places to visit in massachusetts during summer

11 Amazing Things to do in Summer in Massachusetts

• Latest Posts

• 21 Family Vacations in New England for Every Season (2024) - February 26, 2024
• 15 Wonderful Weekend Getaways in Maine (2024) - February 3, 2024
• 33 Best Beach Towns in New England to Visit in 2024 🌊 - January 28, 2024

When the weather is warm, Massachusetts is truly unlike any other state. From laying out by the beach, exploring state parks, and even grabbing some tasty ice cream, there are so many fun things to do in summer in Massachusetts!

No matter your interests, this post has got you covered with all of the best summer activities. Whether you’d rather stay inside, go on tours, or even just relax, there’s truly something for you throughout this list.

Keep reading to learn all about the top things to do in summer in Massachusetts, in no particular order!

Table of Contents

Vacation on Nantucket

Known for its fantastic beaches , Nantucket is definitely one of the most unique getaways in Massachusetts, especially in the summer. It’s located right off the state’s coast and is actually an island, so you can run on island time.

In addition to visiting the beaches, though, there are tons of other fun activities on Nantucket, with one of the most popular being whale watching . There are quite a few tours that allow guests to see them up close. Plus, summer is one of the best times of year to go whale watching.

Other fun activities include shopping downtown, having a cocktail near the water, exploring the island to visit the lighthouses, and also stargazing. It’s truly a place where you can just relax, no matter how long you’re there.

Visit the Beaches on Cape Cod

No list of things to do in summer in Massachusetts is complete without mentioning Cape Cod at least once. So, be sure to stop by the beautiful beaches there! Whether you’d rather catch some sun by relaxing in the sand, play beach volleyball with pop-up nets, or swim out in the water, the Cape Cod beaches are for you.

There are so many to choose from, but here are a few great ones to choose from to get started:

• Mayflower Beach: This is one of the more popular Cape Cod beaches (in fact, it’s also one of the most popular in the entire state ). Even though the crowds may be bigger, seeing the sunset view there is worth it. Plus, it’s located right in the town of Dennis.
• Chatham Lighthouse Beach: This is the perfect beach to go to if you want to be near a lighthouse. It’s located near Chatham and is excellent for those who are more interested in beach views rather than swimming.
• Seagull Beach: As the name suggests, you will see birds here! It’s the biggest beach in Yarmouth and tends to have large crowds, but the beach itself is huge, so you can find a spot just for yourself.
• Sandy Neck Beach: Located in Barnstable, this is one of the more rugged beaches in the area. It’s a popular spot to go off-roading, so it’s great for those who would rather have a different beach experience.

Go Whale Watching in Gloucester

One of the most popular things to do in summer in Massachusetts is to go whale watching in Gloucester. As you may have guessed, the easiest way to do this is to book a tour with a local company that has experience finding these whales safely.

If you’re looking for places specifically in Gloucester, consider booking it with Captain Bill and Sons Whale Watch , Cape Ann Whale Watch , or 7 Seas Whale Watch .

If you find yourself in other parts of the state and can’t make it to Gloucester but want to go whale watching, don’t worry. You can also go whale watching in Boston , Provincetown , Plymouth , Barnstable, and even Nantucket.

Hike in a Massachusetts State Park

What better way to get outdoors than to go hiking? Luckily, there are many great state parks in Massachusetts to choose from, each of which comes equipped with miles of hiking trails worth exploring by an adventurer like you.

There are so many state parks in Massachusetts, so it can be hard to decide which one to go to, but a few of the best include Joseph Allen Skinner State Park , Nickerson State Park , and Bash Bish Falls State Park . What’s so great about the state parks is that they each have tons of trails meant for all types of hiking levels, so no matter your experience, you’ll be able to find one that’s perfect for you.

If hiking actually isn’t something you’re interested in doing, there are also tons of other activities that can be had at these parks. For example, you can go mountain biking, have a picnic, or even canoe in some of the parks that have lakes .

Attend the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood

If you’re a fan of music, one of the best things to do in summer in Massachusetts is attending the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood . This experience is truly like any other and is even different than the one that you would get at the Symphony Hall in Boston.

Tickets can sometimes be hard to come by so just be sure to keep a close eye on their website to see when tickets drop so that you can make sure you snag some and can enjoy this amazing musical event. This is the perfect event to attend if you’re looking for a romantic evening out! 

Cool off with Ice Cream

Obviously one of the best things to do in summer in Massachusetts is to grab an ice cream to cool off! Many people don’t realize that it can get really warm in the summer, but luckily there are incredible ice cream shops all throughout the state.

One of the best places to go for ice cream in the entire state is none other than Cape Cod! Some great ice cream shops on Cape Cod include Ice Cream Smuggler in Dennis, Lewis Brothers Ice Cream in Provincetown, and Sweet Caroline’s in Sandwich.

However if you find yourself in any other part of the state, you’re more than likely to find a great ice cream shop nearby. Even in the city of Boston, you can find amazing ice cream shops like Emack & Bolio’s or the Cookie Monstah food truck which can often be found by Boston Commons.

See a Movie at Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre

One of the most iconic experiences you can have in Massachusetts during this time of year is seeing a movie under the stars at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre . There really aren’t many drive-in theaters left in the United States so being able to even see a movie at one of them is an unforgettable experience. In fact, this drive-in theater, in particular, dates back to the 1950s and is the last one left on Cape Cod.

The drive-in theater normally opens in May each year and pricing is per car. Be sure to either bring a battery-powered radio or be prepared to have your car radio on for the entirety of the show so that you can hear the sound. This is an incredible experience, especially for those visiting the area with kids.

Spend the Weekend in a Beach Town

What better way to enjoy summer in Massachusetts than to head to one of the incredible beach towns that the state is known for? Because it’s a coastal state, Massachusetts is filled with beach towns that you truly don’t want to miss out on. We already touched a bit on the amazing Cape Cod, but there are also other beach towns worth considering.

A few of the great beach towns in Massachusetts include Gloucester, Wellfleet , Chatham , Newburyport , Provincetown, and of course Nantucket. Truly though, even just driving along the coast and finding beautiful small beach towns to stop at is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day in Massachusetts.

Walk The Freedom Trail

If you are a history fan, then you’re definitely going to want to head to Boston in the summer. Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States and for good reason. In fact, one of the absolute must-do activities in Boston is none other than walking the Freedom Trail .

You can absolutely walk the Freedom Trail on your own, but be sure to grab a map so that you know what historic spots to look out for along the way. There are great markers right on the ground throughout the city so it’s impossible to go off track. 

If you’d rather do this walk with a tour guide, you can also do that instead. These can be really fun and often the tour guides even dress up in historic outfits, almost bringing you back in time to learn about Boston history.

Have a Blast at Six Flags New England

This may seem like a bit of an obvious one but one of the best things to do in summer in Massachusetts is to head to an amusement park! The most popular amusement park in Massachusetts is none other than Six Flags New England in the central part of the state.

