Motif No. 1 Rockport by Addison Choate
Punto Urban Art Museum, Salem
7 Seas Whale Watch, Gloucester by Amanda Johnston
Courtesy of the Salisbury Beach Partnership
Turner's Seafood, Salem
Schooner Lannon, Gloucester by Karen Nascembeni
Apple Cider Donuts by Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury
Crane Estate, Ipswich, courtesy of The Trustees (c) Stoney Stone
Winter Island Lighthouse, Salem
Woodman's of Essex
Newburyport Harbor Walk

Plan your visit to
North of Boston
Massachusetts today!

North of Boston is home to the 34 cities and towns of Essex County. Located only minutes from Boston, this year-round destination offers 200 miles of coastline and sandy beaches, world class dining, rich history, vibrant arts and culture and nationally recognized attractions. From the salty air of Newburyport to the witches of Salem, the seafood of Gloucester to the industrial city of Lawrence, there is something for everyone North of Boston!

 

Your Perfect Destination

Miles of breathtaking coastline, sandy beaches, acclaimed restaurants, witches, pirates, literature, historic architecture, and a vibrant arts & culture scene combine to make North of Boston your perfect destination.

Weddings & Events

When it’s time to make your love official, the North of Boston region is the place to say “I do.” From intimate micro-weddings to oceanfront weddings and lavish extravaganzas (when we can safely gather together again), we have everything you need to make your special day flawless and memorable. Check out our full list of resources, vendors, and venues for engagements, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wedding celebrations, honeymoons, and more.

Sharon's Studio of Gloucester

Group Tours

Looking for an authentic New England experience for your group? North of Boston has it all just a short drive from Boston’s Logan International Airport. Miles of breathtaking coastline, sandy beaches, acclaimed restaurants, witches, pirates, literature, historic architecture, and a vibrant arts & culture scene combine to your perfect destination.

Tourists enjoy sunset on the Schooner Fame

Meetings

The North of Boston region is the perfect destination for your next meeting or gathering. Be inspired at a range of full-service hotels centrally located or plan a gathering at a boutique inn or unique venue. When you are ready to relax, we have indoor and outdoor options for team-building or just for fun! Let us help you plan an unforgettable experience by submitting an RFP today.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Boston Peabody

Visitor Guide

Your North of Boston free guide features accommodations, restaurants, attractions, events and more!

2024 North of Boston Guide Cover

@VisitNorthOfBoston

The region North of Boston, in Essex County Massachusetts, is located on the traditional homelands of the Pennacook, Pawtucket, Abenaki, Massachusett, and Nipmuc peoples. Today, and every day, we pay respect to their elders, both past and present, and we thank them for their hospitality and stewardship of this land. 

Visit North of Boston recognizes that our work is conducted on this ancestral territory and we're grateful to these Native communities for their enduring connection to these lands.

#NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA #IndigenousPeoplesDay
We’re thrilled to announce that two North of Boston favorites, @smolakfarms and @marinifarm, have been featured in @onlyinyourstate's list of the seven absolute best pumpkin patches in Massachusetts for 2024! 🌟

Both farms offer a fantastic array of autumn activities, from picking the perfect pumpkin to enjoying delicious seasonal treats. Whether you’re wandering through their picturesque fields or indulging in fresh cider donuts, these farms are must-visit spots this fall! 🍏✨

📸: Marini Farm

#MassGrown #Agrotourism  #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA
🍂 North of Boston Fall Photo Contest Continues 🍂

Show off the beauty of the North of Boston region this fall and your photography skills for a chance to win! Whether it’s vibrant foliage, charming towns, delicious autumn treats, or iconic local spots, we want to see the season through your lens. 📸

Each winner will receive a $25 Visa gift card and 2 passes to the PEM and Salem Witch Museum! 🎉

How to enter: 1️⃣ Snap a great photo of the region 2️⃣ Label the photo with your IG handle and/or Full Name in the file name 3️⃣ Submit it via the Dropbox link in our bio, where you can read full details and disclaimers. 

Contest runs through November 22nd, with prizes awarded bi-weekly. Let’s celebrate the magic of fall together! 🍁 #NorthOfBoston #FallPhotoContest #CaptureTheSeason #ExploreNorthBoston #AutumnInNewEngland
Make sure to check out @topsfieldfair and admire all the amazing work from local farmers and growers in the area! Now until October 14th, don’t miss it!
Discover the rich history and vibrant arts scene in the North of Boston's eight Designated Cultural Districts. From the waterfront galleries of Rocky Neck, America's oldest art colony, to the historic charm of Newburyport, each district offers a unique creative experience.

This fall, immerse yourself in the arts and explore the beauty of places like Essex River, Downtown Lynn, Gloucester Harbortown, and more. There’s a world of culture waiting to be explored—join us! 🌟 

Visit @masscultural's website to discover more.

#NorthOfBoston #CulturalDistricts #ExploreLocalArt #FallInNewEngland #VisitMA #VisitNorthOfBoston
🍻 Explore our local breweries and raise a glass to our region! 🍂

The North of Boston area is a craft beer lover's paradise, with a variety of local breweries offering a taste of fall through their seasonal brews. From traditional lagers to innovative IPAs, our breweries have something for every beer enthusiast.

Highlighted by Northshore Magazine, standout destinations include:
🍺 Ipswich Ale Brewery 
🍺 True North Ale Company
🍺 RiverWalk Brewing Co.

This October, these breweries are hosting festive celebrations where you can indulge in seasonal drinks, enjoy live music, and dive into the autumn spirit. Come and explore the craft beer scene with us—raise a glass to the crisp days of fall, North of Boston style!

📸 Photo credit: Ipswich Ale

👉 Check out Northshore Magazine's Guide to every North Shore brewery: https://www.nshoremag.com/eat-drink/north-shore-brewery-guide/
Join Us for the 39th Annual Essex ClamFest & Arts & Crafts Festival! 🎨🦪

Mark your calendars for October 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM at Shepard Memorial Park in Essex!

Celebrate New England’s coastal heritage at the Essex ClamFest, brought to you by the @capeannchamber. Enjoy a fun-filled day of arts & crafts vendors, live entertainment, and of course, delicious food. Be sure to sample some of the region’s best chowder during the Chowder Tasting Competition from noon to 1:30 PM—cast your vote for your favorite!

It’s a day packed with community spirit and tasty seafood delights. Don’t miss out!

#NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA
Howl-o-ween Pet Parade is Back in Salem! 🐾🎃

Join us for Salem’s cutest event of the season! On Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 am, pets of all species are invited to strut their stuff at the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade on Derby Wharf. Dress up your furry (or scaly) friends and celebrate with the community! Rain or shine, it's sure to be a spooky good time. 👻

📝 Register online in advance to save your spot. $5 for Salem residents, $10 for nonresidents. Proceeds support @salemmainstreets all year long! Learn more and sign up on the @salemmainstreets website!

📸: Salem Main Streets

@destsalem  #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA
Thousands of dahlias are in full bloom, right now, thanks to the amazing efforts of @GenerousGardeners in @DiscoverGloucester! With 378 stunning varieties on display, these gardens are a must-see this season. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through this colorful wonder—nature at its finest! 🌺 #DahliasInBloom #GenerousGardeners #GloucesterGardens #NorthofBoston #FallFlowers