Cape Ann, MA Things to Do

Cruises and Charters

Thomas E. Lannon Schooner
Join in raising the sails on this authentic wooden schooner as you escape to days gone by. Cruise Gloucester Harbor with the Woodman’s friends Captain Tom and his wife Kay! Save your Woodman’s receipt for $2 off your sail. Save your sail receipt for 10% off at Woodman’s.

Yankee Whale Watching
Exciting Whale Watching, just 35 minutes north of Boston. Fully narrated, Guaranteed Sightings. ‘A Must See. One of the Outstanding Reasons to Visit New England’– Editor’s Pick, Yankee Magazine.

Yankee Deep Sea Fishing
Exciting Deep Sea Fishing, just 35 minutes north of Boston. Voted BEST “HOT TIPS” by Boston Magazine and #1 IN NEW ENGLAND by Charter Fishing Magazine. Ocean adventures since 1944.

Essex River Cruises and Charters
Relax as you float down the Essex River in a covered pontoon boat, catching a glimpse of what only the locals get to see… our hidden secret!

Annisquam River Cruise – at the Cape Ann’s Marina Resort
The only River cruise in Gloucester. Departs nightly – 1.5 hour ride down the Annisquam River, includes a light narration. Watch the sunset off Annisquam Light, check out Wingersheek beach. Pontoon boat also available for charter. Afternoon departures vary, inquire within.

Hotels and Inns

Good Harbor Beach Inn
Just what you dreamed of for a beach vacation. Step out of your door onto Good Harbor Beach. One of two motels on Cape Ann located directly on the beach. Fantastic!!

Emerson Inn by the Sea
Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing stay at this gorgeous historic bed and breakfast. Sit on the wrap-around porch and take in the ocean view.

Atlantis Oceanfront Motor Inn
Relax and enjoy one of the most spectacular ocean views in all of New England! All rooms at the Atlantis overlook the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Twin Lighthouses.

Cape Ann’s Marina Resort
Located on the Annisquam River, walk to downtown Gloucester, historical sites, and beaches. 53 water view hotel rooms with balconies, indoor heated pool and spa. Restaurants, Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching onsite. FREE Sunset River Cruise with one night’s stay (seasonal). A great place to park and play in Cape Ann! No nightly minimums.

Museum’s and Information Centers

Cape Ann Museum
See Winslow Homer, Fitz Hugh Lane, and other maritime painters as well as fisheries exhibits, maritime galleries, and granite quarrying artifacts.

Essex National Heritage Area
Click on the link above to get an overview of our wonderful area. You’ll be amazed at how much there is to do! Much more than just Essex.

Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center
The Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center is the only working historic waterfront in the Northeast that combines a historic working marine railway, where wooden vessels are hauled and repaired, with a Gulf of Maine aquarium, vessels tracing the fishing history of Gloucester, ongoing construction of wooden boats, and educational exhibits and programs.

Schooner Adventure A National Historic Landmark
The Adventure, a knockabout schooner built in 1926, came home to the city of Gloucester in 1988, to be used for the education and pleasure of the public. The ship has since become a classroom for hands-on experiential learning in math, science, social and cultural studies, and the arts.

Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Come see the shipyard, tools, and artifacts that built and launched over 4,000 vessels since 1688 – the most in America! Long before fried clams came to Essex this was our claim to fame!! A wonderful history of a hard working New England town.

Other Attractions and Information

Beaches
Cape Ann’s gorgeous 25-mile coastline boasts 18 beaches. From shallow and sheltered to rolling with surf, Cape Ann’s public beaches are some of the finest in the country. Parking, concession stands and facilities are available.

Lighthouses
You can see 5 lighthouses on Cape Ann, including the famous Twin Lights built in 1789, which are among the oldest lighthouses in the US.

Parks & Trails
Cape Ann is home to ten public parks, many with parking and recreation facilities, and numerous trails for walking, hiking, and running.

Official Travel Web Site of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
This site serves as a travel guide for anyone visiting Cape Ann.

Cape-Ann.com
Web site with links to many cape ann attractions, etc.