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Good Harbor Beach essentials
Parking
10+ public lots nearby, closest 0.4 mi away, 1 marked paid
Lifeguards
Lifeguards 9am–5pm daily, Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day (plus some May and September days, weather permitting)
Food & drink
14 restaurants, cafés & bars nearby
Rules and fees checked against gloucester-ma.gov. Other amenities were mapped by volunteers on OpenStreetMap within about ¾ mile of the beach. Rules, fees and lifeguard hours change by season, so check posted signs. Updated September 2026. Data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Something missing? Add it on OpenStreetMap
Beach Report is an informational guide from public data, not a substitute for lifeguards or official National Weather Service warnings. Always check posted signs and swim near a lifeguard.
About Good Harbor Beach
Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, on the rocky Cape Ann coast, is a wide, sandy North Shore favorite framed by tidal marsh and a small offshore island reachable at low tide. A scenic, family-friendly beach with classic New England character, it's one of Cape Ann's most popular summer spots. The North Atlantic here is cold even in summer — typically the low-to-upper 60s°F at the August peak — and cold the rest of the year. Check the safety flag and rip-current risk above, be ready for cold water, and swim near a lifeguard.
Good Harbor Beach FAQ
When is the best time to visit Good Harbor Beach?
July and August for the warmest water and full season; arrive early on summer weekends as the lot fills quickly.
Can you walk to the island at Good Harbor Beach?
A small island (Salt Island) is reachable across the sand at low tide — mind the returning tide. For swimming, check the live safety flag and rip-current risk above.
How cold is the water at Good Harbor Beach?
Cold — typically the low-to-mid 60s°F at the summer peak. Check the live reading above.
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