Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island Vacation Ideas Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island - Road Trip Planner
 

Tourist Information for Boston, Cape Cod, Newport, Coastal MA and RI

Things to do / Travel Guide

Folks from near and far come to coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island for three main reasons: Many visit the region for the American history and culture that you can find in such abundance; many love the region for the recreation, the resorts it offers, and the fresh sea atmosphere; and many come for a peek at the mind-bogglingly lavish mansions built during the Gilded Age at the turn of the 20th century.

Historical and Cultural Attractions around Boston, Massachusetts

The historical and cultural attractions you can find in the coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island region are some of the best in the U.S. In coastal Massachusetts alone there's Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims are said to have landed; Salem, site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials; Boston, which has its very own Freedom Trail, one of only two such trails in the country, plus lots more important and awe-inspiring locations; and Lexington and Concord, where the battles that jump-started the Revolutionary War took place. In southeast Connecticut, also in the region, there are well-preserved, old and picturesque fishing villages lining the coast for you to visit. Yes, coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island is undoubtedly an excellent destination if you're interested in history, culture, and their unfolding.

Recreational Opportunities around Boston, Massachusetts

The recreational opportunities in this region are famous country-wide, and range from the excellent to the unique. In the beautiful state of Rhode Island, and to its south on Block Island, diving and fishing spots are numerous and of high quality. In Massachusetts, do not miss the resort destinations of Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Explore and relax just where the rich and famous do, reside in the quaint bed and breakfasts, catch all the culture, the summer concerts and events, the beautiful views, and more. There are lots of fishing, kayaking, and diving points all along the Cape and the islands.
Did we mention seafood? These coastal areas offer excellent clam dishes and other seafood creations from north to south.

The splendorous turn-of-the-century mansions, which are found in abundance around Newport, are nearly unique to the region. You can find similar residences in Boston's Beacon Hill. Think gilded, think ivory, mahogany, the Renaissance; think 70 rooms, built by artisans from all over the world. You get the idea! In Rhode Island these mansions are all unique, overflowing with creativity and treasures, and many are open for the public to get a taste of these wonders from the Gilded Age.

Casinos in Connecticut

One major draw to the region you'll find in southeast Connecticut. The two casinos in this area, Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun, are less than two hours from Boston. You might want to pay them a visit: They are the two biggest casinos in the entire world. Not a light boast! At Foxwoods, for instance, there are 350 gaming tables and nearly 10,000 slot machines. Located a few minutes from one another, they are a great destination in their own right, as well as a perfect way to cap off an excellent tour of the exciting, the beautiful, the fascinating - coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Time Zone

Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island operate on Eastern Time, three hours ahead of Pacific Time.

Risks

Lyme, Connecticut is located around half-an-hour west of Mystic. So what? This is actually the place from which Lyme disease got its name. Bottom line: There are lots of ticks in the woods and fields in these parts, and you should be more wary than usual about covering up your lower legs. No sandals or short, and socks should be pulled up. That is all - no massive change in lifestyle or anything.