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, unique hotels & inns, 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!
Our cities and towns are marking this historic milestone with a variety of immersive events and multimedia experiences.
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.
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, we have everything you need to make your special day flawless and memorable. Check out our full list of wedding venues, resources, vendors, venues for engagements, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wedding celebrations, honeymoons, and more.
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.
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.
Your North of Boston free guide features hotels, restaurants, attractions, events and more. Choose to explore our digital guide or get a hard copy guide mailed to you before your visit!
From whale watching to outdoor concerts, theater and film festivals to Halloween Haunted Happenings, hiking and fishing to farm suppers and Culture Splash, there’s year-round fun to be found North of Boston.
How much do you know about Ben Franklin? Discover more about our revolutionary roots and the stories that built America at northofboston.org!
Discover the rich tapestry of Lynn’s history at the Lynn Museum & Historical Society @lynnmuseum! Founded in 1897, this vibrant cultural hub houses nearly 10,000 artifacts that chronicle Lynn’s evolution from an early American settlement to an industrial powerhouse. Explore exhibits highlighting the city’s renowned shoemaking industry, its pivotal role in abolitionism, and the diverse communities that have shaped its identity.
Beyond its historical collections, the museum offers dynamic exhibitions and programs that celebrate contemporary art and community stories. From the annual Lynn PRIDE art show to the “Untold Stories: Community Changemakers” exhibit, there’s always something new to experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art lover, or curious visitor, the Lynn Museum provides a unique lens into the city’s past and present. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the stories that make Lynn truly special. @lynnmainstreets @visitlynnma
This May, @burtons.grill is offering more than just great food. They are giving back to the community in a meaningful way.
Throughout the month, a portion of dessert sales from all New England locations will support the Boston Children`s Hospital Celiac Program. Every time you order a gluten-free dessert like the Seven Layer Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Pie, or Seasonal Cheesecake, you are helping to fund vital research and care for children with celiac disease.
Burtons Grill Catering has also launched, bringing your favorite dishes to corporate meetings, family gatherings, and large events. Every menu item is made from scratch using high-quality, wholesome ingredients.
To learn more, visit Burtons Grill & Bar`s website.
May is National Burger Month, and @northshoremag has curated a list of 12 must-try burgers in the North of Boston region. From gourmet creations to classic favorites, there`s something for every burger enthusiast. Celebrate National Burger Month by exploring the delectable options.
For the full list and more details, visit Northshore Magazine`s article on their website.
Be among the first to experience “Road to Revolution,” a new exhibition curated by Kevin MacDonald, opening at the @thechmm_newburyport. Join the community for an opening reception on May 23 at 5:30 PM to explore this engaging look at Newburyport’s revolutionary roots. Presented in partnership with MOON, the Newburyport Library, and Central Congregational Church, and funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.
📸: @newburyportvip
Grab your friends, a drink, and a seat at the @thebonsaibar pop-up at @ipswichalebrew. This beginner-friendly workshop brings the ancient art of bonsai into a fun, laid-back setting.
Learn the basics of potting, pruning, and styling your own tiny tree with guidance from expert instructors. No experience necessary—and they guarantee your tree will thrive or they`ll replace it. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and craft beer.
📸: Ipswich Ale Brewery
Discover the vibrant murals of Lynn! 🎨 From global artists to local legends like @angurria, these stunning pieces bring the city to life. Want to explore more murals across the North Shore? Check out the mural map at northofboston.org!
Save the date for the 250th Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment!
Join us on June 21-22, 2025 at Gloucester’s scenic Stage Fort Park for an unforgettable weekend commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. This large-scale reenactment will faithfully portray the events of June 17, 1775, honoring the men and women from all sides who shaped history.
From immersive public demonstrations to living history displays, this event is a unique opportunity to reflect, learn, and experience a pivotal moment in America’s fight for independence.
More details coming soon. Mark your calendars!
📸: Mark Morello
@massachusetts250
Rebel Rob is taking to the streets to test your knowledge of revolutionary history! From women’s rights to pivotal moments that changed the course of America, how well do you know the past? Find out more and dive into our history at northofboston.org!
Get ready to move at the @peabodyessex`s K-Pop Dance Party in celebration of the new Korean Art gallery and Jung Yeondoo: Building Dreams exhibition.
On May 15, come dance to beats by DJ Gamma Vibes and enjoy pop-up performances by Boston’s StyleMe Dance Studio. Galleries will be open late, Korean snacks will be available for purchase, and the cash bar will be serving up Seoul-inspired cocktails. It’s a night of art, rhythm, and high-energy fun you won’t want to miss.
Join @ciderhill_farm and the @amesburylibrary for a delightful morning of farm-themed stories under the picnic tent. Held near the goats, this free story time takes place on the second Tuesday of each month and is perfect for children and their grown-ups.
Bring a blanket, enjoy the fresh air, and let the stories of the season inspire your little ones.
📸: Cider Hill Farm
@cantemuschorus presents "I Hear America Singing" a moving spring concert exploring themes of identity, protest, and the American dream. Hear works by Charles Ives, Bob Dylan, Aaron Copland, and more, set to the words of Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and Langston Hughes.
Special guest musicians join Cantemus for this inspiring performance on Sunday, May 11 at 4 PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newburyport.