Heather's Guidebook of My favorites in Rockport, Cape Ann and the North Shore of Boston

Heather
Heather's Guidebook of My favorites in Rockport, Cape Ann and the North Shore of Boston

Food scene

If you want to run around the corner for a fresh lobster roll this is about 1 minute walk from our condo! Very popular place on Bearskin Neck for lobster
My favorite place to get breakfast. About a five minute walk from Tuna Wharf. A cute and cozy diner overlooking the harbor. I have had chocolate chip pancakes and waffles on multiple visits. Always delicious and very inexpensive. Bring cash as they do not do plastic.
11 locals recommend
Hula Moon
27 Mount Pleasant Street
11 locals recommend
My favorite place to get breakfast. About a five minute walk from Tuna Wharf. A cute and cozy diner overlooking the harbor. I have had chocolate chip pancakes and waffles on multiple visits. Always delicious and very inexpensive. Bring cash as they do not do plastic.
If you enjoy seafood outside overlooking the ocean than you will love this place. Parking can be tricky on weekends. Pay attention to parking/non parking areas. This place does not serve alcohol but it is a byob restaurant so bring a bottle of wine or some beer to go with your seafood! Seasonal hours, check before going if it's not summer.
44 locals recommend
The Lobster Pool
329 Granite St
44 locals recommend
If you enjoy seafood outside overlooking the ocean than you will love this place. Parking can be tricky on weekends. Pay attention to parking/non parking areas. This place does not serve alcohol but it is a byob restaurant so bring a bottle of wine or some beer to go with your seafood! Seasonal hours, check before going if it's not summer.
Best lobster rolls and seafood on Bearskin Neck! Seasonal hours, check before going if it's not summer.
45 locals recommend
Roy Moore Lobster Co
39 Bearskin Neck
45 locals recommend
Best lobster rolls and seafood on Bearskin Neck! Seasonal hours, check before going if it's not summer.
Local seafood restaurant on the water in the adorable Rocky Neck art colony in Gloucester. Seasonal hours, check before going if it's not summer.
29 locals recommend
The Studio
51 Rocky Neck Ave
29 locals recommend
Local seafood restaurant on the water in the adorable Rocky Neck art colony in Gloucester. Seasonal hours, check before going if it's not summer.
This is literally 10 steps from our condo to the restaurant. Open seasonally. Dining overlooking the harbor in Tuna Wharf. Food good, views are great, staff super nice! Seasonal hours, check before going if it's not summer.
11 locals recommend
7th Wave Restaurant
7 Tuna Wharf
11 locals recommend
This is literally 10 steps from our condo to the restaurant. Open seasonally. Dining overlooking the harbor in Tuna Wharf. Food good, views are great, staff super nice! Seasonal hours, check before going if it's not summer.
Adorable coffee shop in Bearskin Neck, very close to our condo. Pastries and snacks and tea also.
25 locals recommend
Bean & Leaf Cafe
12 Bearskin Neck
25 locals recommend
Adorable coffee shop in Bearskin Neck, very close to our condo. Pastries and snacks and tea also.
This restaurant is in the town of Essex, about 20 minute drive from Rockport. It is a hugely popular seafood restaurant known for lobsters, fish, clams and fried seafood. Open year round!
37 locals recommend
Woodman's of Essex
119 Main St
37 locals recommend
This restaurant is in the town of Essex, about 20 minute drive from Rockport. It is a hugely popular seafood restaurant known for lobsters, fish, clams and fried seafood. Open year round!
Very good wood fired pizza in the adorable town of Manchester-by-the Sea, about 25 minutes from Rockport. While you are in Manchester for pizza, go check out the adorable downtown for some shopping and ocean views! Parking is free 2 hour on the street.
7 locals recommend
Bravo By The Sea
40 Beach Street
7 locals recommend
Very good wood fired pizza in the adorable town of Manchester-by-the Sea, about 25 minutes from Rockport. While you are in Manchester for pizza, go check out the adorable downtown for some shopping and ocean views! Parking is free 2 hour on the street.
Big grocery store, not too far from Rockport. Maybe 15 minutes or so to drive there.
237 locals recommend
Market Basket
400 Somerville Ave
237 locals recommend
Big grocery store, not too far from Rockport. Maybe 15 minutes or so to drive there.
Brewery in heart of downtown Salem. Fun outdoor beer sampling on picnic tables overlooking a river. Dog friendly if you need to do some dog watching!
49 locals recommend
Notch Brewery & Tap Room
283R Derby St
49 locals recommend
Brewery in heart of downtown Salem. Fun outdoor beer sampling on picnic tables overlooking a river. Dog friendly if you need to do some dog watching!
Yummy cheese and wine/beer shop in downtown Salem. Go in and ask to sample cheese before you buy.
19 locals recommend
The Cheese Shop of Salem
45 Lafayette St
19 locals recommend
Yummy cheese and wine/beer shop in downtown Salem. Go in and ask to sample cheese before you buy.
Go grab a drink in Gloucester overlooking the water. Beautiful views. Food's ok too.
35 locals recommend
Beauport Hotel Gloucester
55 Commercial St
35 locals recommend
Go grab a drink in Gloucester overlooking the water. Beautiful views. Food's ok too.
