Coastal Getaways in Massachusetts

This gently arching Massachusetts peninsula is home to dozens of friendly villages, pristine stretches of Atlantic Ocean beaches and seemingly endless opportunities to explore it all. From mid-April through October, depart from Barnstable Harbor or Provincetown Harbor and embark on a whale watching cruise to spot majestic sea creatures from humpback whales to harbor seals. Anglers can find their next catch aboard a deep-sea fishing charter from Cape Cod Bay.

While surrounded by the ocean, Cape Cod has much to offer on land as well. The Provincetown dunes provide one-of-a-kind sights of protected dunes along the Cape Cod National Seashore. Golfers of all skill levels can hit the links at one of Cape Cod’s 27 public courses and 15 private facilities. Boutique shopping, diverse dining and walkable downtowns can be found in quaint local communities like Falmouth, Wellfleet and Provincetown. Immerse yourself in a thriving craft beverage scene in hip taprooms such as Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis and Tree House Brewing Company in Sandwich.

Right off the coast of the Cape Cod peninsula, one of the USA’s most iconic beach destinations invites you to get immersed in its diverse culture and scenery. Bike the island’s nearly 70 kilometers of cycling trails to take in picture-perfect views of local gems at your own pace; see the Gay Head Lighthouse upon the striking Aquinnah Cliffs, the whimsical gingerbread houses of Oak Bluffs, the impressive Sea Captain’s Houses in Edgartown and more. Celebrate the traditions of the Aquinnah Wampanoag people through educational programming, art galleries and cultural artifacts at the Aquinnah Cultural Center, then take a deep dive into maritime history at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Looking for a guided excursion into the island’s heritage? Embark on walking or driving tours along the African American Heritage Trail, where you’ll learn more about the area’s history as a stop on the Underground Railroad and a hotspot for Black vacationers since the 19th century.

Nantucket is a world all its own, transporting you back in time with delectable cuisine, family fun and picturesque harbor views. Foodies can delight in plentiful waterfront dining options. Find a blend of classic New England seafood dishes and more adventurous international flavors in both casual and upscale settings. Local bounty is at your fingertips on unique ecotourism adventures. Take a tour of Bartlett’s Farm, Nantucket’s oldest and largest family-owned farm, and enjoy educational programming and delightful seasonal celebrations at Moors End Farm. For a quintessential Nantucket experience, stop by a local seafood market and pick up island-grown oysters to enjoy a seaside picnic, then charter a boat for a tour of the harbor. At the end of your exciting day, wind down at any of Nantucket’s boutique lodging options, ranging from bed-and-breakfast inns and beachfront cottages to luxurious oceanfront resorts.

Cape Cod is a little over an hour’s drive from both Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Providence, Rhode Island. Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA), Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) and Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) provide direct connections from most major airports.

Take the CapeFLYER weekend passenger train from Boston to Hyannis in the warmer months or take advantage of year-round ferry service. Ferries to both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are available from Hyannis and New Bedford; ferries to Martha's Vineyard depart from Woods Hole and Falmouth.