Good Harbor Beach

Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester has many different scenics to offer. Sand dunes separate the beach from a large parking lot and wooden boardwalks cross the dunes. The southern end of the white sand beach sports a long wooden footbridge over a stream leading into a salt marsh, and a large old house stands atop a rocky promontory jutting into the sea. The northern end of the beach is directly across from Salt Island, a small rocky island which lies a couple hundred yards off the beach. Thatcher Island and it's twin lighthouse can be seen in the distance. The beach faces east, which makes for a great sunrise location - especially given the other features. It's a popular place for a morning walk.

Features

Sand dunes, boardwalks, wooden footbridge, both sand and rocky coastline, small island offshore, long view of Thatcher Island lighthouses, salt marsh

Homepage

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Location Map

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Directions

Take Rt 128 North to Rt 127A (not 127, but 127A) and head north towards on Bass Ave. The southern end of the beach offers some off-street parking - look for signs to Bass Rocks and head up Nautilus Rd.

To get to the northern end and the parking lot stay on 127A. You'll soon be passing through a salt marsh - Good Harbor Beach is to your right. The parking lot is on the right as well, and the next street (Whitman Street) offers some off-street parking.

Street Map

Hours & Admission

During the summer season the parking lot is open 9-5 and will charge $10-15 on weekdays, $15-20 weekends. (Earlier arrivals may not be charged.) Some street parking is available at both ends of the beach, but this will be rarely available (and not recommended for non-residents) during the summer season.

Notes & Comments

This is a wonderful beach, one of the most beautiful in the area. The number of differing features makes this an exquisite location. Since the beach faces east, these features make for wonderful sunrise opportunities. Highly recommended.