Travel Cape Ann, Massachusetts: A charming alternative to Cape Cod with sandy beaches and fried clams June 3, 2019June 4, 2019 James R. Carroll, Special to USA TODAY Comments Off on Cape Ann, Massachusetts: A charming alternative to Cape Cod with sandy beaches and fried clams Just under an hour’s drive from Boston, Cape Ann is a smaller version of Cape Cod, with the same sandy beaches, seaside eateries and colonial history.