Top 10 Beaches In Gloucester In Massachusetts – Travel Guide

Dec 10, 2022

Last Updated on: Sep 19, 2024

Travel Blog

There’s something so beautiful about the beaches in Gloucester, Massachusetts – so much so that you have to visit all of these beaches. From small, isolated charmers accompanied by soft, silky sand to larger, pebbly beaches boasting kaleidoscopic sunsets and impressive views, Gloucester’s most popular beaches have everything you love!

Located comfortably on the gorgeous and captivating Cape Ann, the diverse Gloucester beaches are perfect for every season! Most Boston residents love to visit these beaches during weekends, soaking up some Vitamin C and enjoying the fresh air in the charming atmosphere. So, if you are planning to visit during Summer or on weekends, you can expect some crowds. 

The rest you can find out by scrolling down – and don’t forget to stick around till the end! 

Top 10 Beaches In Gloucester In Massachusetts – Travel Guide!

So you are planning to check out the beaches in Gloucester MA! That’s great. In fact, if you are planning to go for a swim, you can visit during the Summer months or even between the Memorial and the Labor Days! This is the time when you will find lifeguards on duty, relatively less frigid water temperatures, and welcoming ice cream trucks. 

Pack that picnic, pick your swimsuit, get hold of your umbrella, and find the perfect beach in Gloucester! Don’t forget your sunscreen – for now, keep reading to find out about all the hidden gems on the Gloucester shore. 

1. Good Harbor Beach:

Do you love digging your feet into silky soft, and velvety sand? Then this Gloucester beach will definitely impress you with its spectacular sunsets and sugar-white base. One of the prettiest beaches in Gloucester, the Good Harbor Beach will make you feel like you are sitting on some exotic Caribbean island!

The Gloucester beach is perfect for playing volleyball, body surfing, and walking especially during low tide. There are always lifeguards on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day! Try not to trash the place considering it will also pollute the sea.

Insider's tip: Flotation devices, inflatables, and surfboards are all banned between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But boogie boards made from Styrofoam are allowed. 

2. Wingaersheek Beach:

One of the most beautiful beaches in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Wingaersheek Beach doesn’t have a vast expanse of sand. It measures only about half 0f one mile in terms of length. But don’t make up your mind based on the size of this beach – instead, consider the sheer beauty of the beach!

The beach is 0.6 mile long where people can stroll around. The name of the beach has been derived from the Dutch name ‘Wyngaerts Hoeck’. The beach parking reservation system creates opportunities for tourists and visitors to enjoy their beach experience especially if they are non-resident.

Insider's tip: Visit Wingaersheek Beach during low tide. The low tide not just increases the size of the beach dramatically, but you will also get to spot clams and hermit crabs.

3. Half Moon Beach:

You don’t have to google ‘half moon beach Gloucester’ – instead, just pack your beach and check out this golden horseshoe surrounded by lush green nature and giant boulders. The crescent shape of the beach is responsible for its name. Perfect for couples, you must visit this beach if you have been seeking an isolated beach experience.

In the city of Gloucester, there are many beautiful beaches and if you visit this one, it will be a memorable experience. The beach is hidden and if you come really close, only then will you be able to see the beach.

Insider's tip: You must not miss out on the Sunset. The sky will display hues of orange, pink, and yellow - don’t forget to carry your camera!

4. Pavilion Beach:

Located close to Gloucester downtown, Pavilion Beach is one of our favorite beaches in Gloucester! After an exhausting day of shopping and stuffing our mouths with local delicacies, Pavilion Beach appears like a respite with its clean water and pretty views. We loved how relaxing the atmosphere was in and around this beach!

Insider's tip: In the month of June, residents here celebrate St. Peter's Fiesta, an event that was started in 1927 for honoring the ‘patron saint of fishermen.’

5. Plum Cove Beach:

One of the Gloucester beaches that’s a favorite amongst locals, Plum Cove Beach is perfect for families. Ideal for kids and young adults, this mini slice of sandy paradise is all you need this weekend – it’s practically impossible for kids to get lost here! You will find your stress washed out and all your worries lulled by the waves. 

