Welcome to South Coast
Quiet and family-friendly region characterized by extensive beaches and coastal seascapes
The South Coast of Massachusetts is a quiet, family-friendly region known for its beachy landscape and scenic coastal beauty. The region encompasses multiple beaches, parks, recreational opportunities, and 11 distinct municipalities including larger cities like Fall River and New Bedford. The South Coast is something of a hidden gem, as the area often gets passed over in favor of the more famous Cape Cod. But the South Coast offers its own rich history, culture, and beautiful scenery.
Not only will you find some of the freshest seafood in the region, but the South Coast features a thriving shellfishing industry, especially in towns like Duxbury. There is also a long history of fishing and agricultural industries as the area has flourished into a popular destination known for boating, tourism, scenic harbors, and offshore islands. Home to several historic districts, marinas, and upscale waterfront homes, there is plenty to love about the South Coast.
What to Love
- Quiet and family-friendly lifestyle with much less tourism than some areas at Cape Cod
- Beautiful parks and beaches that often get overlooked, but there are gorgeous sandy beaches, scenic views, and great picnic areas
- Peaceful area with serene countryside and you can easily commute to places like Providence or Boston
People & Lifestyle
The South Coast extends from Cape Cod toward Rhode Island, encompassing a broad stretch of land brimming with history, farms, wineries, and beaches. Regardless of where you choose to live here, you’ll find a more relaxing and slower-paced lifestyle than the busier, tourist-heavy cities farther up the coast.
Most residents in the area live in New Bedford, the largest center in the diverse part of New England that features both luxury and blue-collar areas––not to mention some of the country’s best fishing spots. Families appreciate the South Coast because of the fantastic schools and fewer tourists equals much less traffic. Plus, there is an abundance of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year, with dozens of parks and beaches.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Hingham’s premier waterfront restaurant, Alma Nove is run by the Wahlberg brothers and named after the Wahlberg family matriarch, Alma, and her nine (nove) children. The cuisine is inspired by modern Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring a menu of antipasti, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, specialty pasta, and premium chops prepared on the wood-burning grill.
Joe’s Original Kitchen & Bar is a comfortable, contemporary Dartmouth mainstay with a diverse menu and a fall bar. This iconic hotspot is renowned for its laid-back vibe and culture. In Swansea, The Aviary Restaurant and Bar is a dining establishment providing a rotating selection of craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and menus inspired by locally-sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. The Aviary is a great place to catch up with friends over drinks and upscale dishes in Southern New England.
Relax and enjoy exceptional food and drinks at Braintree’s Davio’s, which pairs a state-of-the-art kitchen with a warm and inviting restaurant design. Davio’s is revered for serving signature Northern Italian prime steaks, authentic pizzas, and handmade pasta.
Things to Do
Marion hosts the Marion Bermuda Yacht Race, a biennial yacht race held during odd-numbered years that runs from Marion, Massachusetts to Bermuda Island, a distance of 645 nautical miles. This exceptional opportunity allows yachters to cruise along in an incredible ocean race and a rendezvous in Bermuda.
One of the main tourist attractions in Plymouth is the living history museum, the Plimoth Patuxet Plantation. The museum is an attempt to recreate the original Plymouth County settlement established in the 17th century. There are several significant exhibits, including the Patuxet Homesite, the Mayflower II, and the 17th-century English village.
Fall River is home to the Battleship Cove, a maritime museum and war memorial featuring the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels, including the highly decorated battleship USS Massachusetts.
The South Shore Natural Science Museum in Norwell sits on 30 acres surrounded by 200 acres of recreation land containing woodlands, meadows, and a pond. The Science Center is a great place to visit with children, as there is an interactive museum featuring interpretive trails, live native animals, and owl exhibits. There are also many quality facilities and an outdoor amphitheater.
