Whale Watching from Gloucester
Whale watching is one of Cape Ann’s most popular activities. The whale-watching season starts in mid-April and runs through the summer and into the fall. Gloucester is well-situated between two major whale feeding areas, Stellwagen Bank and Jeffrey’s Ledge, so most trips are successful in seeing lots of whales!
Arts and Culture at the Rocky Next Art Colony
Rocky Neck’s artistic community offers a wide range of creative activities and experiences in the spring. Check the Rocky Neck Art Colony’s event calendar to find gallery openings, exhibitions, lectures, workshops and more.
Learn Local Maritime History
Maritime Gloucester has a small museum and “pocket aquarium” to explore as well as lectures and other events. Learn about marine science, maritime heritage and environmental stewardship and why these are important to Cape Ann. Refer to their online events calendar for details.
Explore Gloucester’s Military Heritage & War Memorial Trail
Take time to honor, remember, and discover the military contributions of Gloucester citizens throughout its history. This self-guided tour takes you across the city to see statues, plaques, historical markers, and memorials that commemorate and honor those from Cape Ann who served, across all branches of armed service.
Cape Ann Museum
The Cape Ann Museum celebrates the region’s history and culture through both permanent and special exhibitions as well as lectures, films, and interactive experiences. You can learn about the early history of Cape Ann from the Colonial period through the mid-19th century and how the fishing and granite industries shaped the region well into modern times. Local art and artistry is also highlighted, with work representing Cape Ann’s artist colony history as well as works by contemporary artists. The museum is also home to over forty works by renowned 19th century painter and Gloucester native Fitz Henry Lane (1804–1865). Refer to the museum’s online calendar for events information or sign up for one of their outdoor art walking tours.
See a Show
Whether you want to see live music, a play or musical, or a movie, there are ample opportunities for entertainment across Cape Ann and North of Boston. Refer to each venue’s website for showtimes, tickets, and other information.
Rockport Music @ the Shalin Liu Performance Center
Take a Hike
Springtime is a great time to explore the great outdoors. Cape Ann is home to an abundance of parks, nature preserves, trails, beaches and other “wild” places to experience the region’s natural beauty. Check our list of walking trails and scenic hikes for ideas on where to go for your next hike, bike, or ramble.
Where to Stay to Enjoy Spring Activities and Events on Cape Ann
Atlantic Vacation Homes offers a wide variety of vacation rental homes across Cape Ann that would be perfect for your North Shore getaway. To book your accommodations, simply view available vacation rentals and enter your desired dates to get a quote. You can also call toll-free at (855) 853-9143 to speak with a Guest Experience Specialist.