Two Of Massachusetts Coastal Towns Ranked in USA’s Top 10
North Shore, South Shore, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard. There certainly is no shortage of shoreline in the Bay State. Two Massachusetts towns were selected as a USA Today top…
North Shore, South Shore, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard. There certainly is no shortage of shoreline in the Bay State. Two Massachusetts towns were selected as a USA Today top 10 coastal town.
10 Best is USA Today's travel coverage series highlighting attractions, destinations, and food items around the county. They look for unique charm with homegrown flavors. Furthermore, they were looking for "waterfront charm." Not only is Massachusetts the home to two of the selections, but it was also the only state in the Northeast to get the nod. According to the final rankings, these two towns are both in the top five!
So what are the towns?
Provincetown and Marblehead are each considered a Massachusetts top coastal town. The tip of Cape Cod and North Shore shipyard landmark. 10Best calls out Provincetown's spread of galleries and museums as main attractions. In addition, Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary was listed as part of Marblehead's nature-friendly environment.
Looking at the history of these two summer hot spots, it's no surprise that their quaint appeal led them to landing on the top 10 coastal town list.
Provincetown is 17.5 miles of unique beachfront and harbor-side living. Often called P-Town, the year-round living population is roughly 3,600 people, while the seasonal population can reach as much as 60,000. Commercial Street is known for its Cabaret establishments, restaurants, and art shops.
Marblehead is about three hours north of Provincetown. You can actually take a boat back and forth. On a map it looks like these two destinations are staring at each other. Marblehead is about 19 square miles with a population of over 20,000. One of the main tourist attractions here are the numerous sailing options out of Marblehead harbor. Finally, it is infamous for its commercial fishing wharfs, thus there are also six yacht clubs spread throughout the area.
Marblehead
photo by Bart Snow courtesy of Marblehead.orgMarblehead harbor, view from Marblehead Neck. The town has a deep history with being a major shipyard, and is sometimes referred to as a birthplace of the USA Navy. In fact, three Navy ships have been named USS Marblehead.
Provincetown
Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesOften called "P-Town", Provincetown is known as being the spot where Pilgrims arrived via the Mayflower in 1620. The Mayflower docked in Provincetown Harbor.
Marblehead
photo by Bart Snow courtesy of Marblehead.orgThe Old Town House was built in 1727. It is one of the oldest town hall buildings in America. Pre-revolutionary war meetings held at what is nicknamed "Marblehead's Cradle of Liberty."
Provincetown
Paul Marotta/Getty ImagesCommercial Street in Provincetown, where most of the local businesses are located. It is also the street where the town post office and library is.
