It’s no secret that Cape Cod has been one of the most popular summer destinations in New England for quite some time. Known for its natural beauty and over 500 miles of shoreline, it’s easy to understand why people flock there from all over to experience its white sand beaches and laid back vibes. But, with all its popularity comes lots of crowds and traffic which can put a damper on your vacation.
Over the years, I’ve visited Cape Cod many times and while it certainly has its beautiful parts, I’m not quite sure it’s worth all the effort. You see, living on the North Shore of Massachusetts, we have our own “Cape” — Cape Ann.
Cape Ann — also known as “The Other Cape” offers much of the same appeal of Cape Cod. It has gorgeous landscapes, beautiful beaches, charming towns, historic sites, lighthouses and lots of outdoor activities — but with a lot less hassle. It’s also a more affordable vacation spot compared to staying on Cape Cod.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Cape Cod has attracted many high profile celebrities, politicians and tourists from all over the world for over a century for a reason. It’s just that this little region, known as Cape Ann, is one of the North Shore’s best kept secrets! It also may be the perfect spot for your next vacation.
About Cape Cod and Cape Ann
Cape Cod and Cape Ann are both notable coastal regions in Massachusetts. While there are many similarities between the 2 Capes, there are certainly some significant differences. Let’s see which one may be best for you!
Cape Cod
Cape Cod, or the “Cape” as locals call it, is that hook-shaped peninsula, located on the southeastern tip of Massachusetts about 70 miles south of Boston.
The Cape is made up of 15 towns broken up into 4 regions:
- Upper Cape (Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, Mashpee)
- Mid-Cape (Barnstable, Yarmouth Dennis)
- Lower Cape (Brewster, Harwich, Orleans, Chatham)
- Outer Cape (Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown).
Each of these regions have a distinct vibe ranging from commercialized and residential to quaint and quintessential. Provincetown is in a class all of its own with its vibrant, artistic and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere.
Cape Ann
Cape Ann is situated on the rocky coast of Massachusetts, just 30 miles north of Boston.
Cape Ann is made up of 5 towns:
- Gloucester
- Rockport
- Ipswich
- Essex
- Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Each of these towns offer its own unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
Gloucester
Recognized as America’s Oldest Seaport, Gloucester is famous for its historic fishing industry, white-sand beaches and picturesque causeway with its iconic Fishermen’s Memorial. This small city is the centerpiece of Cape Ann with a bustling harbor, stunning coastal landscapes and a vibrant culture scene.
Rockport
This charming little seaside village offers a unique mix of scenic landscapes and cultural flair. The town’s highlight is its iconic red fishing shack, Motif # 1, one of the most-painted buildings in the country. Stroll along Bearskin Neck, Rockport’s historic Main Street and Cultural District, to discover a variety of local shops, art galleries and eateries. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Rockport Harbor.
Ipswich
The rural town of Ipswich is one of the best-preserved puritan towns in the country with the largest concentration of “First Period” houses (built between 1625-1725). It is also home to one of the last surviving American estates from the Gilded Age. The Crane Estate is one of Cape Ann’s crown jewels and includes three unique properties; the magnificent Castle Hill mansion, Crane Beach and the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Ipswich’s diverse landscape features pristine beaches, expansive salt marshes, farmland and forested areas.
Essex
The small historic town of Essex is known for its shipbuilding legacy and abundance of antique shops. It’s walkable Main Street is lined with popular seafood restaurants, including the famed Woodman’s of Essex, who is credited with inventing the fried clam. With over thirty antique shops clustered within a mile of each other, Essex is often referred to as America’s Antique Capital. As you walk along this causeway, you’ll enjoy the scenic views of the Essex River and surrounding marshlands.
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Manchester-by-the-Sea is a favorite spot for people looking for a peaceful, quintessential New England coastal experience. This upscale coastal town is characterized by its unique “Singing” beach and picturesque harbors. The town’s quaint downtown area is lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and historic buildings, offering a nice blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Why visit Cape Ann instead of Cape Cod?
Cape Ann is a great alternative to Cape Cod if you are looking for an affordable getaway with less traffic and fewer crowds. While these two regions are both beautiful coastal communities in Massachusetts, they do have some considerable differences.
