Essex - all beaches

This beach is among the top beaches in New England. I've visited this place multiple times with my family, and we always enjoy ourselves. Although the water felt a little cold today, the scenery is stunning, and the sand is ideal for building sandcastles.

This beach is easily one of the most cherished spots in the vicinity. While I may come across other beaches that could potentially steal my heart, this one holds a special place in it. The mere sight of this place is enough to make me feel content. I have captured the essence of this beach in my photos, both during the summer and winter seasons. However, it is important to note that there are certain things to keep in mind before visiting. During the summer months, there is a fee to access the beach, while in the winter, it is open to the public for free. As someone who believes in the importance of public spaces being accessible to all, it is disheartening to see such restrictions in place. Nevertheless, this beach is a true gem that is worth your time. During the off-season, it is easily accessible and the views are breathtaking. If you plan on visiting during the summer, I would advise against driving down to the parking lot. It is highly likely that you will be charged for parking, if a spot is available. Instead, opt to park in town and move your car every two hours. All in all, I highly recommend a visit to this beach. If you have an appreciation for unique and eccentric homes, this place has plenty to offer in that regard as well.

This beach on the North Shore is undoubtedly the best one around. Located in Gloucester, it boasts a long and beautiful stretch of sand, complete with public porta-potties and an ice cream shop. The beach is spacious enough to accommodate multiple families, with ample room for games and sandcastle building. The surf is gentle, and there's even a side channel where little ones can safely play and explore the rocks for snails and crabs. However, be warned that the seagulls can be a nuisance, so keep a close eye on your food. Parking can be a bit pricey for non-locals, but there are ways to save. If you visit during the week or close to 5pm, parking is free. Additionally, parking is free during the off-season, and there's free parking on Nautilus road with beach access. However, these spots fill up quickly, so it's best to arrive early if you want to snag a spot. Overall, this beach is a must-visit for anyone in the area.

What an absolute gem of a beach! The sand is as soft as butter, the view is breathtaking and the location is superb (not to mention the amazing Holy Cow ice cream shop nearby). We arrived early and stayed until about 3:00 pm, enjoying an early dinner and some ice cream before returning to the beach for low tide and the sunset. I was blown away by the abundance of sand dollars, clams, crabs and the stunning panoramic view. It was truly amazing and worth the trip! Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, ideally a week prior, and try to arrive by 11 am to secure a prime spot. The bathrooms are clean and there's a food stand available (although we didn't indulge, it looked appetizing!). Just be careful of the seagulls, as they'll swoop down and snatch your food in a heartbeat! This is a very clean and family-friendly beach with gentle waves and comfortably warm water. Boogie boards and puddle jumpers are not permitted, but that doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of this quiet and peaceful beach. So go ahead and savor the experience!

This beach is absolutely delightful for relaxing and taking in the scenery. The shells are stunning and the view is breathtaking. I would definitely return for another visit.

The parking lot at the beach is highly practical and serves its purpose well. It's a great perk that it's free of charge. However, it's important to note that the surface is made of packed gravel, so it's not advisable to walk around barefoot. The boardwalk is a convenient way to access the beach towards the south, and there are benches available for those who need to take a break. Although the walk is brief and straightforward, it's always nice to have a place to rest and enjoy the scenery.