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!
Celebrating the American Revolution's 250th Anniversary
Our cities and towns are marking this historic milestone with a variety of immersive events and multimedia experiences.
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.
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.
Visitor Guide
Your North of Boston free guide features accommodations, restaurants, attractions, events and more!
North of Boston Happenings
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.
@VisitNorthOfBoston
🎨✨ Creative Haverhill: Bringing Arts to the Community! ✨🎭
@creativehaverhill is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all in Greater Haverhill! They manage free, inclusive programs like:
🎨 Annual Juried Youth Art Show at KidsFest
🖌️ Let’s Make Art at the Haverhill Farmer’s Market
📖 River Bards Poetry Series at HC Media
Beyond these programs, they collaborate with local organizations to integrate the arts into community life, advocate for arts-driven economic development, and serve on key committees shaping Haverhill’s cultural future.
Stay tuned for exciting events and initiatives that celebrate creativity and community! 💡🎭
Image credits: Destination Downtown Haverhill, Haverhill Art Walk,
🍽️ Dine Out Boston at @legalseafoods! 🍽️
Now through March 15, 2025, Legal Sea Foods (all MA locations except airports) is serving up special 3-course prix fixe menus you won’t want to miss!
✨ Lunch: $32
✨ Dinner: $46
Enjoy classics like New England Clam Chowder, Fish & Chips, Shrimp Scampi, Nori Chili Crusted Salmon, Sirloin Tips, Boston Cream Pie, and more!
Make your reservations now and indulge in a taste of New England’s best! 🦞🍷
Davio’s Lynnfield, an upscale Italian steakhouse, offers an unforgettable dining experience with its signature Northern Italian steaks, handmade pastas, and classic dishes. 🍝
Located in the MarketStreet Complex and seating over 250 guests, @daviosrestaurant brings a state-of-the-art kitchen and elegant design combined with warm, inviting service. Former Lynnfield High football captain and longtime resident Steve DiFillippo has helped establish this North Shore favorite, complete with an open kitchen, lively bar, added patio, and cozy fireplace. Discover exceptional food, drink, and attentive service at Davio’s Lynnfield!
📸: @tasteofmassachusetts
Discover the best of New England just north of Boston! Our new digital guide showcases everything the region is known for—from pristine seashores and ski mountains to culturally vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and mouthwatering restaurant dishes. Whether it’s family adventures or a cozy escape for couples and solo travelers, North of Boston and our Merrimack Valley neighbors offer a captivating world just a stone’s throw from the Hub.
Explore our guide and start planning your next getaway today! Link in bio.
On March 6, @peabodyessex and GenPEM invite you to an exclusive screening of The Nita & Zita Project in Salem. This captivating film, which premiered at the 2024 Salem Film Fest, chronicles the extraordinary journey of burlesque dancers and outsider artists Nita and Zita—marginalized trailblazers who wove their mythology into New Orleans’ cultural tapestry. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Marci Darling, moderated by Petra Slinkard, PEM’s Director of Curatorial Affairs and the Nancy B. Putnam Curator of Fashion and Textiles.
Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of art, creativity, and community.
Step back in time at the Leslie’s Retreat Exhibit in Salem! This free exhibit explores a pivotal moment in American history—on February 26, 1775, when local militia and citizens blocked British troops at the North River Bridge. Presented by @essexheritage, @salemmaritimenps, and Minute Man National Historical Park, the exhibit is on display at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center (2 New Liberty Street) through April 27. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and curious minds alike. Plan your visit today!
Image credit: Salem Maritime National Historic Site
@visitma @massachusetts250 @destsalem
Celebrate Mardi Gras with Jambalaya Horns at @gloucesterstage Company on March 1st! 🎷
Experience the vibrant spirit of New Orleans right in Gloucester! The Jambalaya Horns, led by Carlos Menezes Jr., will fill the air with New Orleans-flavored funk, soul, and brassy 2nd-lines that capture the true essence of the Crescent City. With an expanded horn section and surprise guest vocalists, this Mardi Gras celebration promises a night of pure musical magic. Don’t miss this electrifying performance!
Happiness can be found in Topsfield at the @topsfieldbakeshop 🤩 have you stopped in for one of their famous Whoopie Pies or any of their other sweet treats? Such a magical spot in North of Boston, ready to sweeten your Monday! #Topsfield
@milemarkerone in Gloucester blends fresh, locally sourced seafood with innovative cuisine. Their menu features everything from lobster rolls and oysters to weekly specials like pan-seared halibut over lobster arancini. Perfect for any occasion—whether it`s a romantic dinner, fun night out, or family brunch—this versatile spot offers year-round indoor dining, a seasonal outdoor deck, and the must-try Igloo Dining Experience with new 2024 clear dome heated igloos. Experience Gloucester’s finest at Mile Marker One!
📸: @tasteofmassachusetts
Don`t miss the last day to hit the ice at The Rink at @marketstreetlynnfield! February 23 is your final chance to enjoy winter skating before the season wraps up. Don’t let the ice melt on your fun—get out there and make some unforgettable winter memories!
📸: MarketStreet Lynnfield
This Saturday, the @peabodyessex Museum in Salem presents Fashion in the Season of Revolution—a captivating exploration of style, society, and conflict during the Revolutionary era. In cooperation with Leslie’s Retreat 250, this engaging program features a thought-provoking panel discussion paired with a vibrant Revolutionary reenactor promenade, offering a unique blend of scholarship, storytelling, and immersive experience.
Attendees will discover how fashion played a pivotal role in shaping society in tumultuous times, all set against the inspiring backdrop of PEM’s exhibits. Don’t miss this extraordinary journey through history and style!
Image credit: Peabody Essex Museum
Mark your calendars! 📅
On February 22, @appletonfarms in Ipswich invites adults to join the Adult Maple Strolls. Guests will explore the historic maple stand, stroll along scenic farm roads to the Appleton maple grove, and learn about the rich history and science of New England maple sugaring. The event concludes with a visit to the sugar shack, where attendees can witness firsthand how sap is transformed into delicious Appleton maple syrup. Don`t miss this chance to experience a cherished local tradition!
Image credit: Appleton Farms
