Good Harbor Beach

Near Good Harbor Beach, there are several excellent dining options. Seaport Grille offers a waterfront dining experience with a menu featuring seafood, pizza, and signature cocktails. Minglewood Harborside provides a quirky harborfront setting with seafood and sushi options, complemented by live music. For creative seafood dishes, Lobsta Land Restaurant is a popular choice. Oak to Ember serves a mix of small plates and comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. Lastly, Azorean Restaurant & Bar offers hearty Portuguese fare in a welcoming setting.

For accommodations near Good Harbor Beach, several options are available. The Beauport Hotel Gloucester offers elegant beachfront rooms with a rooftop pool and bar. The Cape Ann Motor Inn provides beachfront lodging with free breakfast. Inn at Good Harbor Beach features relaxed beachside accommodations with a snack bar. For a more traditional experience, the Rockport Inn & Suites offers simple quarters with free breakfast. Lastly, Gloucester By the Sea Motel provides casual ocean-view rooms.

Good Harbor Beach is well-equipped with amenities to enhance the visitor experience. Restrooms and showers are available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, providing convenience for beachgoers. A concession stand offers food, drinks, and beach supplies, making it easy to spend a full day at the beach. The beach is also handicap accessible, with a beach wheelchair available upon request. Additionally, the 'Carry In-Carry Out' policy encourages visitors to remove their trash, helping maintain the beach's cleanliness and natural beauty.

The beach's facilities are designed to support a variety of activities, from swimming and boogie boarding to simply relaxing on the sand.

Good Harbor Beach offers a range of activities for all ages. Swimming and body surfing are popular pastimes, especially during high tide. At low tide, visitors can explore the tide pools on Salt Island, providing a unique opportunity to discover marine life. The beach is also ideal for volleyball games and sunbathing. For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, the nearby Annisquam River offers a scenic area to hunt for critters and enjoy the saltwater estuary.

The beach's soft sand makes it perfect for walking and playing frisbee or football. With lifeguards on duty during peak summer months, it's a safe environment for families and surfers alike.

Good Harbor Beach is designed to be accessible for visitors with disabilities. The beach offers a beach wheelchair, which can be requested at the collection booth or from lifeguards. The parking lot includes approximately 16 handicapped spaces and a drop-off area near the footbridge, ensuring easy access to the beach. Additionally, the beach's facilities, including restrooms and showers, are wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive destination for all visitors.

Parking at Good Harbor Beach is available but limited, with fees varying by day. During the week, parking costs $25 per vehicle, while weekends and holidays cost $30 per vehicle. After Labor Day, rates may be reduced, depending on weather conditions. The parking lot opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially on nice days. The beach offers handicapped parking spaces and a drop-off area near the footbridge, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Good Harbor Beach has a fascinating history, having once been a humble fishing village. The construction of the footbridge at the end of Beach Road in 1870 marked a significant development in its popularity as a recreational spot. Today, it is one of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts, known for its white sand and epic waves. The beach's unique feature of being able to walk to Salt Island at low tide makes it a standout destination for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Good Harbor Beach was also recognized on USA Today's list of Top 10 Massachusetts Beaches, highlighting its appeal as a premier coastal destination.

Good Harbor Beach is surrounded by attractions that complement its natural beauty. Nearby, the historic town of Gloucester offers a rich cultural experience with its shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. Visitors can explore the scenic Annisquam River to the right of the beach, providing a tranquil area to discover local wildlife. For those interested in history and architecture, the nearby town of Rockport is famous for its Bearskin Neck, a charming area filled with unique shops and art galleries.

The beach itself is a major attraction, especially at low tide when visitors can walk to Salt Island, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore tide pools.