Massachusetts is home to one of the best small beach towns in America

Massachusetts Beaches Reopen For Memorial Day PROVINCETOWN, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 25: Erosion fencing on Race Point Beach on May 25, 2020 in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Massachusetts has begun Phase 1 of reopening after the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown. Beaches reopened and non essential businesses were allowed to operate with curbside pickup. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

By Frank O'Laughlin

PROVINCETOWN, Mass — Massachusetts is home to one of the best small beach towns in the United States, according to a new ranking.

“From charming spots on the west coast to New England gems and quintessential Florida towns, consider one of these for your next beach getaway,” Trips to Discover wrote in its ranking of the 16 best small beach towns for summer trips.

For Bay Staters planning a summer getaway to a small beach town, there’s great news. Provincetown, a colorful Massachusetts beach town with a long stretch of Cape Cod National Seashore, landed on the list.

“The beaches are ideal for strolls, swimming, whale watching, and many other activities. If you’re looking for tranquility, soak up the sun at Herring Cove. The downtown area is great for people-watching and houses many art galleries, casual seafood shacks, fine dining eateries, book shops, candy stores, and coffee houses,” Trips to Discover wrote of Provincetown.

Another New England town, Stonington, Maine, landed on the list.

“For an idyllic New England beach escape, consider Stonington, which sits on the island of Deer Isle in Maine, offering sandy beaches, endless hiking trails, and some of the best lobster in the state. You’ll see lobster boats bobbing up and down in the harbor, where restaurant owners meet up with fishermen daily to get the freshest catch. Visitors can also watch for puffins, with the birds arriving in June, and enjoy exploring the many art galleries in town,” Trips to Discover wrote.

The 16 towns that made the list include:

  • Amelia Island, Florida
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
  • Cannon Beach, Oregon
  • Tybee Island, Georgia
  • Anna Maria Island, Florida
  • Orange Beach, Alabama
  • Long Beach, Washington
  • Edisto Beach, South Carolina
  • Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
  • Provincetown, Massachusetts
  • Montauk, New York
  • Fort Bragg, California
  • Stonington, Maine
  • Morro Bay, California
  • Chincoteague, Virginia
  • Grand Haven, Michigan

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