This amusement park is filled with tons of rides and even those traveling to the area with family and younger children will be pleasantly surprised at how much fun can be had there. Obviously, lines might be a little bit longer for some of the fun adult thrill rides in the summer, but truly the wait is worth it because the rides are so fun.

Explore the Berkshires

Last but not least consider venturing out to the western part of the state to explore the Berkshires ! This is one of the most underrated parts of Massachusetts and many locals still consider it somewhat of a hidden gem.

This part of the state feels a lot like other states in New England like Vermont as it features beautiful mountainous towns, hikes that will keep you on your toes because the views are so breathtaking, and of course, charming locals who love meeting tourists exploring their small towns.

Hopefully this post helped you find some of the best things to do in summer in Massachusetts! No matter which part of the state you’ll be visiting or exploring there truly are tons of fun activities that you won’t want to miss out on. Don’t forget to save this post and share it for later! 

You might also like:

• Top 20 Historic Sites in Massachusetts
• 15 Coziest and Best Cabins in Massachusetts
• 10 Best Bookstores in Massachusetts
• 11 Fantastic Restaurants in Newburyport MA
• 8 Best Places for Glamping in MA
• 7 Weekend Getaways in Massachusetts for Bay State Fun!
• 10 Tranquil Botanical Gardens in Massachusetts
• 15 Best Beaches in New England to Visit ASAP

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of Boston for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Boston without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

21 best things to do in the summer in Boston

We've earned some fun in the sun, so don't miss out on these summer activities.

Photograph: Shutterstock

Summer in Boston is in full swing. While the warm weather will only be here for a brief period of time, that time is sure sweet. So, whether you enjoy nature, taking in some historical sites, getting out on the water, attending an outdoor concert or having a picnic, there is still time to enjoy these quintessential summer activities in Boston. There is so much to do for the whole family so be sure to also check out the best things to do with kids in Boston  and the  best beaches in the Boston area . 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the  best things to do in Boston RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Boston

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Time Out Market Boston

• Fenway/Kenmore

There is plenty of seating—both indoors and on a roomy, sun-splashed patio—and some of the biggest culinary names in Boston are delivering a varied assortment of delicious dishes and 'Gram-worthy bites . Stop by Time Out Market Boston this summer!

Best summer activities in Boston

1.  catch a red sox game or a concert at fenway park.

• Things to do
• Sport events

Seeing a game at Fenway Park has been a rite of passage amongst locals since the stadium opened in 1912. Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in the Major League, in America—and also one the smallest, so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Tickets can be hard to come by for big games, but you can also experience the park by going on a public tour or scoring seats to one of the big-name concerts held here in the summer. And remember to check out  Time Out Market Boston  before or after your next Fenway visit.

2.  Take a cruise on the water

One of the most pleasant ways to take in the city in all of its glory, especially in the summer, is by getting out on the water. From a sunset dinner voyage to a whale watching adventure, check out this list of the best Boston cruises. 

3.  Picnic at the Public Garden

• Attractions
• Parks and gardens
• Boston Common

The Public Garden is America's first botanical garden. A beautifully designed park with pathways meant for strutting your stuff. Stroll alongside the formal flower beds and willow-fringed lagoon, and pause for a photo opp at its wrought-iron bridge and graceful swan boats. It's a great spot for summer picnicking and whiling away the day. The Boston Public Garden is a place all visitors and locals need to visit each summer. 

4.  Get cool and cultured at a museum

Seek shelter from the heat while becoming more interesting at the same time when you visit one of Boston’s top museums. Our city is teaming with world-renowned universities and intellectuals, and we have ample institutions to show for it. Whether you’re looking to admire art at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, explore natural history at Harvard or feel presidential at the JFK Library, there are plenty of options for getting your culture fix. Another reason to spend a sweltering summer day in one of our local museums: AC is a must when keeping exhibits in pristine condition, so you can reap all of those cooling benefits, too.

5.  Down some oysters and drinks on ice

In the summer heat, there are few things more refreshing than slurping down some cold, fresh oysters alongside a nice chilled glass of rosé. New England is renowned for its spectacular seafood, and our oysters are no exception. It’s rare to find a restaurant in Boston that doesn’t offer local oysters on the halfshell, but we also have a number of eateries and raw bars that specialize in these briney delicacies. Look out for deals on these bivalves during the week, when you can have a drink and a dozen oysters for a cheap(er) evening out.

6.  See a show at the Leader Bank Pavilion

• Music venues
• Seaport District

This major outdoor venue, which seems to change names every couple of years (Formerly known as the Bank of America Pavilion and the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, as well as many other names), is located on the waterfront in the ever-buzzing Seaport District. From May to October, shows feature mainstream rock, pop and R&B acts, with a sprinkling of contemporary newcomers. Summer is a great time to see a show because the warm weather and balmy breeze make the experience just perfect.

7.  Have a dinner at one of the best patios in Boston

Capitalize on our few months of warm weather and head out to one of these outdoor bars for fun, sun and a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy our beautiful city during the few warm months of the year and book a table at one of the amazing patios in town.

8.  Paddle the Charles River

Join the hordes of water-happy adventurers on The Charles during the summer months. You can rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board to wind your way along the river. There are a few different rental and launch locations, so read more for additional info.

9.  Stroll the Arnold Arboretum

• Jamaica Plain

This living collection, which boasts thousands of trees, shrubs and woody vines, is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and well documented of its kind in the world. Take a summertime stroll and see bursts of green, blooming flowers and plenty of birds. Free guided tours are available on designated days throughout the year.

10.  Go on a whale watch

Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary is one of the best spots for whale watching in the world. Each summer, around 50 humpback whales, identified by researchers, return to this hotbed of biological activity. Female whales bring their calves to teach them how to hunt for food in the plentiful waters. Take a whale watching cruise to learn more about these maritime mammals and their habitat. You might spot seals, porpoises and dolphins, too. Check out the Massachusetts Whale Trail site for more info.

11.  Stroll the Rose Kennedy Greenway

The Greenway is one of the most celebrated results of the now-infamous Big Dig, formed when I-93 was taken underground. The mile-long ribbon of parkways is the perfect place to get a dose of the outdoors and some art, as it's always peppered with public exhibits and installations. Fair-weather food and drink pop-ups also make it a great spot for picnics. Look out for periodic festivals, events and parades that take place here.

12.  Cool down with a scoop of delicious ice cream

Much like our affinity for year-round iced coffee, we tough Bostonians love a good ice cream cone regardless of the weather. But in summertime, when those typical scorchers and high levels of humidity have us sweating, snagging a scoop of the frozen stuff is nearly essential. Fortunately, there are plenty of local ice cream shops that serve primo flavors—both classic and innovative—as well as other deliciously cold options like sundaes, frappes and floats.

