Forget Cape Cod – New England's Affordable Destination Has Scenic Beaches With Fewer Crowds

As much as we hear a lot about Cape Cod and its primary islands, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, those hot spots certainly aren't the only places in Massachusetts to visit when it comes to scenic beaches. If you go a bit inland toward the Rhode Island state line, you'll find the town of Westport. In addition to its beautiful shoreline, it's far less crowded and doesn't carry the priciness of the Cape. Westport made MarketBeat's list of top "bougie on a budget" places to visit in 2025, meaning you'll get those Cape Code vibes, but your wallet will thank you later.

Westport is one of the farming towns on the Farm Coast of Southern New England, sitting on both Buzzards Bay and the Rhode Island Sound. Similar to Cape Cod, the town is made up of colonial-era, weathered homes for which most of the New England coastline has become known. But unlike Cape Cod, Westport is far more accessible in that you can drive there from Boston or Providence, evading the dreaded Route 6 that's known for its notorious gridlock during the spring and summer months. Unless you're planning the best time of year to visit Cape Cod to avoid the crowds, Route 6 alone is a reason to skip the Cape for Westport instead. 

One of the biggest attractions in Westport is Horseneck Beach State Reservation. While the beach and water are perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water-related activities, it's the 600 acres of reservation where exploration really begins. From sand dunes to marshland, making it an ideal spot for bird-watching, the reservation is a great way to spend the day — or longer. For those looking to camp in the reservation, both tents and RVs are welcome, with camping season running from early May to early October. For Massachusetts residents, sites are $24 per night or $30 per night for electric hookups. For non-Mass residents, camping costs $70 a night.

Westport is home to the Dedee Shattuck Gallery, open Wednesday through Sunday with free exhibit and special events. When it comes to delicious food that won't break the bank, there's Westport Sea Farms, where they harvest oysters on site and serve fairly priced lobster and New England-style clam chowder. After all, you can't set foot in New England without having a cup of "chowdah," as the locals pronounce it. The Buzzards Bay Brewery is another affordable in-town option, known for their pub-style food.

When deciding the best time to visit, that's really up to you. From May to early September, you can enjoy summer activities like sunbathing and sailing, but when the New England fall rolls into town by late September and early October, it brings vibrant foliage with it. Although stunning foliage does exist outside of New England, it's still fair to say that states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts corner the market on this one.

When it comes to getting to Westport, you have a few options. In one direction, you have Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick, which is about a 30-minute drive. In the other, you have Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS), which is about an hour's drive. But considering that Boston is America's city with the worst drivers, Warwick may be your best option. Also, Boston traffic is anxiety-inducing, to say the least. Westport isn't a very walkable city, so renting a car or relying on car services is necessary.

Due to its location, there are very few hotels in Westport. During the slower fall and winter seasons, you can find hotels that start at around $70 a night. However, in the spring and summer months, hotel base rates jump to more than $100 per night, so an off-season visit is your best bet for a budget-friendly getaway. You're going to find the best and most affordable options at chains like the Hampton Inn Fall River/Westport and the Towne Place Suites by Marriott Westport. It's worth noting that the former has over 1,000 reviews on Tripadvisor and a 4.1-star rating out of five, making it a serious option to consider during your next trip to Westport.