Massachusetts Locations Ideal for a Dream Summer Vacation

Massachusetts has it all. If you want to enjoy a day lounging on a beach, browsing a world-class museum, exploring a lush forest, or sipping wine at a top-notch vineyard, you can do it all in Massachusetts. That is a big reason for its enduring tourist appeal. Every time of year in Massachusetts has something to offer, but enjoying this state’s great coastal scenery is best done in the summer.

We’ve got you covered if you are looking for the best towns and cities in Massachusetts for a summer getaway. Below is a quick guide to some top spots to visit during the summer.

North Chatham is a small community situated on Cape Cod. While its permanent population is small, it swells in the summertime as visitors flock to enjoy its coastal beauty. North Chatham is famed for its beaches, well-known lighthouse, and proximity to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. It is an idyllic summer getaway.

Nantucket is a small island off Cape Cod that is best known as a summer home retreat for many of the wealthiest on the East Coast. It is also an excellent place for a vacation. Nantucket has some of the best beaches in the state, fine-dining options, and luxurious boutique shops. It has a distinctive look and unique history as a whaling hotspot, which is honored in the Whaling Museum.

Mashpee is a town on the southern end of Cape Cod, best known as the historical home of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for over 12,000 years. Many tribe members still live here today, and tourists love the town’s family-friendly atmosphere and natural attractions. Mashpee has deep forests, sandy beaches, and parks with trails and gorgeous views.

Eastham is a small but busy town on the eastern side of Cape Cod. Every summer, tourists flock to this community to enjoy the great beaches and historical sites that are situated within the town. The town has famous lighthouses, delicious seafood, and charming boutique stores in true New England fashion.

The uniquely named Sandwich is the oldest town in Cape Cod, a picturesque little town set on Cape Cod Bay. Sandwich was first settled in 1637, making it a town with an incredibly long-running history. Its scenic beaches, delicious restaurants, and antique and jewelry stores are well-known. It is one of the must-visit towns on Cape Cod.

Great Barrington is a town set in the Berkshires. With a small and scenic main street area, it is a quaint town with many excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. If you love a good hike, East Mountain State Forest, the Benedict Pond Loop, and Fountain Pond State Park are all nearby. Summer is the ideal time to enjoy this town’s natural appeal.

Wellfleet is a town above Eastham on the northeast end of Cape Cod. Like many other communities on Cape Cod, Wellfleet receives a huge number of visitors every summer seeking to enjoy its excellent beaches. It also has some of the best seafood around, especially its oysters, which are known throughout the state.

Provincetown is best known as the site of the landing of the Mayflower, a pivotal moment in American history. Today, this town, situated on the northern tip of Cape Cod, welcomes large numbers of tourists due to its colonial style, scenic beaches, and important history. It is an excellent destination for whale spotting and boating.

Yarmouth Port is an area within Yarmouth on Cape Cod. This scenic town set along Cape Cod Bay is the second-oldest town on the island. It has miles of scenic beaches, an excellent boating scene, and excellent hiking trails with seaside panoramic views.

Hyannis is a village on the western end of Cape Cod known for its presidential past and scenic beaches. Hyannis was a favorite of John F. Kennedy and his family; the Kennedy Compound is in Hyannis Port. This bustling village also has great museums, including the Cape Cod Maritime Museum and delicious eateries.

East Falmouth is a community located within Falmouth, one of the biggest municipalities on Cape Cod. East Falmouth is an excellent spot for a vacation, with gorgeous beaches, historic sites, a quality art scene with galleries and museums, and tons of nature to explore.