Unmissable purely for its history, this region also offers spectacular coastal scenery and a rich cultural community.
Remember the brave Mayflower Pilgrims and learn about what life was like for the new arrivals in Southeast Massachusetts. Leap forward in time to discover a proud maritime existence and explore the area’s excellent galleries and museums.
The perfect place to start your visit to Southeast Massachusetts is PlymouthOpens in a new window, where a hundred or so weary travelers arrived in 1620. The towering 81-foot (25-meter) National Monument to the ForefathersOpens in a new window welcomes you, with Plymouth RockOpens in a new window nearby. Take a look inside majestic 17th-century houses and join a guided tour of Plymouth Plantation.
To see more recent history, drive southwest to Fall River State Heritage Park. In an area of just 8 acres (3 hectares), admire the planet’s largest collection of U.S. naval vessels, including various submarines and the World War II battleship U.S.S Massachusetts.
For your own maritime experience, try canoeing and kayaking in Westport and Dartmouth or find spectacular windsurfing conditions at Horseneck Beach on the south coast.
Undoubtedly one of the finest seaside cities in the state is New Bedford, a 30-minute drive across the state line from ProvidenceOpens in a new window, Rhode Island. The charming port is alive with the cries of gulls as trawlers unload the day’s catch and ferries set sail for Martha’s Vineyard. Wander along the cobbled streets to discover scenic restaurants serving delicious fish, mussels and oysters from lunchtime through evening.
Find eclectic art in downtown galleries. Marvel at magnificent sculpture and oil paintings at Gallery X and the New Bedford Art Museum before you end your day enjoying a ballet or theater performance.
Southeast Massachusetts is defined as bordered byBostonOpens in a new window to the north and Rhode Island to the west. Among the main urban areas are New Bedford, Plymouth, Brockton and FalmouthOpens in a new window. New Bedford hosts many of the year’s best events. Join the Folk Festival at the start of July and the Working Waterfront Festival taking place during the final week of September.
