With gorgeous beaches, historic attractions, and excellent seafood, there are many good reasons to plan a little time in the North of Boston region. It’s true year-round, but even more so during the warmer months, when festivals come to town and the sun and sea breeze hit just right.
From oceanside parks to breathtaking nature reserves, the North Shore offer some absolute gems. Here are five destinations to put on your list.
Marblehead
This seaside town captures that quintessential New England coastal feeling. With the historic downtown district and museums, locally owned boutique shops, delicious restaurants, and the iconic Marblehead Light, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.
Scenic Stop: Crocker Park is a local hidden gem and one of the area’s best scenic vantage points. Situated along 2.82 acres of prime waterfront property, the park presents a beautiful view of Marblehead Harbor. A great picnic spot, Crocker Park also hosts concerts during the summer.
Extend your stay: The Harbor Light Inn is the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern amenities.
Salem
One of Massachusetts’ most iconic cities, Salem, is a must-see for many travelers.
Featuring world class museums, a wide range of dining experiences, multiple annual festivals, and touches of Halloween year-round, you don’t have to wait for October to have a magical time.
Scenic Stop: Made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same, The House of the Seven Gables is New England’s oldest surviving 17th-century wooded mansion. Located right on Salem Harbor, the historic homes and lush gardens make a picture-perfect stop.
Extend your stay: The Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites is perfectly situated to explore both the downtown area and the Salem harbor.
North Andover
North Andover is the perfect destination for visitors who want to get outside. From the state forest to pick-your-own farms and orchards, the areas commitment to preserving green spaces shines. With 5,500 acres of conservation land to explore, this hidden gem is well worth the trip.
Scenic Stop: The Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens was built by the Stevens family who helped found North Andover. They transformed their former farm into a beautiful estate. The gardens are open to everyone from dawn to dusk during the summer months. Guided tours of the house are offered on select days seasonally.
Extend your stay: The Andover Inn provides a tranquil home base to return to after a day of outdoor adventures.
Salisbury
Craving that true beach town feel? Head to Salisbury, a summer resort town since the mid 1800s. Salisbury Beach Boardwalk is packed with great summer eats ,souvenir shops, arcades, and a historic carousel.
Scenic Stop: Salisbury Beach State Reservation has attracted families from near and far for decades. The beach itself stretches along the coast for 3.8 miles and the accompanying park adds 520 acres, with swimming, boating, fishing and camping all heartily encouraged.
Extend your stay:The Salisbury Beach State Reservation has 484 campsites with unbeatable access to the beach.
Plum Island
Plum Island is many things: a beach, a wildlife reservation, a day trip destination and a vacation spot. The 11-mile barrier island extends from the shores on Newburyport, offering all kinds of activities, as well as amazing scenery. Once on the island, visitors can take their pick of bird watching, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking and more.
Scenic Stop: Plum Island Light is a 35-foot-tall lighthouse built in 1898 to guide ships into the mouth of the Merrimack River and Newburyport Harbor. The Friends of Plum Island Light maintain the lighthouse structure and grounds and offer tours of the light on select dates. The grounds are open for exploration without scheduling a tour.
Extend your stay: Visitors looking to treat themselves to a seaside resort will enjoy the Blue Inn on the Beach.
These are just a few of our favorite North of Boston stops. Each lends itself to a delightful day trip or a longer stay – there’s no shortage of beautiful seaside locations, charming historic homes, peaceful conservation lands, bustling downtowns, and world-class food and drinks for visitors to experience.
Want even more recommendations for scenic stops around Massachusetts? Sign up for our email newsletter.
This blog post was updated March 2026.
