Essex holiday homes

Why visit Essex

• Scenic Coastal Beauty: Essex boasts stunning coastal views, perfect for leisurely beach strolls and enjoying the natural landscape.
• Rich Historical Heritage: Discover the local history through beautifully preserved historic houses and engaging cultural sites.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore nature reserves and preserves ideal for hiking and wildlife observation, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
• Charming Village Atmosphere: Experience the quaint charm of Essex Village and its vibrant downtown, offering family-friendly attractions.
• Relaxing Retreat: Enjoy a peaceful getaway filled with picturesque scenery and a warm, welcoming ambience.

Top attractions in and around Essex

Essex, Massachusetts, is a charming destination for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Enjoy stunning coastal scenery and relax on beautiful beaches, or explore the rich history at local historic houses. Nature lovers will appreciate the area's reserves and preserves, perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, Essex offers a delightful mix of experiences that will make your visit memorable.

• Essex River: Flowing through Essex, this river offers tranquil outdoor scenery and opportunities for peaceful walks along its banks.
• Cape Ann: Located 16km away, Cape Ann features stunning beach scenes and coastal views, perfect for a day of exploration.
• Salem Common: Positioned 14km away, this urban park provides a family-friendly environment with a mix of city vibes and open outdoor spaces.

Things to do recommended for couples

Experience Essex, Massachusetts with a romantic twist, enjoying scenic coastal walks, intimate harbour dining and sunset cruises. Perfect for couples seeking local charm with New Zealand flair.

Things to do recommended for families

Families can explore the scenic Essex coastline, enjoying a harbour cruise and discovering local maritime history, all within a short drive from the town centre.

Things to do recommended for groups

Groups in Essex, Massachusetts can enjoy coastal walks, savour local seafood and explore historical sites. It's a local experience perfect for groups seeking a taste of New England charm.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Essex

Whether you're travelling with a group, family, pets, or seeking extended stays, ensure you apply the appropriate filters. Here are some helpful Vrbo booking tips for you.

• Traveling to Essex with a group: Think about how many bedrooms you'll require, along with features like a full kitchen or outdoor areas for group gatherings. Thankfully, you can easily filter for these options and much more on Vrbo.
• Traveling to Essex with young kids: Travelling with young children can be quite demanding. It's important to prioritise their comfort and safety, alongside ensuring access to suitable amenities like a private swimming pool. Additionally, it’s wise to think about how close you are to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to Essex: For some, a family holiday isn’t complete without their furry companion by their side. If that sounds like you, have a look at Vrbo properties that welcome pets. Many pet-friendly homes come equipped with feeding bowls and beds, ensuring everyone feels right at home.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting Essex: If you’re on the hunt for holiday rentals with great deals for stays of a month or more, you’ve come to the right spot. By using the appropriate filters, you can easily discover and save on monthly rentals. Don't forget to include options like a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search as well.

Where to stay near Essex

Essex, Massachusetts, offers a delightful blend of outdoor charm and historical allure. Explore the scenic Essex Village and vibrant downtown, where family-friendly attractions and romantic vistas await. Enjoy leisurely beach strolls and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. It's the perfect setting for those seeking a relaxing holiday to Essex, complete with picturesque landscapes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

• Manchester-by-the-Sea: Manchester-by-the-Sea is a charming coastal city located 6km away from Essex. This destination is celebrated for its pristine beach and outdoor ambience, offering a mix of scenic vistas and recreational areas including a golf course. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture through educational experiences and leisurely walks along the beach, family beach and cape. The town’s unique coastal charm makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging travel experience.
• South Hamilton: South Hamilton is a vibrant city also positioned 6km from Essex, offering a delightful blend of outdoor, family and romantic experiences. The area is home to expansive green spaces, golf courses and recreational areas that invite visitors to explore and enjoy the outdoors. With a family beach, tourist precinct and scenic natural settings, South Hamilton provides a balanced mix of relaxation and activity, making it a perfect destination for visitors eager to embrace the local atmosphere.
• Gloucester: Gloucester, a city located 10km away from Essex, stands out with its picturesque seaside charm. Renowned for its beach and outdoor scenery, Gloucester offers a variety of attractions such as music concerts, arts centres and educational venues. The local landmarks, including a family beach and cape, add to its appeal, ensuring visitors enjoy a culturally rich and naturally beautiful travel experience.

Best time to go to Essex

If you're planning a trip to Essex, it's a good idea to check both the weather and property rates. The warmest month is July.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	30.4°F (-0.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low
February	31.3°F (-0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
March	36.7°F (2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
April	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
May	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
June	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
August	70.2°F (21.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High
September	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
October	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average
November	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low
December	36.5°F (2.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low

Booking with Vrbo is a breeze

Looking to save on your next getaway? Being flexible with your travel dates can really work in your favour, as prices often fluctuate. You might also find considerable savings by opting for a longer stay. To find a Vrbo property that suits your budget, simply use our filters to sort by price, location, and type of holiday rental.

Vrbo Trips: Planning made easy

Vrbo’s Trip Board offers a handy platform for you to plan new trips, resume from where you paused, or manage your travel arrangements. You can easily find your saved or booked properties sorted into categories like Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To begin using Trip Boards, simply head over to: https://www.bookabach.co.nz/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

The scenic area of Essex awaits your stay

Enjoy the history and other features of Essex. This scenic city is known for its riverfront, seafood restaurants and beaches. If you're looking for accommodation options with space to entertain friends and family, HomeAway has plenty of options to choose from. Many rental homes offer full kitchens and laundry facilities, perfect for big groups.

Sightseeing in and around Essex

Are you hoping to find top things to see and do in the city? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable holiday rental, you'll want to check out everything that Essex has to offer. Here are some of the top attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Salem Willows Park (8.1 mi / 13 km)
• Water Park of New England (9.8 mi / 15.8 km)
• Bewitched in Salem (9.4 mi / 15.2 km)
• The Collection (13.2 mi / 21.2 km)
• Ski Bradford (15.9 mi / 25.6 km)
• Bradford Country Club (16.5 mi / 26.6 km)

Exploring the natural landscape of Essex

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to take in the scenery, Essex is a great place to spend some time outside. Here are a few of the area's most eye-catching natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Hampton Beach (18.9 mi / 30.4 km)
• Essex River (0.2 mi / 0.4 km)
• Castle Hill on the Crane Estate (3.7 mi / 5.9 km)
• Crane Beach (3.9 mi / 6.3 km)
• Coffins Beach (4.1 mi / 6.6 km)
• Ipswich River (4.2 mi / 6.7 km)

Travelling to and around Essex

Fly into Beverly, MA (BVY-Beverly Municipal), the closest airport, located 7.3 mi (11.8 km) from the city centre. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could also fly into Lawrence, MA (LWM-Lawrence Municipal), which is 18.1 mi (29.1 km) away.