The city of Gloucester has introduced new procedures that require non-residents to reserve beach parking passes online. Our home is located just outside of Good Harbor beach which fortunately is less than a half mile away, allowing mosts guests to comfortably walk to the beach. Please see below for the details of the new program provided by the city of Gloucester.
From the City of Gloucester
Starting May 18th, the City of Gloucester will be launching a new online parking reservation system for non-resident beachgoers. Visitors will now be required to reserve parking spots at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park. You may reserve a parking space up to 10 days in advance via the City of Gloucester’s Yodel website.
Cash will no longer be accepted at the gate, and reservations will be required for entrance to Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park. Reservations are non-refundable, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Lodgers had previously been eligible for a discounted parking rate through a Guest Voucher. The City is working to find ways to make the Guest Voucher work with the new reservation system. Please stay tuned for updates.
This new system will streamline and improve the beach-going experience for all visitors while improving traffic and overcrowding.
Gloucester Beach Parking FAQs
How do I reserve a parking space at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, or Stage Fort Park?
Non-residents are required to reserve a parking space on the City of Gloucester’s Yodel website for parking at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, or Stage Fort Park. You can book your parking space up to 10 days in advance.
Once on the Yodel website, you will be prompted to create an account or log in with Yodel. You will then select the date, category, automobile type, and beach for your visit from the listed options.
You will need to enter the following vehicle information:
- License Plate Number
- State
Then you will head to checkout and enter your payment information.
How will I know I have completed my reservation?
You will receive a confirmation email once your reservation is complete.
You can download the Yodel app on your phone and log into your Yodel account; this app will sync with your reservation and serve as a wallet.
Can I print my reservation to check in at the gate?
You can also print the confirmation email for your reservation to present at the beach parking gate for entry.
How will parking attendants check me in at the gate?
The parking attendants will scan either the printed reservation or QR code from the Yodel app for entry into the parking lot. Please be sure to have your reservation ready at the gate.
Can I pay cash at the gate?
Cash will no longer be accepted at the gate to pay for parking. Reservations will be required to enter the parking lot.
What if I arrive without a reservation? What is the day of policy?
Non-residents are required to have a reservation to enter the parking lot. You can check the Yodel website upon arrival and try to make a reservation if a parking space is available. If a parking space is not available, you will be turned away at the gate.
Cash will no longer be accepted at the gate to pay for parking.
Are reservations refundable?
Reservations are non-refundable, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly for weather or other circumstances.
What if I have a rental car or don’t know my license plate number?
You are required to complete the license plate field to finish your reservation. You can enter any characters to fill the field and return to your reservation later to correct the information once you confirm your license plate number.
If you do not update the license plate number, please be sure to download the Yodel app and present the reservation QR code at the gate to check-in.
Are parking spaces guaranteed for non-resident beachgoers?
Yes, parking spaces are guaranteed for non-residents with beach reservations.
Non-residents with reservations can arrive at any time between 8:00am and 5:00pm. They can also leave and return to the beach parking lot on the day of their reservation; this has been an existing policy.
What are the parking prices for Good Harbor, Wingaersheek, and Stage Fort Park?
Below are the parking rates for Stage Fort Park, Good Harbor Beach, and Wingaersheek Beach:
Stage Fort Park
Passenger car, SW, minivan, SUV $15.00 weekdays
$20.00 weekends, holidays
Motorcycle $5.00 each, weekdays
$10.00 weekends, holidays
Good Harbor Beach/Wingaersheek
Passenger car, SW, minivan, SUV
8:00am to 3:00pm $30.00 weekdays
$35.00 weekends, holidays
3:00pm to 5:00pm $20.00 weekdays
$25.00 weekends, holidays
Motorcycle $5.00 each, weekdays
$10.00 weekends, holidays
Is there a discounted rate for parking later in the day?
After 3:00pm there is a discounted parking rate for Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches. Please check the Yodel website after 12:00pm for available afternoon parking spaces.
Good Harbor Beach/Wingaersheek
Passenger car, SW, minivan, SUV
3:00pm to 5:00pm $20.00 weekdays
$25.00 weekends, holiday
Will spaces become available as the day goes by?
Yes, beach parking attendants will closely monitor space availability throughout the day and update the number of spaces available for purchase. As spaces become available, they will be released, and the Yodel website will be updated.
Will the tides impact the number of parking spaces available?
The Department of Public Works closely monitors the tides schedule and releases the appropriate number of spaces relative to the expected space on the beach. Please check the Yodel website regularly for updated availability of parking spaces.
Find more information on the tides in Gloucester
When are parking reservations required?
Reservations will be required from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. The City of Gloucester’s Yodel website is scheduled to launch on May 19th, which will allow visitors to make reservations starting Memorial Day Weekend.
What if I am a resident without a beach sticker?
Gloucester residents without a beach sticker will be required to make a reservation through the Yodel website.