KEEP ON READING to find out why you should add Cape Ann to your bucket list for your next vacation getaway.
1. Getting to Cape Ann is SO much easier
For anyone who has visited Cape Cod in the summer, you know that getting there can be challenging – especially during weekends and rush hour.
The only way to get to Cape Cod is by going over one of the two bridges that span the Cape Cod Bay – either the Sagamore Bridge or Bourne Bridge. Once summer hits and the tourists begin to make their way down to Cape Cod, these bridges quickly get backed up with bumper-to-bumper traffic stretching for miles.
Getting to the beginning of Cape Cod from Boston takes about 1.5 hours, without traffic. This time will be significantly longer if you are traveling to one of the other Cape regions.
Cape Ann is easily accessible from Boston as well as other areas. From Boston, it typically takes 1 hour or less to get on Cape Ann. Most of Cape Ann is also accessible by the MBTA Commuter Rail, making a day trip to some Cape Ann towns possible.
2. Exploring Cape Ann Takes Less Time
The most notable difference between Cape Cod and Cape Ann is size. Cape Cod is significantly larger than Cape Ann, with an area of approximately 339 square miles compared to Cape Ann’s 58 square miles. That makes Cape Cod almost 6 times bigger than Cape Ann!
As the saying goes “Less is More”… When it comes to exploring these two regions, I think “Smaller is Better”.
The towns on Cape Cod are spread out over 70 miles, making it time consuming to travel between regions – especially with traffic. Depending on where you stay and what you plan to do, you may find yourself doing quite a bit of driving.
Cape Ann is much smaller and compact so you won’t need to go far to experience all it has to offer – including its gorgeous beaches, extensive cultural scene, historical sites and attractions. Everything is just a short drive away, saving your precious vacation time.
3. Cape Ann Has Award Winning Beaches too!
Cape Cod is famous for their white sand beaches and there is certainly no shortage of them. There is over 500 miles of coastline and more than 100 beaches.
While Cape Cod may have the highest concentration of beaches in Massachusetts, the surrounding waters are also one of the world’s most active seasonal Shark hotspots! Great white shark sightings are common at some of the most popular beaches, especially along the National Seashore. While attacks may be rare, the thought of sharing the water with these seal predators is a little scary!
Cape Ann is also home to some of New England’s most popular beaches and several have won their own accolades over the years. Most recently, Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach ranked #15 in Travel and Leisure’s “25 best beaches in the United States” (2023). In 2022, Crane Beach topped the travelinglifestyle.net “11 Beaches to Visit on the Coast of Massachusetts” which also mentioned Good Harbor, Wingaersheek and Singing Beach.
Good Harbor Beach (Gloucester) is a popular family-friendly beach with soft white sand and picturesque views of the Twin Lighthouses on Thacher Island and a big beautiful house on the rocky cliff. At low tide you can take a stroll over to Salt Island.
Wingaersheek Beach (Gloucester) is another beautiful soft white sand beach that has calm water and huge rock clusters scattered along the beach which are perfect to explore. During low tide, the water recedes about a half mile, allowing you to walk out to the sandbars and climb the rocks.
Crane Beach (Ipswich) is one of Cape Ann’s most spectacular beaches with over four miles of coastline. Beyond the beach, you can explore over five miles of hiking trails that wind through the coastal dunes adjacent to the beach which is accessible year round.
Singing Beach (Manchester-by-the-Sea) has a secluded feel with a unique surprise. This beach gets its name from its soft golden colored sand which “sings” when you walk on it. This phenomenon happens at only a few locations around the world.
Check out my Ultimate Guide to Beaches North of Boston for more information on these beautiful beaches.
4. You’ll Find The Freshest Seafood on Cape Ann
Gloucester is renowned for its fresh seafood, which is the fabric of its economy and culture. The city’s fishing industry dates back to the early 1600s and continues today with local fisherman heading out at the crack of dawn to haul in a fresh catch.
Many local restaurants in Gloucester source their seafood directly from the fishermen or from the local fish markets. This short supply chain ensures that the seafood is incredibly fresh, often going from the boat to the table within a day or two.
