed?

No dogs from May-September

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Is there good reception, or WiFi available here? Looking to work outside at the beach for a day! Thanks!

No wifi available. Reception not bad... Definitely a great scenery to work! Good luck

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What days are they closedown?

It doesn't close down but often closes to non residents when the parking is full, best to get there early

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Is this open to non residents?

Yes! It is open to non MA residents, there is a parking fee.

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Do you have to do a reservation?

No reservation needed. Parking is small, gets filled up fast.

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Has anyone ever had or been to a wedding on this beach in August/is it still busy around 5/5:30 on beach?

I've never been to a wedding on this beach but, Depending on the tide you might not have a lot of room. I think it would depend on the exact time in the summer plus you want to be aware of the flies (I think it's August?)… Read more

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Do greenheads come to Gloucester beaches in July?

Yup but just on some beaches. Wingaersheek is always one of the worst beaches when it comes to the mid summer green head swarms.

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If you don't arrive by 9 am, will there just not be any parking?

Yes correct

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Review Highlights - Wingaersheek Beach

“Low tide sports a nice long sand bar running away from the beach into the harbor so you can walk a long way out.”

Mentioned in 27 reviews

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Good Harbor Beach

4.5(158 reviews)

3.6 mi

Great beach! We love coming here for the soft sand and fun waves. During low tide there are tide…read morepools and a river the kids can explore, plus an island you can reach via a sandbar. During high tide there's still plenty of beach. The parking is great - plentiful and stretches across the whole beach, making it easier to spread out and you never have to walk far.

Good Harbor is still one of my all-time favorite New England beaches, but I haven't been going as…read moreoften since they switched to the app-based reservation system and we moved further away. I understand why they did it, as it's one of the most popular beaches in the area and for good reason. Our recent visit was amazing. We arrived while the tide was low and crossed over to the island, and what an amazing view it was. It was fantastic, but don't stay too long or miss when the tide is coming back, or you might have a hard time getting back and get soaked. If you haven't visited, do yourself a favor and enjoy!

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Views from the island.

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Halfmoon Beach

3.6(18 reviews)

3.0 mi

My first time here walking around. We've driven by but this time we decided to get a little…read moreexercise and enjoy the views. We weren't the only ones here. Lots of people from all over. There were families, tourists, college kids, locals, and of course, love birds!! ;) We enjoyed our little walks and stopping to rest. While resting, we enjoyed people watching, the waves, and surfers. What's not to like?!?! The waves are so beautiful and relaxing! It doesn't matter if it's cloudy or sunshine. It's just the doctor ordered!!

Don't go here. I was walking over the rocks and climbing on them and then they HAD to be slippery…read moreand mind you, I don't know how to swim, even though I'm from Gloucester. I fell on a rock, and I struggled to get back up. another time, I decided to go in the water and try to sit on the rock, but the thing is why is the sand so FUCKING DEEP? It could've been like 3 feet and I would've been okay, but it was like 5?! THE HELL? Never in my GODDAMN life that I would've been complaining over a beach but here I am. Why? I am a local and I would rather shoot myself with a hunter's rifle then swim here. Go to Good Harbor instead.

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Shells in one of the rocks along the path

Love how trees are right next to the rocks.

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Beautiful tree that hovers over the beach. Can be great relief on sunny day

Singing Beach

4.1(163 reviews)

6.7 mi

Absolutely gorgeous beach. Large, clean, and one of the best views of the stars I've ever seen…read more Note parking is a little away from much of the beach, so be prepared to carry your things for a bit on the sand (especially if you want to be a little away from the crowd!).

Such a lovely beach in such a great town! I visited this past weekend for the first time and adored…read moreit. Parking can make things a little tricky, but you won't need to walk for more than 10-15 mins from your spot to access the beach. Beach access is $10 a head, which may seem steep but I think is pretty average for beaches nowadays. The sand was nice, the beach staff was friendly, and the water was SO clean. We even spotted a couple of seals. Will go back!

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Halibut Point State Park

4.7(99 reviews)

3.8 mi

Growing up a few towns away led me to enjoy many visits here over the past 30 years. But last…read moreweekend was my first visit in around 5 years. It was good to see some small upgrades around the land, starting with a revamp of the parking area and more identifiable main signage to lead you into the park. The Trustees of Reservations segment of the land is now also more clearly delineated, though there is no additional admission charge or anything like that. The trails themselves maintain a timeless and spirited quality that encourages exploration and staying in the moment. The views are certainly something to behold, which I appreciate more now as an adult and needing to make the effort if/when I want to return to these surroundings.

