Photo: Seven Seas Whale Watch | Amanda Johnston

There is a Story in Every Mile in the 34 cities and towns North of Boston. Located only 30 minutes from Boston and stretching to the New Hampshire boarder the region offers 5,000+ guest rooms and 200 miles of sparkling coastline. Stunning natural beauty, heritage sites, small farms, local restaurants and eateries offering hyper-local cuisine all located in idyllic, historic communities make this region a vacationer’s dream. Spend a day on the 145km long Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, treat yourself to a whale watch excursion, shop in one of our seven Cultural Districts and then end your day with a sunset cruise on a historic schooner  NorthofBoston.org for your FREE travel guide and start planning your trip today!

Greater Salem - Click Link

Salem

Salem is an eclectic, year-round destination, rich with history, enchantment and culture. Iconic not-to-be-missed sites include the exciting Peabody Essex Museum, a walk through the visually stunning outdoor Punta Urban Art Museum and the one-of-a-kind Salem Witch Museum. Stop for a delicious bite of local seafood along Pickering Wharf, then head back out to enjoy Real Pirates Salem tour, The House of the Seven Gables, and the Maritime National Historic Site. Fun in-character walking tours are available, as is MBTA train service and seasonal ferry service to and from Boston. Neighboring Beverly and Marblehead offer very distinctive experiences, with walkable town centers loaded with hidden gems ready to be explored.

Cape Ann - Click Link

Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, and Manchester-By-The-Sea

The five towns of Cape Ann offer a perfect intersection of natural beauty, historic arts and culture all in one-of-a-kind villages.

Gloucester, America’s oldest seaport, is an authentic blend of working harbor, art colony, maritime heritage and glorious beaches. On any given day you’ll stroll the town’s two Cultural Districts, dine on the freshest seafood, and stroll down Main Street where opera can often be heard coming from one of the two Italian bakeries. Celebrating it’s 400+ Anniversary in 2023, Gloucester offers year-round exploration and fun.

Rockport is as picturesque as a place can be. Park the car on Bearskin Neck and stroll through the village, stop in a local eatery for a treat, and then take in a show at the stunning Shalin Liu center.

Manchester-By-The-Sea is home to Singing Beach, one of the most special beaches in the country, and is walkable year-round.  No visit to Cape Ann is complete without a stop at Woodman’s of Essex, the place where the fried clam was invented.  While you’re there, take a river cruise and do a little antique shopping for one-of-a-kind treasures.

Historic Ipswich boasts some of the oldest homes in America, a delightful town center surrounded by historic architecture. Must see spots include stunning Crane Beach where you can walk for miles, and the stunning grounds, gardens and structures that make up the Crane Estate. This area is perfect to explore on bicycle or by kayak, and the Trustees of Reservations offers tours year-round.

Newburyport, Amesbury and Haverhill

With walkable town centers that celebrate the arts, heritage, local food and farmers markets, an abundance of natural beauty and one-of-a-kind shopping and antiquing, Newburyport, Amesbury and Haverhill are perfect for families, friends and a little bit of romance.

Coastal Newburyport has retained the historic maritime architecture of early settlers, making it a beautiful destination to be outdoors, strolling the small streets nearly bursting with local shops and restaurants.

Cider Hill Farm's famous cider donuts may be your reason for going to Amesbury, but a stroll through this town center's blend of industrial history seamlessly built around a rolling waterfall will draw you to explore this arts rich town dotted with yummy eateries.

The whimsically painted shoes, iconic metal dog sculptures and outdoor murals are a nod to Haverhill's industrial past and youthful present. After hiking the trail around Winnekenni Castle, head to the town center for a stop at the Museum of Printing and your choice of delicious and diverse cuisine.

The MBTA Commuter Rail makes Haverhill and Newburyport easily assessable to Boston.