ice cream! Walking distance
11 locals recommend
The Ice Cream Store
14 Bearskin Neck
11 locals recommend
ice cream! Walking distance
Delicious food. Fancyish upscale restaurant and food. Very short walk from condo. Sundays they have jazz brunches (pre-pandemic anyway). Check the website as you may need to make reservations.
46 locals recommend
Feather & Wedge
5 Main St
46 locals recommend
Delicious food. Fancyish upscale restaurant and food. Very short walk from condo. Sundays they have jazz brunches (pre-pandemic anyway). Check the website as you may need to make reservations.
Great views of the sea from the end of Bearskin Neck. Gourmet food. You 'll need to call at noon the day you want to go to make reservations. Seasonal hours when not summer so call ahead to make sure.
44 locals recommend
My Place by the Sea
68 Bearskin Neck
44 locals recommend
Great views of the sea from the end of Bearskin Neck. Gourmet food. You 'll need to call at noon the day you want to go to make reservations. Seasonal hours when not summer so call ahead to make sure.
Generous portions of locally caught seafood. Bar for watching your favorite sports. Seasonal hours in fall, winter and spring. Sometimes open weekends when it's not summer but check before going.
26 locals recommend
Roy Moore's Fish Shack Restaurant
21 Dock Square
26 locals recommend
Generous portions of locally caught seafood. Bar for watching your favorite sports. Seasonal hours in fall, winter and spring. Sometimes open weekends when it's not summer but check before going.
My husband and I keep our boat here in winter. We like the bar and restaurant overlooking water. they have a very delicious Sunday all you can eat brunch buffet with live music. The Wicked Tuna tv show stars apparently hang out here too so if you are a wicked tuna fan you can see your favorite fishermen here!
Cape Ann's Marina Resort
75 Essex Ave
My husband and I keep our boat here in winter. We like the bar and restaurant overlooking water. they have a very delicious Sunday all you can eat brunch buffet with live music. The Wicked Tuna tv show stars apparently hang out here too so if you are a wicked tuna fan you can see your favorite fishermen here!
very delicious wood fired pizza in interestingly decorated restaurant. In heart of downtown Salem.
26 locals recommend
Flying Saucer Pizza Company
118 Washington St
26 locals recommend
very delicious wood fired pizza in interestingly decorated restaurant. In heart of downtown Salem.
rooftop restaurant and bar near Peabody Essex museum. really fun in summer. not sure if open in off season
15 locals recommend
The Roof
209 Essex Street
15 locals recommend
rooftop restaurant and bar near Peabody Essex museum. really fun in summer. not sure if open in off season
About 2 blocks from the condo. Delicious food for breakfast and lunch. lots of seasonal and local specials and friendly staff. I had a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon that was to die for recently.
14 locals recommend
The Red Skiff
15 Mt Pleasant St
14 locals recommend
About 2 blocks from the condo. Delicious food for breakfast and lunch. lots of seasonal and local specials and friendly staff. I had a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon that was to die for recently.
Pizza and roast beef sandwiches. Very popular and if you have cash they will deliver to Tuna Wharf!
14 locals recommend
Rockport House of Pizza
19 Broadway
14 locals recommend
Pizza and roast beef sandwiches. Very popular and if you have cash they will deliver to Tuna Wharf!
17 locals recommend
Willow Rest
1 Holly St
17 locals recommend
I love the coffee and pastries here and it's in a strip mall with a Whole Foods and a good liquor store.
Caffè Nero
I love the coffee and pastries here and it's in a strip mall with a Whole Foods and a good liquor store.
Open even in winter which is rare for Rockport. Easy five minute walk from 6 Tuna wharf and full restaurant and bar with creative Caribbean inspired cuisine, and full bar.
Fleur Cuisine Harborside - Rockport
Open even in winter which is rare for Rockport. Easy five minute walk from 6 Tuna wharf and full restaurant and bar with creative Caribbean inspired cuisine, and full bar.
This neighborhood wine store has wine, cheese and a sushi restaurant tucked in the back of the store. There are about 20 wines on tap to sample and an assortment of fancy and yummy gourmet snacks. The owner, Kathleen is a sommelier and can recommend just the right wine for you. Its located in downtown Gloucester
7 locals recommend
Savour Wine & Cheese
76 Prospect St
7 locals recommend
This neighborhood wine store has wine, cheese and a sushi restaurant tucked in the back of the store. There are about 20 wines on tap to sample and an assortment of fancy and yummy gourmet snacks. The owner, Kathleen is a sommelier and can recommend just the right wine for you. Its located in downtown Gloucester
open year round, this restaurant features fresh locally caught seafood with Caribbean styles. Also fancy craft cocktails. Right on the harbor and a 5 minute walk from Tuna wharf
Fleur Cuisine Harborside - Rockport
open year round, this restaurant features fresh locally caught seafood with Caribbean styles. Also fancy craft cocktails. Right on the harbor and a 5 minute walk from Tuna wharf

