Cressy Beach

For dining near Cressy Beach, Gloucester offers a variety of excellent restaurants. Seaport Grille is a waterfront eatery known for its seafood, pizza, and signature cocktails, providing a lively atmosphere with outdoor seating options. Another popular choice is Lobsta Land Restaurant, which serves creative, locally sourced seafood dishes in a cozy setting. Mile Marker One Restaurant offers a large waterfront dining experience with a variety of seafood and steak options. For a more casual experience, Minglewood Harborside provides seafood and sushi with live music, while Causeway Restaurant is famous for its large portions of seafood in a cozy atmosphere.

For accommodations near Cressy Beach, Gloucester offers several excellent hotels. The Beauport Hotel Gloucester is an elegant beachfront hotel with refined rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop pool and bar. Another option is the Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks, which provides relaxed accommodations with ocean views and an outdoor pool. For those looking for a more intimate setting, Atlantic Vacation Homes offers a range of vacation rentals across Gloucester, many with water views and proximity to beaches.

Cressy Beach and Stage Fort Park offer several amenities to enhance your visit. Restrooms are conveniently located nearby in the park, and there is a privately owned restaurant open to the public. The park also features picnic tables and outdoor grilling areas, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings. Additionally, the park includes a sand volleyball court, playground, and other recreational facilities like a baseball field and tennis courts.

While Cressy Beach itself does not have showers, the nearby facilities in Stage Fort Park provide a comfortable setting for a day at the beach. The park's amenities cater to a variety of interests, ensuring a well-rounded experience for visitors.

Cressy Beach offers a range of activities for visitors. Swimming is a popular pastime due to the gentle waves, and the beach is well-suited for relaxation and sunbathing. The nearby Stage Fort Park provides additional recreational activities such as volleyball, baseball, and tennis. Visitors can also enjoy picnics or cookouts in the park's designated areas. For those interested in exploring the local marine life, nearby attractions like Maritime Gloucester offer educational experiences.

The beach's proximity to Gloucester Harbor also makes it a great spot for observing maritime activities. While surfing and inflatable devices are not allowed during lifeguard hours at some nearby beaches, Cressy Beach's calm waters are generally safe for swimming.

Cressy Beach and Stage Fort Park provide some accessibility features, though they may be limited. Restrooms in the park are available, but specific accessibility features like ramps or wheelchair rentals are not detailed for the beach itself. However, the park's facilities are generally accessible, and nearby restaurants and hotels often offer wheelchair-accessible amenities. For those requiring specific accommodations, it's advisable to contact local facilities in advance to ensure availability.

Parking at Cressy Beach is available in the Stage Fort Park lot. The cost is $20 per vehicle on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays. Reservations are required for non-resident beachgoers and can be made through the city's online system. Cash is no longer accepted at the gate, so advance reservations are necessary to secure a parking spot. The gates open at 8:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM, ensuring ample time for a full day at the beach.

The parking lot is conveniently located near the beach, allowing easy access to the shore and other park facilities.

Cressy Beach is part of Gloucester's rich maritime history, with the city being one of the oldest seaports in the United States. The beach offers stunning views of Gloucester Harbor, which has been a bustling hub for fishing and trade for centuries. Visitors can enjoy watching the activities on the harbor, from fishing boats to sailboats, adding to the beach's charm.

The nearby Stage Fort Park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, making Cressy Beach a lively spot during peak seasons.

Cressy Beach is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. Stage Fort Park itself is a significant attraction, offering historical sites, a playground, and sports facilities. The nearby Gloucester downtown area provides access to a variety of shops and restaurants. For those interested in marine life, Gloucester is renowned for its whale watching tours, with operators like 7 Seas Whale Watch offering daily trips to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

The beach's location also allows for easy exploration of other Cape Ann beaches, such as Good Harbor Beach and Wingaersheek Beach, each offering unique experiences like walking to Salt Island at low tide.