5. You Can Explore a Medieval Castle on Cape Ann!
Tucked away in the Magnolia area of Gloucester is a true hidden gem – the Hammond Castle and Museum!
When you visit this medieval-style castle situated on the edge of a steep bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you will step back in time. The castle dates back to the 1920’s and was built by John Hays Hammond, Jr., a renowned inventor, who lived there with his wife. The castle is believed to be haunted by Mr. Hammond himself, who passed away in 1965.
Hammond built the castle with intricately designed rooms, secret passageways and many unique features including a drawbridge, bell tower and dungeon. Today, the castle serves as a museum to showcase Hammond’s impressive collection of artifacts and is an elegant event venue.
6. Cape Ann Has a Thriving Art and Culture Scene
Cape Ann is well-known for its thriving art and culture scene and has inspired artists for centuries with its dramatic coastline, quaint fishing villages, and picturesque landscapes. This artistic tradition is prominently showcased in the region’s galleries, museums, and cultural events.
The Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester features exhibits on the region’s maritime and fishing history, indigenous heritage, and displays an impressive collection of works by notable American artists like Fitz Henry Lane and Winslow Homer.
The Rocky Neck Art Colony is one of the oldest artist colonies in the United States serving as a haven for artists, writers, and creatives for well over a century.
The Cape Ann Art Haven hosts an annual Plein Air outdoor painting festival where top artists from around the country are invited to Cape Ann to paint works inspired by Cape Ann’s stunning scenery.
The region also has a lively performing arts scene. Venues like the Gloucester Stage Company, Rockport Music’s Shalin Liu Performance Center, and Windhover Performing Arts Center, host a variety of theatrical productions, concerts, and cultural performances.
7. There are Boat Tours Galore on Cape Ann
You don’t have to go far if you want to get out on the water to explore Cape Ann’s stunning rocky coast! Just head over to the Harbor Loop in Gloucester or Tuna Wharf in Rockport and you’ll have all sorts of options to choose from for your ocean excursion.
One of the most popular activities on Cape Ann is whale watching. What’s great about the whale watching tours out of Gloucester is they have access to two major whale feeding areas, Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge, increasing your chance to see these magnificent giant mammals in the open waters. Recent sightings in 2024 have included the rare Blue Whale, the largest animal to have ever existed.
Take a step back in time and set sail out of Gloucester Harbor aboard one of the historic schooners or book a sunset or dinner cruise to tour the harbor and lighthouses. You can even experience the thrill of being a fisherman with a deep-sea fishing trip or check out the Great Marsh on an Essex River Cruise.
If you prefer to paddle on your own, rent a kayak at Northshore Adventure or a Stand-up-Paddle board at Cape Ann SUP to explore the waters. Want some over the top fun – try the new Friki Tiki party cruise.
Discover Gloucester is a wonderful resource for all things Gloucester and has curated a great list of the excursions available on Cape Ann to help you choose the perfect ocean excursion.
8. Something is Always Happening on Cape Ann
Most people don’t associate Cape Cod with a lively nightlife scene and for the most part, once the sun goes down, it gets pretty quiet.
When you visit Cape Ann, you’ll never get bored! There’s always something happening, no matter what the season or the weather.
Throughout the summer, outdoor music concerts and other events are held all around the region. You will likely find something fun going on every day!
With the autumn leaves, fall is bustling with activities at the local farms. You’ll find plenty of pumpkins, hayrides and apple cider donuts to go around.
The holidays are celebrated with a calendar filled with festive events, including parades, tree lightings and holiday markets.
Gloucester also has some great live music entertainment. Its brand new entertainment venue, The Cut, in the heart of the city, hosts various shows and events. Other popular spots to catch live music are at The Mile Marker One at the Cape Ann Marina and Minglewood Harborside.
9. Cape Ann is a Celebrity
Cape Ann’s New England charm, rugged coastline, and historical landmarks have been attracting filmmakers for generations. Over the years, the region has been the backdrop to dozens of movies, from award winning films like “CODA” (2021) and “Manchester-by-the-Sea” (2016) to other blockbuster hits, including “Perfect Storm” (2000), the Equalizer (2014), Grownups (2010) and The “Crucible” (1998), to name just a few.
