Between Boston And Portsmouth Is A Charming East Coast Town With Fresh Seafood, Shops, And A Renowned Beach

Between the bigger cities of Boston and Portsmouth, one of Massachusetts' most beloved beaches tempts thalassophiles with almost 4 miles of sand surrounded by hundreds of acres of park, marshland, and estuaries. About a 40-mile drive north of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Salisbury, one of the Bay State's oldest towns, is home to Salisbury Beach State Reservation, a popular summertime destination in the area. Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and Massachusetts' Merrimack River, Salisbury also has some of the freshest seafood found anywhere, along with quaint shops to stroll through. 

Along its beach coastline is an elevated wooden boardwalk coaxing seaside wanderers to stroll past the historic arcade, restaurants, and nightlife spots. For a touch of whimsy, take a ride on the charming Salisbury Beach Carousel that's been spinning riders around on its hand-carved horses since 1909. A bustling beachside town for generations, Salisbury also was — and remains — a hub for entertainment, having hosted performances by musical legends ranging from Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong to James Brown and Aerosmith.

Before the English first settled in Salisbury in 1638, it was home to Native American tribes such as the Pentucket, who relied on the region's coastal and inland resources for thousands of years. It became a burgeoning beach destination in the mid-1860s and has remained that way ever since. Salisbury maintains its New England charm with colorful clapboard-clad beach cottages and historic entertainment centers. Visitors flock here each summer seeking fresh-off-the-boat seafood plus beachy gifts and mementos.

Eateries known for their delectable dishes and coastal decor dot the seaside and town. Some are quick and casual, others offer seafood dishes that lean towards gourmet, but all have one common denominator: the fish was just caught. Lena's Seafood is among them, having served fresh fish for more than 50 years. Housemade batter coats Lena's signature fried haddock, clams, shrimp, and flounder, among other seaborn delicacies. One customer says in a Google review, "Absolutely 5 STARS! ... the food is always delicious, hot, prepared fresh to order." 

You can also grab a basket of fried haddock, clams, scallops, or shrimp with coleslaw and fries from Taste Buds, one of Salisbury's newer dining options. Seaglass Restaurant and Lounge, meanwhile, boasts panoramic ocean views from its lofty windows and a bright, welcoming interior with an expansive bar. While you can find many mouthwatering places to get a lobster roll in Maine, Magic City Eats on TikTok says Seaglass has an "amazing lobster roll experience." Try one while sipping a signature Cranberry Bog Margarita. Or if you're staying somewhere with a kitchen or barbecue, hit David's Fish Market for a cornucopia of fresh seafood you can cook yourself. 

East Coast beaches have softer sand compared to the West Coast due to several geological factors, and Salisbury Beach is no exception. Saunter along the silky sand and rolling dunes of the state reservation while keeping your eyes peeled for waterfowl and shorebirds such as purple sandpipers, gulls, and herons in this designated Massachusetts Wildlife Viewing Site. An enormous campground with nearly 500 sites to set up in is perfect for falling asleep to the crashing waves here.

Or just come to Salisbury Beach for the day and search for seashells, as there's ample parking to be found in the lot and streets nearby. Parking fees ranging from $3 to $7 per hour are charged between May 1 and October 15 from 8 a.m. to midnight. Or skip the lots entirely by staying in beachside accommodations such as the Shoreline Oceanfront Rooms & Suites, which has many five-star ratings on Tripadvisor. 

Every seaside excursion needs a bit of souvenir shopping. Salisbury's By the Sea Gifts features ocean-inspired jewelry, accessories, art, and more, while Wildflow Surf Co. has surf and beach gear, plus boards. Since 1950, Salisbury Discount House has enticed shoppers with affordable toys, comfy socks and slippers, and jewelry, along with memento apparel. And since New England has some of the best boardwalks for scenic ocean views, drive straight up the coast for 10 minutes to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire or an hour north to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, to extend your oceanside vacation.