A Quick Guide To Massachusetts From a Local

Massachusetts is home to the bustling city of Boston, gorgeous beaches, and the incredible Berkshires. Growing up in Massachusetts there was no shortage of things to do in this amazing state. Read on to discover our quick guide to Massachusetts.

About Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a US state located in the northeastern part on the country. When people think of Massachusetts sports will usually come to mind. Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, has some of the most crazed sports fans and most titles in the NBA(national basketball league), NFL(national football league), and NHL(national hockey league).

Massachusetts is also a beach goers haven. With beautiful beaches in the northern part on the state all the way down south to the Cape and Islands. The only problem with these beaches is that they can only be visited in the summer as Massachusetts will be freezing in the winter months.

Safety - Safe to visit, but take normal precautions in the cities

Weather - Summer 60 - 80 fahrenheit, Winters 10 - 30 fahrenheit

When To Visit Massachusetts

The best months to visit Massachusetts is June - November. The summer is perfect because you can enjoy the lovely beaches and the fall in great because you can see the amazing fall foliage.

If you are looking to visit the Berkshires, Boston, or do any hiking visit in the fall.

If you want to enjoy the beaches go in the summer.

Where To Go In Massachusetts

Boston

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts. Located on the coast of the atlantic ocean, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the USA. Known for its european like architecture, Boston has so much to do!

While in Boston make sure you visit Newbury Street, The Boston Common, The Seaport, and The North End.

Where To Stay In Boston

Seaport Hotel - located in the Seaport, great location

The Newbury - located on Newbury Street, great location

Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront - more affordable, great location

The Cape and Islands

The Cape and Islands consist of Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is the most affordable out of the three destinations. The Cape is a peninsula in the southern part of the state. The Cape is known for the lovely beaches, preppy people ,and adorable downtowns. Consisting of 15 towns Cape Cod is a summer escape.

Where To Stay On The Cape

The Best towns to stay in on the Cape are Chatham, Provincetown ,and Brewster.

Brewster Hotel

The Mansion - Great if you love golfing and the beach!

Chatham Hotels

Chatham Bars Inn - This place is fancy and beautiful. If you can't afford to stay here, make sure to try the brunch.

Wequassett - Another ritzy spot. The atmosphere is amazing. If you cant afford this, most people can't, go to dinner here or golf.

Provincetown hotel

Lotus - beach view and affordable

Nantucket

Nantucket is my favorite place out of the Cape and Islands. Nantucket is a quaint island with amazing beaches, an adorable downtown ,and incredible food. Nantucket is extremely expensive so I would recommend doing a day trip to the island. Ferries run all day from Harwich and Hyannis.

While in Nantucket make sure you visit Cisco Beach, Downtown Nantucket ,and Siconsett.

Where To Stay On Nantucket

White Elephant – White Elephant is the most well known hotel on the island. They provide lovely accommodation. Now that the White Elephant has grown so much. They now offer apartments to rent as well as the hotel.

Seven Seas Inn – The Seven Seas Inn is a more affordable option compared to everywhere else on Nantucket. The Seven Seas Inn is perfect for a weekend trip.

Nantucket Resort Collection– The Nantucket Resort Collection is a great option as it is not too pricey and it is also super nice and in a great location by the water.

Faraway Nantucket –Faraway Nantucket is a cute boutique hotel in downtown Nantucket. It is quite expensive but it is so cute!

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is very similar to Nantucket. The Vineyard is much bigger, less expensive and a little less preppy. Martha's Vineyard is known for the movie Jaws, the adorable gingerbread houses ,and the fenomenal beaches. The gingerbread houses are real houses, they look like they are straight out of a fairytale. You have see these amazing homes in Oak Bluffs.

where to stay on Martha's vineyard

Pequot Hotel - very nice hotel by the beach in Oak Bluffs

The Berkshires

The Berkshires are located in western Massachusetts. If you are a hiker or a lake goer the Berkshires are for you. The best time to visit the Berkshires is in the fall. The fall foliage in Massachusetts but especially the Berkshires is incredible.

Where To Stay In The Berkshires

Porches in North Adams, Massachusetts (affordable)

The Williams Inn is a luxury hotel in Williamtown, MA

Rockport

This guide to Massachusetts wouldn't be complete without Rockport, Ma. Rockport is a cute seaside town in the northern part of Massachusetts. Rockport has an adorable pedestrian only street with shops and cafes. My favorite shop is definitely the dog store.

The ocean in Rockport is not as sandy as the Cape and Islands. These rocky beaches make for a stunning coastline with jagged rocks sticking out of the water.

Places To Stay in rockport

The Yankee Clipper Inn is a vacation home that is great for families and is close to the beach.

Salem

Salam, Massachusetts is located in the northern part of the state. Known for the Salem witch trials, Salem is an amazing town to visit during halloween. While in Salem you will learn so much about the witch trials. I love doing tours in Salem, they seriously never get old. My favorite tour is this walking tour.

While in Salem don't miss the Salem Witch Museum and The House of Seven Gables.

The best places to stay in salem

The Merchant is a boutique hotel in downtown Salem with a really authentic and witchy feel. This is a luxury hotel.

The Hawthorne Hotel is a bit more affordable and located in downtown Salem. This hotel has an old New England feel. While staying in the Hawthorne Hotel you will feel like you are in a haunted house, but in a good way.