Gloucester
America's oldest seaport. Home to whale watching, fishing, and beautiful beaches.
Explore Our Towns
Rockport
A quaint art colony famous for Motif #1, Bearskin Neck, and rocky shores.
Essex
The antique capital of America and home to the best fried clams in the world.
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Scenic harbors and the famous Singing Beach. A perfect quiet getaway.
Things to do
Looking for lots of miniature golf courses, fast food restaurants, and crowded tourist traps? You won't find any on Cape Ann. What you will find on our Cape is whale watching, sailing, fishing charters, beaches, kayaking, scuba diving, and countless other fun things to do on the water. You can also enjoy hikes through old forests or along a rugged shoreline, explore historic stone quarries, or get lost in hundreds of acres of mountain biking/cross country ski trails.
The Arts
Cape Ann boasts both a rich history and wide variety of arts. A long list of well known painters, sculptors and writers have long been inspired by our shores. Two of the nation's oldest artist colonies, Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester and Bearskin Neck in Rockport, serve as a mecca for both artists and art lovers worldwide. Several outstanding art associations, such as the North Shore Art Association, harness the creative energy that surrounds Cape Ann. And there is no other place in New England that hosts such a rich variety of holistic health practitioners as Cape Ann. Our Cape also boasts a number of outstanding museums specializing in fine art, historic collections, seafaring, and natural history. We are also proud to be home to the Gloucester Stage Company, Rockport Chamber Music and Theatre in the Pines and the Rockport Chamber Music Festival.
Events
- Motif No. 1 Day Festival — May 17, 2025
- Rockport Chamber Music Festival — June 13–July 13, 2025
- 250th Battle of Bunker Hill — June 21–22, 2025
- St. Peter's Fiesta — June 25–29, 2025
- Fishtown Horribles Parade — July 3, 2025
- Culture Splash — Thursdays in July & August 2025
- Bluefin Blowout — July 15, 2025
- Gloucester Blues Festival — August 9, 2025
- Gloucester Waterfront Festival — August 16, 2025
- Gloucester Schooner Festival — August 27–31, 2025
- Blackburn Brewfest — September 13, 2025
- Cape Ann Plein Air — October 4–12, 2025
- Essex ClamFest — October 25, 2025
- Winter Lights on Cape Ann — November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Rockport New Year's Eve — December 31, 2025
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Why Visit Cape Ann?
Unlike the crowded Cape Cod, Cape Ann offers a rugged, authentic New England experience. Located just 30 miles north of Boston, this region is a haven for artists, history buffs, and ocean lovers. Whether you are looking for the best whale watching in New England or the freshest lobster rolls, Cape Ann delivers year-round.