13.  Visit one of Boston's many parks

From the Emerald Necklace — the nation’s oldest string of parks — to the Rose Kennedy Greenway (a gift courtesy of the Big Dig), Boston offers a whole slew of beautiful greenspaces. Take a stroll, sit back and relax, have a picnic and enjoy a little bit of nature at one of the best parks in Boston.

14.  Walk the Freedom Trail

For the first-time visitor to Boston, the Freedom Trail provides a useful starting point for diving into the best attractions in Boston. For locals, it's a chance to brush up on everything you should know about your city's history. The two-and-a-half-mile-long trail is easy to follow for a self-guided stroll, or join one of the organized tours on offer.

15.  Take a walking tour

• Walks and tours

Boston is known for being a charmingly walkable city, with a wealth of historic landmarks that are easy to explore. Guided tours of the Freedom Trail and the unique neighborhoods that make up the Hub are a great way to take in local history and culture. A photo tour will show you some of the most Insta-worthy spots, and food tours will steer you towards the best of Boston's rich culinary scene.

16.  Have drinks at a rooftop bar

Sunshine and rising temps are basically begging you to sip on some cocktails outside. Even better: Have those outdoor drinks with a side of city views from up above. From the bustling Back Bay to the scholarly Harvard Square, Boston's best rooftop bars provide a sky-high oasis for you to escape from the hectic streets and feel like you're on cloud nine. 

17.  Stroll the North End

Explore Boston's famously Italian neighborhood. The North End is filled with restaurants, cafes and bars and in the summer it comes alive wiht festivals and lots more! Grab a few friends and pick up a cannoli to enjoy by the water. 

18.  Devour some of Boston's best lobster dishes

Summer in New England means getting your hands on some lobster, whether it's steamed or stuffed in a roll. The city isn't short on options when it comes to restaurants that offer delicious lobster preparations—from seafood shacks that crank out the classics to upscale eateries that serve this crustacean in creative ways. To get your fill of this summer favorite, work your way through the best lobster dishes in Boston.

19.  Explore the Seaport patios

We are so fortunate to have lots of trendy patios in the Seaport these days. From the newly opened Serafina Seaport, to  Lola 42 , to Para Maria at the  Envoy  to the good-old  Woods Hill Pier 4  the Seaport is spoilt for choice. Dress to impress and head to a few of the hotspots in this waterfront neighborhood. Perhaps start with drinks at Para Maria, have dinner at Serafina or Woods Hill and finish with dessert at Lola 42.  

20.  Visit the Boston Public Library

• Libraries, archives and foundations

Most days you can join an informal art and architecture tour conducted by volunteers (call for times), but the labyrinthine structure is a joy to get lost in as well. At the center of the building is the cloistered courtyard, with its central fountain—a tranquil place to linger. Another highlight is John Singer Sargent's recently restored epic mural, the Triumph of Religion, which dominates the third floor gallery. 

21.  See the city on land and sea with a Duck Tour

• price 3 of 4

The city’s most iconic tour combines Boston’s rich history and architecture with plenty of humor—all while traveling through land and water. Riding inside one of its revamped, World War II-era amphibious vehicle, you'll see landmarks such as the State House, Bunker Hill, Boston Common and Quincy Market before plunging into the Charles River for views of both the Boston and Cambridge skylines. Added perk: You get to quack at people on the streets in a somewhat socially acceptable manner.

Unique Airbnbs to rent in and around Boston

From a Victorian townhouse to—yes—an actual lighthouse, these Airbnb properties make a trip to Boston all the more special.

The 16 best hotels in Boston

Our guide to the best hotels in Boston includes top picks for vacations and staycations.

Where to stay in Boston

H ere’s your guide to the best negihborhoods and accomodations to make you fall in love with Boston.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor Relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

52 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Massachusetts

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: August 12, 2021  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Massachusetts has a long and storied history.

It is one of the original colonies of America, making it among 13 states to have that honor, and was the landing grounds of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower.

Named after the Massachuset tribe, a name that literally translates to “large hill”, it would go on to be one of the sparks of the American Industrial Revolution thanks to its textile mills.

Known by the nickname “The Bay State”, Massachusetts is relatively small but packs a punch with its many historical, natural, coast, and art-related attractions.

As a commonwealth, it has played a huge role in the culture, commercial development, and scientific advancement of America.

It’s a many-faceted location, famous for everything from its roles in the temperance, abolitionist, and transcendentalist movements to its invention of sports like volleyball and basketball.

With all the Massachusetts attractions available, it’ll be hard to narrow them down to a few for your vacation!

To help you out, here are our picks for 52 fun things to do and places to visit in Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

1. Minute Man National Historical Park

Alexey Stiop / Shutterstock

The Minute Man National Historical Park is one of the most interesting places to see in the state of Massachusetts, especially for those interested in history.

Its designation is to mark the route that the British marched that would initiate the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.

Spanning 970 acres, it was established in 1959 and is cared for by the National Park Service.

Aside from just the 5 miles of Battle Road Trail, the Minute Man National Historical Park provides plenty of fascinating locations.

This includes Hartwell Tavern, which is an 18th-century restored tavern that occasionally showcases programs in living history.

There is also a monument at the site of Paul Revere’s capture, a restored colonial landscape, North Bridge where the British and the Colonies battled, and a set of ranger programs that provide education on the war through reenactments, demonstrations, and tours.

Address: 250 N Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, United States

2. Museum of Fine Arts

Jay Yuan / Shutterstock

The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the very best and most extensive art museums on the planet.

It first opened in Copley Square in Boston, Massachusetts in 1876.

At the time, it only housed about 5,600 works.

Then, in 1909, it moved to a new location in the city, Huntington Avenue, and it has since grown to contain close to 500,000 individual pieces on display!

A popular location, more than one million people visit it every year.

At the Museum of Fine Arts, you’ll find works from all sorts of eras, locations, and genres, ranging from modern contemporary art all the way back to ancient Egyptian works.

Notable masterpieces by the likes of John Singleton Copley, Money, Picasso, and Rembrandt are on display.

The Museum of Fine Arts is always growing.

In 2010, a new wing called the Art of the Americas wing was opened to showcase the country’s art from ancient and modern times alike.

In 2013, galleries specifically for African, European, and Asian art opened, too.

If you’re an art-lover wondering what to do in Massachusetts, you’ll find your haven of fun in this museum!

Address: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States

3. Boston Common

Travellaggio / Shutterstock

The Boston Common was created in 1634 and has enjoyed a storied history.

In 1768, it became a site for an encampment of the British Redcoats, who remained for eight years, and following that, the likes of George Washington, General Lafayette, and John Adams came here to celebrate the independence of America.

In the 1860s, it was the site of anti-slavery meetings and recruitment for the Civil War.

In World War I, victory gardens were planted, and in World War II, its iron fences were used as metal scraps.

Throughout the 20th century, it was used to promote commercial aviation by Charles Lindbergh, and civil rights and anti-Vietnam War rallies were held here, too.