Cape Ann is also the home to the National Geographic hit TV series “Wicked Tuna”, which is based out of the Cape Ann Marina. The show follows real-life blue fin tuna fishing captains and their crews who share their experiences of the commercial fishing industry. Wicked Tuna boats are docked around the harbor and at the Cape Ann Marina so you just may bump into one of the show’s fishermen in and around Gloucester.
10. The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway Runs Through Cape Ann
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American philosopher, once said – “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” and I totally agree. It’s always better if you get to enjoy the path you take to your destination. Luckily, Massachusetts has several historic roads that showcase its beauty and history along the way.
Cape Cod’s Route 6A, also known as Old King’s Highway, is a 34 mile road that travels through the towns of Sandwich to Brewster passing by historic sites, salt marshes and farmland. While it follows along the coast and passes through several towns, the coastal views you’ll see on this route while driving are a bit limited without taking a detour.
The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway on the North Shore is a 90-mile route that runs through 14 coastal communities from Lynn to Salisbury – but the most scenic parts are along Cape Ann.
The byway passes through all five Cape Ann communities, showcasing diverse landscapes and historic sites. You’ll see historic seaports, rocky coastlines, farmland, and New England’s largest salt marsh, the Great Marsh.
11. Cape Ann is an All-Season Destination
It’s well known that when summer draws to an end, things down on Cape Cod tend to get pretty quiet. By the beginning of October, you’ll find that some shops and restaurants start reducing hours or even shutting down for a few months until the tourist crowds return the next year.
While summer is a popular time on Cape Ann as well, the region embraces each season, offering plenty of activities throughout the year.
Fall on Cape Ann is particularly beautiful with the changing autumn leaves and is an ideal time for scenic hikes and seaside walks. Throughout the region, the coastal towns come alive with harvest fairs, artisan markets, and other festivities of the autumn season.
Ipswich is home to several notable farms – each offering a unique experience with farmers’ markets, freshly baked breads and produce.
Appleton Farms is the oldest operating agricultural and dairy farm in the country. This historic 1000-acre working farm has over 10 miles of hiking, cross country-skiing and horse trails. Seasonal events are hosted year-round, including culinary workshops, maple festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations.
Russell Orchards offers pick your own apples and pumpkins, along with an award-winning wine and cider tasting room. Each October, Marini Farm transforms its corn fields into an interactive and educational maze that’s fun for the whole family to explore. Northern Lights Farm is an adorable farm which specializes in fresh, locally grown produce, honey and Armish made products.
During the holiday season, Cape Ann is filled with celebrations, tree lightings and festive markets and shows. Highlights include Rockport’s month-long calendar of holiday events, with Santa arriving by lobster boat and the lighting of Gloucester’s iconic Lobster Trap tree. Castle Hill and Hammond Castle host special events where you can see them all decked out with holiday spirit.
12. You’ll Find Great Shopping Around Cape Ann
If you love to browse in cute boutiques and discover local-made products, Cape Ann definitely has you covered. All of Cape Ann’s towns have walkable downtowns where you’ll find shopping of all sorts.
Gloucester’s Main Street and area surrounding the harbor is lined with unique stores filled with gifts, specialty products and crafts from local artisans. Rockport is a shopper’s paradise showcasing artwork, souvenirs and locally made products along with scenic views of its harbor. If antique stores are your thing, you’ll definitely want to head over to Essex and Ipswich to find some treasures. Lastly, Manchester-by-the-Sea’s small town center is filled with some interesting shops, including several consignment stores.
No matter what you are looking for, you’re sure to find it on Cape Ann.
Down on Cape Cod, only 5 out of the 15 towns have walkable downtown shopping and they are fairly spread out over the region, limiting your options unless you want to drive. You’ll find shoppable main streets in Falmouth (Upper Cape), Hyannis in Barnstable (Mid-Cape), Harwich Port and Chatham (Lower Cape) and Provincetown (Outer Cape). Shopping on the Cape also tends to be fairly expensive, especially in the upscale town of Chatham.