Many many hiking trails going 1) around a central quarry now inactive and 2) leading to the ocean,…read moreboth up to vista views, and down to the very rocky, beautiful shore line. We hiked a LOT there. The trails are not for beginners--there are steep inclines and declines. We did several miles while taking photos and pacing ourselves. Everything here is breathtaking and beautiful. You are at the extreme end of the Rockport Peninsula. It doesn't get any better than this, unless you go to Acadia in Maine. A first rate park hiking destination and park. A plus!

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Visitor's center at sunset

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Long Beach

4.0(25 reviews)

3.6 mi

Lovely beach in Rockport. I visit every year with my family. Great place in the summer to get some…read moresun and avoid the heat in the cities.

By far my favourite beach in New England great family beach, wide soft sand, calm waves, shallow…read moreincline & to boot no stones, pebbles or sand biting bugs, even at dusk... If you can rent one of the quaint cottages directly on the beach, it adds to the experience. Nothing beats opening your front door, sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee and watching the world idly wake up... At the end of August, Long Beach Day is held with a host of family fun activities for the kids to enjoy and the adults to bring out their competitive sides for wheel barrow racing, 3 legged racing etc... And one thing that makes me happy, happy... is my departure from Boston on a summer Friday @ 5.30pm and arriving at the beach in Rockport by 6.15/6.30 max... It beats the trip south to the Cape, hands down...

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Long beach

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Long Beach- Memorial Day Weekend 2010

Stage Fort Park

3.8(28 reviews)

3.2 mi

Stage Fort Park is off the hook. Gloucester in general is fire the seafood is premium and a great…read morevalue in the local restaurants. My favorite, Causeway Restaurant. Where if you get an order to go you think they made a mistake and gave you two orders because they don't fit in one take away container which are huge to begin with take my advice and go. Thank me later. One.

It is absolutely beautiful. We just sat and looked at the waves. And talked to people. The locals…read morein this great community are very friendly. There are also many dog owners out and about. We sat, talked to people we had never met, played with many a dog, admired the tulips and the beauty of the park and watched the waves crash against the shore. This is a must visit for any park lover, flower lover, ocean and beach lover, outdoors lover and..well you get the point. It is a great place to spend some time and I think it would be a joy to live here! Five lovely stars.

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Pebble Beach

4.0(4 reviews)

4.6 mi

My husband and I found this cozy little beach area years ago. Parking is along the water but get…read morethere early. We have in the past brought a small grill to cook hotdogs on the sand or rocks, not sure if this is still allowed? The water is super clean and cold! Oh yeah the parking if you find one is free but again get there early. It is a very quiet spot, not sure if kids would enjoy it much. Trish

Dangerous beach, this beach experiences very dangerous and out of control shore-breaks, when there…read moreare waves their basically hazardous large waves smashing up against the rocks on shore, strong undertow could knock you off your feet pull you in before getting wrecked in shallow water full of pebbles by massive wave crashing on the beach, do not surf or swim here on larger surf

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Coffin's Beach

4.2(5 reviews)

0.9 mi

I love this beach and it is my favorite beach in New England. The beach is impeccably clean…read morebecause most of it is maintained by private beach associations. The sand is beautifully fine and soft, unlike many of the rocky beaches in New England. I have passed out a great number of times in this sand with a hangover... nothing feels better when working off a night of drinks. Leave your boogie board at home, because there are no waves at this beach. It is wonderful to walk this beach. It is about a mile and a half from end to end. At low tide you can walk over to Wingaersheek beach and head out on the sand bar. Just be sure to make it back relatively quick since the tide comes in fast. The water doesn't get deep fast. In fact at low tide you have to walk very far out to get over your waist. This is really good for small children, but it can get annoying for grown ups who just want to cool off and not walk a half mile to get deep enough. There is also no undertow at all and this is also great to keep kids from getting swept out to sea. The beach is not crowded at all since the people that come are mainly residents and vacationers and there is no public parking. What you lack in eye candy is made up by not having to listen to other people's pain in the ass kids. If you do have some brats nearby, there is tons of room to move your stuff to. There are no concession stands, public parking, public access or lifeguards, but there is peace, beauty and quiet. The only warning is that like other beaches beside salt marches, the beach gets green head flies from the first full moon in July until the first full moon in August. For some reason between those two full moons... these huge vampire flies infest the Gloucester and Ipswich beaches. If you forget your bug spray, you might as well leave... they suck that much and they can ruin a trip for the unprepared. They are the most painful bitches that will have even the most reserved cursing like Ralphie in the Christmas Story... they are relentless just like horseflies but the bite is more painful.