With all of that history, the Boston Common was deemed important to be enhanced and preserved in 1970 by the Friends of the Public Garden.

It is now one of Massachusetts’ fun and free things to do.

Address: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, United States

4. The Freedom Trail

Shanshan0312 / Shutterstock

The Freedom Trail of Boston, Massachusetts is a winding, three-mile trail that contains several of the country’s most crucial historical locations and sites ranging from cultural icons to churches and from museums to ships.

It is for this reason that it is widely considered one of the key places to visit in Massachusetts not to be missed.

A total of 16 monuments can be seen throughout the trail, which is easy to navigate thanks to its large marks of medallions and clear red bricks.

The Freedom Trail spans from the Navy Yard in Charlestown all the way to the Boston Common and showcases much of the city, state, and country’s wealth of history.

Address: Boston, MA, United States

5. Fenway Park

Page Light Studios / Shutterstock

Fenway Park is the home of the famous Boston Red Sox and has been an iconic location since its opening date in 1912.

For fun-loving sports and baseball fans, a trip to the renowned stadium is one of the main things to do in Massachusetts.

It is an important part of Boston city and has changed very little since it first welcomed spectators, adding even more to its historic value.

Fenway Park is the oldest major league baseball stadium in the world and is almost a legend at this point.

On a tour of the grounds, you’ll get to see Pesky’s Pole, the 37-foot-tall Green Monster over leftfield, and its huge seating area with a capacity of approximately 38,000.

Even if you’re not big into baseball, the old-fashioned charm of this Massachusetts icon and the fascinating historical knowledge bestowed on its tours makes it well worth a visit.

Address: 4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215, United States

6. Martha’s Vineyard

Michael Sean OLeary / Shutterstock

Martha’s Vineyard may be one of the most renowned and beautiful places to go in Massachusetts, so it’s no wonder that it’s also considered among the best.

It is an island in the Cape Cod area and is often simply called The Vineyard.

It is only accessible by ferry, but the trip is very much worth it.

It is also the 57th biggest island in America and is often given the nickname Hollywood East.

There are many different spots to explore and check out at Martha’s Vineyard, and almost all of them offer gorgeous views of the sunset.

Unspoiled wild areas are stunning, lighthouses are breathtaking, and the dining and shopping options will keep you occupied.

There are even weekly entertainment options!

One part of Martha’s Vineyard that you shouldn’t miss are its gingerbread houses in Oak Bluffs.

They are Victorian-style cottages carefully arranged together in a style that feels like they’re made from candy ala Hansel and Gretel.

There are a total of 300 houses of this kind in the area as well as a fascinating Cottage Museum to peruse.

Address: MA, United States

7. Norman Rockwell Museum

Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock

The Norman Rockwell Museum , as its name suggests, is a museum attraction dedicated to showcasing a collection of art by Norman Rockwell.

It is one of the top locations to view these masterpieces, boasting the world’s most iconic and biggest collection of its kind.

With a whopping 998 original paintings and drawings by the artist, all of which are authentic, it’s a fantastic option among Massachusetts attractions for fans of his work.

The museum was opened in 1969 and has grown to showcase art from similar artists to Rockwell and his contemporaries.

It also provides information on his contributions to pop culture and the wider society, as well as his impact on social commentary.

You’ll also get to view Rockwell’s studio, which moved from its original location in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he worked for 25 years until he passed away.

If you’re lucky, you may get to catch one of the special events that the Norman Rockwell Museum hosts every now and then!

Address: 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262, United States

8. Cape Cod National Seashore

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock

Cape Cod National Seashore is an absolute must see and is famous as one of the most romantic things to do in all of America.

Each summer, visitors flock to Massachusetts to enjoy the glory and beauty of the 43,607-acre National Park, which hosts more than 500 miles of stunning beaches throughout the coast of Cape Cod.

The Cape Cod National Seashore has ensured the protection of the coast over the years, so you can explore it in its unspoiled, natural form.

Going further into the area, you’ll find numerous ways to spend your time, including dining options, conservation spots, fun nightlife options, and peaceful quiet areas.

It’s a great getaway to check out this weekend!

Address: 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667, United States

9. The House of the Seven Gables

Faina Gurevich / Shutterstock

The House of the Seven Gables is one whose name you may recognize from the similarly titled 1851 novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

That’s because that book is based on the actual house in question, which is known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion.

It sits at Salem Harbor in Massachusetts, right on the water, and was built in 1668.

The House of the Seven Gables has a unique construction that includes a dark and atmospheric facade, numerous pointed gables that may have contributed to its name, and several chimneys.

Tours of the house showcase the history of the mansion while providing information on the life and work of Hawthorne, the background of the town of Salem, and the chance to go through a secret passage.

There’s also a softer, kinder story to The House of the Seven Gables and how it became one of the most well-known local tourist attractions.

It was founded as a museum by preservationist and philanthropist Caroline Emmerton who purchased the mansion in 1908 and fully restored it to preserve it for generations to come and provide funding for immigrant settlement programs.

Address: 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

10. Faneuil Hall

Marcio Jose Bastos Silva / Shutterstock

Faneuil Hall , built in 1742, was once a teeming marketplace on the waterfront for 18th-century traders.

It was a common meeting point, a site of many revolutionary protests and speeches, and an icon of Massachusetts history.

Now, it has been renovated and changed many times over, providing a modern glimpse into the past!

As it once was, Faneuil Hall continues to host a market on its lower floor that is perfect for exploration and shopping.

The highest floor of Faneuil Hall is also home to the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Museum, where you’ll get to learn about military history via exhibits of armor, weapons, and artifacts.

The hall also boasts an assembly area, which spans two stories in height and is full of murals of Boston historical moments and political figures’ busts.

As a recreational location, Faneuil Hall is one of the best free things to do in Massachusetts, and it’s a central hub for relaxing.

The fact that it’s steeped in history makes it even more interesting.

Don’t forget to get a good look at the Faneuil Hall weathervane, built when the building was first made in 1742.

It is a huge 38-pound grasshopper of copper that also doubles as a time capsule!

Address: 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, United States

11. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

LnP images / Shutterstock

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum of Massachusetts began as a location to house the art of Isabella Steward Gardner herself.

A three-floor space, it is home to over 2,500 different artifacts of all kinds, ranging from paintings to textiles and from manuscripts to sculptures, all collected from across the planet.

It is the story of Isabella that has intrigued so many.

After losing her one child to pneumonia and discovering she could no longer have children, Isabella secluded herself in her room and refused to leave, traumatized and depressed by the news.

When her husband finally coaxed her out and took on a trip through Europe, Isabella’s zest for life returned, and she fell in love with beautiful and strange works of art from all the fun locations she visited.

Eventually, Isabella had filled warehouses with all sorts of objects from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and she built Fenway Court in order to house them.

