Half Moon Beach(Stage Fort Park)

For dining near Half Moon Beach, Gloucester offers a variety of excellent restaurants. Seaport Grille is a waterfront eatery known for its seafood and pizza, offering a wide menu with signature cocktails. Oak to Ember provides a cozy atmosphere with a great selection of beers and cocktails, serving lunch and dinner. Lobsta Land Restaurant is famous for its creative seafood dishes, while Minglewood Harborside offers seafood and sushi with harbor views. For a more casual experience, Causeway Restaurant serves large portions of seafood in a cozy setting.

Visitors to Half Moon Beach can choose from several nearby hotels. The Beauport Hotel Gloucester is an elegant beachfront hotel with a rooftop pool and bar. Blue Shutters Beachside Inn offers laid-back waterfront lodging with direct beach access. Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks provides relaxed accommodations with ocean views and a pool. For a more casual stay, Gloucester By the Sea Motel offers low-key quarters with ocean views.

Half Moon Beach and Stage Fort Park offer several amenities to enhance the visitor experience. There are picnic tables and grills available for use, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or picnics. Restrooms are conveniently located near the visitor center, and there is a snack shack, The Cupboard, which serves a variety of food and drinks. The park also hosts events like concerts during the summer, adding to its appeal as a community hub.

Additionally, the beach is handicapped accessible with a concrete ramp leading down to the beach area, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the facilities.

Dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash and are not permitted on the beach during peak season.

Half Moon Beach offers a range of activities for visitors. Swimming and sunbathing are popular pastimes, while the surrounding rocks provide excellent opportunities for exploring and discovering local sea life. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with its scenic views and changing light conditions throughout the day. For those interested in more active pursuits, Stage Fort Park offers playing fields and a pavilion, which can be used for various sports and events.

The nearby Gloucester Harborwalk allows for scenic walks and exploration of the local area.

Families often enjoy spending the day here with coolers and beach gear, taking advantage of the picnic areas and grills.

Half Moon Beach is handicapped accessible, featuring a concrete ramp that leads down to the beach area. This ensures that visitors with mobility impairments can easily access the beach. Additionally, restrooms are located nearby at the visitor center and are also accessible. While there are no specific wheelchair rentals available at the beach, the overall accessibility makes it a welcoming spot for all visitors.

Parking for Half Moon Beach is available at Stage Fort Park. Residents with beach stickers can park for free, while non-residents are charged a fee of $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking spaces fill up quickly. There is also an ATM located at The Cupboard for those needing cash for parking.

The parking fees are relatively lower compared to other beaches in the area, making it a more affordable option for visitors.

Half Moon Beach is steeped in history, being part of Stage Fort Park, which was the site of Gloucester's first settlers in 1623. This historical significance adds to the charm of the area, making it not only a beautiful beach but also a place of cultural importance. The beach's secluded nature and scenic views make it a favorite among photographers and those seeking a peaceful beach experience.

The surrounding rocks are perfect for exploring and discovering local sea life, adding an educational element to visits.

Half Moon Beach is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. Stage Fort Park itself is a historic site, being the location of Gloucester's first settlers in 1623. The park hosts various events, including concerts and festivals, which draw visitors from around the area. Nearby, the Gloucester town center offers a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore.

For those interested in exploring further, Cape Ann is home to numerous beaches, such as Wingaersheek and Good Harbor Beach, each offering unique experiences and scenic views.