Southeast Massachusetts

Travel Guide

Southeast Massachusetts showing fall colors, fishing and a river or creek
Plymouth featuring street scenes
Southeast Massachusetts featuring fall colors
Southeast Massachusetts as well as an individual male
Jenney Grist Mill

Unmissable purely for its history, this region also offers spectacular coastal scenery and a rich cultural community.

Remember the brave Mayflower Pilgrims and learn about what life was like for the new arrivals in Southeast Massachusetts. Leap forward in time to discover a proud maritime existence and explore the area’s excellent galleries and museums.

The perfect place to start your visit to Southeast Massachusetts is PlymouthOpens in a new window, where a hundred or so weary travelers arrived in 1620. The towering 81-foot (25-meter) National Monument to the ForefathersOpens in a new window welcomes you, with Plymouth RockOpens in a new window nearby. Take a look inside majestic 17th-century houses and join a guided tour of Plymouth Plantation.

To see more recent history, drive southwest to Fall River State Heritage Park. In an area of just 8 acres (3 hectares), admire the planet’s largest collection of U.S. naval vessels, including various submarines and the World War II battleship U.S.S Massachusetts.

For your own maritime experience, try canoeing and kayaking in Westport and Dartmouth or find spectacular windsurfing conditions at Horseneck Beach on the south coast.

Undoubtedly one of the finest seaside cities in the state is New Bedford, a 30-minute drive across the state line from ProvidenceOpens in a new window, Rhode Island. The charming port is alive with the cries of gulls as trawlers unload the day’s catch and ferries set sail for Martha’s Vineyard. Wander along the cobbled streets to discover scenic restaurants serving delicious fish, mussels and oysters from lunchtime through evening.

Find eclectic art in downtown galleries. Marvel at magnificent sculpture and oil paintings at Gallery X and the New Bedford Art Museum before you end your day enjoying a ballet or theater performance.

Southeast Massachusetts is defined as bordered byBostonOpens in a new window to the north and Rhode Island to the west. Among the main urban areas are New Bedford, Plymouth, Brockton and FalmouthOpens in a new window. New Bedford hosts many of the year’s best events. Join the Folk Festival at the start of July and the Working Waterfront Festival taking place during the final week of September.

Where to stay in Southeast Massachusetts

Nantucket which includes a marina, boating and a bay or harbor

Nantucket Town

5/5(50 area reviews)

Discover the charm of Nantucket, a historic New England seaport town, with its museums like the Nantucket Whaling Museum and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy local shops, restaurants, and explore key localities such as Surfside and Siasconset.

Nantucket Town
Nantucket which includes a marina, boating and a bay or harbor

Downtown Nantucket

If you're spending some time in Downtown Nantucket, Nantucket Atheneum and Whaling Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Nantucket
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Katama

While visiting Katama, you might make a stop by sights like South Beach and Katama Plains Natural Heritage Area.

Katama
Finally got to try this Vietnamese place on Cape Cod. Well, it was  worth the wait. Super tasty broth served up from a friendly owner. If you get tired of lobstah and chowdah give this spot a whirl.

Bass River

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

Estuary village Bass River offers kiteboarding at West Dennis Beach, windsurfing at Kalmus Beach, and attractions like Marsh Island and Windmill Beach. Enjoy a round at Bass River Golf Course too!

Bass River
Nauset Beach featuring a beach as well as a couple

East Orleans

East Orleans is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nauset Beach and Cape Cod National Seashore.

East Orleans
The personal watercraft line the ferry passage to Martha's Vineyard like little toy boats!

Falmouth Heights

4.5/5(46 area reviews)

While visiting Falmouth Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Falmouth Heights Beach and Island Queen Ferry.

Falmouth Heights
Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree

Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree

3.5 out of 5
50 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA
The price is ¥21,503 per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
¥21,503
¥24,018 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Braintree. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,554 reviews)
They were great

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree
Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod

Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod

4 out of 5
1225 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Hyannis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (384 reviews)
Resort was everything we wanted.

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
Marriott Boston Quincy

Marriott Boston Quincy

3.5 out of 5
1000 Marriot Dr, Quincy, MA
The price is ¥19,239 per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
¥19,239
¥21,489 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Quincy. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,259 reviews)
Great!!!

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Marriott Boston Quincy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sandcastle Resort and Club

Sandcastle Resort and Club

3 out of 5
929 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Provincetown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,124 reviews)
Very nice place in front of the beach, beautiful view whole year round ☀️🌊

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Sandcastle Resort and Club
Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort

Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort

3.5 out of 5
95 Chase Avenue, Dennis Port, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Dennis Port. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Pleasant Road Beach and Cape Cod ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (288 reviews)
Good views and great grounds

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
Holly Tree Resort

Holly Tree Resort

3 out of 5
412 Main St, Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in West Yarmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Hyannis Harbor and Cape Cod Inflatable ...
9/10 Wonderful! (358 reviews)
We had a great stay!

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Holly Tree Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southeast Massachusetts