In 1903, she opened the home to the public, where it would eventually take the name of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Her life and times, however, remained very much a mystery, and she burned many private journals and letters before passing away.

Today, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is also famous for a different reason, too.

In 1990, two men pretending to be police officers successfully stole collectibles and art totaling over $500 million in value.

The theft is yet unsolved, remaining the biggest of its kind in history to go unanswered.

Address: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, United States

12. Plimoth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation , or Plimoth Patuxet Museum, is a living museum that offers fascinating insight into Colonial life, making it one of the best vacation spots to visit .

It was established in 1947 by Henry Hornblower II, who grew up in Boston but had been interested in the history of Plymouth thanks to his summer vacations in the area.

The living museum is a recreation of 1627 Massachusetts and showcases the everyday lives of 17th-century Wampanoag and English peoples.

Hornblower performed many excavations in the area where the original colonies lived in Plymouth, and he decided to share his findings through the museum.

At first, Plimoth Plantation’s only things to see were a part of English cottages, but this has since grown.

Now, the living museum includes a replica of a Wampanoag village, a replica of the Mayflower, barns, a water-powered mill, and a whole colonial village!

As you walk through Plimoth Plantation, you’ll meet an array of period-dressed actors interacting with the museum’s buildings and living their daily lives as part of a 17th-century maritime and farming community.

Houses are surprisingly realistic with heritage livestock, kitchen gardens, and old-fashioned objects.

Address: 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States

13. Old Sturbridge Village

Jeff Schultes / Shutterstock

Old Sturbridge Village is one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts if you want to truly step back in history.

Here, you’ll get to set foot in a land that recreates the rural life of New Englanders from the 1790s to the 1830s.

It is the biggest outdoor history museum not just in Massachusetts, but in the entire Northeast.

At Old Sturbridge Village, you’ll get to view, enter, and explore more than 40 genuine buildings from the era across 200 acres of land.

This includes homes, trade shops, meetinghouses, a country store, a district school, a working farm, three water-powered mills, and a bank.

Actors in period costumes participate in the daily activities of people living in that era, performing acts like farming, blacksmithing, and working with real livestock.

Address: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, United States

14. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Arturo de Frias Marques , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a marine sanctuary in Massachusetts Bay famous as a location for fun whale-watching.

Spanning 842 square miles, it was once a fishing ground and is now a protected area offering whale-watching tours in a highly diverse environment.

There are many other marine animals that you’ll spot at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

More than 50 of them are recognized and known humpbacks, but you’ll also see dolphins, seals, and more.

As far as things to do in Massachusetts go, a trip here is a wonderful way to experience wildlife in its truest form in a safe and mindful manner.

Address: 175 Edward Foster Rd, Scituate, MA 02066, United States

15. Peabody Essex Museum

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

The Peabody Essex Museum was created in 1799 as a means of promoting art and culture on an international scale.

It celebrates the creativity of artists and cultures by stewarding, interpreting, collecting, and displaying a wide range of different artifacts and objects.

Without a doubt, it’s one of the best points of interest for art aficionados visiting Massachusetts.

The Peabody Essex Museum was also one of America’s first-ever museums to collect international cultural and artistic artifacts and items.

Its collections change now and then, hosting historic and contemporary works alike.

Genres and cultures range from Maritime to Oceanic, from Native American to Asian, and from American to African.

It also boasts historic American and Chinese houses and an archival library.

Address: 161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

16. Hammond Castle Museum

The Hammond Castle Museum was once the home of the resourceful John Hayes Hammond Jr.

As a young boy, his wealthy father brought him to visit the laboratory of Thomas Edison himself, and Hammond was fascinated by him and hounded him with questions.

That would lead to Hammond being taken under Edison’s wing, and he would go on to become an inventor with the second most patents for inventions filed, right behind Edison.

Hammond, who would earn the title (that should technically belong to Nikola Tesla) “the father of remote control”, was passionate about history, European culture, and travel.

In 1926, he would begin construction on a home in New England, Massachusetts, a medieval-type castle with a drawbridge, War room, indoor pool, renaissance dining room, round library, and secret passages.

He named it Abbadia Mare and it looked out over the Atlantic Ocean, with a facade inspired by French chateaus and Gothic cathedrals.

Hammond would bring home parts of buildings (or ideas of their designs) from his travels, and they would form unique parts of his home, such as his courtyard garden room.

A wine merchant’s home, a meat market, and more would be collected.

He also filled the home with fun and eccentric items, like a church archway made from Mt. Vesusvius’ carved lava, a skull of a sailor who worked with Christopher Columbus, a nude statue of himself, and an eight-story-tall pipe organ in the Great Hall.

Today, the Hammond Castle Museum is a celebration of the man’s life and times, the unique architecture of the home, and the laboratory where he worked.

It is one of the most fascinating Massachusetts attractions to visit, with stunning artifacts, lovely views of the ocean, and picturesque gardens to explore.

Address: 80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States

17. Tanglewood

Tanglewood is a key destination for entertainment in Massachusetts.

Located in Lenox, it was once the Tappan family estate, given as a gift to the Boston Symphony and Serge Koussevitzky as thanks for their agreement to holding outdoor concerts for locals.

The festival’s largest audience was collected the following year in 1937, leading to what is now considered the first-ever Tanglewood concert.

Tanglewood remains a site for musical festivities annually, bringing in over 350,000 visitors each time it is hosted.

With many genres and performers putting on incredible shows and numerous events held throughout the year, it’s an absolute must do!

Address: 297 West St, Lenox, MA 01240, United States

18. Nantucket Whaling Museum

EQRoy / Shutterstock

The Nantucket Whaling Museum of Massachusetts is housed in a building that was once a candle factory in the 19th century, but the museum dates all the way back to 1929.

It was restored to glory in 2005 and serves as a center for education on the history of local whaling endeavors.

It has been an American Association of Museums-accredited institute since 2008 and has become one of the top local tourist attractions.

There are many fascinating attractions at the Nantucket Whaling Museum, including a sperm whale skeleton spanning 46 feet in length that hangs from the museum’s ceiling, a showing of Ric Burns’ film Nantucket, an 1881 restored tower clock, baskets from lightships, scrimshaw, paintings, portraits of seafarers, and decorative arts.

There is also a unique 1849 Fresnel lens taken from Sankaty Head Lighthouse, some twine that was made out at sea, a chest salvaged from a shipwreck, and a range of documents from the infamous whaleship Essex.

Address: 13 Broad St, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States

19. The Mapparium

Smart Destinations / flickr

The Mapparium is a three-story feature of the Mary Baker Eddy Library, which is a Blue Star Museum.

In the early 1930s, it was the new headquarters of the Christian Science Publishing Society.

The society of the Christian Science Monitor commissioned Massachusetts architect Chester Lindsay Churchill to create the grand building, aiming to rival and one-up the similarly grand building of the New York Daily News.

