These 9 Towns In Massachusetts Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024
Massachusetts is arguably the heart of New England, an iconic coastal region of the northeastern United States. Its gorgeous Atlantic coastline is complemented by its hilly and densely forested interior. Whichever corner of this state you may find yourself in, you are sure to run into a town or two that is full of charm, from their natural beauty to their cultural significance.
Today, we will cover 9 of these small towns in Massascheustts that rank as America's favorites to visit in 2024.
Nantucket
Nantucket, the only town on an island 30 miles off Cape Cod, is a highly recommended location to visit for a secluded summer vacation off the coast. Once a community that thrived off of whaling, this town of around 15,000 residents has preserved its history in its weathered gray-shingle buildings and lighthouses that dot the coastline. The Whaling Museum, housed in a former candle factory, is a great place to start your visit and offers an engaging look at the island’s seafaring past.
Nantucket’s natural scenery may be just as compelling to you. Beaches like Surfside and Madaket are the main spots to go for swimming, surfing, and spectacular sunsets in the evening. Miles of bike paths wind through the island's moors and cranberry bogs too, offering an immersive way to explore the island’s interior landscapes. The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is another draw, featuring dunes, salt marshes, and a coastal forest.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge sits within the Berkshires to the far west of Massachusetts. The town’s historic architecture is exemplified by the Red Lion Inn, which has welcomed guests since the late 18th century. Nearby, the Berkshire Botanical Garden offers acres of lush gardens and educational programs, making it a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
Landmarks like the Norman Rockwell Museum, home to the largest collection of the New England artist’s works, celebrate Stockbridge’s ties to his iconic depictions of American life, including his famous painting of the town’s Main Street. For more artistic fun, Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is a short drive away and hosts shows all summer long.
Outdoor activities abound, with trails in nearby Monument Mountain and the pristine Housatonic River flowing through the area. The dense woodlands around town also make this area a top-notch location in the fall for its brilliant and colorful foliage.
Rockport
Rockport is a small coastal town that has consistently charmed visitors with its maritime history and fun vibe. Located on Cape Ann, this town of just around 7,000 residents is a haven for those seeking a peaceful and scenic retreat in Massachusetts.
At the heart of Rockport lies Bearskin Neck, a narrow peninsula that features some of the town's best seafood eateries serving the day’s fresh catch. Roy Moore Lobster Company is probably the most popular option with its classic lobster-based dishes and BYOB policy.
The iconic Motif No. 1, a red fishing shack often hailed as the most-painted building in America stands as an icon of New England. For more natural beauty, Halibut Point State Park stands out with its rugged granite cliffs and tide pools, perfect for hiking and nature watching.
The town's beaches, such as Front Beach and Pebble Beach, are ideal places to go for some relaxation and scenic views of the Atlantic on a warm day.
Concord
Concord holds a distinguished place in American history, making it a favorite for history buffs looking for a deeper connection to the nation’s earliest roots. This town played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, highlighted by the Battle of Concord at North Bridge. Today, the Minuteman National Historical Park preserves these historic grounds and has a network of walking trails that lead through key Revolutionary War sites.
Concord is equally celebrated for its literary and academic heritage. Authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott have all called this town home at some point. The Alcott family’s Orchard House, where Little Women was written, is among the most popular locales for fans of the book. Walden Pond, made famous by Thoreau’s writings, is another serene location that draws bookworms and nature enthusiasts alike.
Downtown Concord is full of independent bookstores, cafes, and shops housed in preserved colonial-era buildings. Visitors can partake in guided walking tours and historical reenactments within the wonderfully ornate dowtown area.
Provincetown
Located at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown swells with visitors during the summer months who come for its beaches, vibrant community, and natural beauty. Provincetown was the first landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620, commemorated by the Pilgrim Monument, which offers panoramic views of the area from the summit of its tower.
The town’s natural beauty is protected within the Cape Cod National Seashore, where miles of sandy dunes, trails, and clean beaches like Race Point and Herring Cove can be found. Whale-watching tours from the harbor will also provide you with an unforgettable opportunity to see marine life up close.
Commercial Street serves as the town’s lively center and is lined with art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Here, you will also find many of the town's inns and hotels, many of which have amazing views over the harbor. Pilgrim House Provincetown is a quaint yet luxurious option right across from the waterfront and right in the middle of town.
Lenox
Another great town nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, Lenox has become a favorite destination in the state's interior in 2024. One of Lenox’s most notable landmarks is The Mount, the Gilded Age estate of author Edith Wharton, which offers house tours, gardens, and various events throughout the year. Lenox is also home to Tanglewood, the summer residence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where outdoor concerts draw music fans from around the world.
The town's natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for those looking for a more active outing. Hiking, particularly at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which features trails winding through forests, wetlands, and meadows, is a big draw for visitors to Lenox. October Mountain State Forest is another option for a quiet walk through the woods or paddle on one of its lakes.
Newburyport
Newburyport rests at the mouth of the Merrimack River and is renowned for its historic seaport that has evolved into a popular destination with a mix of preserved 18th-century architecture, waterfront views, and tourist amenities.
The Custom House Maritime Museum will teach you more about the town’s shipbuilding and trade history, while Market Square serves as the heart of downtown, featuring a nice selection of independent-owned shops and eateries in beautifully restored brick buildings. The boardwalk along the waterfront, just a few steps away from the square, is where the best views of the water and access to the harbor can be found. From this waterfront, visitors can also embark on whale-watching tours or sailing excursions.
Nearby, Plum Island is one of the town's favorite natural escapes, with sandy beaches and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, located within.
Marblehead
Marblehead, a historic seaside community just north of Boston is known as the "Birthplace of the American Navy." Marblehead played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, and many come here to explore landmarks like Fort Sewall, a 17th-century fort with unobstructed views of Marblehead Harbor. Another popular landmark is the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, a meticulously preserved Georgian-style home that further reflects the town’s past dating back to the original colonies of America.
Marblehead’s coastal setting is obviously another huge draw for visitors, particularly in the warmer months and the fall. Chandler Hovey Park, located at the tip of the peninsula, is a prime spot for picnics and views of the harbor’s iconic lighthouse. Devereux Beach, with its calm waters and amenities, is also ideal for family outings.
Marblehead also thrives on its boating culture, hosting regattas and offering chartered boat tours from its many launches along the waterfront.
Ipswich
Ipswich, founded in 1634, is a quintessential New England town that is known as the "Birthplace of American Independence" for its early resistance to British taxation. The Ipswich Museum and the John Whipple House, a "First Period" home dating back to 1677, is a great spot to get a feel for this region's storied past.
Nearby, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate is a stately mansion surrounded by stunning gardens and ocean views, often hosting concerts and community events.
Ipswich is also a geographically large town and contains a ton of pristine parks and wildlands. For one, Crane Beach is a major draw for visitors. If hiking is more your speed, a network of trails can be found weaving through the nearby Crane Wildlife Refuge or MassWildlife's Great Marsh North Wildlife Management Area.
See Massachusetts's Best Towns in 2024
From historic Atlantic coast fishing towns to outdoor adventure in the Berkshires' mountains, Massachusetts has proven to be a highly diverse destination for exploration in 2024. Whether you are taking an extended road trip or just a weekend escape from the city, these small towns dotted throughout the state make perfect stops along the way.
As the year draws to an end, Massachusetts only grows more scenic, as it is among the best places in the country for its wonderful fall landscapes. Many of the places mentioned here feature parks that simply explode with color as the days grow shorter and the leaves turn into brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow, complimenting the already idyllic scenery.
