A rocky shoreline access off Western Avenue, and the one Gloucester beach where the city allows dogs all year rather than only in the off-season.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Good Harbor, Wingaersheek, and Stage Fort Park lot gates open 8am and lock at 9pm in season (lots open April 1, closed November through March); lifeguards are on 9am to 5pm Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Dogs
Off-leash dog play permitted year-round, as long as dogs are cleaned up after and well-behaved, the only Gloucester beach with no seasonal dog restriction.
Managed by
City of Gloucester
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Crab Beach in Gloucester open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-11-06). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is Crab Beach an official Gloucester dog beach?
It's not one of the city's 8 reserved beaches or part of the official beach-sticker/reservation system - it's a well-known informal shoreline access point on Western Avenue that locals and multiple dog-travel directories assume year-round off-leash friendly.
What rules should I know at Crab Beach?
Rocky terrain, best visited at low tide; not recommended for sunbathing or extended human swimming.
Can you swim at Crab Beach?
Crab Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.