Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:140 Washington Street
Salem, Massachusetts
Tel:
(978) 740-0444
Walk for miles on white sandy beaches along the scenic coast of Massachusetts! The Essex National Heritage Area begins just 10 miles north of Boston and is overlaid by 400 years of New England history and culture. This 550 square mile region features historic seaports, interesting granite protrusions along the beach, white clapboard buildings, renowned art and cultural museums, antique farms, wooden boat-building shops, early industrial mill complexes, and significant wildlife refuges—both on-shore and off-shore—the area provides hours (if not days!) of fun-filled exploration for the whole family, just a short ride up from Boston!
The Essex National Heritage Area contains two National Park sites and hundreds of historic structures, museums, and natural resources. Visitors can play in the miles of white sand at Crane Beach in Ipswich or choose from 3.8 miles of sandy beach at Salisbury Beach State, one of the state's most popular ocean beaches—great for boating, fishing, camping, and cooling off for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. There's also a variety of opportunities to sail, kayak and canoe in the endless waters or mountain bike or hike through the rolling hills and acres of preserved trails, forests and wildlife reserves. If you prefer indoor fun, check out the Wenham Museum, a family attraction and home to a world-famous doll and toy collection, a model train room, a costume and textile gallery, and a children's interactive Family Discovery Gallery. At the Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitor Center, you can see a real turn-of-the-century kitchen, complete with antique stove and sink, and a city-planning game—a cool break from the summer sun, or a refuge for cold beach days!
To get to the Essex National Heritage Area from Boston, take I-93 or Routes 1 or 1A which all hit the park area. If you're coming from New Hampshire, take I-93, I-95, Route 1 or Route 3. Take a break from the bustling city and head up to the Essex area for a fantastic time!