Situated in the western part of Gloucester, MA at the end of Atlantic Street off Route 133 and Concord Street, the beautiful Wingaersheek beach runs along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay.
At low tide, the beach extends out for hundreds of yards and a long sandbar is exposed, making for a great place to walk. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Surfing, inflatable objects and all flotation devices are prohibited during the hours the lifeguards are on duty. Alcohol is prohibited on the beach and Gloucester has adopted a ’Carry In–Carry Out’ policy at Wingaersheek and Good Harbor beaches so please be prepared to carry out any trash with you when you leave. Food, drinks, beach toys, and other beach necessities are available at the concession. Restrooms and showers are available as well from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily. During periods of inclement weather, all facilities may close early. Wingaersheek Beach parking is available during the week at a rate of $30 per vehicle and on the weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle. After Labor Day, beaches may be open with reduced rate charges, weather permitting.
The gates open at 8:00am and are locked at 9:00pm. Space is limited so you’ll need to arrive early on a nice day in order to get a parking space. For Beach Parking availability visit Gloucester beaches Facebook page. The beach is handicapped accessible with approximately 16 handicapped spaces in the lot. A beach wheelchair is available – ask at the collection booth upon arrival or ask the lifeguards for information. Buses are allowed only during weekdays at a rate of $45 per bus to park. Buses are not allowed to drop off groups and park elsewhere without first paying the parking fee. All groups attending must make a reservation and receive a permit (fee is $25 per permit) before arriving.
Wingaersheek Beach Directions: Take Route 128 North to Exit 54. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto Concord St and follow for about 1 to 1-½ miles. You will see a traffic island with a sign saying Wingaersheek Beach. Turn right onto Atlantic Street and follow to the end. Both Concord Street and Atlantic Street are narrow and windy roads with many curves, so please drive carefully and observe the speed limits not only for your own safety but for the safety of those who may be walking along the road. As you turn onto Atlantic Street, look for the beach parking lot. If the “lot full” sign is out, it means that the lot is at capacity and is closed to non-residents and non-resident sticker holders, only those with a resident beach sticker can gain access to the lot.