About The Coast

Welcome to the Cultural Coast!

During your stay in Massachusetts, visit our historic region and see where the culture of our country began and the dreams of a great nation were born. No other area can compare with the rich cultural heritage of the Massachusetts coast, and no other area can boast the homes of as many US Presidents. From the first Pilgrim settlers, to Presidents John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and John F. Kennedy, the coastal areas south of Boston have been home to some of our country's finest leaders.

Do you know how many US Presidents vacationed along the Cultural Coast? Can you name the US President who attended the dedication of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown? Do you know which US President had a summer vacation home on Cape Cod besides President John F. Kennedy, or which town it was in? Do you know the only town on the east coast of the US where a German naval vessel was engaged in a gun battle during World War II? (Hint: it's on the elbow)

Explore Quincy, the City of Presidents, and Plymouth, where history is just the beginning. Board the replica of The Mayflower, in Plymouth Harbor, gaze upon Plymouth Rock, or visit Plimoth Plantation to get a deep sense of American History.

Do you know how many whaling museums have homes along the Cultural Coast? Which famous whaling port did the Pequod sail out of in the story of Moby Dick? From which harbor did the first east coast whale watching trip sail out of more than 25 years ago? Can you guess which World War II battleship is permanently moored at Battleship Cove in Fall River?

These points of interest don't begin to scratch the surface when it comes to the learning opportunities in and along the Massachusetts Cultural Coast. Whether it's a walk through history or a stroll down a pristine beach, an offshore whale watch or a sunset clambake, the Massachusetts Cultural Coast offers all you can imagine, and more.

Discover Massachusetts’ Cultural Coast Explore Six Lively Regions of Culture, History, Learning and Fun

Massachusetts Cultural Coast comprises Quincy, Plymouth County, Southeastern Massachusetts (i.e., Bristol County), Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Within these six diverse, yet remarkably similar regions, there is much to explore and activities to partake in. These six contiguous regions are a wonderful tapestry of the American cultural experience … its history, traditions, culture, arts and crafts, lore, theater and music, recreation and economies … weave together icons of the American way of life with backwards glances at this country’s stirring history, much of which emanated from these very parts of Massachusetts. Visitors can explore the roots of the American democracy and colonization. Here Native American heritage is strong and many cultural attractions delve into the history and traditions of Native people. Explore the paths once trod by presidents.

Cultural Coast: Evolution

The Cultural Coast was the brainchild of Congressman William Delahunt. Inaugurated to coincide with the 2004 Democratic National Convention, the Cultural Coast has evolved into a formal marketing partnership between six of Massachusetts’ premier destinations. Delahunt wished to showcase the economic impact of tourism, especially international and long-haul tourism, to his district. Through identifying the appropriate partners in each of the original five regions and conducting an asset inventory, the regions were able to join assets and develop collateral and a website funded by a grant. Since its inception, the Massachusetts Cultural Coast has added Southeastern Massachusetts (comprising Bristol County), as this contiguous region was viewed as strategically viable as a new member, although not part of Delahunt’s district. The Massachusetts Cultural Coast’s focus is to promote the six member destinations to media, domestic and international media trade and consumer markets and increase their exposure as world-class, year-round destinations.