All Aboard! Coastal New England Adventures by Commuter Rail

The New England coastline is a study in contrasts, from rugged rocky beaches and small fishing villages nestled along the north coast to sweeping, sun-drenched dunes and historic lighthouses that dot the southern shoreline. There is so much to do and see along the Massachusetts seaboard and one of the best ways to experience it is by train! 

Skip the traffic and parking hassles by jumping on the Commuter Rail for a day trip or weekend adventure to seaside towns, beachfront stops, and points of interest from Newburyport down to Plymouth, New Bedford and the Islands.

Let’s get started planning your traffic-free day or weekend adventure along the coast as you explore the hidden gems and local activities unique to the scenic New England coastline. 

Explore Shops & Restaurants on the North Shore

If the rocky shoreline, art galleries, and fresh seafood are calling to you, the North Shore and its quaint seaside towns along the Newburyport/Rockport Line are the perfect way to spend the day. Pack your beach towel, sunscreen and a good pair of walking shoes to set out on a coastal adventure. 

Newburyport: Seaside Shopping and Diverse Dining

Start your trip at North Station and head to the Newburyport/Rockport Line, where you can choose to start your exploration on the Newburyport branch or Rockport branch as the line splits at Beverly Station. If you decide to head to Newburyport Station, you will be able to take a short rideshare to downtown Newburyport (1.4 mi), where you will find diverse culinary offerings from American comfort food to fresh seafood. 

If you crave a great burger and waterfront views, you can’t beat The Goat (1.4 mi), located on the Merrimack River in downtown Newburyport, offering burgers, craft cocktails, and live country music. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer a spectacular view through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. Other options for waterfront dining include Michael’s Harborside Restaurant and Bar (1.5 mi), where you can dine al fresco with the region’s freshest seafood options or Tuscan Sea Grill and Bar (1.5 mi) with a large outdoor deck and coastal Italian cuisine. 

After enjoying scrumptious cuisine, treat yourself to a scenic walk along the Waterfront Promenade Park (1.5 mi), where you can enjoy the passing boats and waterfront views. While you stroll the promenade, don’t forget to explore the many unique shops along the cobblestone streets and walkways of downtown Newburyport. 

Rockport & Gloucester: Artistic Flair Meets Coastal Beauty

Heading from North Station toward the Rockport branch of the Newburyport/Rockport Line will take you to the seaside villages of Rockport and Gloucester, where you can explore local art galleries, the Rocky Neck Art Colony and view the famous Motif #1. 

Hop off at the Rockport Station stop and head toward Bearskin Neck (.9 mi), the downtown Rockport shopping district. While there, explore along the picturesque peninsula that is home to quaint shops, art galleries, and the famous red fishing shack, Motif #1. If the ocean is what you crave, walk over to Front Beach (.8 mi) or Back Beach (.8 mi) to enjoy the waves or take an adventuresome walk along Rockport’s Breakwater Jetty (.9 mi) at the top of Bearskin Neck. 

One stop earlier on the Commuter Rail is Gloucester Station, at 75 Railroad Avenue, which will give you access to all the shopping and dining options in Downtown Gloucester. Head to 1606 Restaurant and Oyster Bar (.6 mi) located directly on Gloucester Harbor, where you can feast on locally sourced fresh seafood while enjoying the views of boats, Ten Pound Lighthouse and watch the busy inner workings of the harbor. Other options for waterfront dining in Gloucester include Rim Lay (.5 mi), a Thai food cuisine option, Oak to Ember (.5 mi), which offers a unique dining experience inspired by live fire cooking or Minglewood Harborside (.5 mi), offering seafood and sushi as well as live music and deck dining.  

While in Gloucester, take a rideshare trip out to the Rocky Neck Art Colony (2.6 mi), America’s oldest continuously operating working art colony, attracting artists for over 150 years. It is situated on a scenic harbor peninsula, featuring galleries, artist studios, workshops, and restaurants, fostering a vibrant community of painters, photographers, and sculptors.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to get right out on the water, consider booking a Keolis massAdventures’ Gloucester Harbor & Annisquam River Kayak Tour. Take in the stunning coastal views from out on the water during this unforgettable guided tour. Tours leave from Pavilion Beach (.6 mi). 

South Shore’s Seaside Gems: From Nantasket to the Islands

Explore, relax and enjoy the sun-drenched beaches of the South Shore while skipping the traffic and parking headaches. Take one of the MBTA Commuter Rail Lines, such as the Greenbush Line, Kingston Line or the Fall River/New Bedford Line to get to the destination you desire. 

Explore Boston Harbor Islands 

Whether you want to explore the Civil War-era fort complex, the marine life, hiking trails or scenic skyline views of Boston from the harbor, the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park may be a great place to start your South Shore adventure. Take any Commuter Rail Line to North Station or South Station to set out on your Boston Harbor adventure!

From South Station, head toward Long Wharf (.9 mi), where you can catch ferry services to Spectacle or Georges Islands. From North Station, take commuter ferries from Lovejoy Wharf (.1 mi). From these points, you can explore: Georges Island, where you can make an adventure out of exploring Fort Warren; Spectacle Island, where you can meander around hiking trails with views of the Boston skyline; Peddocks Island, where you can camp in a yurt or explore Fort Andrews; or explore Little Brewster Island, home of the historic Boston Light, the oldest lighthouse in the U.S.

Beat the Heat at Nantasket Beach 

Just a short trip from Boston, Nantasket Beach in Hull offers an expansive sandy shoreline, a nostalgic, family-friendly atmosphere, and a perfect summer escape. Take the Greenbush Line to Nantasket Junction and from there, Nantasket Beach (2.5 mi) is just a short rideshare trip away. Enjoy sandy beaches, stunning sunset views and local dining that will have you coming back for more. Be sure to check out Jake’s Seafood (2.1 mi),  Schooners (2.1 mi) or The Paragon Restaurant (2.5 mi) to finish off your day of sunbathing. 

Savor Seafood and Explore Plymouth’s Past

Plymouth may be known famously as “America’s Hometown,” and is best known as the landing site of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower in 1620, but it is also a South Shore destination for seafood, shopping and historical exploration. 

If exploring the Mayflower II (4.7 mi), Plymouth Rock (4.6 mi) or any of the amazing dining options in Plymouth have made your list to try, take the Kingston Line to Kingston Station, where you can catch a ten-minute rideshare to Plymouth. 

While you explore the replica of the ship that brought the first pilgrims and see the site where they landed, be sure to check out the local seafood scene, including Wood’s Seafood (4.6 mi), Tavern on the Wharf (4.6 mi)  or East Bay Grille (4.6 mi), all of which offer delicious local seafood and scenic views of America’s Hometown. 

Escape to the Islands of Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard

Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard have never been easier to reach; just take the Commuter Rail from Fall River/New Bedford Line to catch a ferry in New Bedford. Skip the traffic and relax on the Commuter Rail as you prepare for a weekend away on one of Massachusetts’ islands off the Cape.

Arrive at New Bedford Station and head to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal (3.3 mi), via rideshare to head off to one of Massachusetts hidden gems. Or take the shuttle to the ferry from Whale’s Tooth Parking lot. The lot is located at 532 Acushnet Avenue (.5 mi) north of the State Pier. While on the islands, enjoy a slower pace of life by relaxing on one of the beaches, dining at world-class restaurants, or just curling up with a book.