Tips for Visiting Wingaersheek Beach, MA

My visit to Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts really took me by surprise! I honestly was not expecting to see crystal clear water and a white, soft sandy beach like this during my trip to Cape Ann.

I arrived at low tide and had ample space to spread out. There was no one within 50 feet of me!

The lighthouse to the right of the beach looked enticing, so I walked as far out on the sand to get a good look at it and grab some photos then relaxed in the shallow water. Wading in the calmness had me thinking I was on a tropical island!

The only time the water had much of a wave as if a boat came by to make it’s way down the Annisquam River, between the sand bar and the lighthouse.

I wish I could have sat there all day and watch the tide come in. It would have been cool to watch the rock pools fill up!

How do you get to Wingaersheek Beach, Ma?

• Address: 298 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA

Wingaersheek Beach is located in Ipswich bay, on the edge of  the Annisquam River which, on the West side of Gloucester.

Beach Parking

Residents with beach stickers are able to forego the fee, but for us out-of-towners this is what it costs:

CASH ONLY  – Don’t make the mistake of gating turned away because you didn’t go to the ATM!

Gates open at 8am and close at 9pm.

• Weekdays: $30
• Weekends: $35

The beach parking fills up very quickly during peak season as Gloucester is a popular summer getaway.  I suggest getting there before 9 am during summer, or hot weekend days. And yes, I was in a little bit of shock when I saw the parking price, but I’m so glad I paid it and went. This is some serious prime beach real estate!

Amenities at Wingaersheek Beach

Wingaersheek Beach has just enough amenities for a great beach day, though I do suggest packing your own drinks and snacks if you’re there for the long haul! I was only there for a few hours so I set up quite far out being that it was low tide. Many beachgoers were set up closer to the dunes in preparation for the tide coming in.

• Lifeguards: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the beach between May 1st and September 30th.
• Food: There is a snack shack located in the parking lot near the bathrooms. I also saw an Italian ice cart!
• Concessions : Some beach supplies as well as the food.
• Restrooms: Restrooms located in the parking lot.
• Alcohol: Prohibited

What’s Nearby?

There’s not actually that much close to Wingaersheek Beach. Gloucester town is on the South side of the Cape, about 15 minutes away and the immediate surrounding area is pretty residential.

Beaches to visit in Cape Ann, Massachusetts

Wingaersheek is definitely a top beach to visit in Massachusetts. Out of the four I visited on Cape Ann, it might just be my favorite!

• Half Moon Beach
• Good Harbor Beach
• Singing Beach
• Long Beach
• Pebble Beach
• Cressy Beach
• Pavilion Beach
• Plum Cove Beach
• Niles Beach

You can find more beach information from City of Gloucester.