Wingaersheek Beach draws beachgoers looking for a walk on the mild side

Located at the mouth of the Annisquam River, Wingaersheek Beach popularity is obvious to those waiting in a long line of traffic down Atlantic Street on a sunny summer weekend. The beach has a lot going for it – a snack bar, beach goods store and changing rooms greet you on arrival. After gathering your beach gear you’ll walk up through the dunes to the beach. Here’s where first-time visitors pause to appreciate the classic New England coastal vista featuring Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse across the water and pleasure boats cruising in and out of the river’s mouth. 

The beach’s pure white sand extends for over a half-mile and sand bars extend out into a more-often-than-not calm ocean, allowing waders to safely walk out for over a hundred yards at low tide. This makes the beach particularly kid-friendly. 

Getting there

First you should know that the Town of Gloucester requires all out-of-town visitors to register on the Blinkay app or website to make parking reservations. You are allowed to make them up to 10 days in advance, and they are required June – Labor Day. Parking costs $30/vehicle on weekdays and $35/vehicle on weekends during the summer. Reduced rates may apply in the fall. Additional information is available here.

To find the beach, take exit 54, Concord St. off of 128. and take a left – the beach is 2.7 miles away.

Fun fact – Until recently I assumed the beach’s distinctive name was derived from an Indigenous location reference. Turns out it’s a corruption of a Dutch name – who knew?