Essex, MA

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a town with a prominent red brick building, a church with a steeple, and a large white building with a dome.
A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and a historic building with a steeple.
A rustic wooden barn, a calm river, and autumn-colored trees.
A calm lake with a reflection of trees and buildings, surrounded by grassy fields and a forested hill.
A shop with a sign reading "The White Elephant Shop" and a statue of a man in a red jacket.
Lakeside Inn

Lakeside Inn

2 out of 5
595 North Ave Wakefield MA
$137 nightly
The price is $153 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$153 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wakefield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (894 reviews)
"Our faucet in the bathroom sink was completely broken. The toilet paper holder was only one nub of a piece of one that stuck out and they stuck the roll on. The refrigerator wouldn’t turn on. The heater to the room made a banging/screeching noise and the air coming out of it smelled terrible. The ..."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026

Lakeside Inn
Hampton Inn Boston - Logan Airport

Hampton Inn Boston - Logan Airport

3 out of 5
230 Lee Burbank Hwy Revere MA
$203 nightly
The price is $227 total per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
$227 total
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Revere. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Hampton Inn Boston - Logan Airport
Motel 6 Danvers, MA - Boston North

Motel 6 Danvers, MA - Boston North

2 out of 5
65 Newbury Street/US Route 1 North Danvers MA
$130 nightly
The price is $145 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$145 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Danvers. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Salem Witch Museum and Salem Common are located ...
Motel 6 Danvers, MA - Boston North
See all 2,173 properties in Essex
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sands Resort at Hampton Beach

Sands Resort at Hampton Beach

2 out of 5
32 Ashworth Ave Hampton NH
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Hampton. Enjoy free WiFi, 10 beach bars, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Hampton Beach and Hampton ...
Sands Resort at Hampton Beach
Long Beach Suites

Long Beach Suites

2 out of 5
28 Rockport Rd Gloucester MA
Stay at this aparthotel in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Good Harbor Beach and Cape Ann are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"Ver"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Long Beach Suites
Hyatus Luxury Residences Salem

Hyatus Luxury Residences Salem

4.5 out of 5
266 Canal Street Salem MA
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Salem. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Salem Witch Museum and Salem Pioneer ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"Very clean and had everything we needed during our work trip with a full kitchen"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Hyatus Luxury Residences Salem
See all properties in Essex
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Essex attractions

Essex River

9.6/10 (35 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Essex River during your travels in Essex. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Essex worth visiting?
Essex is worth visiting for its standout attractions, such as the scenic Essex River and the historical Essex Shipbuilding Museum, offering a glimpse into the region's maritime past. Travelers can also enjoy North American and seafood dining, with plenty of fresh catches available.
When is the best time to visit Essex?
The best time to visit Essex is from May through September, when the climate is typically milder and more pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good bet, offering a cooler experience.
What is Essex known for?
Essex, known as 'Chebacco Parish', is known for its maritime heritage, highlighted by the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. Travelers can also visit Cogswell's Grant and explore the scenic Essex River. The area also offers a taste of North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Essex?
A good itinerary length for Essex is one to two days to explore highlights like the Essex River, the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, and Cogswell's Grant. For a more relaxed trip, travelers might stay three to four days, allowing extra time to enjoy the local North American, seafood, or Italian cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around Essex?
Essex offers travelers a blend of natural beauty and historical sites to explore and enjoy:


How do I plan a trip to Essex?
To plan your trip to Essex, search for places to stay and book flights early. Consider activities like visiting Essex River, the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, and Cogswell's Grant. For outdoor plans, remember to have indoor backups for weather flexibility. Book your rental car and activities in advance, especially during peak times.
What cuisines can you find in Essex?
In Essex, travelers can find Caribbean cuisine, with dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat, and rice and peas. Travelers also have options for North American fare, fresh seafood, Italian pasta dishes, and Latin American, including Mexican, as well as Asian cuisine.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Essex?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Essex by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Essex with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Essex trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Essex?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Essex can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Essex trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Essex trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Essex trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Essex trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Essex?
If it's your first trip to Essex, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Essex hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Essex hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Essex

A beach with a lifeguard tower, waves, and a large house with a tower on a rocky shore.

Gloucester

A street lined with historic buildings, including a Windhill Realty office and a jewelry store.

Ipswich

A harbor with boats and houses in the background.

Manchester-by-the-Sea

A lush green landscape with a white church, residential houses, and a clear road.

South Hamilton

Explore a world of travel with Expedia