Best summer vacation in massachusetts
Best Summer Vacation In Massachusetts For New Englanders, here is your guide on where to visit in the summer. The ten best summer vacation spots offer something for everyone including amusement parks and zoos, museums and art galleries, historical sites and festivals, beaches, water-sports and fishing, performing arts and live music, restaurants and cafes.
Summer vacation is the best time to take your kids to explore the beauty of nature and experience the amazing tour of beaches. Here I have handpicked some of the best summer vacation in Massachusetts for your reference by not just visiting it, but by exploring them through pictures.
We live in a world where everything can be mapped, sorted, and located. In fact, Google Maps plots out directions to get me to the nearest gas station. That is probably because I have an old car that needs to be kept on the road. But I digress. There are times when even Google Maps cannot help you get to where you want to go. In those situations, you need a more personal touch. For instance, let’s say you are planning a summer vacation and want to avoid the crowds when going from place to place. No app can do that for you — only a seasoned human who has spent countless hours observing and analyzing people’s movements can do that for you.
Massachusetts is a great place to spend your summer vacation. There are many activities and events you can participate in during the summer months. The best time to visit Massachusetts is from June through August.
The weather in Massachusetts is warm and sunny most of the time. It can get quite hot in July and August, so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and light clothing when visiting this state during these months.
There are several places to visit while on vacation in Massachusetts: Cape Cod, Boston, Salem, Plymouth Rock, Newport, Provincetown and Cape Ann.
Cape Cod is a popular destination for many tourists who come to this state for their summer vacations. Cape Cod has beautiful beaches and stunning views of the ocean from all parts of the peninsula that it’s located on! If possible, try camping out near one of these beaches at night so you can watch the sunset before going back home after spending an amazing day enjoying all that Massachusetts has to offer!
Boston is another great place to visit while on vacation here because there are many things to do while staying here such as shopping at Quincy Market or taking advantage of some free attractions such as walking tours through historical sites like Old North Church where Paul Revere made his famous lanterns signaling
If you’re looking for something more active, there’s plenty of fun activities to do as well. You can go sailing or fishing at one of the many marinas or charter companies along the coast. Or you can rent bikes and cycle along one of the many trails that run throughout the area. If you want to see some wildlife, head over to Sandwich Glass Museum of Glassblowing where you can watch glassblowing demonstrations by artists who’ll be happy to show you how they make their beautiful pieces.
And if all this sounds too touristy for your taste? Never fear—there are plenty of low-key ways to enjoy yourself on Cape Cod as well: go shopping at one of the small boutiques that dot Nantucket; have a picnic on top of Mount Tom (one of my personal favorite things); or just sit back with a book while sipping on some wine at one of
1. Boston
Boston is the perfect blend of old and new and one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts. Centuries-old neighborhoods, a rich history, and modern skyline make this city a draw to millions of visitors each year. Boston is the perfect weekend getaway for couples, solo travelers, and families no matter what your interests.
For those interested in taking a walk through the American Revolution, try the Freedom Trail. This two-and-a-half-mile walking route will take you through 16 historical sites, like the Paul Revere House and the Boston Commons.
If art and culture are what you crave, be sure to hit the Museum of Fine Art and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. No sports fan’s trip is complete without a stop at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox and some of the most dedicated fans in baseball.
Boston is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Tourists will find the downtown waterfront a central location and excellent starting point for visiting the city’s top attractions. The nearby Boston Harbor Hotel and InterContinental Boston are luxurious waterfront options.
2. Nantucket
Although Nantucket is known for its beaches, there is so much more to see and do on your weekend getaway here. Thirty-six miles out to sea, this island is filled with maritime history, culture, and nature, making it the perfect weekend destination for anyone looking for an escape. The remote location and simple beauty just adds to the charm.
Stop by the Whaling Museum and Atheneum, which gives an understanding of the island’s past. Rent a bicycle to explore. Within easy reach is the Brandt Point Lighthouse, and many of the pristine beaches, such as Cisco or Jetties Beach, can be accessed via the local transit. Be sure to sample the amazing seafood at one of the town’s many restaurants featuring fresh and local caught delights.
The easiest way to get to Nantucket would be to fly from Boston via Cape Air, or you can drive to Hyannis and take the ferry over. It will take a few hours either way, so the journey is best made on a long weekend. In season, this resort area caters to tourists with deep pockets. The historical Jared Coffin House is within walking distance to the harbor and many restaurants.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nantucket: Best Areas & Hotels
3. Cape Cod
Cape Cod is the premier beach destination in New England and makes a perfect weekend getaway for those looking for sun, sand, and relaxation. No less than 14 lighthouses are located on the peninsula, which is more than any other county in America.