Insider's tip: Lifeguards are not on duty starting from the weekend after Father’s Day, and it continues till Labor Day weekend.

6. Cressy’s Beach:

The beaches in Gloucester are so different from each other. If you are not a fan of typical beach activities like running around, comfortable lounging, or even sandcastle building, then Cressy’s Beach is ideal for you! Don’t forget your water shoes since the waters are peppered with rocks, even the shallow waters! 

Insider's tip: Picnic tables and outdoor grills are permitted here - so you can settle down with some food and enjoy the same with the spectacular views!

7. Niles Beach:

You thought the perfect Gloucester beach MA doesn’t exist. But then you come across Niles Beach, and the silver sand accompanied by high tides will welcome you! Located in eastern Gloucester, this is one of those secluded spots that are the perfect welcome getaway from the common bustling beaches.

The beach is limited to vehicles; however, it is well situated across East Main Street in Gloucester. The beach is not allowed to everyone and residents mostly enjoy the place.

Insider's tip: Since the beach is so beautiful, naturally, you will face problems with parking. If you manage to get hold of some beach stickers, then you can save yourself from the traffic.

8. Long Beach:

One of the best beaches in Gloucester, Long Beach is literally that – a really long beach stretching from Gloucester to Rockport. The picturesque beach is known for its soft, silky, and white sand – and how can you even ignore the captivating Thacher Island, accompanied by two historic lighthouses?

This is one the favourites among the locals! It has a private parking lot along with showers for swimmers or divers. There are also beautiful cottages libing up the beach looking like the perfect picturesque.

Insider's tip: Check the parking signs really carefully. You will find that certain areas on the beach have the ‘resident-only’ sign, which means you will need beach stickers for lounging in those areas.

9. Norwood Heights Beach:

One of the best parts of Gloucester MA beaches are the local gems that are completely hidden from tourists. And Norwood Heights Beach is exactly that – a local gem, albeit hidden. A charming mixture of rocks and sand, Norwood Heights Beach is ideal for everyone who is seeking a little more than ordinary! Don’t forget to visit the Annisquam Lighthouse.

The beach is even more beautiful with the lighthouse on it called the Annisquam lighthouse. There are also resorts on the beach so you can book your stay there and enjoy the food.

Insider's tip: If you love listening to music, then you must use headphones on this beach since open speakers are banned on the beach.

10. Singing Beach, Manchester-By-The-Sea:

Although Singing Beach is not technically located in Gloucester, there’s no way we can miss out on this one! One of the most beautiful beaches in Gloucester, Singing Beach, is located in the downtown area of Manchester-By-The-Sea. And it’s not just the sheer beauty of the beach that attracts visitors, it’s also the musical experience you will find here.

The beach also has a beautiful summertime bathhouse where you can stay and enjoy your vacation. There is also a snack bar behind the house. The sand on the beach makes noise when it dries!

Insider's tip: Parking can be quite challenging especially if its a really busy weekend in Summer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Check out the most frequently asked questions about the different beaches in Gloucester. 

1. Which Beach Is Better, Good Harbor Or Wingaersheek?

Ans: Wingaersheek is known for its calm and beautiful water, perfect for all beachgoers who aren’t seeking any waves. In fact, if there’s anyone looking for waves, then Good Harbor is what you need, not Wingaersheek. And if you are a lover of long walks by the beach, then you can’t miss out on Crane Beach, located in Ipswich. 

2. What Is The Best Beach To Go To In Massachusetts?

Ans: The best beaches to visit in Massachusetts are as follows,

Madaket Beach located in Nantucket.
Crane Beach located in Ipswich. 
Wingaersheek Beach located in Gloucester.
Mayflower Beach, located in Dennis.
Wellfleet Kettle Ponds located in Wellfleet.

