Cape Cod
You’ve heard the hype—Cape Cod has some of the most stunning beaches on the East Coast, making it an ideal destination for families seeking sun and sand. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham and Craigville Beach in Barnstable are two of our favorites as they offer the perfect landscape for building sandcastles and hitting the waves, two ingredients necessary for a Cape Cod family vacation.
Looking for some fun of a different kind? We suggest a whale watching excursion! Head out on a whale-watching tour from Provincetown or Barnstable Harbor, where you and your kiddos can witness humpback whales breaching and frolicking in their natural habitat. It’s an afternoon activity that is sure to leave you in awe.
Cape Cod also offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Rent equipment from local outfitters and explore the scenic waterways of Cape Cod Bay or Nantucket Sound for a more active afternoon in the sun.
The Berkshires
Venture out to the western region of Massachusetts and you’ll find the Berkshires, a happening place for families that value art, culture, and outdoor adventure. Start at the Mass MoCA in North Adams, an iconic museum where you'll find captivating exhibitions and interactive installations that change with the seasons.
The Berkshires are also home to multiple state parks so grab don’t forget to pack your hiking boots. Hike Mount Greylock State Reservation, the highest peak in Massachusetts, or explore the enchanting trails and waterfalls of Bash Bish Falls State Park. Though the views are stunning, it’s the adventure along the way that your crew will remember for years to come on your Berkshires family trip.
Boston
No visit to Massachusetts would be complete without exploring the city of Boston. Located on the Waterfront is the New England Aquarium, home to a variety of fascinating marine creatures including sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, and our favorite, playful seals. Time your visit so you’ll catch an indoor penguin feeding session and keep an eye out for your chance to touch a stingray in the aquarium's interactive touch tank.
When it comes to a Boston family trip, the Freedom Trail is a must. Bring your children’s classroom history lessons to life as you follow the 2.5-mile route hitting 16 landmarks that the whole family has definitely heard of (think the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, the USS Constitution Museum, and more). History is a lot more interesting when you start living in it.
North Shore
Make your next trip a North Shore, MA family vacation. Picture this: hydrangeas decorating wooden beach houses, quaint bookstores and bakeries lining cobblestone main streets, and white lighthouses on a rocky coast. The enchanting coastal towns of Salem and Rockport have all this and more.
Salem, with its bewitching past, is both spooky and charming. If you’re interested, pay a visit to the Salem Witch Museum and the Trials Monument to learn more about the infamous witch trials of 1692. In Rockport, visit the iconic lighthouses to get a taste of a true New England summer. Climb to the top of the historic Twin Lights of Thacher Island or explore the quaint shops and art galleries along Rockport's charming main street—there’s really no going wrong here.
About New England Inns and Resorts
New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 300 hotels, inns, resorts, and more located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location.
Whether you’re hitting the beach of Cape Cod, wandering the nature of the Berkshires, bringing history to life in Boston, or venturing up to the North Shore, Massachusetts is a great place to make memories with the whole family. This season, stay in Massachusetts and let the adventures begin!
