Hotels in North Boston
Just north of the Greater Boston area, you’ll find the North Shore area that refers to the entire coast of Massachusetts from New Hampshire to Boston, including Peabody, Saugus, Salem, Newbury, Salisbury, Essex and Gloucester. A bit further inland, you will find the suburbs of Haverhill, Andover and Boxford, just to name a few.
If you like beaches, witches, maritime and beer, the North of Boston region is for you. Explore 30 miles of a scenic rocky coastline, go whale watching, savor the freshest seafood and New England Clam Chowda, tour a lighthouse, and make sure you stop in at the Salem Witch Museum, site of where the famed Witch Trials occurred.
The motion picture Shutter Island was partly shot on the North Shore, as well as Manchester by the Sea. Many prominent literary figures called this area home or referenced it in their works, including Nathaniel Hawthorne, John Updike, T.S. Eliot and Robert Lowell.
When visiting the North of Boston region, enjoy the local craft beer and cider selection, including Far From the Tree Cider from Salem, and visit Newburyport Brewing Company, Cape Ann Brewing Company in Gloucester, Ipswich Ale Brewery, and Riverwalk Brewing Company in Newburyport.
Old North Bridge in Massachusetts
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The Historic North Shore
Stepped with colonial charm and a vibrant waterfront, it’s no wonder that Massachusetts’ North Shore features so many historic sites to see when visiting. If seafaring piques your interest, then plan to visit Two Harbors Light Station, North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Visit The House of Seven Gables, a mansion made famous by Author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and see America’s most painted dark red shack, Motif #1, in Rockport.
Drive the Scenic Coast
Buckle up for an unforgettable road trip through the North Shore. Hop on the scenic Route 127 and hit the best spots along the way, from Beverly to Rockport. Stop at Independence Park, the site where the Declaration of Independence was first read. Continue down to Manchester-by-the-Sea, and stop at Singing Beach. Enjoy some delicious eateries in Gloucester on your way to Hammond Castle. Finally, you’ll arrive in Rockport, a quaint sea town filled with shops, cafes and the famed Motif #1.
Play 18 Holes
When the sun shines and temperatures allow, make time for some relaxation on the greens. The North Shore is filled with championship courses up and down the coast. Ranked as one of Golf Digest's top 10 courses, the Salem Country Club features rolling fairways not to be missed. Enjoy the seaside course, Bass Rocks Golf Club in Gloucester, or the perfectly manicured Trull Brook Golf Course in Tewksbury.
North Shore Museums, From Pirates to Witches
From pirates to witches, the North Shore has interesting museums the whole family can enjoy. Spend a day touring Salem and head to the New England Pirate Museum. Go aboard a real 17th century pirate ship and mingle with the captain. Make your way over to the Salem Witch Museum to hear stories about the legendary Witch Trials from 1692. Over in Essex, visit the Essex Shipbuilding Museum to learn all about this small fishing village on the coast.
Hit the Slopes of the North Shore
As ski season approaches the North of Boston area, make sure to check out some of the regions best mountains and hit the slopes. Haverhill’s Bradford Ski Area has trails for every level, including a kid’s ski school and snowboarding park. Just west of the North Shore, Nashoba Valley Ski area in Westford offers multiple trails and a lot of activities from tubing to snowshoeing.
Maritime Adventures From Colonial Past
Just about 10 miles north of Boston, The Essex National Heritage Area begins and spans over 500 square miles of eastern Massachusetts to the New Hampshire border. This National Park area encompasses hundreds of historical sites and landmarks that have shaped United States history, one being the Salem Maritime Museum. Aside from its notable witch-culture, Salem also boasts a rich maritime past. Explore Derby Wharf and its historic light station as you board the globe-traveled, Friendship sailboat.