Coffin's beach is almost 2 miles of white fine powder sand - surrounded by beautiful white sand…read moredunes. It is a very flat beach and when the tide goes out the beach is well over 500 feet deep and it exposes a large multi acre submerged rock (called Bald Rocks) where kids and adults alike can explore and find lobster, crabs, star fish, sea urchins, sea clams, horseshoe crabs. The beach is so vast and expansive you can literally sit 100 yards away from the next person if you so choose. Parking is an issue - but you can park at the next door public beach Wingaersheek and walk over the rocks that separate the private beach from the smaller public beach. At low tide you can walk in the sand. Sand bars allow you to walk out 100's of yards at low tide and be in only waist deep water. This beach is very kid friendly as there is no real current and no rip tide. Access in and out are limited so that a child who isn't being watched has little opportunity to leave the vicinity. Overall I would say this is the best beach I have had the opportunity to visit and it's a hidden treasure as few people other then the local residents use this natural wonder. Another thing to see is the 1000's of sand dollars which are easy to find at low tide - especially in the sprint and early summer before the tourists and summer residents collect them! Just be sure not to take the black ones as they are still alive!

Plum Cove Beach

4.2(5 reviews)

0.8 mi

Plum Cove is a small resident only beach on Ipswich Bay. There is a lifeguard from Father's Day…read moreuntil Labor Day from 9am - 5pm. The beach has limited parking and vehicles must have a resident parking sticker. Port-o-pottie on site.

The entire Cape Ann area is just beyond fantastic. In many ways, it's better than Cape Cod because…read moreit doesn't have all the tourists and not a lot of people outside of Massachusetts know about it. Long known as an artist's colony and encompassing small towns and hamlets like Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Ipswich, and to some degree Salem, the entire coast here is dotted with little coves and bays and beaches and you really can find out about a lot of these places by actually driving around and exploring. That's how my friend and I stumbled on Plum Cove Beach. Definitely a spot locals know about, this is easily one of the cutest, picturesque and prettiest beaches I've encountered in New England. Flanked by giant stone, sloping cliffs (which I saw some hikers going along), trees and amazing estates clinging to these cliffs, the actual beach sits snugly in between. It is not a big beach, there are no facilities here and I imagine parking here in the summer must be a nightmare, but the day we came, hardly anyone was here, the water is super dark blue and clear and as long as you mind your own business in typical New England fashion, people are pretty chill. The beach is very clean, the water was cold (but it's only early June) and on a clear, sunshine day with hardly anyone there, it really is an amazing spot to enjoy yourself in.

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Mb K.

15 years ago

I am a bit hesitant to write this review because I've always viewed Wingaersheek as my "hidden gem" because it is one of the beaches in Gloucester that does not get a lot of tourists (most tourists opt for Good Harbor). However, now that I've moved out of the country I want to share how great this beach is to everyone else! This beach is excellent! The parking lot is smaller but there is usually a lot less people there because of it. The swimming is great and it's really easy to swim out to super deep waters safely. The beach is also covered with sand dollars and crabs and starfish shells, which is fun for little kids to go and discover. There is, however, one week during the summer that the whole area of Gloucester is covered with "greenheads" which are vicious little flies. If you go to Wingaersheek and there is a sign that says "NO REFUNDS BECAUSE OF GREENHEADS" turn around and come back another day!! read more

Ella M.

11 months ago

This is the worst place I have ever been. I was just sitting minding my own business when one of the staff came up to me and shat on my beach towel. After that I went in the water where I was immediately met with a crowd of angry crabs who tried to pinch my fucking feet off. Every single person staff and visitor then started pointing and cackling at me saying I was a crab magnet. one of the other visitors even sent their 5 year old child over to slap me. This beach is the worst place ever and this town has horrible awful evil people who breed face slapping 5 year olds and don't warn you about angry crabs, also shit on your beach towel. Do NOT come here unless you want to cry the whole way home. read more

Nick S.

714

3437

9 months ago

Wingaersheek Beach is a popular destination on the North Shore in Gloucester, offering a spacious shoreline that attracts many visitors, especially on weekends. Parking requires advance reservations, currently priced at $45 on weekends, which is worth noting if you plan to visit during peak hours. The beach itself is beautiful, featuring soft sand, scattered rocky areas, and clear water ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or taking photos. Its scenic setting makes it a great spot for a beach date or a relaxed day by the water, offering a nice alternative to Cape Cod for a coastal getaway. read more

D M.

15 years ago

Wingaasheek (In Bostonian) The most incredible beach in Massachsetts including Cape Cod!! My kids are 11 & 9. My son just discovered his first sand dollar and my daughter runs around the beach, in and out of the water like the Energizer Bunny. They both climb the rocks like billy goats and swim all day with no problem. My wife and I watch and marvel. Doesn't get any better than this! read more