Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts is a great dog friendly place to spend the day, with trails, dog park, and two small beaches. Trails range from easy to difficult, with scenic strolls along the shoreline to large boulders to climb with breathtaking views of the harbor. Half Moon Beach is a small sandy beach, while Cressy’s Beach is more rocky. Please note that dogs are only allowed on the beaches during the off-season. However, during the summer there is plenty to do here for pups, without playing on the beaches.
On the day we visited we couldn’t resist exploring the the large boulders with views of Gloucester Harbor and area landmarks. The climb may be difficult for some dogs, but there are also stairs between the boulders which makes it easier in places. Named for the fish drying stages used by the settlers in 1623 and later fortifications protecting the harbor, there are historic markers throughout Stage Fort Park. Also there are plenty of picnic areas and benches making this a perfect place to spend the day with your dog. Our only complaint was the amount of broken glass in the area of the boulders. There is also a dog park located near the entrance with an agility course, but we didn’t explore that area during our visit.
Dogs are allowed on-leash all day at Stage Fort Park. Dogs are allowed on-leash on Half Moon and Cressy’s Beaches October 1 through April 30. No dogs allowed on beaches from May through September. This popular park has a large parking lot with fees charged from May through September. During the summer public restrooms are available in the visitor’s center. There are also water fountains and shower / foot washing stations perfect for cleaning sandy paws after a fun day exploring the park.
To plan your visit, including directions, current weather, photos and more, please visit our Stage Fort Park page. For additional recommendations for scenic walks, beaches and hiking trails in the area, including Dogtown Woods and Ravenswood Park, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.
