A broad barrier beach and dune system on the Annisquam River side of Cape Ann, reached by a boardwalk over the dunes. Sand flats widen dramatically at low tide, drawing families and tide-poolers well beyond the swim area.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted after 3pm); free for residents with sticker
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
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. checked Jul 10, 2026
Accessibility
~16 handicapped parking spaces; beach wheelchair available on request.
Lifeguard
On duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 9:00am-5:00pm.
Dogs
No dogs at Wingaersheek Beach May 1 through September 30; off-season (October 1 to April 30) dogs may run off-leash on odd-numbered days only.
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
Wingaersheek Beach main lot (Wauketa Road)
Wingaersheek Beach main lot (Wauketa Road)
Cost$40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted after 3pm); free for residents with sticker
Access points along this beach
Boardwalk over the dunes
Boardwalk crossing from the main lot to the beach.
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Bathhouse at the main lot
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester open today?
Wingaersheek 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.
Where do I park if Wingaersheek's lot is full?
Non-residents must reserve ahead via Blinkay (up to 10 days out); once full, the lot may close to non-residents for the day. Cash is not accepted at the gate - credit/debit only.
Are there restrooms at Wingaersheek 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 Wingaersheek Beach?
No alcohol; cash not accepted at the parking gate.
Can you swim at Wingaersheek Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Wingaersheek 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 Wingaersheek Beach?
No dogs at Wingaersheek Beach May 1 through September 30; off-season (October 1 to April 30) dogs may run off-leash on odd-numbered days only.
Is there an entry fee at Wingaersheek 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 Wingaersheek Beach?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. $40/day weekday, $45/day weekend & holiday (discounted after 3pm); free for residents with sticker.