3. What Beaches Are In Gloucester, Massachusetts?

Ans: The top three beaches in Gloucester are as follows,

Wingaersheek Beach,
Good Harbor Beach, and
Half Moon Beach.

4. What Is The Clearest Beach In Massachusetts?

Ans: The clearest beaches in Massachusetts are as follows,

Lake Dennison,
Morses Pond,
Long Pond, 
Upper Goose Pond, and
Coast Guard Beach.

And It’s A Wrap!

So we have arrived at the end of our curated list of the best beaches in Gloucester. If you are planning a trip to Boston, we suggest taking the weekend off from the city and heading over to Gloucester! And if you are already visiting Massachusetts, there’s no way you can miss out on Gloucester or its charming beaches. 

So plan your next beach trip – and don’t forget to share your experiences with us in the comments below!

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Barsha Bhattacharya builds stories for a living and seeks mountains for everything else. An English major and remote content strategist, she travels every month, structuring her life around movement rather than routine. Her journeys are rooted in mountaineering and rock climbing, with a deep preference for tents over hotels and cold mornings over comfort. Barsha believes the mountains demand clarity, patience, and presence - the same qualities that shape her work. For her, travel is not an escape but immersion: long routes, rough terrain, and nights under open skies where the line between work and wilderness disappears.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE

