Gloucester's largest sandy beach, a long crescent behind a footbridge over Good Harbor Creek, with dunes on one side and Salt Island's low-tide sandbar walkout on the other. Summer weekends bring the biggest crowds and the tightest parking in the city's beach system.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted after 3pm); free for residents with sticker
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Gates open 8:00am, locked 9:00pm.
Season
Open year-round; gates open 8am, locked 9pm. Non-resident Blinkay reservation system runs Memorial Day-Labor Day.
Entry fee
$40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted to $30/$35 after 3pm at staff discretion); free for residents with sticker; motorcycles $15/$20.
Accessibility
~16 handicapped parking spaces; accessible drop-off near the footbridge; beach wheelchair available on request.
Lifeguard
On duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 9:00am-5:00pm.
Dogs
Prohibited April 1-September 30. Off-season (roughly October-March) dogs are permitted on leash.
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed year-round, tide-dependent
Managed by
City of Gloucester Department of Public Works (beach operations) / Gloucester Health Department (water testing)
978-325-5157 (beach parking/operations); 978-325-5260 (Health Dept, water testing) · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Cost$40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted after 3pm); free for residents with stickerStickerGloucester resident beach sticker (waives daily fee)
Good Harbor Beach main lot (Thatcher Road)
Good Harbor Beach main lot (Thatcher Road)
Cost$40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted after 3pm); free for residents with sticker
Access points along this beach
Footbridge over Good Harbor Creek
Main pedestrian crossing from the lot/bathhouse to the sand.
Good Harbor Creek
Tidal creek mouth DPH tests separately from the main beach; shares the same parking/entrance.
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Bathhouse at the main lot
Changing rooms
At the main bathhouse. · seasonal
Not here
No drinking water
No fountains confirmed; bring your own water.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Where do I park if Good Harbor's lot is full?
Non-residents must reserve ahead via the Blinkay app/website (up to 10 days out); if the lot shows full, attendants turn cars away at the gate, but the system tracks real-time availability and spaces open up through the day as visitors leave. Cash is not accepted - credit/debit only.
Can I bring my dog to Good Harbor?
Not during the main season - dogs are prohibited May through September. Leashed dogs are allowed roughly October through March.
Are there restrooms at Good Harbor Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Good Harbor Beach?
No alcohol; carry in-carry out (no trash barrels); cash not accepted at the parking gate.
Can you swim at Good Harbor Beach?
Yes. Good Harbor Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Is there an entry fee at Good Harbor Beach?
Yes, $40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted to $30/$35 after 3pm at staff discretion); free for residents with sticker; motorcycles $15/$20.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Good Harbor Beach?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. $40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted after 3pm); free for residents with sticker.