7 Must-See Massachusetts Harbors: Best Places to Visit by Boat (That Aren't The Cape or Islands)

 Planning a New England boat trip this summer? Add these Massachusetts harbors to your itinerary. From South to North:

1. Plymouth. Located just North of Cape Cod, Plymouth is a tourist destination best known for Plymouth Rock and the Pilgrims who landed there centuries ago. Plymouth is rife with history and small-town appeal, and offers plenty to do. Visit the Pilgrim Hall Museum, take a tour of the Mayflower brewing company, or stroll the shops and restaurants located in the downtown harbor district, within walking distance from the Brewer Plymouth Marine. 


Brewer Plymouth Marine
14 Union St, Plymouth, MA 02360

2. Scituate. If you consider yourself a fisherman, Scituate is a must-see. The town harbor is home to a busy commercial fishing pier. Dock your boat at the Scituate Harbor Marina and watch the fishing boats come in from the deck of nearby TK O’Malley’s or the Mill Wharf Restaurant, or sign up for a fishing charter through one of the numerous local tour services.

Scituate Harbor Marina
48 Jericho Rd, Scituate, MA 02066

3. Hingham. Hingham Harbor’s beautiful shops and walkable downtown area makes it the perfect day trip destination. You’ll find lots of shopping, including the original Talbot’s store, plus a variety of restaurants, an old Irish pub, and coffee and specialty shops. Or, dock at the Hingham Shipyard and pay a visit to Wahlburger’s, owned by the Wahlburg brothers.

Hingham Shipyard Marinas
24 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043

4. Boston. The walking city is naturally boat friendly, as almost everything is accessible from the harbor, and there are many marinas to choose from. Try the Water Boat Marina for easy access to the Boston Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, the North End, and the Freedom Trail. Or, Constitution Marina in Charlestown, equally as convenient and steps away from the oldest commissioned war ship "Old Iron Sides".

Boston Waterboat Marina
66 Long Wharf, North Side Boston, MA 02110

Constitution Marina
28 Constitution Road, Boston, MA 02129

5. Salem. Best known as the home of the Salem Witch Trials and the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Salem is packed with unusual history and psychic attractions. Visit the Nathaniel Hawthorne House or the Salem Witch Museum, take a guided cemetery tour, or shop at the town’s many magic and witchcraft stores.

Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina
10 White Street Salem, MA 01970

6. Gloucester. This North Shore town is home to another busy commercial fishing operation, but offers plenty of New England charm, too. Dock in Gloucester’s inner harbor for easy access to the town’s quintessential waterfront district. You’ll be near spots like the State Forge Park, chartered whale watching tours, the Cape Ann Brewing Company, and plenty more.

Cape Ann's Marina Resort
75 Essex Ave. Gloucester, MA 01930

7. Newburyport. Newburyport it at the juncture of the Merrimack River and the Atlantic Ocean, offering plenty of options for exploring the area by boat. On land, the historic town offers quintessential red brick streets lined with bakeries, breweries, cafes and ice cream shops. The town also hosts many special events throughout the boating season, like summer art walks and farmers markets, and a fall harvest festival.

Newburyport Harbor Marina
Rear 51 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950

Remember, you can book your dock and mooring reservations with Dockwa's mobile app for boaters. Visit our website to sign up.

Image via The Inn at Scituate Harbor