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Eastern Point LighthouseThis lighthouse was built in 1832 at the head of Gloucester Harbor and is still in operation. A lighthouse keeper's house stands on the lot as well as a few smaller buildings. It's situated at the start of Dog Bar Breakwater, a large breakwater built from granite blocks that extends almost 1/2 mile across the harbor. Another lighthouse is at the end of Dog Bar, but this is a simple steel-framed structure. The lighthouse is a classic photogenic New England lighthouse. Though it's closed to the public, the grounds around are open to the public.
The addition of Dog Bar Breakwater adds to the interest of this location. Since Dog Bar extends so far into the harbor it's a great location for long views. Hammond Castle is quite clear across the harbor, though it is more than 1/2 away. This is a very good location for boats and ships since anything coming out of Gloucester Harbor will pass close by. The wind can be quite strong this far out, which makes for some great waves breaking on the rocks around Dog Bar. It's a popular location for gulls and some sea birds as well.
Other locations in the area: SPNEA's Beauport house, Mass Audubon's Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary, Glocuester's Rocky Neck, Good Harbor Beach, Atlantic Road, Gloucester Harbor.
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Featureslighthouse, breakwater, long views, sea birds, nearby attractions
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Homepage
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Location Map
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DirectionsTake Rt I-95 to Rt 128 north. Where Rt 128 ends, at the traffic light, continue straight ahead. A sign will point to East Gloucester. This is East Main Street.
After approximately 3/4 of a mile you'll see a small sign on your right for Rocky Neck. A parking lot here provides great view of the inner harbor. Many classic New England artists have shops set up on Rocky Neck.
Just past the entrance to Rocky Neck you'll pass a small beach on your right, and the road will curve to the left, becoming Eastern Point Boulevard. At this curve you'll see large stone pillars with signs announcing that it's a "Private Way." Go straight through the pillars - the road is open to the public heading to the lighthouse.
Another 3/4 mile down you'll come to another set of stone pillars with signs stating "Yacht Club." Head through these pillars. Soon you'll pass Beauport house on your right, and then the parking lot for the lighthouse.
Note: If you had passed the pillars stating "Private Way" you'd shortly be on Atlantic Road which travels along the northern rocky shore of Gloucester. This road will leave you at Good Harbor Beach which is a great place to stop.
Street Map
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Hours & Admission
Unknown. It doesn't seem possible that the parking lot could be closed off, but it is heavily patrolled by the Gloucester Police so overnight parking will probably be frowned upon. Best bet would be to consider this site open from dawn to dusk. The parking lot is quite small (12-15 cars) so it may be full on a nice day.
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Other Links
Eastern Point Lighthouse - Page from New England Lighthouses' web site
Eastern Point Lighthouse - From the Keep the Lights Shining web site.
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Notes & Comments
Even if lighthouses do nothing for you it is worth visiting this one - at the very least for the other sites nearby. Long views from Dog Bar are great. SPNEA's Beauport is a beautiful house with more great views of Gloucester Harbor since it is further into the harbor. Mass Audubon's Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary is small but a short walk away - just leave your car in the parking lot as they don't have a lot.
The drive to and past the lighthouse is also full of interesting sites. You'll drive right past Gloucester's inner harbor and Rocky Neck (the "artist colony") which juts into the harbor. You'll pass a small beach with more great views of the harbor. Past the lighthouse you can drive along the rocky shoreline on Atlantic Road which goes around the north coast of Gloucester. This will leave you next to Good Harbor Beach. It's a great ride with many scenic opportunities.
Wait for mid- to late-afternoon for photography as the sun rises behind the lighthouse.
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Eastern Point Lighthouse |
A view of the inner harbor from Dog Bar |
Dog Bar Breakwater and lighthouse |
A view across the harbor |
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