Soak up the best of summer on Cape Ann in Gloucester, which is noted as one of the best places to visit, according to recent press from CNN and USA Today.
Just north of Boston, this charming beachside town offers wide beaches, art, seafood, and character without the chaos and crowds that often gather in nearby areas during the summertime. Stop waiting for the perfect moment and book your city escape today! Don’t let your summer pass by without feeling the sand between your toes or watching a Cape Ann sunset. Watch waves crash beneath the cliffs of Gloucester’s Back Shore, breathe in the salty breeze from a lounge chair at Good Harbor Beach, or wander Rockport’s Bearskin Neck, where artist studios and seafood shacks spill out toward the harbor. Looking for things to do while you’re here? Check out our latest blog for summer inspiration. It’s no secret that Cape Ann is one of New England’s best-kept coastal secrets, but August is when it truly shines. The crowds begin to thin, the ocean remains warm, and the days are long enough to catch both sunrise and sunset.
For the most authentic Cape Ann experience, skip the hotels and settle into a vacation rental where you can live like a local. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront cottage in Rockport, a family-friendly home near Good Harbor, or a pet-friendly rental in Gloucester, Atlantic Vacation Homes has the perfect spot to match your vibe. Browse our vacation rentals and wake up with the sound of waves instead of hotel hallway noise.
Good Harbor and Wingaersheek remain the area’s most iconic beaches, with powdery sand, gentle surf, and postcard-worthy views. Time your visit right and catch the golden glow over the salt marshes as the tide rolls out. Explore our Cape Ann beach guide to find the perfect stretch of sand for your style, whether you’re into boogie boarding or just soaking up sun.
For foodies, the end of summer means peak ingredients on every plate. Whether it’s crudo at Short & Main or a sunset dinner with a view at The Lobster Pool, dining here is all about freshness and simplicity. We’ve rounded up our favorite local restaurants and spots for seafood cravings.
And then there’s the art. Rockport’s Shalin Liu Performance Center offers concerts with an ocean view, while Gloucester’s Cape Ann Museum dives deep into the region’s creative roots. From the Japanese fish prints at Joe’s Fresh Fish Prints to the antique charm of the Sleeper-McCann House at Beauport, this is a place where creativity is woven into the landscape.
Whether you’re traveling for the beach, the food, the history, or just a change of pace, Cape Ann is the kind of place where summer lingers. But it won’t last forever.
The window is small, the reward is big. Make your move.
Book your last-minute Cape Ann getaway now and enjoy a little slice of heaven at the beach.
