9 Gorgeous Massachusetts Towns To Visit In 2023
Perched in the northeastern United States, full of long coastlines, beautiful forests, and the best seafood around, lies the state of Massachusetts. This state is steeped in history, as it was the landing site for The Mayflower and home to some of the first pilgrims to travel over from England. On your travels here, you will find many preserved historic buildings, museums, and sites like the original site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials or Fort Sewall, where the USS Constitution took shelter from the British in the War of 1812. You will also find many modern marvels, such as a butterfly garden in Westford and upscale boutiques in Newburyport.
Nature also thrives here in wildlife preserves which you can tour in towns like Ipswich and Wellfleet, striving to maintain the state’s natural beauty and diversity. Stretches of long, white-sand beaches are scattered throughout these preserves, perfect for catching some rays and cooling off in the pristine blue waters of the Atlantic. The food scene in Massachusetts is inventive, classic, and full of fresh-caught local seafood from places like Marblehead and Hyannis you cannot miss out on. This list of 9 gorgeous Massachusetts towns to visit in 2023 contains all the state's best locations, eateries, and activities— for any time of year!
Provincetown
As the last town at the tip of Cape Cod, a trip to Provincetown is definitely a journey, but one well worth it. Known for its vibrant, welcoming community home to many LGBTQ+ individuals and families, visitors will certainly feel the love and culture that makes this town so special. While strolling down Commercial Street, the iconic downtown of Provincetown, you’ll be amazed at all the colors, art, and just how many adorable galleries and boutiques they are able to stuff onto one street! Everything is at your fingertips, whether you want to try on some hippie outfits at Shop Therapy, pick up a p-town souvenir at The Shell Shop, or browse one of their 45 art galleries scattered along the street. You will also find amazing food on this street any time of day; grab a unique chicory root iced latte at Spinder’s Cafe, eat a classic breakfast at Yolqueria, head to Pepe’s for some classy waterfront dining, then finish out the night with a frozen mojito at The Club, a bar and restaurant owned by Orange is the New Black actress Lea Delaria. Aside from shopping and tasting around Commercial Street, observe the magnificent local wildlife by hopping on one of Provincetown’s many whale-watching tours or purchasing a ticket to the local Shark Center, where you can learn about these incredible (yet scary) creatures up close.
Salem
Famous for being the location where the Salem Witch Trials took place in the 1690s, the town of Salem has long remained a destination for all things witchy, creepy, and whimsical. October is the most popular month to visit, as the town is filled with terrifying pop-up haunted houses, ghost tours, and people in costume walking along the streets. Attractions like the Witch Dungeon Museum, the historic Witch House, and Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery are even more exciting to visit during Halloween as everyone in town is in the holiday spirit. For food, head to All Soul’s Lounge to taste one of their famous gourmet hot dogs alongside a creative cocktail, or eat a giant burrito at Howling Wolf Taqueria and see if you can handle one of their ghost pepper margaritas. No visit to Salem is complete without hitting the shops, full of unique witchy items you will not find anywhere else. Shop at Crow Haven Corner for crystals, herbs, and potions, Emporium 32 for the coolest witchy souvenirs, and the iconic purple and black Remember Salem shop for amazing gifts.
Marblehead
As the birthplace of the U.S. Navy, the town of Marblehead is steeped in history; it features over 300 gorgeous homes preserved since the 17th and 18th centuries, and there are a few you can even enter for a tour. Fort Sewall is another great historical destination for those wanting to learn about and appreciate the military as well as explore the cool underground bunkers that were used to hold prisoners. You cannot vacation on the beautiful coast of Marblehead without trying some of their locally caught and prepared seafood; head to The Barnacle to be served fresh seafood right on the ocean, with a great view of the historic Marblehead Lighthouse, or try the fried cod down at the Three Cod Tavern. The arts scene in Marblehead is thriving, especially at the Marblehead Arts Association, where there are more than 1000 works available to browse in their gallery. The Marblehead Little Theatre, around since the 1950s, is also a great place to experience local arts and culture, as they put on fabulous shows often featuring local actors. On your way out, make sure to grab a cool souvenir at Sweetwater Trading Company to remember your amazing trip.
Ipswich
Many travellers may pass through this small Massachusetts town to reach the more popular Newburyport or Gloucester, but Ipswich hides unique treasures worth exploring for more than just a pit stop. Home to the Sandy Point State Reservation, a protected wildlife sanctuary and a beautiful stretch of white-sand beaches, an entire weekend can be spent basking in the sun and playing in the waves away from the summer crowds typical at other beaches along the east coast. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich similarly boasts a stunning display of Massachusetts' unique flora and fauna, with its long, remarkably-maintained, trails and strategic look-out points that make the perfect family photo-op. For dinner, head to the Ipswich Ale Brewery and grab a tasty pint of their in-house brewed IPA along with their tasty fried chicken sandwich. The most unique facet of this small town is the 1634 Meadery, an authentic, medieval-themed winery run by the friendliest local couple. Upon approaching the shop, a knight in shining armor greets you as you walk into what looks like an old Viking tavern. There, you can order flights of their handcrafted mead flavors, made with local wildflower honey and seasonal fruits- truly experiencing one-of-a-kind tastes, atmosphere, and service.
