Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 109 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport worth booking?
Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport is a 2-hour experience in Gloucester, United States, from $17 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 109 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (109)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $17 per person
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Discover the natural beauty of New England’s most picturesque coastline with this narrated driving tour. Hear the tragic tale of the Pe
What you get
About this experience
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Discover the natural beauty of New England’s most picturesque coastline with this narrated driving tour. Hear the tragic tale of the Perfect Storm and how that fateful day still reverberates along this coast. Cruise past perfect beaches, explore the history of quaint fishing towns, visit iconic lighthouses, and learn why the locals find the call of the sea so impossible to resist. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
What you'll see and do
Our Cape Ann excursion begins at the Gloucester Visitor Information Center. We'll get our view breathtaking views of the waterfront from this point. Note: The tour is over 23.5 miles long, with more than 43 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
10 minutes here
Instead of setting off on our drive right away, we'll first check out the most striking feature of the scenery: the massive Tablet Rock. In 1907, the plaque the rock was unveiled to Commemorate the first settlers in this area.
5 minutes here
We can also choose to walk around this area before our driving, admiring the amazing views of the park, the ocean, and the city.
5 minutes here
Our drive along Cape Ann's scenic harbor begins once we cross the canal. First, we'll admire Cape Ann's most famous momument: the Fisherman's Memorial. As we continue, we'll learn about the significance of fishing in Cape Ann's past — and the famous movie about it, "The Perfect Storm".
5 minutes here
Here we can choose to pause again to explore Cape Ann's Harborwalk. Along the path are 41 granite slabs containing pieces of the town’s long, odd, sometimes sad history. These “story moments,” as they are called, were put together by teams of volunteers eager to show the world what Gloucester is made of. Taken together, they form a mosaic of this strange, beautiful place.
5 minutes here
Cape Ann and Glouchester’s whale watching industry guarantees whale sightings with every voyage. Their boats often take passengers to a marine wildlife preserve that’s been called one of the top five whale-watching destinations in the entire world!
5 minutes here
Niles Beach
As we drive along scenic Cape Ann's waterfront, we'll discover beaches both big and small. We can choose to stop at one, some, or all, as we learn more about what's unique about each one.
5 minutes here
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Beauport, also known as Sleeper–McCann House, Little Beauport, or Henry Davis Sleeper House, is a beautiful historic home tucked away on the Cape Ann waterfront. As we drive, we'll dive back into Cape Ann's history.
5 minutes here
Eastern Point Lighthouse
During the early 1800s, maritime trade in Gloucester was booming. Ships traveling between these ports and China or India were turning enormous profits, and captains started to become especially anxious at the prospect of losing their extremely valuable cargo in a shipwreck. Enter: lighthouses!
5 minutes here
Thacher's Island
Thacher Island is a small island off Cape Ann on the Massachusetts coast in the United States. It is a part of the Town of Rockport. It was a place where some naval confrontations, both minor and major, took place, which helped secure a victory for the colonists.
5 minutes here
Annisquam Harbor Light Station is a historic lighthouse on Wigwam Point. As we approach, we'll learn more about shipwrecks, shipping, fishing, and maritime trade.
5 minutes here
Our brings us to "the most painted building in America"!
5 minutes here
Bearskin Neck
This land was once home to a large number of bears, but don’t worry! They’re long gone now. According to legend, one such bear was caught by the tide and killed in 1700, which is how this place got its name.
5 minutes here
Rockport
Our scenic drive along Cape Ann now leaves Gloucester and brings us into Rockport. We'll learn more about Rockport and the region as we drive.
5 minutes here
Granite Pier is one of the Rockport’s oldest piers. As you might have guessed, this used to be where ships would be loaded with granite for transport. As we explore the pier and nearby beaches, we'll get a better understanding of the Cape Ann of days past, and that of the present. Our drive then continues along Halibut Point and Harvey Reservation.
5 minutes here
Halibut Point State Park
Halibut Point State Park and Halibut Point Reservation are adjacent parcels of conserved, oceanside land located on Cape Ann in the town of Rockport, Massachusetts.
Pass by without stopping
Front Beach
Front Beach is a beautiful sandy beach on Sandy Bay in Rockport. From warm summer days to bright winter mornings, this beach is enjoyed by visitors
Pass by without stopping
Located on Washington Street in the northern section of the City, this small, quiet beach has been enjoyed by families in Lanesville for many years. It is a great place to bring small children due to the small confines of the beach. Parking is limited and restricted to vehicles with a current City of Gloucester beach sticker.
5 minutes here
Harvey Reservation is one of the best spots on Cape Ann to sit and watch the sunset. This small reservation offers a short trail, a granite bench, and a terrific spot for a seaside picnic.
Pass by without stopping
Our scenic drive along Cape Ann has finally looped back to Stop 1! We're nearly back at the Gloucester Visitor Information Center.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Gloucester
Begin from Gloucester Visitor Center at Stage Fort Park, 24 Hough Ave. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Begin from Gloucester Visitor Center at Stage Fort Park, 24 Hough Ave. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Stories with Action
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 108 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
108 verified traveler reviews for Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was good, although...