The result was nothing short of magnificent, and the Mapparium was a part of it.

The globe is an inside-out creation of stained glass, bisected with a glass walkway.

It provides a way of looking at the Earth’s surface without the distortion you usually see on globes due to the spherical shape that shifts perspective.

The Mapparium does away with this, providing a completely accurate and very fun way of seeing the world!

At the time of its creation, the Mapparium was lit up with hundreds upon hundreds of lamps.

Today, those have been swapped with LEDs.

With the relative size of the continents and their positions being correct, you’ll get to truly see the huge expanse of Africa and the close proximity of Asia , Europe , and North America to the North Pole.

Do note that the political boundaries are a little out of date, though, as the Mapparium was finished in 1935!

Another fascinating feature of the Mapparium is its acoustics, created due to the perfect sphere that it is.

When you stand in the middle, your voice can be amplified and reflected back to you in 360-degree surround sound.

You can also clearly hear even the quietest whispers from the other end of the bridge in a whispering gallery effect!

Address: 200 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States

20. The Witch House of Salem

Georgios Antonatos / Shutterstock

The Witch House of Salem wasn’t always known by that name.

It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges who convicted “witches” during the 1692 and 1693 witchcraft trials of Salem.

His decisions were based on visions and dreams.

As a civic leader and local magistrate, he had been called to investigate the surging accusations of witchcraft in Salem and communities near it.

He served the Court of Oyer and Terminer.

The macabre, unfair history of the Salem witch trials is very much a part of Massachusetts’ cultural backdrop.

Corwin lived in the home that is now the Witch House of Salem for four decades, and the family would keep the house until the middle of the 19th century.

Eventually, the house was turned into the museum that it is now, focusing on the 17th century and the history of the horrific witchcraft trials.

Address: 310 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

21. Lizzie Borden House

djenkins5 / Shutterstock

The Lizzie Borden House is one of the key things to see for ghost-hunters and fans of the strange and macabre.

Located in Massachusetts’ Fall River, it was once the home of Andrew and Abby Borden and their children and stepchildren, including Lizzie, their youngest.

When the couple was found dead, killed by a hatchet, Lizzie was the main suspect, though she was acquitted in the subsequent trials.

Now, the Lizzie Borden House is exactly what it says it is: a bed and breakfast and a publicly open museum.

Inside, you’ll find a recreation of the crime scene, some dismal and bizarre memorabilia recreated from the night, and the rooms of Lizzie and her parents.

The aforementioned rooms are available to lodge in, too, though you must beware – reports say the building, especially those rooms, is extremely haunted!

Address: 230 2nd St, Fall River, MA 02721, United States

22. Forest Hills Cemetery

Keith J Finks / Shutterstock

Forest Hills Cemetery is a Victorian-era graveyard located in Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts.

It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spanning 275 acres, it is arranged to surround a lovely lake and is a calming mix of natural and man-made features.

Graves are often decorated with sculptures and mausoleums tend to have interesting architectural designs.

Contemporary sculptures dot the grounds, adding more whimsical and fun elements to a normally somber environment.

One of the more interesting features of Forest Hills Cemetery is its miniature village, which was created in 2006 by Christopher Frost.

Each building is designed as a replica of a home of an individual buried in the cemetery.

This creates a very diverse set of mini buildings that is, itself, one of the fascinating places to visit in Massachusetts.

The cemetery is also the final resting ground of many interesting historical figures like Eugene O’Neill, Anne Sexton, and E.E. Cummings.

Address: 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, United States

23. The Clark Art Institute

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock

The Clark Art Institute is both an art museum and a research location for higher education, and it is one of the only of its kind in the world.

It was created from a founding gift of art collected by Francine and Sterling Clark.

The Clark Art Institute contains a large collection of works from European and American sources.

Drawings, sculptures, photographs, paintings, decorative arts, prints, oil sketches, and even silver are on display, with Renaissance, Academic, French Impressionist, and many more genres.

For those interested in art, this is one of the most engaging things to do in Massachusetts.

Address: 225 South St, Williamstown, MA 01267, United States

24. Bridge of Flowers

Alizada Studios / Shutterstock

The Bridge of Flowers is one of the most unique and one-of-a-kind places to go in Massachusetts.

It was once owned by the Shelburne Falls & Colrain Street Railway, which closed in 1927.

After it closed, members of the community decided to change the trolley bridge into a lovely landmark for all to enjoy.

The railway’s remnants were then largely moved to what would become the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, which you can also visit near the bridge.

The Bridge of Flowers boasts a length of 400 feet and is covered in carefully planted flowers that bloom beautifully and constantly from April to October.

Over 500 kinds of flora, including flowers, shrubs, and vines, hug the walkway’s sides.

They are labeled with their names and make for a romantic walk!

Address: 22 Water St, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, United States

25. Danvers State Hospital

John Phelan , CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Danvers State Hospital was used as the inspiration for Batman’s Arkham Asylum and for the horror tales of H.P Lovecraft – which makes it especially fun to know that it is now a complex of condominiums!

Despite its current iteration, the hospital is still one of the chief Massachusetts attractions for fans of the unusual and obscure.

In 1878, Danvers State Hospital was opened as a hospital for mental health.

It was originally a kind place, providing care to more than 600 patients with a compassionate and caring view of mental health.

Unfortunately, by the 1930s, the hospital had become overcrowded, and its intimidating gothic appearance became more and more a reflection of the cruelty, inhumanity, and disrepair occurring within.

Even with expansions, the Danvers State Hospital was only ever meant to hold 1,500 people, but by the 1940s it had more than 2,000 of them.

Inhumane treatments began being used here.

Thankfully, the 1960s saw the introduction of community mental healthcare and alternative treatments that allowed the hospital to see less use.

By 1992, the hospital was shut down.

Though the condominium in its place today barely references this morbid part of Massachusetts’ history, the hospital cemetery remains onsite.

Address: 1101 Kirkbride Dr, Danvers, MA 01923, United States

26. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

Looking for some must-see cool places in Massachusetts?

Head on down to Salem and check out Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery , a movie monster museum!

Inside, you’ll find a spooky gallery that houses pieces of James Lurgio’s private collection of monstrous memorabilia and artifacts.

Throughout the creepy halls of Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, you’ll see numerous creations of the figures of movie monsters, full-sized and made with materials like silicone, resin, and latex.

Approximately 50 characters, arranged chronologically, can be viewed, from Nosferatu to the monsters of Fright Night and from The Exorcist’s Linda Bliar to Alfred Hitchcock’s creations.

Address: 217 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

27. Ruins of Schoolmaster Hill

Ed Lyons / flickr

Schoolmaster Hill was first the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson, then a public park created by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Its initial design included a terrace leading to a shelter, which then connected to vine-covered steps and a multi-use building.

The park structure eventually was redesigned again in order to provide a home for park facilities, and then it was turned into a golf clubhouse.

