Parking

Finding a parking spot in Gloucester is simple once you know how the system works. Payment runs through a network of solar powered kiosks and the Flowbird mobile app, so you can pay from your phone, get a text alert before your time runs out, and avoid a citation without ever digging for change. Here is everything you need to know before you park.

Downtown & Harbor Loop Parking

Gloucester’s downtown and waterfront parking runs on a pay by plate kiosk system and the Flowbird app. Just enter your license plate, no receipts or coins needed, and enforcement is tracked electronically.

Downtown is split into six color coded zones with posted time limits. You can move around within your zone without paying again, but a new zone means a new session.

First 20 minutes are free at any kiosk or in the app
Flowbird app (iPhone and Android) sends a text alert before time runs out, with the option to extend from your phone
Ten hour meters for full day visits: Rogers Street, Harbor Loop, Gloucester House lot, Fitz Henry Lane lot, and the I4C2 lot
Free on Sundays and legal holidays, plus occasional seasonal promotions announced on the city’s site and Discover Gloucester’s events page

Beach Reservation Parking

Gloucester’s beaches fill up quickly in the summer, since Gloucester is a world renowned vacation destination and a popular day trip spot for visitors across New England.

The City uses Blinkay, an online reservation system, for non resident beach parking. Reservations can be made up to ten days in advance through the Blinkay mobile app or at gloucester.blinkay.app. Non resident vehicles must reserve a space to park at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Before you go, check non resident parking availability on Blinkay’s website to see how many spaces remain and view estimated weather up to ten days in advance.

Visitor Center & Stage Fort Park Parking

If you are stopping by the Gloucester Visitor Center for maps, recommendations, or trip planning help, short term parking is free. If you plan to leave your car for the day while you explore Stage Fort Park or the beach, an all day fee applies from Memorial Day through Labor Day, thirty dollars Monday through Friday and thirty five dollars on weekends and holidays. Non resident vehicles need a reservation, which can be made online in advance.