Newburyport
Known for its picturesque downtown full of boutiques and restaurants housed in intricate historic buildings, Newburyport is a bustling destination perfect for a weekend of fun and pampering. Shops like Soak & Shoreline, Nauti Pearl, and Kaya Jewelers are all beloved local vendors who sell unique clothing, jewelry, and self-care products. Restaurants downtown definitely worth the visit are Oregano Pizzeria for some authentic Italian brick oven pizza, The Grog for great live music and pub eats, or Jewel in the Crown, serving incredible Indian dishes seasoned with spices ground in-house. Plum Island, a short bike ride from downtown Newburyport, features many beautiful sights and opportunities for fun; splash in the waves at Plum Island Beach, book a tour of the historic Plum Island Lighthouse, or watch the planes taking off from the little Plum Island Airport while enjoying a bite from Metzy’s Taqueria Truck, a local favorite food truck.
Rockport
The lovely coastal town of Rockport makes for a great visit any season, as there are amazing activities to do year-round. In the summer, check out Long Beach, where you can cool off in the Atlantic Ocean while gazing out at picturesque coastal cottages and Rockport’s famous Twin Lighthouses. Another great summer destination is Halibut Point State Park, where you can hike, fish, set up a picnic near the tide pools and get in some great birdwatching. In the winter, head to the Shalin Liu Performance Center and catch a show set against Sandy Bay; they’ve built a magnificent floor-to-ceiling glass backdrop looking right out into the ocean. After the show, grab a meal next door at Feather and Wedge, featuring great seafood and Thai-inspired dishes. Bearskin Neck Village is a can’t-miss shopping experience, especially in the winter when holiday festivities are at their peak. Pick up some gifts for your family (or for yourself!) at shops like Happy Whale Toy Store, Rockport Candle Company, or Katie’s Gift Shop, and snack on some sweets at Tuck’s Candy and Rockport Fudgery. If you are feeling hungry after all that shopping, head to My Place by the Sea to dine on local seafood while overlooking the beautiful Sandy Bay.
Westford
An underrated gem in the sea of coastal destinations and tourist spots around Massachusetts is the lesser-known Westford. With its beautiful rolling green hills, majestic orchards, and unique attractions, this town is the place to be. A popular local hangout in the spring and summer is Kimball Farm, a center of family fun equipped with mini gold courses, farm animals, a bumper boat lagoon, and tasty ice cream. In the winter, head to Nashoba Valley Snow Tubing & Skiing for endless fun and thrills. All year round, however, The Butterfly Place is a truly magnificent place to go; it is an indoor atrium featuring 50 different species of butterflies you can witness up close. After a day of exciting activity, have some dinner at a local restaurant such as Ocho Cafe, which serves excellent Mexican food with guacamole made fresh in front of you, or Evviva Trattoria, a top-rated Italian eatery. Looking for some time in the great outdoors? Head to the Westford Conservation Trust and take a stroll, horseback, or cross-country ski down one of Westford’s many well-maintained trails perfect for observing local wildlife.
Hyannis
Known to many as “The Capital of the Cape”, Hyannis on Cape Cod is a lively town full of fun and things to do. Down on Main Street, there are plenty of great boutiques and stores to shop for cape-themed gifts and souvenirs, like Seaporium, Seaside Selections, and Vanilla & Chocolate. Over at Hyannis Harbor Overlook and Bismore Park, be sure to tour the colorful HyArts Artist Shanties, where a rotating roster of local artists are able to feature their work and put it up for sale. Some great local eats include the Brazilian Grill, a family-owned establishment serving authentic Brazilian cuisine, and Raw Bar, which features a giant lobster roll perfect for completing the New England experience. This town is the perfect setting off point for Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, offering speedy ferries through the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises; take in all the wonders of the islands without having to pay their hefty accommodation fees by making it a day trip and staying at one of Hyannis’ affordable and beautiful hotels.
Wellfleet
Wellfleet is the ultimate beach town to visit in Cape Cod, as it is star-studded with gorgeous white-sand beaches like Newcomb Hollow Beach, Marconi Beach, and White Crest Beach. Although soaking up the sun on any of these beaches is sure to be an amazing day trip, the best beach in Wellfleet is Cahoon Hollow Beach. It stretches below a large sandy cliff and boasts clear aqua waters, where you can often see seals not too far away in their natural habitat. Up top sits the iconic Beachcomber restaurant and bar, serving tropical drinks, fried food, and raw oysters in a beachy, tiki-bar setting. Scenic hikes unlike any other can be found in the lovely town of Wellfleet, like the 9-mile long Great Island hike, through picturesque coastlines, marshes, and forests and the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which features a boardwalk trail great for bird-watching. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, book a sunset sailing lesson with Captain Curley, heading out to the beautiful Jeremy Point, a special secluded beach area. Finish out the day catching a film at the Wellfleet Drive-In, a 1950s-style drive-in movie theatre complete with a snack bar stocked with all your favorite movie munchies.
These 9 Massachusetts towns are all uniquely amazing in their own way, and more than worth a trip to learn, explore, and experience everything they have in store. Sip some homemade mead like a real Viking in Ipswich, or see if you can handle the ghost pepper margarita in Salem; ride the waves at Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, or bolt down the ski trails at Nashoba Valley in Westford; dive deep into a giant lobster roll in Hyannis, or enjoy a juicy steak at Pepe’s in Provincetown— wherever you decide to stay, endless excitement, unique local flavors, and unbeatable natural wonders await you.