Exploring the Geothermal Wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park gets its name from the Lassen Peak, an active volcano in the southernmost Cascade Range. Even today, the Lassen Peak has hot springs and you will find fumaroles coming out of the peak’s mouth. These are also signs of volcanic activities in the volcanic mountains. Further, this national park houses all four types of volcanoes: plug domes, cinder cones, composites, and shields. These volcanoes make this national park a chosen destination for geologists and volcano enthusiasts. The presence of these volcanoes has also added unique hydrothermal features to this park. You will find vibrant hot springs, steam vents making hissing sounds, and mud pots with bubbling water here.  Here, I present a brief overview of the geothermal wonders of the park. I will also talk about the park’s camping provisions.  Geothermal Areas In Lassen Volcanic National Park The Lassen Volcanic National Park had 418,978 visitors in 2023, and we can say that its hydrothermal features are a major factor in crowd-pulling here. Snow falling on the park highlands and rainwater keep feeding the geothermal systems. Under the Lassen Peak, there is a molten or hot rock body. This hot rock body makes the water warm once it reaches underground. When the water becomes hot, you see the water boiling in the geothermal pools and mud pots. As the temperature of the water rises, it gets transformed into fumaroles. Fumaroles exude from various cracks in the earth. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, you will observe fumaroles at Sulphur Works, Devils Kitchen, and Bumpass Hell.  Little Hot Springs Valley You can have a look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from Lassen Peak (the largest plug demo volcano in the world) and other mountains lining it.   Further, various seasonal creeks drain into this valley, feeding the geothermal water. If you overlook the valley from the mountain peaks in the summer, you will see many wildflowers smiling. In particular, grass and the wildflower vegetation across the East Sulphur Creek edge is quite dense, thanks to various hypothermal activities. You can also look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from a pullout, just one mile away on the south. The view from this pullout is scenic, with lush green slopes before your eyes. If you look at the slopes with binoculars, you will find black bears roaming around.  Bumpass Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OE_c2SzWNw As you walk 7 miles from the southwest entrance of the park, you will find a parking area on the park highway. Here, you will find the trail to Bumpass Hell. With a 3-mile hiking trail(round trip), Bumpass Hell is the largest geothermal area in the park. You can only hike the Bumpass Hell trail in autumn and summer. It remains closed during spring and winter. The temperature of the geothermal water in the Bumpass Hell area can reach up to 322 degrees.  The elevation of this trail is 8,000 feet. However, because of its moderate difficulty level, you will find many visitors here on weekends. The water in this hydrothermal area is emerald green or blue in color. Further, the minerals in the water stain the rocks and soil in yellow and orange shades.  Sulphur Works It can’t get easier than hiking to Sulphur Works if you want to explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can see how volcanic activities have created the most interesting geology with shifting new and ancient grounds.  The landscape here experiences regular updates because of geothermal activities and natural activities like erosion. Also, thanks to the volcanic activities, you will encounter colorful rocks, steam vents, and the most pungent sulphuric smell here. Sulphur Works is important in the Lassen Volcanic National Park history, and it was earlier known as Supan's Sulphur Works. Mathias B. Supan, a pioneer of the American West, used to extract minerals from the ground here in the mid-19th century.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTvAs6VPfIE The hydrothermal area of Sulphur Works is interesting as it is located at the center of a wide basin. Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Conard, Pilot Pinnacle, and Mount Diller surround this basin. According to geologists, these mountains are eroded formations or remains of Mount Tehama or Brokeoff Volcano. Boiling Springs Lake A trail starting from the Warner Valley trailhead will take you to the Boiling Springs Lake, filled with hot and bubbling water. The temperature of the water in this lake is 125 degrees.  You will also find steam vents and mud pots on the shore. The mud pots on the southeastern shore of the lake demand a special mention.  As you continue on the Boiling Springs Lake trail, you will see colorful wildflowers. The vegetation of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, incense-cedar, white pine, and ponderosa pine will soothe your eyes here. This trail is also a birder’s paradise and one of the best places in the park to observe birds.  