Start before sunrise if you can. From Salem, follow MA‑114 to MA‑128 north, then swing onto MA‑127 for a serpentine coastal loop through Gloucester and Rockport. In late October, low morning sun and sea fog can hide pedestrians near viewpoints. Hola Car Rentals includes All‑Inclusive+ options, so you can choose a well‑equipped vehicle with maximum liability coverage for peace of mind.
Beat the crowds on the Cape Ann loop
Routing. Clockwise works best: Salem → Beverly → Gloucester → Rockport → back via MA‑127/128. If you’re flying in, set up your car rental at Logan; travelers who prefer UK phrasing can check car hire as well. Use turnouts generously and avoid sudden stops.
Parking. Harbor lots in Gloucester fill by mid‑morning on fair‑weather Saturdays. In Rockport, look for signed day‑visitor lots and avoid resident‑only side streets near Bearskin Neck. Parallel park fully inside the lines; coastal towns ticket aggressively during leaf season.
Vehicle choice. A roomy SUV for coastal pull‑outs makes it easier to load jackets, picnic gear, and tripods while keeping the view clear. If you plan a sunset finish, confirm your headlights are on auto and clean the windshield to tame glare off the water.
Returns. If you end your loop near the airport, the Hertz at BOS streamlines evening returns—handy when Halloween traffic meets Sunday getaways.
Wrap the day with chowder on the harbor, then cruise back to Salem via MA‑128. Stay patient at merge points and watch for deer after dusk along wooded stretches. If fog rolls in, slow down, use low beams, and leave extra following distance.
When you’re ready to book, Hola Car Rentals offers transparent pricing, Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, and cashback on tolls—ideal for weekend wanderers.
