It’s an age-old question, and New Englanders have big opinions about it.

Nothing says New England summer like a beach trip to Cape Cod , Martha’s Vineyard , or Nantucket . Here on Massachusetts’ coast, hydrangeas bloom in front of shingled cottages, whales breach offshore, and buttery lobster rolls and ice cream cones are the reward for a day of scenic bike rides—there’s just nothing else like it.

If you’re not from around here, it can be hard to tell which of these destinations to pick. They all deliver a classic All-American vacation with their postcard-perfect natural beauty, but each has its own vibe and plenty of logistics to consider. So how do you know which is right for you? Read on for a local’s (probably biased) perspective, plus pros and cons of each.

Cape Cod

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