Southeast Massachusetts

Travel Guide

Southeast Massachusetts showing autumn colours, fishing and a river or creek
Plymouth featuring street scenes
Southeast Massachusetts showing autumn colours
Southeast Massachusetts as well as an individual male
Southeast Massachusetts

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 showing a bay or harbour, a marina and boating

Nantucket Town

While visiting Nantucket Town, you might make a stop by sights like Nantucket Atheneum and Nantucket Historical Association.

Nantucket Town
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Bass River

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Bass River, Pirate's Cove Mini Golf and Cultural Center of Cape Cod are top sights worth seeing.

Bass River
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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
Nantucket showing a bay or harbour, a marina and boating

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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Falmouth Heights

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Falmouth Heights, Falmouth Heights Beach and Island Queen Ferry are top sights worth seeing.

Falmouth Heights
Nauset Beach showing 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
Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod

Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod

4 out of 5
1225 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA
The price is €228 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€228
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (270 reviews)
"Food was good, very clean, would definitely recommend, great place to stay"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
Hyannis Plaza Hotel

Hyannis Plaza Hotel

2.5 out of 5
662 Main Street, Hyannis, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €104 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
€104
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Hyannis. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Hyannis Harbor and Cape Codder ...
6.8/10 (843 reviews)
"The location was great, the was clean and spacious. Overall a good experience."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Hyannis Plaza Hotel
Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor

3 out of 5
180 Water St, Plymouth, MA
The price is €171 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€171
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free parking, free water park access, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"It was so convenient to the event I had to go to at the East Bay Grille"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
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! (1,073 reviews)
"Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Outdoor pool is fantastic. The shuttle into town is super convenient. The rooms were clean and comfy."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Sandcastle Resort and Club
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! (346 reviews)
"The hotel is in a good location. There are many shops and restaurants nearby and it is within walking distance. The hotel has two swimming pools and a jacuzzi. Friendly staff. There is a good barbecue area. There is no restaurant, but each room has a small kitchen, we had breakfast in the room and ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Holly Tree Resort
The Cove at Yarmouth by VRI Americas

The Cove at Yarmouth by VRI Americas

3.5 out of 5
183 Main Street, West Yarmouth, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in West Yarmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Hyannis Harbor and Mayflower Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (311 reviews)
"Clean, friendly staff and enjoyed the Loft Shack which is perfectly located adjacent to the outdoor pool."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

The Cove at Yarmouth by VRI Americas
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