Vacation Rentals in Salisbury (MA)

Perched on the shimmering Atlantic coast is one of Massachusetts’s oldest towns, Salisbury. This breezy coastal town is less than an hour’s drive from the state capital Boston, making it an attractive weekend getaway. The town’s nerve center is its nostalgic Boardwalk replete with colorful carousels, game arcades, circus music, and cotton candy. Salisbury's historic homes meanwhile serve as a poignant reminder to the town’s past. There’s outdoor recreation too from exploring the iconic New England coast to sampling its exceptional culinary offerings. Enjoy it all with a vacation rental as your base.

This much-loved beach town has been welcoming visitors for decades now whether large families, groups of friends, or independent travelers. Vacation rentals on Holidu are geared to the beach experience and you’ll find thoughtful amenities such as Jacuzzis, hot tubs, sunny terraces, and fully-equipped kitchens. But the best part is the direct beach access and sweeping ocean views you’ll wake up to. Rentals near the Boardwalk area will fetch you quick proximity to all those ice cream parlors, arcades, and sea-front bars. For a more rustic stay, consider booking accommodation around the nearby Newbury Beach – you’ll be close to the Merrimack River and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

At about 700 feet long, the Salisbury Beach Boardwalk is where all the action is at, and first-timers will go crazy browsing through all those souvenir shops selling quirky bric-a-brac, beachwear, and sunglasses among other things. Eighties cover bands add a cinematic touch to the Salisbury Boardwalk experience. The waterfront cafés and restaurants are for perfect for a romantic date with that someone special, and highly recommended is the Seaglass Oceanfront Restaurant & Lounge, set right on the water. With all those Boardwalk distractions, don’t forget to enjoy the five-mile-long Salisbury Beach with its blue waters and grassy sand dunes.

A popular public recreation area, the Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a fantastic spot to launch your kayak or canoe into the Merrimack River – or even enjoy coastal horse-riding, swimming, and fishing. Whilst here, keep an eye out for Butler’s Toothpick, a pyramidal-shaped navigational marker which juts of the Merrimac River. Back in the days, it served as a warning to sailors who ventured too close to the coast. For more oceanside wilderness, head south to the windswept Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis of clear waters, wide sandy beaches and hiking trails such as the Hellcat trail. Here, you can also observe birds like the osprey, mallards, and snowy owls from up-close.

Once the sun sets, you’ll find that there’s plenty to do at Salisbury from taking a moonlit stroll on the beach to checking out the live music scene. Attend a show at “the best live music venue on Boston’s North Shore” – the Blue Ocean Music Hall. Their stand-up comedy nights are crowd-pullers as are the R&B and jazz concerts. With ocean views to die for, SurfSide proposes al fresco dining on a spacious deck with live music, dinner, and drinks. Catch the late night football game or make new friends playing pool at The Winner’s Circle, a Salisbury fixture since 1973. They have free stand-up comedy on Tuesday nights too.

One of the town’s most long-standing attractions since its inception in 1919 is Joe’s Playland, a beachfront arcade where kids and the young-at-heart go wild with all those flashing pinball machines, video games, and rides. There’s foosball, air hockey, and delicious hot fudge sundae too! Just behind Joe’s Playland at Broadway Mall is the brightly-colored Salisbury Beach Carousel, a tradition for over 100 years. Take a spin on this nostalgic ride complete with its flashing lights and familiar circus music. No Salisbury sojourn is complete without a creamy, homemade ice cream so swing by Swell Willey's Handmade Candy & Ice Cream, and ask for their famous chocolate milk turtles!

Established in 1792, this community-minded farm welcomes visitors to witness the workings of an organic farm from up-close. The farm often hosts events like the whimsical Gnome and Fairy Discovery Walk where you can walk through enchanted forests and serene salt marshes with a knowledgeable guide in tow.

One of the town’s most beloved attractions are the free weekly concert series along the Boardwalk. Summer in particular heats up as DJs take over – there’s hula hoops, water bubbles, and late night dancing to be enjoyed.

A 15-minute drive south of Downtown Salisbury will get you to another pretty coastal town, Newburyport whose maritime museum lies housed inside a Classical Revival-style building. Old photos, ship models, and other well-preserved artifacts here trace the region’s colorful maritime history.

Newbury is also the starting point to fun-filled whale-watching excursions in the Atlantic, and local outfitters such as Newbury Whale Watch are recommended. A stunning and diverse sea life awaits from seals, sharks, and porpoises to migratory sea birds.

Finally, make time for a day trip to the chic beach town of Hampton Beach. Try your luck at the Hampton Beach Casino, and then head over to Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium where you can see and touch sea creatures particularly those from the Gulf of Maine.