If you’re looking for a stunning destination in Massachusetts, you’ll definitely find it at Half Moon Beach. Located in Gloucester, this tiny beach looks like something out of the tropics. If you’re looking for a beach with clear water in Massachusetts, this is the place to go. Many people believe it is the most gorgeous waterfront destination in the state! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting one of the prettiest seaside spots around.

Tripadvisor/Stephen M.
Half Moon Beach in Gloucester is a small, tucked-away beach in the middle of a historic park. It’s unique crescent shape, rocky cliffs, and stunningly blue water make it one of the most distinctive-looking beaches in the state.
Flickr/John Hoey
You can reach this hidden tropical beach via a set of stairs leading down from the main area of Half Moon Park. The steps are stone and can be slippery on a wet day, so take your time. Once you reach the sand, you’ll be stunned by the scene in front of you.

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Google/iuri lupu
Half Moon Beach has some of the clearest water in Massachusetts. The shallow area sparkles in the sun and looks like something from a Caribbean travel brochure. Kids can splash in the waves, which aren’t usually very big at all, and adults can enjoy the gorgeous setting. Though this place looks like the tropics, swimmers should be aware that the deeper water can be quite chilly early and late in the summer season.
Google/Dmitri Simonyen
If you want a break from the water, head back up the stairs to the grassy overlook area and relax in the sunshine. Though the beach itself is pretty small, the surrounding park is huge and there’s plenty of room for everyone to unpack, spread out, and enjoy themselves. The rocks surrounding the beach are also great places to sit and watch the waves roll in.
Tripadvisor/Marcia T.
There are bathrooms available and plenty of picnicking spots to choose from. If you visit Half Moon Beach during the summer season, you’ll find lifeguards on duty.

 

You can find Half Moon Beach off of Western Ave. in Gloucester, Mass. Parking is $15 per vehicle on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays. To learn more about it, visit their website here. Click here to see Half Moon Beach on a map and to access driving directions. For more of the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts, check out some of our favorites here.

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Have you ever been to this beach with clear water in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments below!

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More to Explore

beach with clear water in Massachusetts

Jackie Ann | April 09, 2020

Are there any other beautiful beaches in Massachusetts?

The Bay State is peppered with beautiful beaches, and that’s just one of the many reasons to enjoy Massachusetts. If you’re on the eastern side of the state, Cape Cod is a must-visit for beach-goers. This little sliver of land has several public beaches along the way. You'll also find many hotels and houses to rent right on the water. For mountain backdrops, you’ll want to head further west, where you’ll find North Pond, a beautiful little pond with a beach nestled within the Savoy Mountain State Forest.

What lakes have the clearest water in Massachusetts?

There’s nothing more soothing than swimming in crystal clear waters. For some of the clearest water in Massachusetts, you’ll want to visit Hathaway’s Pond in Barnstable. Not only does this lovely little pond have beautiful water, but also a stretch of beach to sink your toes into as well as lifeguards on duty. Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester is another gorgeous beach with plenty of shallow areas, rocks to perch on, and delightfully blue waters. Believe us, you won't want to skip over this place.

What else is considered to be the most beautiful lake in Massachusetts?

There are so many beautiful lakes in Massachusetts, it’s hard to choose the most beautiful. Lake Mansfield in Great Barrington is certainly at the top of the list. This beautiful lake is very popular during the summer months, and it’s easy to see why. Ample parking, plenty of beach to sprawl out on, a lovely little grassy lawn and lifeguards on duty. What more could you ask for?

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