Immerse in one of the most historically significant ports in the country and find out what makes Gloucester an enduring summer destination in this part of Massachusetts. This charming resort town is just a few minutes' drive from Boston, sitting on the eastern end of Cape Ann and offering direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. Endlessly picturesque and gifted with an enviable natural vista, Gloucester deserves a spot on your bucket list.
You’re sure to fill up your itinerary here at Gloucester. Make your way around some of the town’s arts communities and learn firsthand how Gloucester continues to support its thriving arts scene. Visit Gloucester Harbor for even more maritime history. Then cap off your trip by hopping on a fishing charter and target some bluefin tuna if it’s in season. Gloucester has a long history of productive fishing, so you’re sure to find plenty of fishing opportunities here no matter the season.
Gloucester has the best of all worlds when it comes to fishing. Here you can fish from the shore, from piers, near reefs, and deep into the ocean and find yourself wanting more.
Gloucester Harbor should be your first stop if you’re here to fish. Inshore, you will find plenty of trophy striped bass, especially near structures or in the holes. Along with the stripers, you can target bluefish, black sea bass, sea trout, and flounder. If fly-fishing is your agenda, then heading straight to Straightsmouth Island should be worthwhile for you.
Fishing near reefs and structure such as Stellwagen Bank will give you ample opportunity to target bluest shark, haddock, halibut, and bluefin tuna. But if you want to go a little further out, you will have the challenge of your life fishing around Tillies Bank and Jeffreys Ledge where there are haddock, cod, and pollock, as well as thresher and mako shark.
If you’re a pro angler looking to break your personal record, trolling while chunking for bluefin tuna should be on your agenda if you happen to come here around June when the season for tuna opens.
Fishing is great in this part of the North Shore is great no matter the season, only less active around winter when it gets too cold. However, the best seasons to fish this side of Cape Ann are from summer to fall, from July to October, when some of the prized catch start getting active.
Honor the fishermen and sailors of Gloucester by paying a visit to the famous Fisherman’s Memorial, before heading straight to Maritime Gloucester, where you will find the famous Schooner Adventurer, a historic landmark that is purportedly one of the three schooners built to travel the Grand Banks.
After exploring Gloucester, you probably have an idea of what attracted artists to the city since the 19th century. Get to know these artists even better by visiting the Cape Ann Museum which holds collections of pieces from artists who were so inspired by Gloucester that they chose to call it home. Then make your way to the Rocky Neck Art Colony, one of the oldest art colonies that still operate to this day.