Devils Kitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pah0QzBkN0 This hike, starting from the Warner Valley Trailhead, is moderate, and it will take you to an area filled with boiling pools, mud pots, and steam vents. You can call Devils Kitchen a  Cauldron. The piled-up cracked red and yellow stones here give this place a colorful appearance. These colorful stones show deposits of various minerals found in volcanic eruptions. The Cauldron will keep making hissing, belching, and plopping sounds, and the unique odor filling the air creates the perfect ambiance of a natural kitchen. Something is definitely cooking in this kitchen!  Terminal Geyser Start hiking from the Warner Valley Trailhead to reach Terminal Geyser. It is a steam vent showcasing the active volcanic activities in the park.  Unlike a geyser, it does not erupt hot water periodically, and it’s actually a fumarole. Even if you can’t see the steam, you will smell a sulfuric odor, and there will be a billowing cloud.  Cold Boiling Lake You can start trekking from Kings Creek Picnic Area to reach the Cold Boiling Lake. The road to the Cold Boiling Lake is almost flat, and the landscape has further descent to the Crumbaugh Lake.  You can see some small gas bubbles near the shore of the Cold Boiling Lake. So, it is known as a dying geothermal wonder of the park.  The Cold Boiling Lake and its shores look the best if you pay a visit in the morning after a night of snowfall.  Pilot Pinnacle Pilot Pinnacle is a remains of volcanic composites. You will find it along the ridges of Mt. Diller and Brokeoff Mountain. You can look at this area filled with mud pots, pools, and steam vents from Park Road.  Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping Lassen Volcanic National Park has seven campgrounds. However, only four campgrounds are available this year. The Dixie Fire 2021 recovery process will keep the three other campgrounds closed in 2024.  The campgrounds open this year are Butte Lake, Summit Lake, Southwest Campground (Southwest Parking), and Manzanita Lake.  Closed campgrounds are Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Campground (Walk-in campground).  Most campsites in the park are available at this national park on a reservation basis. You can make the reservation between June and September. You can make your reservation at recreation or call the park authority at 1-877-444-6777.  Final Words  The Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hub of scenic beauty, active volcanoes, and various geothermal features. Active volcanism and weather forces, like rain and erosion, have given this park a rich geological landscape that goes back thousands of years. With the magnificent Lassen Peak towering over the park, the hydrothermal areas are surrounded by forests and green meadows. So, various species of animals, birds, and insects reside around these geothermal areas.  So, if you are a volcano enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a hiker, pack your bags, plan a trip to this national park, and share your experience once you come back.  Lassen Volcanic National Park FAQs  What Lives In Lassen Volcanic National Park? Home to around “300 species of vertebrates,” Lassen Volcanic National Park has many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The park has three ecological zones where you can encounter rich wildlife.  Mammals: Black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, America pika, snowshoe hare, Douglas’s squirrel, mule deer Birds: Steller's Jay, Clark's nutcracker, Anna’s hummingbird, woodpeckers, round-legged hawks, etc.  Amphibians: Pacific tree frog, long-toed salamander, western toad Reptiles: Sagebrush lizards, northern lizards, alligator lizards, western terrestrial garter snake, rubber boa, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, etc.  Fish: Rainbow trout, Lahontan Redside, speckled dace, etc. Along with these animals, you will also find the most beautiful  California Tortoiseshell butterflies, spiders, and other insects in the park. The total number of invertebrate species living here is 350.  What Is The Closest Town To The Lassen Volcanic National Park? Chester is the closest town to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. You can take a 40-minute drive from the southwest entrance of the park. You can relax at the eateries at Chester, and you will find some decent lodging options here.  Who Died In Lassen Volcanic National Park?  Tommy Botell, a 9-year-old boy, died in an accident in the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 18th March 2010. His elder sister, Katrina, a 13-year-old girl, was severely injured in the same accident.  The mishap took place at the Lassen Peak Trail.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

