Just 43 minutes or a 2-hour drive away are two awesome coastal towns to add to your must-visit list! USA Today just released its 10Best Readers’ Choice picks of America’s top 10 coastal small towns.
Marblehead, MA (a 43-minute drive from Boston) came in at number 3 and Provincetown, MA (a 2-hour drive from Boston) came in at number 5!
How are the nominees and finalists selected?
To determine the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, USA Today experts first select 20 nominees for each respective category such as “America’s Best Waterfront Hotels” or “The Top 10 Riverwalks in America.” The list is further narrowed down to the top 10 based on the popular vote of USA Today readers.
The publication wrote:
Big cities on the water have their perks, but these 10 small towns – voted as the best by readers – offer a tranquility and charm that’s hard to find in more densely populated areas. Here are the 10 best coastal small towns in the U.S. for 2023.
The full list of winners:
- Sandusky, Ohio
- Stuart, Florida
- Marblehead, Massachusetts
- Bayfield, Wisconsin
- Provincetown, Massachusetts
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Sanibel Island, Florida
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Nags Head, North Carolina
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
Marblehead, MA
Marblehead received praise for its proximity to urban life yet, sheer distinction in its “quaint” and charming small waterfront town feel:
This quaint coastal New England town is just a short drive from Salem and Boston, but feels a world removed. History buffs enjoy checking out Fort Sewall and the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, while nature lovers will be delighted with a kayaking trip to nearby Crowninshield Island. Other attractions include the independent cinema Warwick Place and the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can encounter beautiful migratory birds.
Provincetown, MA
Provincetown, aka P-town, is a bit of a ways from Boston, about a 2-hour drive, but still a very charming and popular travel destination according to the publication. Sitting on tip of Cape Cod, P-town features and “eclectic mix” of lodging, dining, and entertainment.