Gloucester · Massachusetts · USA
Long Beach
You'll walk past weathered shingled cottages and salt roses to reach this neighborhood strand, where the tide pools fill with green crabs and the air smells of rockweed. Families spread blankets near the breakwater while gulls wheel overhead, their cries mixing with the distant clang of bell buoys.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Long Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
- 0%
The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll walk past weathered shingled cottages and salt roses to reach this neighborhood strand, where the tide pools fill with green crabs and the air smells of rockweed. Families spread blankets near the breakwater while gulls wheel overhead, their cries mixing with the distant clang of bell buoys.
Photos
8 captures from Long Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Long Beach
Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA
42.6095°, -70.6595°
Top things to do
At Long Beach
Cold-Water Plunge
Best at slack high tide
Tide Pool Hunts
Northern rocks hold hermit crabs
Headland Scramble
Boulder-hop to hidden pocket beach
Breakwater Lounging
Flat stones warm by noon
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Long Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Long Beach.
Is Long Beach in Gloucester safe for swimming?
Long Beach is generally safe for swimming during summer months, though conditions vary. The beach faces Gloucester Harbor rather than open ocean, creating calmer waters than nearby ocean-facing beaches. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Water quality is typically good, but check Gloucester's beach water testing reports before visiting. The beach has a gradual slope, making it relatively family-friendly. Rocks are present in some areas, so water shoes are recommended. Always check weather conditions and tide schedules before entering the water.
When is the best time to visit Long Beach Gloucester?
Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and best swimming conditions, with temperatures reaching the 70s-80s°F. However, Long Beach is accessible year-round and particularly beautiful during shoulder seasons. Spring and fall provide fewer crowds and pleasant walking weather, ideal for beachcombing and photography. Winter visits reward hardy travelers with dramatic coastal scenery and solitude. Sunrise is especially stunning regardless of season. Weekdays are quieter than weekends during peak summer. Low tide reveals more beach area for exploration and is preferred by many visitors.
