Explore Historic Gloucester, MA

Take the FREE interactive HarborWalk

Unleash your inner explorer and embark on an interactive journey along Gloucester's breathtaking HarborWalk: experience history, culture, and adventure like never before in this charming coastal town.

Have Fun Exploring

Your unforgettable Gloucester experience starts here — take the first step and begin your free self-guided walking adventure today!

Immerse Yourself in a Vibrant Coastal Experience

The HarborWalk in Historic Downtown Gloucester is a captivating journey through a rich tapestry of history, art, culture, and culinary delights. This picturesque walking trail leads you to charming shops, art galleries, museums, and historic homes that tell the story of this coastal gem.

Indulge in a Culinary Adventure

Treat your taste buds to a wide array of dining experiences — from authentic Italian sandwiches and pastries to casually sophisticated cuisine. And of course, savor the freshest seafood you'll ever taste straight from the Gloucester harborfront.

Embark on Exciting Excursions

Downtown Gloucester, MA is the perfect starting point for unforgettable adventures. Choose from whale watches, boat excursions, theater performances, art house cinema, lectures, readings, and exhibitions. Don't miss the monthly summer block party and the vibrant outdoor ‘Bazaar' in August – where locals and visitors celebrate the spirit of Gloucester.

Experience the Charm of Gloucester's Historic Districts

Explore Gloucester's three Historic Districts and marvel at the architectural beauty preserved by the Historic District Commission (HDC). From the Front Street Historic District in the West End to the Central Gloucester Historic District, you'll be transported through time as you stroll along the streets and discover the stories behind these cherished landmarks.

Got Questions?

Your Harborwalk FAQs

What is the HarborWalk?
The HarborWalk is a free, interactive, self-guided walking tour in Historic Gloucester, MA. Visitors can explore the town's rich history, culture, and coastal charm by following a breathtaking path through various landmarks and points of interest. The HarborWalk offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of this charming coastal town.
Where do I begin the HarborWalk?

Although you could begin your walk at any one of the 42 story posts, the first story post titled “St Peter” is at St. Peter’s Square. Located at the corner of Washington and Rogers Street (10 Rogers Street), look for the large green ocean buoy in front of the Cape Ann Brewing Co.

Where does the HarborWalk take me?

The Gloucester HarborWalk introduces the City’s unique heritage and cultural contributions.

From St. Peter’s Square on Rogers Street, the HarborWalk traverses the working waterfront to Harbor Loop in Gloucester, MA. The Walk then turns up to City Hall (9 Dale Ave.) and the civic center, then back down through the historic district to St. Peter’s Square.

Several markers lead to some of the City’s most famous landmarks away from downtown. They include Gloucester’s Man At the Wheel and the Fishermen’s Wives Memorial statues on the oceanfront, Stacy Boulevard, leading to Stage Fort Park.

In all directions are views that have inspired well-known poets, writers, and painters.

How much does it cost?
The Gloucester HarborWalk is always FREE and OPEN.
How do I use the story posts?

Story Post Name & Number

Granite story posts along the HarborWalk are named and numbered for the story introduced on the graphic attached to each post. Presented in no sequential order, you can start your walk at any of the 42 story post locations.

Raised Icon

Each marker displays a unique icon — these are slightly raised and can be used to take pencil or crayon impressions.

Postcard

Many story posts contain postcards that showcase Gloucester's life and culture. Use your mobile device to access the postcards through the “Walking Cinema” app — many contain local tips, places to visit, and special promotions.

Story Post Topic

Each story post introduces a different aspect of Gloucester’s heritage and culture, giving you a glimpse of today’s vibrant and diverse community.

Tips for Exploration

The black band at the bottom of each marker suggests museums, points of interest, and cultural institutions for further exploration.

QR Code

At the bottom right corner of each story post panel, you’ll find a QR code that can be scanned with your phone or tablet. HarborWalk QR codes provide access to additional multimedia content (video, audio, and text) specific to each story post.

What do I need for the Walk?

The HarborWalk self-guided tour relies on mobile technology to deliver expanded content for your walk. Be sure to bring your smartphone with you!

Where can I park?

There are metered parking and pay stations throughout the city, along the streets and other municipal lots — near story posts 1,10,18, 30, and 42.

Park your car at Stage Fort Park (41 Hough Avenue) across from the Stage Fort Park Visitors Center and take a seasonal trolley to St. Peter’s Square or Harbor Loop.

Can I get directions?

From Boston 

  • I-93 North to I-95 North/Peabody
  • Continue on Rt. 128 North to Gloucester. Travel time approximately 40-45 minutes.

From New York & Points South

  • I-90 East (NY Thruway) to Mass Turnpike. Exit at I-95 North (exit 14), and continue on Rt. 128
  • North to Gloucester. Travel time is approximately four hours.

From Maine & Points North

  • I-95 South to Rt. 128 North to Gloucester

Directions to Your First Story Post: From Boston, travel time is approximately 1 hour

  • Take RT 93 N or RT 128/95 N to Peabody.
  • Do not take RT 95 toward New Hampshire, but continue on RT 128 North to Gloucester. RT 128 ends in Gloucester with a Rotary
  • From the Rotary, take your 1st exit onto Washington Street
  • Follow Washington Street until it forks which will be in front of the Joan Of Arc Statue
  • Bear to the to right of the statue, then take a quick left on Angle Street
  • Continue to the right and down the hill. St. Peters Square (Story Post #1 St. Peter’s) will be directly in front of you.

Limited FREE parking is available in St. Peter’s Square, which is at the corner of Washington and Rogers Street (10 Rogers Street). Look for the large green ocean buoy in front of the Cape Ann Brewing Co.

Can I take the bus?

Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) provides local bus services throughout Gloucester and Rockport, including additional services to Danvers and Peabody Malls and in Ipswich, Essex and Beverly.

In the Summer months, the Stage Fort Park Trolley operates so you can park and ride. You can find more info on the trolley schedule or catch it at the Stage Fort Park Welcome Center (45 Hough Ave., Gloucester, MA, near story post 42.)

Can I take a boat?

The seasonal Water Shuttle (near story post 3 and 26) stops at points along the harbor, including St. Peter’s Square, Harbor Loop, Cruiseport, Cripple Cove, and Rocky Neck. Visitor Moorings are available on a first-come, first serve basis. Planning as far in advance as possible is advised. A Launch Service is provided for a fee by the Harbormaster.

Can I take a train?

The MBTA “Rockport Line” originates from North Station, Boston, and continues to Rockport. The Gloucester Depot is a short walk to the Cape Ann Museum, City Hall, Main Street, and the Harbor.

To get to your first Story Post, exit Gloucester MBTA station and walk Southeast on Railroad Ave. to Dale Ave. Begin HarborWalk at City Hall, 9 Dale Ave. Near story post 31

Private Taxi services are also available.