Gloucester is the oldest seaport in the US. It is also home to the fisherman featured on National Geographic’s Wicked Tuna. Spend a day or two exploring the local docks and even book a whale-watching tour! Here is the perfect Gloucester travel guide.
Where Is It
Gloucester is located only 40 minutes north of Boston Massachusetts. It is a coastal city on Cape Ann. Gloucester is famous for its seafood restaurants, history, artists’ colony, historic, and fine beaches. It is in my opinion a hidden gem. If you are looking for a perfect place to get away and relax, I highly recommend a weekend in Gloucester.
Where To Stay
Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks – located right off the rocky shores of the coast, and only a few minutes’ drive from Gloucester, sits the Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks. It is a historic landmark originally constructed in 1899. This boutique hotel has been around for more than 100 years. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky Cape Ann. Enjoy the views from your room in the morning or gather by the fire pit in the evenings to watch the sunset. Relax by the heated outdoor pool or use their complimentary bike and start exploring!
Best Time To Go (Climate)
Summer is just beautiful in New England (as well as in the Fall). The perfect time to visit Gloucester is May through August. The snow and ice have all melted by then and the city begins to open up its seasonal shops. The temperature is quite nice during the summer as well and rarely gets above 80 degrees. Of course, during the winter months, the temperatures drop, shops and restaurants close for the season, and the snow begins to fall.
In general, the weather is mild and warm from March to May. Sometimes there are sudden changes. In the western and eastern regions, temperatures can vary significantly. It can quickly cross to 32 F (0 C). In late May, it can warm up to around 60 F (15 C).
In summer, the average temperature is around 72 F (22 C) in western Massachusetts and about 78 F (25 C) in the east. On the coast, the climate can be described as humid subtropical. The disadvantage of being in the bay is the possibility of summer storms. Tropical hurricanes sometimes happen.
During the Fall, Forests and parks take on beautiful colors. The scenic views attract tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. Precipitation is moderate and stable. The temperature gradually drops from 68 F (20 C) to 35 F (2 C). The wettest month is November.
Winters in Massachusetts are very cold. The weather quickly turns sharply in early December. Temperatures drop below 26-30 F (-3 – -1 C). When a stormy wind blows from the northeast, it can get cold at 17 F (-8 C).
Where To Eat
If you come to Gloucester and all you do is eat, you will leave satisfied! There are so many delicious places to eat. Seriously, I have never had better (and fresh) seafood! Here are a few of my favorite dishes to try: lobster rolls, clam chowder, Boston cream pie, Boston baked beans, and cannoli!
Minglewood – this restaurant is the perfect spot to start your experience in Gloucester. Anything off the menu is delicious and the service is great. Not to mention the perfect harbor view. I recommend the clam chowder, lobster roll, and the fish sandwich
Blue-collar Lobster Co at the Gloucester House – the perfect location if you are looking for something more budget-friendly. The view of the harbor is great and the portions here are huge! I recommend the Jumbo Fried Shrimp.
Tonno – a stunning Italian-inspired seafood restaurant. Spend the evening enjoying drinks, the atmosphere, and of course the food! I highly recommend the crab cake and the seared tuna steak.
Mile Marker One – at the Mile Marker you will enjoy all-around harbor views. Not to mention excellent service. This spot is on the pricier side, however, it is worth every penny. I recommend the lobster Mac and cheese or the lobster roll.
What To Do
Wicket Tuna – One of the reasons Sam and I wanted to stop in Gloucester is because of the show Wicked Tuna. Featured on National Geographic, it follows the life of fishermen who call Gloucester their home. We were able to spot most of their boats used on the show and even got to meet a few of the fishermen! It was fun to see the town for ourselves.
Whale Watching – Another amazing thing to do in Gloucester is whale watching. This was my first time going, and it was amazing! We booked our tour through 7 Seas Whale Watching and got to see two different species of whales! The first we saw is a Fin Whale, an unreal site as they are an endangered species. The second whale we saw is a Humpback. The crew let us know if was a 2-year-old calf recently separated from his mother Dome.
A few things to remember when you go whale watching: bring your camera and a jacket as the weather does tend to be cooler out on the water. If you are like me there is a slight chance you will get seasick. I always bring with me a few bags, mints, and some ginger gum just to be on the safe side. Here are a few extra tips: The best seat is in the middle. You will feel less motion here (specifically on the lower deck). If you do start to feel queasy, keep your eyes fixed on the horizon. The only drink I will have on a travel day is a ginger ale (besides water). The carbonation and ginger taste has a soothing effect on your stomach. It is also important to avoid those heavy foods (and stinky ones). Instead, pack light snacks such as crackers or pretzels.
Thank you for reading!
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