You haven’t been to Massachusetts, if you haven’t explored its coastlines and beaches. Cape Cod; as well as being family friendly, is frankly obligatory with its 560 miles of coastline and spectacular ocean settings, lighthouses, beautiful villages, harbours and forests.  Daytimes should be spent enjoying its many unspoilt beaches, whale-watching tours from Plymouth Harbour (see captjohns for more info) or countless historic sites, whilst evening time is perfect for dining at one of the numerous exquisite sea food restaurants at Falmouth and Provincetown. Cape Cod is simply a must but remember to plan ahead as this is a popular holiday spot.

As briefly mentioned before; it would be a crying shame not to visit Martha’s Vineyard and similarly Nantucket Island. Both of these islands lie off the coast of Cape Cod, and are plentiful in beaches, quaint fishing settlements, restaurants and shops. Both islands are accessible by ferry or, if feeling frivolous, by air.

Martha’s Vineyard is famous for its brightly painted Victorian cottages in the town of Oak Bluffs, which is also home to the oldest working carousel in America. The most beautiful of all Martha’s beaches is at the colour-drenched settlement of Aquinnah Cliffs, which possesses one of the largest public beaches in New England.

Nantucket Island; some 30 miles from the coast was once the home of whaling ships, and is immortalised by the Whaling Museum on the island. Nowadays, this is the place to watch whales swim safely in the surrounding waters. Numerous whale-watching cruises are available and leave tourists in a state of amazement as the whales often swim in close proximity to their vessel.