No matter its iteration, though, it always offered lovely views.

In the 1930s, the building was destroyed by a fire and left in ruins.

Approximately 60 years later, it was partially restored by the Boston Parks Department and the Franklin Park Coalition, and that is how it looks till now.

If you love exploring ruins and are wondering where to visit, the ruins of Schoolmaster Hill are among the best you’ll find in Massachusetts, complete with beautiful panoramas of the surrounding area.

Address: 1 Circuit Dr, Boston, MA, United States

28. The Museum of Russian Icons

The Museum of Russian Icons

Did you know that the world’s biggest collection of Russian icons outside of Russia is right in Massachusetts, right near the Central Park of Clinton?

It is here that the Museum of Russian Icons lives, containing over a thousand icons spanning six centuries of the Russian tradition of sacred paintings, as commonly used in their Orthodox religion.

The Museum of Russian Icons houses the collection of a local businessman and engineer named Gordon B. Lankton, who started the collection in the 1980s.

Houses within a mill building and a former police station building, both dating back centuries, it is the only American facility dedicated to the display of these unique icons.

The icons in question are paintings of religious images, often of scenes from the lives of the saints or of the Mother of God.

Some are covered with silver or gold, most are painted on wood, some have gold leaf decorations, and some use narrative panels to tell a story.

Almost all of them are anonymously painted and a fair few date back to the 10th century.

It’s a unique spot that you must add to your list of what to do!

Don’t forget to check out the Tea Room to sample Russian snacks, drinks, and chocolates.

Address: 203 Union St, Clinton, MA 01510, United States

29. New England Aquarium

FrimuFilms / Shutterstock

The New England Aquarium is situated on the waterfront of Boston, Massachusetts.

Spanning a whopping 75,000 square feet, it is a fun location boasting over 550 species of marine fauna totaling 20,000 individual animals.

It is also the biggest aquarium in the New England region, welcoming around 1.3 million guests annually.

At the New England Aquarium, you’ll find small crabs, sharks, turtles, seadragons, stingrays, eels, barracudas, and more.

Exhibits include the Caribbean reef, the Edge of the Sea touch tank, and the huge coral reef-filled Giant Ocean Tank that reaches four stories in height.

There is also an IMAX theater that features all sorts of nature-themed short films!

Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, United States

30. Adams National Historical Park

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

The Adams National Historical Park was the home location of two American presidents and their descendants, continuing to serve this purpose until 1927.

The park was created in order to preserve the iconic homes of President John Adams and four generations of his family, with additional goals of fostering patriotism, representing the history of the family and the country, and educating the public.

President John Adams had always dreamed of living a simple life as a farmer, and after his stint as president, he created Peace Field, which was his farmstead.

You can view the farmstead here at Adams National Historical Park, as well as his childhood home.

Both of these sites do an amazing job displaying the complex life and mental struggles of the late president.

The park is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in the city of Massachusetts, especially for lovers of history.

Address: 133 Franklin St, Quincy, MA 02169, United States

31. Mount Greylock

Mount Greylock in Adams is one of the top places to visit in Massachusetts – mostly because it’s the highest point in the whole state at 3,491 feet!

Offering gorgeous views of the surrounding area, including five states that flank this one, you’ll have your breath taken away by the panoramic scenery.

Mount Greylock is also famously crowned by the Massachusetts War Memorial Tower, which hosts a beacon that is lit up every night and can be seen from a whopping 70 miles away.

A hotel also waits at the summit of Mount Greylock, made by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Looking for some high-end fashion fun in Massachusetts?

Seek out Bodega , a carefully hidden location behind a secret door of an unassuming corner store.

From the outside, that corner store just looks like a generic convenience shop filled with non-perishables, household basics, and snacks.

But when you journey to the back, you’ll find an old Snapple machine that you’ll never guess hides one of the coolest things to do in Massachusetts.

Slide the machine and you’ll find out that it’s actually a secret door concealing the true nature of Bodega.

Bodega is filled with shelves that hold skate fashion and street fashion from high-end brands, and it’s a well-kept secret that is advertised by word of mouth!

Address: 6 Clearway St, Boston, MA 02115, United States

33. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

ShoreTie / Shutterstock

The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is a selection of varying islands and a part of the Massachusetts mainland that is preserved by the National Park Service.

The harbor itself has a lengthy history, used as a shipping port in the Colonial era.

Renovation in the 20th century turned it into an ideal getaway, which is what it can be for you and your family this weekend!

Among the points of interest at the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area are Harborwalk, an interactive walkway that brings you through numerous beaches, parks, and cafes, and a number of hiking trails that offer fishing and picnicking spots.

There is also Boston Light, America’s oldest lighthouse, within the recreational area’s space on Little Brewster Island.

Address: 191w Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109, United States

34. Aquinnah Cliffs

travelview / Shutterstock

The Aquinnah Cliffs of Massachusetts, also known as the Gay Head Cliffs , are situated within Martha’s Vineyard on the island’s western side, in a Wampanoag reservation.

The cliffs of clay are millions of years old, created by glaciers.

The result is a mix of orange and red clay merging with sand that produces a stunning rainbow effect.

It’s pretty easy to get up-close to the Aquinnah Cliffs.

Following trails on Moshup Beach will get you right to them, and you can climb to their peak to view panoramas of the Elizabeth Islands and the Gay Head Light.

As one of the protected Massachusetts attractions, you’re advised to abide by any rules in place at the Aquinnah Cliffs!

The Wampanoag tribe that owns the land believes that the red clay of the cliffs is the result of legendary Wampanoag founder Moshup, who is said to have bashed whales against the cliffs to feed his people.

Address: 31 Aquinnah Cir, Aquinnah, MA 02535, United States

35. Bash Bish Falls

Daniel Sarnari / Shutterstock

Bash Bish Falls , located in the southwestern region of Massachusetts, is easily one of the most beautiful places to see in the US .

A gorgeous waterfall with a backdrop of legends and eerie tales of danger, it falls 80 feet into a shallow creek and pool.

The spot from the peak of the waterfall is one of the state’s most beautiful places, providing a stunning view that stretches all the way into Taconic State Park in New York.

Where does the name “Bash Bish Falls” come from?

Well, a macabre legend states that a Mohican woman named Bash-Bish was tied to a canoe and sent falling down the falls after she was accused of adultery, despite insisting on her innocence.

The legend also says that her daughter, White Swan, threw herself from the falls when she was unable to conceive a child.

Though many consider Bash Bish Falls a must-do, it’s also a location that should be approached with caution.

25 individuals have passed away due to jumping or falling from the peak of the falls to the shallow pool below.

Walkways are fitted with steel cables to try to keep that danger at bay, and many consider the beauty of the natural land to be worth the mild risk.

And it is, as long as you’re careful!

36. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Museum

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Museum , located in Cambridge, is one of the state’s chief tourist attractions for those interested in technology.

