Southeast Massachusetts

Travel Guide

Southeast Massachusetts showing fishing, fall colors and a river or creek
Plymouth showing street scenes
Southeast Massachusetts featuring autumn leaves
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 marina, boating and a bay or harbor

Nantucket Town

If you're spending some time in Nantucket Town, Nantucket Atheneum and Nantucket Historical Association are top sights worth seeing.

Nantucket Town
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Bass River

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 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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Falmouth Heights

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

Falmouth Heights
Nauset Beach featuring a sandy 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 P10,442 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P10,442
P15,212 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (278 reviews)
"Overall clean and convenient"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor

3 out of 5
180 Water St, Plymouth, MA
The price is P8,934 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,934
P11,698 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Restaurant wasnt open yet. Beds were excellent"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
Falmouth Inn

Falmouth Inn

2 out of 5
824 Main Street, Route 28, Falmouth, MA
The price is P8,510 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,510
P10,596 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Falmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Overall we were happy with the property. I like that there is a restaurant right in the front. Location was good and close walking distance to stores. A few critiques is the bed linens could be less dingy and the towels a bit better quality. I found them thin and not soft. Also, if no elevator, there ..."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Falmouth Inn
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! (1,077 reviews)
"great beach!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Sandcastle Resort and Club
Oceana Cottages

Oceana Cottages

2.5 out of 5
345 Shore Rd, North Truro, MA
Book a stay at this beach cottage in North Truro. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and patios. Popular attractions Commercial Street and Head of the Meadow ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (57 reviews)
"It’s like walking into the 70s"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Oceana Cottages
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 Jul 26, 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.

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