READ MORE chick fil a breakfast hours

Chick Fil A Breakfast Hours: When Do They Start Serving Breakfast?

BY  sagnika Aug 5, 2023

Chick-Fil-A can easily fulfill our sudden craving for chicken biscuits! Especially during breakfast hours, it is considered one of the best dining experiences! The wicked combination of food items such as cheese, egg, sausage, and other things has people thinking about Chick-Fil-A! A fast food restaurant, Chick-Fil-A is considered one of the best for the quality of its chicken-based food items. The food quality is overall good, and there are various options, from milkshakes to sandwiches. Read the article to learn further about other things available during breakfast orders. The fast food chain is based on poultry, and even with the competitive market, they maintain a strict policy of closed Sundays, ensuring that all employees get respite from their work lives. Want to know more about Chick Fil A breakfast hours? Keep reading! Chick Fil A Breakfast Hours: When Do They Start Serving Breakfast? Chick-Fil-A has become a brand as the family-owned chain is based in Atlanta. The cultural precipitation of the South is imbibed in their style and hospitality even though they are expanding into markets of Washington and New York. The past profit of the chain has crossed millions of dollars. The company has also created an effective community by funding groups such as same-sex marriage, practicing conversion therapy, and supporting the growth and development of sexual orientation of people. They also support discrediting false beliefs such as homosexuality as a mental illness. People are fans of the chick-fil-a breakfast hours and wait hours for breakfast. Do you know the Chick Fil A breakfast hours? You must read the article to learn the correct time to go and order your breakfast. What Are Chick-Fil-A? Image Source: i.cbc.ca They have become a strong competitor to Mcdonalds' and Starbucks Corp. The hospitality of Chick-Fil-A is well known. However, many people do not like the neonatal ward-like treatment of visitors. The cleanliness of the restaurant is at par, and there have not been many complaints against it. However, there are certain complaints regarding their food products that might need to perform better than other products. The brand well understands the spiritual understanding between the food and the customer. The food items created by Chick-Fil-A are focused on something other than the looks and perception of prettiness by using out-of-season tomatoes, mayo, and watery lettuce. Instead, it creates the perfect combination of chicken and pickles, which are always on the bottom so that the burger is not watery, with butter, sugar, and salt! Another good element of the brand is using only boneless breast meat. What Are The Best Dishes Of Chick-Fil-A In Breakfast? Many items on the menu of chick fil are noteworthy. However, two specific needs must be identified and addressed in the special mention of the best dishes. Chick-N-Minis This item is only available on chick fil a menu breakfast hours and is in nugget form. They are stuffed into mini rolls, which might not look pretty but taste like heaven. The rolls taste perfect when hot and are served in foils during breakfast. The calories in the item are 350 with 14g of fat. Hash Browns The item is only available during Chick Fil A breakfast hours and is delicious. They are in two shapes, one rectangular and another cylindrical. The look is closer to nuggets with a perfect level of crunch and salt. You do not need ketchup with these. The calorie with this item is 240, along with 16g of fat. Is Breakfast The Best Time To Order From Chick-Fil-A? The breakfast time for Chick-Fil-A has a variety of food items. The chick fil breakfast hours are from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. You can easily get breakfast in the restaurant from Monday to Saturday. So if you are wondering, what time does chick fil a open? Well it's early! The four specific items on the chick fil a menu breakfast hours you can order are bacon, egg, and cheese with a muffin, chicken biscuit, chicken, egg, and cheese bagel, and the fourth item is sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits. Chicken Biscuit Chicken biscuit is the most popular dish of Chick-Fil-A, and it tastes delicious. People love the taste and the texture, considering it is crunchy, crisp, and salty. Along with it, a packet of honey and hot sauce. What can be better than this combination for a lazy breakfast? The item has 450 calories along with 1310 mg sodium and 21g fat. Cheese Biscuit, Egg, And Sausage The next item on the list for breakfast hour is a cheese biscuit, egg, and sausage, which has 600 calories, 1520 mg sodium, and 40g sodium. The item resembles the McDonald's version of the sausage and cheese biscuit, but this version is more fluffier. Egg, Cheese, And Bacon On Muffin The third item is Egg, Cheese, and Bacon put together on Muffin. However, due to the Muffin being dry, there is a high chance that the food could taste better than it sounds. Chick-fil-A is trying to copy the ways of McDonald's, but with this item, they have desperately failed. The calories in this item are 300, while the fat is 12g. Chicken, Cheese, And Egg Bagel Another item available during breakfast is a chicken, cheese, and egg bagel. The sandwich does have fluffier scrambled eggs. However, it cannot give any tough competition to other brands in the market. Read More: Burger King Breakfast Hours: What Time Does Burger King Serve Breakfast? Hospitality And Services Image Source: image.cnbcfm.com The company must receive the credit for its stand regarding labor laws by confirming one fixed-off for all staff, even if it means hampering the business. The kind of business they have and the industry in which they belong, Sunday is considered one of the highest profitable days, yet they have kept it closed for their employee's welfare. The brand must be given credit regarding its performance in the market, especially with the treatment of laborers. They are known for their lowest rate of wage violation. They are also known in the industry for their philanthropic performance and contribution to general education and youth development. Chick fil a is also known to provide a huge rate of scholarships, especially because they are a billion-dollar company; hence, funding for social causes and charity is something that only some companies are focused on. When you visit their restaurant, you feel they have maintained diversity and inclusiveness. Even on a global scale, they have stood up for minorities and marginalized people and raised their voices against the maltreatment of people. Read More: Taco Bell Breakfast Hours: When Does Taco Bell Serve Breakfast? Conclusion Please read the article to learn more Chick Fil A breakfast hours and why it is people's favorite! Comment down below regarding your favorite fast food restaurant and why. Read Also: Starbucks – Best Review By Users Cafe Coffee Day – Best Review By Users Three Dollar Cafe – Reviews, Special Food, Pet Friendly Cafe Wendy’s Breakfast Hours: When To Visit Wendy’s For Breakfast?

READ MORE summer wardrobe essentials

Splurge Or Save? Finding The Sweet Spot For Summer Wardrobe Costs Before Your Next Trip