Sightseeing

Rocky Neck is an artist colony neighborhood in Gloucester, about a 10 minute drive from Rockport. Enjoy the beauty of this adorable neighborhood full of artsy galleries, ocean views, restaurants on the water.
Beautiful pier overlooking ocean. Very scenic and a nice one mile walk from Tuna Wharf. You can enjoy watching the boats coming and going and get some great photos! You can also park on the upper level, usually for free. Local secret. On busy festival days they may charge for parking but I have only seen that one time. Just make sure to park on the upper level which is for non residents.
Rockport Granite Pier
16 Wharf Rd
Beautiful pier overlooking ocean. Very scenic and a nice one mile walk from Tuna Wharf. You can enjoy watching the boats coming and going and get some great photos! You can also park on the upper level, usually for free. Local secret. On busy festival days they may charge for parking but I have only seen that one time. Just make sure to park on the upper level which is for non residents.
Cute and clean beach a short walk from Tuna Wharf. Free.
38 locals recommend
Front Beach
38 locals recommend
Cute and clean beach a short walk from Tuna Wharf. Free.
The harbormaster office and the parking lot it is in are very scenic if you walk to the end and enjoy watching the working harbor. Also free public bathrooms and water fountain here.
7 locals recommend
Rockport Harbormaster
3 Broadway
7 locals recommend
The harbormaster office and the parking lot it is in are very scenic if you walk to the end and enjoy watching the working harbor. Also free public bathrooms and water fountain here.
27 locals recommend
Rocky Neck
27 locals recommend
If you enjoy a walk on a rocky coast up to a half mile pier that goes out into the sea than you will love this place. Great photo opps and watch the local fishermen catching squid and other sea critters on the dock.
27 locals recommend
Eastern Point Lighthouse
27 locals recommend
If you enjoy a walk on a rocky coast up to a half mile pier that goes out into the sea than you will love this place. Great photo opps and watch the local fishermen catching squid and other sea critters on the dock.
Go enjoy some adventures on the high seas! Super fun whale watches daily and right next door to Blue Collar Lobster when you get done whale watching!
19 locals recommend
7 Seas Whale Watch
63 Seas Wharf
19 locals recommend
Go enjoy some adventures on the high seas! Super fun whale watches daily and right next door to Blue Collar Lobster when you get done whale watching!
This beach in Manchester, my hometown, is famous for it's white sand that squeaks, or sings, when you walk on it. From October 15-May 1 it becomes a dog beach so if you have a dog back at home and need a dog fix, go here to watch dog parties to your hearts content!
42 locals recommend
Singing Beach
Beach St
42 locals recommend
This beach in Manchester, my hometown, is famous for it's white sand that squeaks, or sings, when you walk on it. From October 15-May 1 it becomes a dog beach so if you have a dog back at home and need a dog fix, go here to watch dog parties to your hearts content!
If you feel like making the drive to Salem, you won't be disappointed but if it's October you may get stuck in traffic! Witch museums, marine museums, a ton of great restaurants and shopping. One of my favorite towns on the North Shore!
120 locals recommend
Salem Witch Museum
19 1/2 N Washington Square
120 locals recommend
If you feel like making the drive to Salem, you won't be disappointed but if it's October you may get stuck in traffic! Witch museums, marine museums, a ton of great restaurants and shopping. One of my favorite towns on the North Shore!
