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One unexpected East Coast state has been quietly creeping up on travelers’ itineraries the past few years, including my own.
The magnetizing seafarer’s charm, endless seafood shacks, and tranquil shores of Maine have become a huge draw for travelers seeking sun and sand over the big city grind, but the O.G. of idyllic East Coast beaches is still alive and well…and surprisingly affordable!
That would be Massachusetts — home to popular beach destinations of Cape Cod, Provincetown, and Martha’s Vineyard
But there’s another lesser-known cluster of beach towns with virtually no crowds, and recently highlighted as the East Coast’s most affordable coastal getaway.
Cape Ann: New England’s Affordable Seaside Paradise
You might be wondering where Cape Ann is located and how it’s slipped through the cracks for so long, and rightfully so.
An easy 53-minute trip from Boston lies this gorgeous peninsula lined with numerous towns oozing charm and character with rustic waterfront shops, scenic harbors, and of course, beautiful beach hideaways.
Deeply steeped in maritime history, Cape Ann is a classic New England coastal escape with strong ties to the sea, which has now transformed into an underrated vacation spot.
Rather than name-brand resorts, Cape Ann boasts cozier stays without the corporate nonsense. Think historic inns and boutique stays, such as Rockport Inn & Suites in the low $100s through April.
Although, your best bargain isn’t a hotel but a State Park. Halibut State Park, located at the very tip of the peninsula, is free to enter and great spot for cycling, hiking, and sweeping coastal views.
Which Beach Towns To Visit
Let’s unpack this cluster of Cape Ann towns to give you a better idea of where to vacation this spring.
Gloucester:
Proudly boasting America’s oldest seaport, this scenic town blends history and coastal bliss with multiple insightful museums as well as stunning natural beauty.
A true vacation destination, despite not being a household name, there’s plenty to do, see, and indulge in.
Of the cluster of towns making up Cape Ann, Gloucester is arguably the best for a quintessential beach vacation.
So much so, their tourism goes as far as boldly claiming their vibrant coastlines behold ‘several of the world’s most beautiful beaches’ such as Good Harbor Beach with Caribbean-esque waters.
Order ‘oak grilled’ entrees from a wood-fired grill and 500-gallon smoker at Oak to Ember in the heart of the Seaport, book an ocean-view room at Beauport Hotel, and cap off your beach day with a sunset cruise.
Manchester-by-the-Sea:
Manchester-by-the-Sea (also known simply as “Manchester”) is a tranquil seaside town offering an upscale lifestyle with unmissable cliffside mansions, slower pace, and one of the American’s most unique beaches.
Singing Beach got the name not because it’s a 24/7 karaoke party but because the sand “sings” when you walk on it.
In a CBS News report showcasing how unique and wonderful Singing Beach is to visit, one resident claimed “Honestly, when it’s quiet, it’s heaven. It really is.”
Of this bunch of beach towns, Manchester is the priciest, but mostly in real estate. That being said, your best bet is booking in a neighboring town (or Boston) and making a day trip out of it.
Rockport:
While many vacationers enjoy much-needed downtime in peace and quiet, Rockport is where the “action” is with quirky shops, line-out-the-door seafood eateries, and Motif #1, the ‘most often-painted building in America’.
In other words, this beautiful coastal town is a huge draw for artists, free spirits and non-conformists as it offers a vibrant, welcoming, Boho atmosphere.
Unlike Gloucester’s long stretches of beaches, Rockport offers pint-sized coved and more secluded shores.
Grab a must-have bowl of Clam Chowdah from The Fish Shack, unwind in a seaside lounge chair at Eden Pines Inn, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the calm blue waters.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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