BY  Ankita Nov 12, 2025

One of the many things that my husband keeps bugging me about is what to pack when we are going on a trip. It is still okay if it is a winter trip, as he knows all the jumpers and jackets he needs to pack. For summer trips or whenever we are traveling to a warmer city, he can never decide.  And with my son now all of 12, he acts like a carbon copy of his father. He never knows what to pack for his summer excursions or holidays.  Now, this may sound like a trivial issue. However, it is a serious concern, considering Travel+Leisure has dedicated an entire post to the ideal travel clothing in 2025.  Though the post is essentially for women, it has some great ideas about how to build the perfect summer wardrobe for men without compromising comfort.  Shopping for summer wardrobe essentials for a trip can be a real budget buster. One minute you're browsing for a simple t-shirt, and the next thing you know, your cart is loaded with designer everything.  But here's the reality check. You don't need to spend your rent money to look good when the temperature rises. The trick is knowing when to open your wallet wide and when to keep it firmly shut.  Invest In These Summer Essentials Some pieces are worth every penny you spend on them. Take polo shirts, for example. A cheap polo will pill after three washes and lose its shape faster than ice cream melts in July. But a man's quality designer polo?  That will look sharp season after season. The fabric stays crisp, the colors don't fade, and the fit doesn't go wonky after a trip through the washing machine. Swimwear is another no-brainer for spending more. Nobody wants their swim shorts to fall apart mid-vacation or turn see-through after one dip in the pool. Quality swim gear holds up to chlorine, salt water, and countless pool parties. Also, you have to be particular about your innerwear. This is the innermost layer of your clothing, and your personal hygiene or comfort depends on the lingerie you wear.  Skip The Splurge Here Trendy stuff that'll be out of style before Labor Day? Save your money. That neon tank top with the weird geometric print might look cool now, but it's probably heading straight to the back of your closet come fall. Basic tees are another place to be smart with your cash. Sure, an $80 plain white t-shirt might feel luxurious, but a $15 one from a decent brand will do the job just fine. Save the big bucks for pieces that really matter. The 70/30 Game Plan Think about your summer budget like this: put most of your money into the stuff you'll wear constantly. That means: A couple of great pairs of shorts that fit perfectly Solid polo shirts and casual button-downs One really good pair of swim shorts Comfortable shoes that won't fall apart Save about 30% of your budget for the fun stuff. Bright colors, bold patterns, and whatever trend is taking over social media this year. How To Spot Quality Worth Paying For Good summer clothes have a few telltale signs. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen keep you cooler than synthetic blends that trap heat and sweat. Check the seams, too. If they look like they were sewn by someone having a bad day, skip it. Fit matters more than the price tag sometimes. A $40 shirt that fits like it was made for you beats a $100 one that's too tight in weird places. Don't Fall For These Shopping Traps Store credit cards promising instant discounts sound tempting, but that 25% off today could cost you way more in interest later. And those "limited time only" sales? Half the time, the same deal pops up again next week.  Don't let pushy salespeople rush you into buying something just because it's marked down.  Sleep on big purchases, especially if you're already questioning whether you really need another pair of khaki shorts. Also watch out for: Bundle deals that make you buy stuff you don't actually want just to get a discount on what you do need. "Buy two, get one free" offers that trick you into spending more than you planned. Impulse buys at the checkout counter that are budget killers disguised as good deals. Smart Shopping Tricks Now, to begin with, my husband initially complains. But it is he who does the maximum shopping at the end-of-summer sales. Once he is inside the trial room, it’s like a never-ending wait as he will keep trying all that he has picked in turns.  Last August's leftover inventory becomes this May's wardrobe refresh at half the price. Yes, you have to plan ahead a bit, but your bank account will thank you. Also, think about how many different ways you can wear something. A plain navy shirt goes with everything. A shirt covered in flamingos? Not so much. Building Your Summer Collection The golden rule to have all the summer wardrobe essentials for your next trip? Start with the basics. When the basics are right, you have the chance to layer them or accessorize them according to the weather conditions and local etiquette.  Personality pieces are also important, especially if you are going on a business trip or have some specific events to catch up on. Get a few neutral-colored essentials that play well together, then throw in some color and pattern to keep things interesting. Don't feel like you need to replace everything at once, either. Maybe your shorts are still good, but your polos have seen better days. Replace what's actually worn out, not what's just boring you. In addition, I keep some budget aside for shopping for summer clothes at the new location we are visiting. In this way, I can also avoid excess baggage charges when flying.