Usually when people look to go to New England, there's one place that sticks out as a must-see.
Welcome to Cape Cod National Seashore, a peculiar peninsula hanging from the southeast of Massachusetts. Many will know Cape Cod for its historical significance, when Pilgrims crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the Mayflower in 1620 and landed at Plymouth Rock, after sailing too far north after a storm and not being able to reach their original target of the Virginia colony. Their settled city of Provincetown still exists today, along with a park paying tribute to this original landing. This is where you will find the eastern terminus of United States Route 6, a mere 3,205 miles from Bishop, California at the other end, as is signed in this area.
Although Provincetown is certainly a spectacle in and of itself to get to the end of the land, there's much more to the Cape Cod area to visit. Perhaps make a stop in the cities of Barnstable, Yarmouth, or Dennis with plenty of along-the-shore opportunities for you to enjoy. If the mainland just isn't suiting you, head over to Hyannis and pick up a ferry. One may be able to take to the vacation home of many celebrities and famous people: Martha's Vineyard. Or take an excursion over to Nantucket Island. Who knows? You might be able to meet the man from Nantucket.
Along the way at the cities of Eastham and Wellfleet, make a stop at the National Beaches. If you have your National Parks Pass, you're in luck, because you'll be able to use it here. First make a stop at the Salt Pond Visitors Center, and if you have a pup with you, you'll be able to induct him or her into the B.A.R.K. Ranger program. They'll also help you with the dog friendly beaches, of which the National Seashore has a few. Make your way through and outside of the lifeguard protected areas between Coast Guard Beach and Marconi Beach, and your furry little friend will be able to enjoy the ocean. Just be aware that the beach itself is quite steep, and it's a bit of a hike back up to the parking lot, so make sure you are fully prepared.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to New England, don't forget about Cape Cod National Seashore.
Once again, the sea is before us, this time in the northeastern corner of the country.
The coast of New Hampshire, at a mere 13 miles, is the shortest of all the coastlines in the USA. That's not to say that it isn't packed with something for everyone. While driving, find New Hampshire Highway 1A to allow yourself to peacefully meander this edge of the country. Make a quick stop along the northern rocky coast, where you may be able to see in the distance the nine Isles of Shoals, the ownership of which are split in half between New Hampshire and Maine. While at this part of the coast, perhaps in order is a quick trip up to Fort Stark, an artillery from World War II, or Fort Foster on the Maine side in Kittery which served as an additional gun battery during both World Wars.
If you're more of the "long walk" variety, head south down the coastline, as North Beach, Hampton Beach, and Seabrook Beach await beach visitors. Be cautious when visiting these cities, as they are quite expensive when it comes to parking, reaching rates you'd find in New York City, especially on Manhattan. If you want something a little more economical, go over the drawbridge and beyond Seabrook Beach down to the city of Salisbury, Massachusetts. The beaches are just as accessible, and it's easy enough to take a walk back into New Hampshire if you wanted to visit Seabrook.
A trip to the North Atlantic in the warmer months would not be complete without a whale watching tour. Up around Rye Harbor, you'll find Granite State Whale Watch, a great "bang for the buck" when wanting to see these large marine mammals. This company has partnered with the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, which not only gives a great narration on what you'll see out in the blue depths, but also performs research while these tours are conducted. There are typically two tours per day in the summer months; be sure to book the later of the tours because there are no trackers on any of the whales that visit, and the crew has the added benefit of a morning search to find these swimmers. The area is most likely to see finback and humpback whales, but you may get a bonus of a jumping tuna while out there.
So whether your Internal Compass takes you towards rocky or sandy beaches, northern New England will have something for you.
Copyright 2021-24 Freedom Rolling.
Logo Image Courtesy Clipartmax.com
United States Image Courtesy Simple Maps