A small, sheltered neighborhood beach in Lanesville with calm water and a low-tide sandbar that makes it a favorite for families with young kids. Parking is resident-only and police-enforced, so most visitors arrive on foot or by the seasonal CATA bus.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
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. That's the town default unless…
Entry fee
No non-resident daily rate; resident-sticker-only parking, police-enforced. checked Jul 10, 2026
Lifeguard
On duty Father's Day weekend through Labor Day, 9:00am-5:00pm.
Dogs
No dogs at Plum Cove Beach May 1 through September 30; off-season (October 1 to April 30) dogs are welcome off-leash any day.
Managed by
City of Gloucester Department of Public Works (beach operations); parking enforced by Gloucester Police
978-325-5157 (beach parking/operations) · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
StickerGloucester resident beach sticker required
Street/small lot at Washington Street
Details unconfirmed
Street/small lot at Washington Street
Access points along this beach
Washington Street entrance
Worth knowing
- A seasonal CATA bus route serves the area as an alternative to driving, since resident-only parking is limited and police-patrolled.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Plum Cove Beach in Gloucester open today?
Plum Cove Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is Plum Cove good for young kids?
Yes - it's described locally as a small, sheltered, calm-water beach favored by families with young children, best around low tide for beachcombing.
Is there parking at Plum Cove Beach, and what does it cost?
Paid lot. Street/small lot at Washington Street
What rules should I know at Plum Cove Beach?
No alcohol, flotation devices, or inflatable objects.
Can you swim at Plum Cove Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Plum Cove Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Plum Cove Beach?
No dogs at Plum Cove Beach May 1 through September 30; off-season (October 1 to April 30) dogs are welcome off-leash any day.
Is there an entry fee at Plum Cove Beach?
No non-resident daily rate; resident-sticker-only parking, police-enforced.