Everything you need to know before visiting Rocky Neck—from directions and parking to what to expect when you arrive. The colony is an active creative community spread across several waterfront blocks.

Plan Your Visit

Download map and brochure

Getting Here

Address

6 Wonson Street
Gloucester, MA 01930

Google Map

Directions to Rocky Neck

Drive northeast on Route 128 to Gloucester, around two rotaries, staying on Route 128. Go straight through two traffic lights and up the hill on East Main Street. Bear right at the bottom of the hill and follow East Main Street for about a mile as it curves around the harbor. Turn right on Rocky Neck Avenue, park in the public parking lot on the right, and enjoy all that the colony has to offer!

Parking

Main Public Lot: Located on Rocky Neck Avenue, this free lot provides easy access to all galleries and restaurants.

  • Alternative Parking: Free on-street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, though it fills up during busy times.

  • Accessibility: There are designated, limited-accessible parking spaces and a drop-off area available near the entrance to the art colony.

  • Tips: The area is best explored on foot, and it is recommended to fold in side-view mirrors when parking on narrower, residential streets. 

Exhibition Locations

Exterior view of The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, an art gallery, with a wooden staircase, an

Cultural Center at Rocky Neck

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck is a vibrant hub for art and community. Open to all, it hosts exhibitions, art talks, workshops, live musical performances, pop-up shows, poetry readings, Tai Chi, and more. A historic gathering place, it welcomes visitors from February to mid-December.

Gallery Details
The exterior of The Cove Gallery with a large window, hanging flower basket, and lush garden plants in front.

Open weekends, May through mid-October. The Cove Gallery has changing exhibitions of contemporary work by Rocky Neck member artists. This space generously provided by Mark Goetemann in honor of his artist parents, Gordon and Judith Goetemann.

Cove Gallery

Gallery Details
Wooden sign hanging outside a building that reads "The Salted Cod Art House" with an illustration of a salted cod fish and the establishment year 2022, on a city street with parked cars.

Where art meets atmosphere, at the Salted Cod Arthouse you can enjoy coffee/tea, wines, beers, cocktails, and great food while viewing work by local artists in what has become one of the best vibe places in Gloucester.

Salted Cod Arthouse

Gallery Details

Helpful Tips

A framed cartoon drawing featuring a girl with black curly hair and a bow, holding a microphone, and a man in a patterned shirt shaking her hand. The background is yellow with a tree on the left and a child playing near a bunny on the grass. Handwritten text at the top says, "I finally found a girl who liked me but then she said her old boyfriend would probably beat me up. So... still looking."

Still Looking, R. Ellis Orrall

  • Hours vary by location. Most galleries and studios keep their own schedules. Check our Explore Rocky Neck guide for individual hours, or call ahead if visiting a specific location. You can also download guide for more information.

  • Plan for the seasons. Many galleries and restaurants operate seasonally from May through October. Year-round locations are noted in our area guide.

  • Grab a printed map. Free brochures with a detailed map are available at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, Cove Gallery, and other locations throughout the neighborhood.

  • Dress for the waterfront. Rocky Neck is an outdoor walking experience. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and layers are helpful near the harbor.

  • Take your time. Most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring the galleries, studios, and waterfront. There's no rush—this is a place to wander and discover.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Public, accessible restrooms are available at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street). Many restaurants and cafes in the area also have facilities for customers.

  • The main pathways along Rocky Neck Avenue are accessible, though some galleries are in historic buildings with steps. The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck has accessible entrances. Uneven surfaces are present in some areas.

  • Rocky Neck has waterfront dining options including 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant and The Salted Cod Arthouse, plus The Ice Cream Gallery for seasonal refreshments. See our Explore Rocky Neck guide for the full list.

  • Yes! The Rocky Neck Historic Art Trail takes you to fifteen sites of historical significance where famous American artists worked and found inspiration. The self-guided tour includes historic photos, artist stories, and maps to help you explore Rocky Neck's rich artistic heritage. Visit our Historic Art Trail page or pick up a printed brochure at the Cultural Center.

  • Yes, there are overnight accommodations available at Rocky Neck Art Colony. The Accommodations at Rocky Neck, located at 43 Rocky Neck Avenue, offers waterfront rooms with kitchenettes, private baths, and private decks. Limited boat dockage is also available for guests arriving by water. The accommodations are within walking distance of Rocky Neck's art galleries, restaurants, shops, Good Harbor Beach, and the Gloucester Stage Company theatre. For reservations and availability, contact them at (978) 804-0562 or (978) 381-9848, or visit www.rockyneckaccommodations.com.

  • Yes! Many artists have studios where you can meet them and purchase work directly. Galleries also represent local and regional artists.

  • Rocky Neck is close to Good Harbor Beach, Downtown Gloucester, and the North Shore Arts Association. The Cape Ann Water Shuttle offers harbor tours and transportation. For more information on what’s nearby, check our area guide.

  • Rocky Neck is an outdoor walking area where leashed dogs are generally welcome on the streets and pathways. Individual galleries and restaurants have their own pet policies, so please check before entering.

Explore Rocky Neck Guide