Long Beach, Rockport / Gloucester

Description
Long Beach is an extensive stretch of protected coastline on Boston's North Shore abutted by a retaining wall and summer cottages. This area can be crowded during the tourist season. Terrain is flat and sandy with rocks at both ends of the beach. There are also scenic views of the twin lighthouses on Thatcher's Island. Since Long Beach is divided by the town line between Rockport and Gloucester, different facilities exist for each towns half. Walkers can also access Cape Hedge Beach from this area the landmark is a large rocky outcropping.

Directions
From Gloucester: drive by Good Harbor Beach & when you get to Rockport Rd., look for a fork in the road with an ice cream stand. In this area are several small private fee lots a short walk from the beach. There is also a 200 car parking lot on the Gloucester end.

From Rockport, take Route 127A to Seaview Street, where a small parking lot resides. Be aware that there are two types of parking here: "resident" (when a sticker doesn't qualify), & "sticker" parking (when it does). Read the signs. Parking is limited so get there early on hot days.

Activities
surfing
swimming
walking

Parking
Gloucester - public lot for 200 cars
Rockport - small public lot
sticker required

State: Massachusetts
Town: Rockport/Gloucester

Facilities
restrooms on Rockport side - restrooms, shower, picnic area on Gloucester side

Safety
lifeguards on both sides

Access