If you are vacationing around Gloucester, MA this summer, why not head over to a great family-friendly beach? Located in West Gloucester, Wingaersheek Beach is picture-perfect and is also one of the best-known beaches in Massachusetts. With its stretches of silky sand and calm waters, this beach is just the ticket for families with young children. Staying in a nearby vacation rental home from Atlantic Vacation Homes will put you even closer to where all the fun is.
Why Visit Wingaersheek Beach?
Wingaersheek Beach is like an oasis to enjoy while on your Cape Ann vacation. When families come to visit the beach, they are welcomed with calmer water which can be the best thing for those with little ones. Knowing that children won’t be knocked down with strong waves can put a parent’s mind at ease. There are also tide pools in which to splash and play, and keen observers will enjoy looking for shells along with periwinkles, barnacles and perhaps a hermit crab or two as well. If you have older children or you like to be adventurous yourself, then head on over to the rocks during low tide and climb on them, take pictures or just have fun with what the beach has to offer you.
Planning Your Visit to Wingaersheek Beach
On the day you plan on visiting Wingaersheek Beach you will want to make sure that you arrive early in the day, or much later in the afternoon (after 3pm). The gates open at 8:00 am EST and the parking lot will get filled up early in the day, especially on weekends. There is a charge to park at the beach and it is $25 per car and $30 on weekends and holidays. (See our Beach Parking Page for more information on Cape Ann’s beaches). The gates close at 9:00 pm and there are restrooms that are available for you to use from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Be sure that when you do come and visit to pack plenty of sand toys for the kids to enjoy, and a beach umbrella. The beach is handicapped accessible with approximately 16 handicap parking spaces available. If you need a beach wheelchair there is one available at either the collection booth or you can ask a lifeguard. This beach does have a “Carry In – Carry Out” policy in place, so any trash that you may have after your day of fun, just carry it out when you leave. And if you forget to pack lunch, snacks, or toys for your trip there is a concession stand.
Just before you head home for the day, don’t forget to snap a few pictures of the Annisquam Lighthouse across the way. This is the perfect location to be able to capture those memories that you have made with your family at the beach. Why not take a picture of your family and have the lighthouse behind you? When you leave for the day, capture one last picture of the setting sun and head back to your vacation rental home for the night.
If you want to learn more about other Cape Ann area beaches, check our Cape Ann Beaches page.
Where to Stay Near Wingaersheek Beach
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 Gloucester 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.