Amazing large seaside park in Gloucester with dog parks, swimming area, rock climbing, historic trails, tennis and bocci ball courts, a dog beach, public bathrooms in summer. Farmers market on Thursdays in summer months
45 locals recommend
Stage Fort Park and Beach
24 Hough Ave
45 locals recommend
Amazing large seaside park in Gloucester with dog parks, swimming area, rock climbing, historic trails, tennis and bocci ball courts, a dog beach, public bathrooms in summer. Farmers market on Thursdays in summer months
The Rockport Commuter MBTA line goes all the way to Boston's North Station or stop at some of my favorite towns to check out Gloucester, Manchester by the Sea, Beverly, Salem. All of my favorite fun towns on the north Shore of Boston
13 locals recommend
Rockport Train Station
13 locals recommend
The Rockport Commuter MBTA line goes all the way to Boston's North Station or stop at some of my favorite towns to check out Gloucester, Manchester by the Sea, Beverly, Salem. All of my favorite fun towns on the north Shore of Boston
Rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards during summer. Closed in winter. A few steps from our condo on Tuna Wharf.
19 locals recommend
North Shore Kayak Outdoor Center
9 Tuna Wharf
19 locals recommend
Rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards during summer. Closed in winter. A few steps from our condo on Tuna Wharf.
I LOVE this park. It overlooks the ocean in Salem Channel. It always has tons of picnics and parties going on within the park. Surrounding the park along the edges are a ton of amazing yummy restaurants that specialize in the best popcorn ever (arcade), pizza by the slice, Chinese Food, arcades and seafood restaurants. If you are exploring Salem, leave some time to check out this park!
10 locals recommend
Salem Willows Park
165 Fort Avenue
10 locals recommend
I LOVE this park. It overlooks the ocean in Salem Channel. It always has tons of picnics and parties going on within the park. Surrounding the park along the edges are a ton of amazing yummy restaurants that specialize in the best popcorn ever (arcade), pizza by the slice, Chinese Food, arcades and seafood restaurants. If you are exploring Salem, leave some time to check out this park!
Walk out the kitchen door and sit down in the chairs and you'll see Motif 1. It's the ideal photography place for small town New England harbor pictures. I'm not sure why it is so popular not having grown up here but everyone knows this old red fishing shack so grab some photos of it while you're here!
34 locals recommend
Motif #1
Bradley Wharf
34 locals recommend
Walk out the kitchen door and sit down in the chairs and you'll see Motif 1. It's the ideal photography place for small town New England harbor pictures. I'm not sure why it is so popular not having grown up here but everyone knows this old red fishing shack so grab some photos of it while you're here!
famous monument for Gloucester fishermen lost at sea
29 locals recommend
Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Memorial
107 Western Ave
29 locals recommend
famous monument for Gloucester fishermen lost at sea
69 locals recommend
Cape Ann Museum
27 Pleasant St
69 locals recommend
Really great art museum in downtown Salem
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St
207 locals recommend
Really great art museum in downtown Salem
Good shopping, restaurants, museums and scenery!
Downtown Salem District
Good shopping, restaurants, museums and scenery!

