The South Coast offers a convenient location for exploring a variety of nearby attractions. Within an hour’s drive, you can easily visit the major cities of Boston and Providence, as well as the coastal charm of Newport. Cape Cod is also just a short trip over the bridge.
Plymouth Plantation
Travel back in time to 17th-century New England at Plimoth Patuxet Museums and the Plimoth Grist Mill. While in Plymouth, be sure to explore the town center’s shops and enjoy a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants along the waterfront. Take a walk to see the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock. While the rock itself may be smaller than you expect, it’s a significant part of the area’s history and worth a quick visit as part of your trip.
Cranberry Bogs
There are many cranberry bogs in the area. Here is a list of a few.
Makepeace Farms in Wareham, MA www.makepeacefarms.com
Hartley Family Farm in Rochester, MA Hartley Family Farm Cranberry Bog Tours
Benson’s Pond in Middleborough, MA www.bensonspond.com
Vineyards and Breweries
Westport Rivers Vineyard in Westport, MA www.westportrivers.com
Buzzards Bay Brewing in Westport, MA www.buzzardsbrew.com
Nasketucket Bay Vineyard in Fairhaven, MA www.peacelovevino.net
Running Brook Vineyards in Darthmouth, MA www.runningbrookwine.com
Ragged Island Brewing Co in Portsmouth, RI www.raggedislandbrewing.com
Cape Cod, MA
On Cape Cod, you can tailor your vacation to be as relaxing or as active as you like.
For those who want to stay busy, you can visit the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, explore Main Street in Hyannis, browse the charming shops in Chatham, or experience the vibrant scene in Provincetown.
If relaxation is what you’re after, the ocean is always close by. Grab a beach towel, dig your toes in the sand, and simply watch the waves roll in.
Need to relax but still want to see the sights? Take a ride of a train. www.capetrain.com
Boston, MA
Boston offers a diverse range of activities to suit every interest.
Explore the city’s rich past by following the Freedom Trail, and then take a break for a snack at Faneuil Hall. For a relaxing stroll, wander through the Boston Common and the Public Garden, where you can find the famous Robin Williams bench.
Indulge in a delicious Italian meal in the historic North End or savor fantastic Asian cuisine in Chinatown.
If you’re a sports fan, you can catch a game for one of our professional teams, including baseball, basketball, or hockey. For football, you’ll need to head to Foxborough.
Kids will love a visit to the Children’s Museum and the New England Aquarium.
Providence, RI
Providence, Rhode Island, is a city with a vibrant mix of history, art, and food, offering a wide array of activities for every visitor.
You can immerse yourself in arts and culture at the RISD Museum and the Providence Performing Arts Center, or explore historic sites like Federal Hill and the Rhode Island State House. The city also features the unique WaterFire art installation on its rivers and offers a variety of dining and shopping options. For a different perspective, you can even take a gondola ride on the river.
- WaterFire: This signature public art installation is arguably Providence’s most famous event. On select evenings from May to November, a series of bonfires are lit on the three downtown rivers, creating a magical, multi-sensory experience.
- RISD Museum: Located on the campus of the renowned Rhode Island School of Design, the museum houses a vast collection of over 100,000 works of art and design spanning from ancient times to the present day.
- Roger Williams Park: This expansive park is home to the Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the U.S., as well as the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, a large indoor display garden. The park also includes walking paths, a carousel, and swan boats on the lake.
- Providence Children’s Museum: A great spot for families, this museum features a variety of hands-on exhibits and programs designed for children ages 1 to 11.
- Dining: Providence boasts an eclectic selection of restaurants to satisfy every taste, from authentic Italian in Federal Hill to diverse global cuisine.
Newport, RI
Newport, Rhode Island is famous for a number of things that have shaped its identity as a premier New England destination:
The Gilded Age Mansions: This is perhaps what Newport is best known for. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, America’s wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts, built opulent summer “cottages” along the city’s coastline. These extravagant homes, like The Breakers and Marble House, are now preserved as museums, offering a glimpse into the lavish lives of the era’s elite.
Sailing and Maritime History: Known as the “Sailing Capital of the World,” Newport has a deep-rooted connection to the sea. It was a major 18th-century port and for decades, hosted the prestigious America’s Cup yacht race. The city’s harbor is always bustling with sailboats, and you can find a variety of sailing tours and cruises.
The Cliff Walk: This is a stunning 3.5-mile public access path that winds along the eastern shoreline. It offers breathtaking views of the ocean on one side and the dramatic backyards of the Gilded Age mansions on the other. It’s a National Recreation Trail and a must-do for any visitor.
Historic Downtown: Newport’s downtown area is full of colonial-era buildings, quaint shops, and excellent restaurants. You can explore historic sites like the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the U.S., and the White Horse Tavern, which claims to be the oldest operating tavern in the country.
Arts and Festivals: Newport is also home to world-renowned music festivals, particularly the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival, both of which have been running for decades at Fort Adams State Park.
Like Murder Mystery and Ghosts?
Check out Lizzie Borden’s House in Fall River. www.lizzie-borden.com