13. Cape Ann Has Some Really Good Neighbors
Cape Ann may be a lot smaller than Cape Cod but its neighboring towns are definitely worth checking out. Once you finish exploring Cape Ann, you may want to extend your stay to experience some of these charming towns.
Salem, known for its infamous witch trials of 1692, is just 16 miles from Gloucester. This historic town definitely offers more than just witches and sorcery. Salem has a rich maritime history with a mix of historical attractions and a world-class museum. Of course, Salem is the Witch Capital of the World so there are plenty of spooky shops and its Haunted Happenings event in October may just be the largest Halloween celebration in the world.
Plum Island, located in Newbury/Newburyport, is about 30 minutes from Ipswich. This coastal area is home to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for migratory birds and a popular spot for birdwatching. There are several trails and observation areas with stunning views of the Great Marsh and Atlantic Ocean.
Marblehead, is another affluent seaside town, about 20 miles from Gloucester, known for its early fishing industry and more recently as the Yachting Capital of the World. Stop at Marblehead Neck to see the iconic Marblehead Light or check out the old Fort Sewall to enjoy spectacular views of the ocean. Marblehead is a very walkable town, lined with Colonial-era homes, art galleries and boutique shops.
These towns are just a short drive from the Cape Ann region and are a great addition to your Cape Ann adventure.
How Many Days Do you Need to Visit Cape Ann
While you can certainly visit Cape Ann for a day or an afternoon, 2-3 days is the sweet spot where you’ll have enough time to explore where you get a taste of the region without feeling rushed. This timeframe will allow you to hang at the beach, get out on the water, and visit some historical sites and other attractions in the region. Of course, along the way, you’ll be able to sample some amazing seafood at these seaside towns.
If you plan to add some excursions or day trips to other nearby towns like Salem, Plum Island or Marblehead, add an extra day or two, depending on what you plan to do.
The Bottom Line – Which Cape is Best for You?
Cape Cod and Cape Ann are two great coastal regions of Massachusetts which offer similar attractions, including white sand beaches, lighthouses, historic sites and postcard-worthy landscapes. The main difference is Cape Cod is significantly bigger than Cape Ann and has a lot more beach options.
So how do you decide which “Cape” is best for you?
The best Cape region will depend on what you are looking for in a vacation destination.
Cape Cod is famous for its Cape Cod style houses, blooming hydrangeas and offers countless options for beautiful beaches – especially along the Cape Cod National Seaside. While there are lots of lighthouses, historic sites, boat tours and other attractions, I personally felt the attractions are a bit spread out across the region compared with Cape Ann’s compact footprint.
That said, if you are looking for a very low-key, beach-centric vacation and plan to spend your time in one area or have an extended stay, Cape Cod may be a good option for you. That is, as long as you don’t mind the thought of sharing the ocean with some sharks and are prepared to deal with the summer crowds and traffic.
Cape Ann may not have as many beaches as Cape Cod, but it does have several award-winning beaches that have been recognized for its stunning beauty, including one with singing sand!
One of the things I love about Cape Ann is there is always something fun going on, no matter what time of year. Cape Ann’s compact size also makes it much easier to explore since everything it has to offer is just a few miles away.
Cape Ann is a perfect destination if you want to experience beautiful beaches but also like to have plenty of options to explore on land or at sea. Whether it’s hitting the beach, exploring a nature trail, taking an ocean excursion or immersing yourself in the region’s thriving art, culture and entertainment scene, you’re sure to have an unforgettable stay in this little part of the country.
This historic region on the North Shore coast has earned itself some very significant titles…
- Gloucester is the Oldest Seaport in America with a storied maritime history. It also has the the oldest continually operating art colony in America.
- Rockport is home to Motif #1, the iconic red fishing shack considered to be the most painted building in the country.
- Ipswich has the most first period houses (built between1625 and 1725), the oldest continually operating farm and one of the last remaining gilded age mansions – Castle Hill.
- Essex has been referred to as America’s Antiquing Capital with its cluster of antique shops and is the birthplace of the Fried Clam.
- Manchester-by-the-Sea is one of only a few places around the world that has “Singing Sand”.
Now that is quite an impressive resume if you ask me! Come check out Cape Ann’s stunning rocky coast and all it has to offer – you are sure to love it!
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