More than four million visitors a year grace the 40 miles of pristine beaches. While you are there, grab a bike and check out the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, which runs from South Dennis to Wellfleet.
History buffs will enjoy the Heritage Museum and Gardens, an eclectic destination with an antique carousel, vintage automobiles, beautiful gardens, and folk art. At the famous Cape Cod Potato Chip factory in Hyannis, you can tour the facility and see how these tasty treats are made. An additional attraction is the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking and jogging.
Chatham has many options for places to stay. The Chatham Inn at 359 Main is popular for its firepit and chocolate-covered cranberries. Many of the hotels near the west end are motel-style. Midway Motel offers free Wi-Fi and parking.
Read More: Top-Rated Things to do on Cape Cod
4. Lenox and Stockbridge
Nestled in the beautiful Berkshires, these neighboring towns are filled with small-town charm, which lends perfectly to a relaxing, low-key vacation. Year-round activities make this a favorite for family trips, romantic getaways, or solo pursuits. The region becomes magical in the autumn, when the leaves change and vibrant colors fill the mountain.
If you just want to enjoy some peace and quiet, there are plenty of opportunities to do that as well. Take a class at the world famous Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health or visit the nearby Norman Rockwell Museum, which houses the largest collection of his artwork. Chesterwood, the summer studio of sculptor Daniel Chester French, and The Mount, home and garden of author Edith Wharton are here, as well. A trip to the Gilded Age Museum will take you back in time.
Summer visitors will want to check the schedule at the Tanglewood Music Center, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and other famous musicians mid-June through Labor Day.
Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort offers many packages for visitors, depending on your interests. The various buildings on the property offer a fitness room and indoor pool, and the location highlights the beauty of the area. Tourists will find reliable value at the Courtyard Lenox Berkshires. Families will appreciate the free Wi-Fi, firepit, and pool.
5. Provincetown
Provincetown is an eclectic town known for its vibrant culture, a picturesque harbor, and bustling art scene. P-town, as it’s affectionately called, is located on the scenic end of Cape Cod and can be reached by ferry from Boston.
This harbor town has a year-round population of 3,000, which explodes to 60,000 in the summer months. While you are here, head to Commercial Street, which is the prime people-watching destination and a fun place to grab a bite to eat, shop, or just wander around.
Make a stop at the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum, which commemorates the Pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown. Take the elevator to the top of the monument, one of the tallest all-granite structures in the US to get amazing views of Cape Cod.
The seasonal ferry from Boston makes a great day trip, but if your stay in Provincetown involves an overnight, the Cape Colony Inn has an above-ground pool among its many amenities.
Read More: Top Things to Do in Provincetown
6. Salem
Salem is a town rich in history, with a dark past as the site of the Salem Witch Trials. Because of this, there are many attractions in Salem that explore this dark time in American history. Despite its Puritan past, Salem is still a great weekend destination for couples with many different interests. Book lovers will enjoy stopping by the House of Seven Gables, setting for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name.
When dark falls on Salem, adventurous souls can head out for the Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour.
One of the area’s best collections of art and maritime history, especially the China Trade, the Peabody Essex Museum has excellent rotating exhibitions and a 200-year-old Chinese House reconstructed inside the museum. Families appreciate the indoor pool at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites, two blocks from the water. The free parking is a plus in what can be a congested area in Salem. The beautiful and historic Hawthorne Hotel is centrally located and within walking distance to many of Salem’s best places to visit.
7. Southern Berkshires
If you prefer mountains to beaches or cities, the southern Berkshires are a perfect getaway for you. Located in the western part of Massachusetts, the Berkshires hold everything you could possibly want in a weekend trip: small towns, countless antiques shops, great food, terrific hiking, and the peace and quiet of quintessential New England living.
Shopping for antiques is a favorite pastime in Great Barrington, where antiques galleries and co-ops line Route 7. Several of these are sprawling group shops, and Asia Barong is as much a museum of Asian art as an antiques store, its larger artifacts and stone statuary spilling out into the yard.
Bash Bish Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the state, reached by a short, easy hike. The 60-foot falls is split into two halves by a huge boulder. More ambitious walkers can experience a short portion of the nearby Appalachian Trail as it goes through the wild and picturesque Sage’s Ravine, in Mt. Washington State Forest.