ARRIVING
From Boston, the quickest route is I-93 (or Route 1, if it’s not rush hour) to Route 128, which ends at Gloucester. From Salem, a slower but prettier approach is Route 1A across the bridge at Beverly to Route 127, which runs through Manchester to Gloucester. Rockport is north of Gloucester along Route 127 or 127A—127 is shorter but more commercial. To take 127A, continue on 128 to the sign for East Gloucester and turn left.
The commuter rail (tel. 800/392-6100 or 617/222-3200) runs from Boston’s North Station. The trip takes about 1 hour to Gloucester, 60 to 70 minutes to Rockport. The round-trip fare is $21 to Gloucester, $23 to Rockport.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Gloucester’s Visitors Welcoming Center (tel. 800/649-6839 or 978/281-8865) is at Stage Fort Park, off Route 127 at Route 133. It’s open in summer daily from 9am to 5pm. The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, in Gloucester at 33 Commercial St. (tel. 800/321-0133 or 978/283-1601), is open year-round (summer Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm; winter Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). The Rockport Chamber of Commerce, 170 Main St. (tel. 978/546-9372) operates an information booth on Upper Main Street (Route 127) daily from July 1 through Labor Day and on weekends from mid-May to June and early September through mid-October. It’s about a mile from the town line and a mile from downtown—look for the WELCOME TO ROCKPORT sign.
The North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel. 978/465-6555) also provides abundant visitor information on Cape Ann.
GETTING AROUND
The Cape Ann Transportation Authority (tel. 978/283-7916) runs buses from town to town on Cape Ann and operates special summer routes (except Sunday).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