It was good, although once the display stopped for some reason. I then played with my phone and I got it to continue.
Response from the operator: Jay, thank you for taking my Cape Ann GPS driving tour in Gloucester and Rockport. I’m glad you enjoyed the tour, though I’m sorry the display stopped briefly and you had to adjust your phone to continue. At the moment, full map/navigation does not work through Apple CarPlay, but audio playback does work through the car stereo and Apple CarPlay, and full navigation integration has already been requested from Apple and is awaiting approval. If you want more, check out my Self-Guided Tours Bundle—including the Freedom Trail, Salem, and Plymouth. Happy exploring!
via Viator
TripAdvisor First Time User
The Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport was wonderful. Experienced a few routes I had never taken before. New vista experience was so much fun. The adventure was very rewarding and the commentary was interesting and was set at a great pace. The only suggestion I have is to stress, downloading both apps before you travel and be sure to engage with internet access before you drive to your start point. Attempted the tour a few days before and was unsuccessful. Lessons learned.
Response from the operator: Michele, thank you for taking my Cape Ann tour. What can I do to earn five stars next time? Also, you mention two apps — did TripAdvisor ask you to download their app before downloading mine? If you can tell me when/where they said this, I will change my instructions to clarify what to do at that step. Regardless, I’m so glad you enjoyed the new routes, views, commentary, and pace of the adventure. If you're interested in more Massachusetts tours, check out my tours of Boston’s Freedom Trail, Salem, Plymouth, and more!
via Tripadvisor
Great adventure!
This was a great way to see the Cape Ann area. The ladies at the “Glosta” Visitors Center were also very helpful. I liked the way the tour told us to drive past certain signs to see hidden gems.
Response from the operator: Tammy, I’m glad you enjoyed my Cape Ann GPS Driving Tour and that it helped you discover Cape Ann's beauty, with helpful staff at the “Glosta” Visitors Center enhancing your experience. I’m happy you appreciated the hidden gems and the tips for uncovering spots you might miss. If you want more, check out my Self-Guided Tours Bundle—including the Freedom Trail, Salem, and Plymouth. Happy exploring!
via Viator
A relaxing coastal drive with surprising hidden gems
My wife and I did this self-driving audio tour while visiting Cape Ann, and it was one of the best parts of our trip. The narration was engaging, easy to follow, and felt like having a local guide along for the ride. We loved being able to explore Gloucester and Rockport at our own pace, stopping whenever we wanted to enjoy the coastal views and take photos. The stories added just the right amount of history and local insight, making the experience much more meaningful. If you're looking for a relaxing and scenic way to discover Cape Ann, this tour is absolutely worth it.
Response from the operator: James, I’m glad you and your wife enjoyed my Cape Ann GPS Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport. It’s great the narration felt like having a local guide and helped bring the area’s history to life. I’m happy you explored at your own pace, stopped for photos, and enjoyed the scenery. If you're interested in more Massachusetts tours, check out my Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tours Bundle, including the Freedom Trail, Salem, Plymouth, and more!
via Tripadvisor
Lovely sites and shops
The whale watching tour we had booked was canceled due to "heavy fog and high seas." Tripadvisor/Viator refunded our money, no problem, but we had spent the night in Rockport and still were looking to get something out of the trip. Rockport is very cute -- filled with artisan shops selling original paintings, prints, ceramics, glassware and jewelry, which was much more interesting than tourist shops filled with dreck made in China. We followed the tour around the island, and it was fun, interesting and beautiful, with the azaleas, rhododendrons and other spring trees in full bloom. One of the lighthouses was no longer open to the public, which was disappointing. The only other downside I would note was that my sister uses a walker and has pretty serious mobility issues, and most of the shops, the cobblestone streets and tour sites were not handicapped friendly, much less truly accessible.
Response from the operator: Jane, I’m glad you enjoyed the Rockport GPS Audio Tour and made the most of your trip despite the whale-watching cancellation. It’s great you explored the town, found local shops, and saw spring blooms. I appreciate your feedback on lighthouse access and accessibility challenges. Many parts of Rockport are historic, with streets, shops, and sites that can be difficult for visitors with mobility issues. If you want to explore more of Massachusetts, consider my Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tours Bundle, which includes the Freedom Trail, Salem, Plymouth, and more!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 38
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Gloucester.
How much does Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport cost?
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Prices start at $17 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Gloucester usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Gloucester is not rushed.
Is Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 109 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Gloucester, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport?
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Around 38 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Gloucester can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Gloucester and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cape Ann Self-Guided Driving Tour in Gloucester and Rockport start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Gloucester within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Gloucester?
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Gloucester, MA packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Gloucester by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Gloucester experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings!, Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester, Haunted Harborwalk - Ghost Tour of Historic Downtown Gloucester. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Gloucester?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Gloucester, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Gloucester?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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