When warmer weather arrives, Bostonians flock to the Cape either by ferry or – if you feel like reading bumper stickers while inching forward – by car. In the other direction, we are lured to the beaches of the North Shore. However, many of us stop well shy of the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border and that means we miss out on Salisbury: the ultimate beach town.
Salisbury is a retro beach destination that you may have visited as a kid but have perhaps forgotten since.
Groundswell Surf Café is a casual spot to fuel up on iced coffee and breakfast sandwiches. You can also rent paddleboards and bikes here or sign up for a beach yoga class.
Lunch here is a blend of seafood-heavy dishes, sandwiches, and salads, while dinner includes surf and turf options including popular dishes like baked haddock and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese.
Address: 4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury, MA 01952
Beyond the beach, you can also enjoy Salisbury’s short rail trail.
The route is lined with plaques containing snippets of history, including details of a 1926 train robbery in which thieves made off with $65,000 in cash!
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Salisbury is also home to a historic flower farm that’s been blooming since 1792. Exploring the display gardens and greenhouses at Pettengill Farm is a fun and affordable experience for all.
Pettengill Farm is located at 45 Ferry Road, Salisbury, MA 01952.
If you decide to stray from the waterfront, be sure to check out Pat’s Diner, an adorable vintage diner that’s been a Salisbury institution since 1950.
No beach trip would be complete without ice cream. Hodgie's Too dishes up yummy homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, and Italian ices that round off a perfect day at the beach.
