Southeast Massachusetts

Travel Guide
Southeast Massachusetts showing fall colors, fishing and a river or creek
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 Plymouth, where a hundred or so weary travelers arrived in 1620. The towering 81-foot (25-meter) National Monument to the Forefathers welcomes you, with Plymouth Rock 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 Providence, 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 byBoston to the north and Rhode Island to the west. Among the main urban areas are New Bedford, Plymouth, Brockton and Falmouth. 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
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Katama

While visiting Katama, you might make a stop by sights like South Beach and Norton Point Beach.

Katama
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
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
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Cliff

If you're spending some time in Cliff, Jethro Coffin House and Founder's Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Cliff
Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree
Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree
3.5 out of 5
50 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA
The price is ₩149,862 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩149,862
₩167,395 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,175 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree
Marriott Boston Quincy
Marriott Boston Quincy
3.5 out of 5
1000 Marriot Dr, Quincy, MA
The price is ₩162,442 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩162,442
₩181,448 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,103 reviews)
"Well kept property with a beautiful view. It was elegant with a comfortable feel."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Marriott Boston Quincy
Motel 6 Brockton, MA
Motel 6 Brockton, MA
2 out of 5
391 Westgate Dr, Brockton, MA
The price is ₩105,577 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
₩105,577
₩117,930 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this motel in Brockton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
5.6/10 (1,026 reviews)
"Clean, nice."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Motel 6 Brockton, MA
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Everything was great. No complaints!"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

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! (246 reviews)
"We loved our stay! The 1 bedroom was very clean fully equipped with everything we needed. All the extras like soap for dishes , dishwasher towels for the pool. Pool area very clean beautiful grounds. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
The Club at New Seabury
The Club at New Seabury
3.5 out of 5
95 Shore Drive West, Mashpee, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Mashpee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions South Cape Beach State Park and Popponesset ...
9/10 Wonderful! (302 reviews)
"will definitely go back again .. awesome place!"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

The Club at New Seabury
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.

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