shopping

Cute and original and artsy clothing and accessories. I always find something fun and unique here for shopping
Pop Gallery
67 Main St
Cute and original and artsy clothing and accessories. I always find something fun and unique here for shopping
All the art in this shop are fish rubbings. I think they are beautiful and unique. What a great place to pick up a souvenir from your trip to Rockport. Right in Tuna Wharf a few steps from our condo!
Joe's Fresh Fish Prints
88 Wharf St
All the art in this shop are fish rubbings. I think they are beautiful and unique. What a great place to pick up a souvenir from your trip to Rockport. Right in Tuna Wharf a few steps from our condo!
Wine from summer through around Christmas, cheese, gourmet snacks and chocolate! Yummy. Great place to get supplies for a picnic or cocktail party!
8 locals recommend
The Cave
44 Main St
8 locals recommend
Wine from summer through around Christmas, cheese, gourmet snacks and chocolate! Yummy. Great place to get supplies for a picnic or cocktail party!
Pharmacy in Gloucester if you need stuff
11 locals recommend
CVS
6 Thatcher Rd
11 locals recommend
Pharmacy in Gloucester if you need stuff
Rockport has no liquor stores so if you want some wine, beer or whatever stop in Gloucester for your booze before you get to Rockport.
8 locals recommend
Liquor Locker
287 Main St
8 locals recommend
Rockport has no liquor stores so if you want some wine, beer or whatever stop in Gloucester for your booze before you get to Rockport.
Cabot Street
Cabot Street
Shopping, restaurants, art galleries, boat rides, national marine park to tour old timey sail boats, public restrooms, so fun in this area!
33 locals recommend
Pickering Wharf Marina
23 Congress St
33 locals recommend
Shopping, restaurants, art galleries, boat rides, national marine park to tour old timey sail boats, public restrooms, so fun in this area!
My favorite women's clothing store in Salem. Right near Pickering Wharf and the Wine and cheese shop on Lafayette. Retro womens' dresses in fun prints. Sort of 50s styles.
11 locals recommend
Modern Millie
3 Central St
11 locals recommend
My favorite women's clothing store in Salem. Right near Pickering Wharf and the Wine and cheese shop on Lafayette. Retro womens' dresses in fun prints. Sort of 50s styles.
Cute French inspired linens and kitchen things.
La Provence
4 Main St
Cute French inspired linens and kitchen things.
All the buildings that share this address have great shopping, art, fudge! The fudgery is right next door to our condo!
6 Tuna Wharf
6 Tuna Wharf
All the buildings that share this address have great shopping, art, fudge! The fudgery is right next door to our condo!

performances

Live music, plays and events a few blocks from Tuna Wharf
77 locals recommend
Rockport Music-Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main St
77 locals recommend
Live music, plays and events a few blocks from Tuna Wharf
Totally cool and hip movie theater and venue for live music, plays and more. Old timey theater all fixed up for today and you can buy wine, beer and yummy snacks to enjoy with your performance. About 30 or 35 minute drive from Rockport. You can also get to Beverly on the commuter train that goes from Rockport to Boston if you don't want to drive but want to explore the North Shore.
23 locals recommend
Cabot Street Cinema Theatre
286 Cabot St
23 locals recommend
Totally cool and hip movie theater and venue for live music, plays and more. Old timey theater all fixed up for today and you can buy wine, beer and yummy snacks to enjoy with your performance. About 30 or 35 minute drive from Rockport. You can also get to Beverly on the commuter train that goes from Rockport to Boston if you don't want to drive but want to explore the North Shore.

Neighborhoods

This artist colony overlooking the working harbor of Gloucester is fun and beautiful to stroll through. During the winter there's not much open but it's still worth the visit because it's so charming.
Rocky Neck, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
This artist colony overlooking the working harbor of Gloucester is fun and beautiful to stroll through. During the winter there's not much open but it's still worth the visit because it's so charming.