Visiting Gloucester
Getting to Gloucester
By Car:
From Boston: Rt 93 North to 95 North/128 North, exit 14 (Rt 133) Take right off exit to go 133 East. Follow signs to Gloucester Welcome Center/Stage Fort Park. You’ll be on 133 for about 2.8 miles. Turn right at Kent Circle and go through stop signs. The race is about 50 yards past the stop signs on the left.
From Points North: Take Rt 93 South to 128 North – follow as above.
From Points West: Take Mass Pike East to 128 North – follow as above.
By Air:
Logan International Airport in East Boston
By Bike
Stage Fort Park is located at the intersection of Route 133 and Route 127, two of the most popular cycling routes on the North Shore. Ride in!
By Train
MBTA Commuter Rail Service goes to Gloucester.
Accommodations
Cape Ann Marina
Their year-round hotel features on the water rooms with balconies overlooking beautiful salt water marshes. Walk from your room through their indoor skywalks to the lobby, Spa, pool, jacuzzi, and function room. Spend time relaxing at the indoor, glass enclosed year-round chlorine-free pool and jacuzzi or catch some rays on the sun deck overlooking the Annisquam River and marina. Dine and unwind after a day of whale watching, fishing or shopping at the Gull Restaurant and cocktail lounge where they can cook your catch of the day, make your favorite drink, and enjoy live entertainment. All located on premise. Call (800) 626-7660.
Julietta House
The Julietta House is a casually elegant inn and house rental. Distinquished Cape Ann Travelers will enjoy this Architecturally Distinct 16 room Georgian with NeoClassic Features, just Footsteps to Gloucester Harbor, Museums, Shops, Restaurants and the Train to Boston. Nightly Guest Rooms Comfortably Appointed Rooms and Family Suites from $100-$250/night Our Self-Catered Concept (no maid / no breakfast service) is best for Independent travelers seeking Maximum Privacy and a High Quality stay at a more Moderate Price. House Rental Groups of up to 16 may rent the house from $2400-$4200/week for family reunions, business retreats and other gatherings. For reservations contact Susan atsusan@juliettahouse.com or 978.281.2300
Ocean View Inn and Resort
The Ocean View Inn and Resort in historic Gloucester is located at 171 Atlantic Road, on Gloucester’s beautiful “back shore”.
Along with beautiful hotel accommodations comprised of sixty-two lovely and spacious air-conditioned rooms, they also offer a restaurant, two swimming pools, cable TV, a bar, and a turn-of-the-century billiards room.
The Ocean View Inn and Resort, formerly the summer estate of Dr. Dorrance of the Campbell Soup Company, is easily accessible from routes 128, 133, and 127. It is only sixty minutes from Boston’s Logan International Airport.
Call 800-315-7557 and 978-283-6200.
Best Western Bass Rocks Ocean Inn
With every room facing the ocean, enjoy the panorama that stretches from Bass Rocks to Good Harbor Beach and Salt Island, to Long Beach and the Twin Lights of Thachers Island and the open Atlantic Ocean. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, the George O. Stacy House, accented with 19th century antiques, will be a nucleus of activity for your stay. Breakfast is served on the sun porch from their bountiful complimentary, cold buffet table. As our guest, you will stay in one of our 48 contemporary guestrooms located in their Georgian colonial style hotel. With two stories and white columns accompanied by southern brick and wide verandas in front of every room, you will be transported into a bygone era with modern conveniences. To enhance your stay, your room comes with air conditioning, heat, telephones with dataports, cable television with remote control and VCR, clock radio, refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. (978) 283-7600
Harborview Inn
The Harborview Inn is located within walking distance to beaches, galleries, shops & restaurants as well as the race course and is located at 71 Western Avenue. 978-283-2277 or 800-299-6696
The Manor Inn
The Manor Inn is located a couple of miles away from the race course at 141 Essex Avenue. The Manor Inn is nestled on 5 picturesque acres with many units overlooking the Annisquam River and salt water marshes. Enjoy this peaceful setting watching the yachts and pleasure boats traveling between Ipswich Bay and Gloucester Harbor. (978) 283-0614
Harborview Inn
The Harborview Inn is located within walking distance to beaches, galleries, shops & restaurants as well as the race course and is located at 71 Western Avenue. 978-283-2277 or 800-299-6696
Vista Motel
The Vista Motel Cape Ann Motor Inn is located on beautiful Cape Ann, just 30 miles northeast of Boston. They are situated directly on Long Beach on the Rockport/Gloucester line. Reservations: 1-800-464-VIEW or Telephone: 978-281-2900
Cape Ann Motor Inn
The Cape Ann Motor Inn is located a couple of miles away from the race course at 141 Essex Avenue. The Manor Inn is nestled on 5 picturesque acres with many units overlooking the Annisquam River and salt water marshes. Enjoy this peaceful setting watching the yachts and pleasure boats traveling between Ipswich Bay and Gloucester Harbor. (978) 283-0614
Eagle House Motel
The Eagle House Motel a favorite of some of our competitors, is located in Rockport, MA. 70 Channel cable TV, refrigerators, wireless internet access and
outside decks. Several rooms have efficiency kitchens. Enjoy the patio overlooking a relaxing waterfall. Fresh coffee and tea are served each morning. . (978) 546-6292
Wingaersheek Inn & Motel
The Wingaersheek Inn & Motel has been welcoming guests to Gloucester and Cape Ann for over 40 years. The Inn offers renovated guest rooms, luxury suites and Jacuzzi’s, fireplaces, wet bars, refrigerators and other conveniences. (978) 281-0100
Other Lodging Options
For a full listing of accommodations, check out the site capeannvacations.com.
Stage Fort Park
Overlooking historic Gloucester Harbor and bound on two sides by Cressey and Half Moon Beaches, Stage Fort Park offers picnic areas with barbecue pits, a full Visitor Information center, a playground for the kids, and plenty of parking!
For more info on Stage Fort Park, visit the Essex National Heritage website.
Parking
A large parking lot is located in the center of the park, across from the visitor center. Additional parking is available along Western Avenue, near the famous Gloucester Fisherman statue. No charge for parking.
Picnic
Picnic tables and barbeque pits are spread around the park.
Restrooms & Visitor Center
The stone visitor center makes a great base for a day trip to the North Shore.
Kids Playground & Beaches
A large nautical themed playground, two cove beaches and smooth rocky outcrops will keep child adventurers busy.
Cowbells
Be part of the tradition of enthusiastic crowds. Bring your cowbells, horns, noisemakers, face paint and flags and become part of the scene!
Cameras
You’ll want to take pictures of the amazing cyclists jockeying for position and jumping obstacles as well as the amazing foliage and waterfront scenery.
Local Bike Shops
Seaside Cycles, Manchester-by-the Sea
Bay Road Bikes, S. Hamilton
Riverside Cycles, Newburyport
Dining
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has a list of restaurants in the Gloucester area in their business directory.
