Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures - Merrimack Valley Region & North of Boston MA
The Merrimack Valley and Cape Ann region of Massachusetts is a beautiful area with charming towns, scenic coastlines, and fun attractions waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a food enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to do outside of the Boston, MA city limits. Here are some must-see places to visit to make your trip unforgettable. Popular towns in this region include Salem, Rockport, Gloucester, and Newburyport, MA. Keep reading below for some fun things to do while you’re in town.
Things To Do in Salem, MA, and Marblehead, MA
- Salem, MA, notorious for its 1692 witch trials, is a city with historical and coastal charm. Start at the Salem Witch Museum to explore the town’s past. Stroll through the beautiful streets lined with grand historic homes, and visit unique shops and eateries along Pickering Wharf.
- Also in Salem is the House of the Seven Gables, immortalized by author Nathaniel Hawthorne.
- The Hawthorne Hotel is located in the heart of Salem and is at the center of many Salem haunted events. Be sure to check out Salem in October to experience the full effect of this incredible historical town.
- Next to Salem is the picturesque town of Marblehead, MA. Check out the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers beautiful trails with breathtaking views of the ocean.
- Marblehead has some of the most majestic and beautiful harbors on the Eastern seaboard. Be sure to visit and take some shots to remember these vistas. If you’re looking for a place to stay, visit the Harbor Light Inn.
Things To Do in Rockport, MA, and Gloucester, MA
Rockport, MA is located on the Cape Ann peninsula and is an excellent place for artists and beachgoers. This charming coastal town has great shopping and seaside vistas, including Motif #1, the historic red fish shack. Some other popular attractions in Rockport include Bearskin Neck, a narrow strip filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants serving delicious seafood. If you’re an art lover, you should check out the Rockport Art Association & Museum to appreciate the local talent in the area.
A quick drive from Rockport is Gloucester, MA, a beautiful beach town rich in maritime history and located on the Cape Ann peninsula. Located right on the waterfront, Gloucester is famous for fun whale-watching tours, providing an unforgettable experience for all ages. Take a stroll along the Gloucester Harborwalk, a one-mile walking path through town from the Gloucester House to Stage Fort Park.
More Places to Visit North of Boston: Lowell, Lexington, and Concord!
In addition to the beautiful coastal towns listed above, this region is filled with historical and cultural destinations. Lowell, Lexington, and Concord, MA all offer different attractions for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and music lovers. Lowell is a famous city outside of Boston, known for its connection to the Industrial Revolution. If you’re a history buff, Lowell is a great place to see where the American textile industry took off—we promise it’ll be worth the visit.
Come to town during the Lowell Folk Festival if you’d prefer some art and music! Lexington, MA, is another excellent destination for history buffs, known as the “birthplace of American liberty.” Spend some time at the Lexington Battle Green, or enjoy an evening of music at the Lexington Symphony! Concord, MA, is another charming New England town with boutique shops, small galleries, and delicious cuisine. Concord is known for its beautiful parks and abundance of history. Minute Man National Historical Park offers walks on the historic Battle Road Trail, where the battles of Lexington and Concord occurred. The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is another unique attraction in Concord, where you can see the stones of famous Concord residents, including Hawthorne and Thoreau.