It collects, preserves, and showcases many different items that are related to its titular university, providing education and historical tales of MIT and its role in modern development.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Museum is also home to a permanent collection of all sorts of machines made by Arthur Fanson.

Ganson was a former artist in residence at MIT and created several playful, whimsical, and personality-filled machines that perform all sorts of engaging, adorable, and intriguing tasks.

This includes machines that oil themselves, bounce non-stop, drag items, or perform strange and unusual tasks.

Address: 265 Massachusetts Ave, Building N51, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

37. Brattle Book Shop

biminator / Shutterstock

The Brattle Book Shop is a fun location for bibliophiles who are visiting Massachusetts!

Situated in downtown Boston close to the Boston Common, it is tucked away between buildings of red brick and is an antiquarian bookshop.

Opened in 1825, it has been selling used books ever since and offers over 250,000 books, prints, postcards, and maps from different eras and genres.

The lowest two floors of the Brattle Book Shop are packed tightly with shelves of general use books.

The passageways between them are narrow, with step stools littered around for easy access to tall shelves.

The third floor boasts collectible and first-edition books that make for fascinating perusal.

And, of course, right outside the shop, you’ll find an open-air sale area filled with cheap books haphazardly filling bookshelves and racks!

Address: 9 West St, Boston, MA 02111, United States

38. Lexington Common National Historic Site

The Lexington Common National Historic Site , also known as the Battle Green, is a National Historic Landmark that is considered consecrated ground.

It is also one of America’s only locations where the US Flag can fly for 24 hours a day, as authorized by Congress.

It is here that, according to George Washington’s diary, the very first blood was shed in a 1775 battle against the British Regulars by the Minutemen, or 77 members of the Lexington militia.

A total of 10 Minutemen here were wounded, and eight lost their lives.

A number of monuments located throughout the Lexington Common National Historic Site make it both one of Massachusetts’ most scenic places and one of the key things to do in Massachusetts for history-lovers.

There is a bronze plaque here that marks the Belfry’s original location, placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1910 as well as a relief of the Battle of Lexington.

The most famous monument at the Lexington Common National Historic Site is the Minuteman Statue Battle Relief, a huge obelisk that was placed in 1799.

It marks one end of the Minuteman line.

The other end is marked by a boulder that is inscribed with an inspiring and famous quote by Captain John Parker.

Address: 1625 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02421, United States

39. Boston Museum of Science

Roman Babakin / Shutterstock

The Boston Museum of Science is one of the best institutions of its kind in Massachusetts, boasting more than 700 items in its permanent exhibits.

It is one of the world’s biggest centers of its kind and covers subjects such as mathematics, science, and technology through educational awareness programs, exhibits, and reports.

With an engaging hands-on and interactive approach, the Boston Museum of Science is a fantastic location for children but it’s also equally appealing to adults.

It has a planetarium that puts on daily shows, a butterfly garden to marvel at, and even a Dakota fossil which is dated at 65 million years old.

Address: 1 Museum Of Science Driveway, Boston, MA 02114, United States

40. Harvard Museum of Natural History

Papa Bravo / Shutterstock

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a collection of three different institutions merged into one huge facility, namely the Mineralogical and Geological Museum, the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Harvard Herbaria.

If you’re a science and history buff looking for where to go in Massachusetts, this museum is a great bet.

Harvard University has more than 21 million different specimens under its research programs at any given time, and over 12,000 of those specimens can be viewed at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

This includes a fully assembled skeleton of a dodo bird, more than 3,000 different glass flowers used in botany lessons in the 19th and 20th centuries, and even a collection of human skulls on mounts.

Address: 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States

41. Museum of Modern Renaissance

Museum of Modern Renaissance

The Museum of Modern Renaissance is situated in Massachusetts’ Somerville, on a humble residential street.

It was once a masonic lodge and has been turned into a “Temple of Art” as a labor of love by Russian artists Nicholas Shaplyko and Ekaterina Sorokina.

Since its 2002 makeover, the Museum of Modern Renaissance is a lovely and whimsical space designed to resemble an Incan ruin from the front.

The inside’s ceilings and walls are filled with paintings of mythological and fresco-like nature in a style that the artists refer to as Mystical Realism.

Tours of the Museum of Modern Renaissance are hard to come by and have to be booked in advance, so plan in advance if you want to add this to your list of places to visit in Massachusetts.

Address: 115 College Ave, Somerville, MA 02144, United States

42. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

ESB Professional / Shutterstock

Pretty much everyone has heard of the Boston Tea Party, so why not learn even more about it at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum ?

This huge event in Massachusetts changed the course of American history.

The museum is all about reenacting that event so you can get up-close and personal with it and some full-scale 18th-century ship replicas!

The multi-sensory experience at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum includes interactive displays, historical interpreters, interesting artifacts, and a proper reenactment of events.

You’ll start at the Meeting House, where you’ll get to meet your host, Samuel Adams, and travel back to 1773.

Then, you’ll join a Son of Liberty and storm an 18th-century sailing vessel to join the destruction and overthrowing of tea into the same waters that all that tea was thrown into almost 250 years prior.

You’ll also get to fully explore the ship!

After that, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum will perform a reenactment and debate of the actions following the tea destruction.

You’ll then be able to see and learn about the Robinson Tea Chest, which is the only one that survived the original Boston Tea Party.

Next, you’ll watch an award-winning documentary about the famous Midnight Ride of Paul Revere that sparked the American Revolution.

Finally, you’ll head to Abigail’s Tea Room to try some of the teas thrown overboard and eat some treats!

For a fully immersive experience, this is one of the top things to do in Massachusetts for sure!

Address: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States

43. Boston Children’s Museum

f11photo / Shutterstock

The Boston Children’s Museum is the world’s second-oldest children’s museum, so it’s naturally one of the places to go with your children in Massachusetts.

It’s also one of the world’s most influential museums of its kind.

It opened in 1913 and was founded by the Science Teacher’s Bureau in order to promote the teaching of science and the fun exchange of ideas.

As a museum for engagement, the Boston Children’s Museum focuses on offering hands-on interactivity that allows kids to learn through play, curiosity, and imagination.

Its many topics include health and fitness, science, the arts, culture, and even environmental awareness.

Multiple programs are also held to promote subjects and themes like visual arts, literacy, math, and health.

Among other things, the Boston Children’s Museum is also one of the very few in the world to have a special collection – and, in fact, it has multiple.

These collections include ones on Natural History, Dolls and Dollhouses, Americana, Native American, Global Culture, and Japanese themes.

More than 50,000 items are on display throughout this collection.

It’s no surprise that the museum is also one of the world’s biggest of its kind with all that it has to offer!

Address: 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States

44. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden was created by Lark Grey Dimond-Cates, a sculptor who had been chosen to design a series of Dr. Seuss character sculptures and a likeness of the author himself.

The project, which began in 1996, soon grew into one of the most whimsical Massachusetts attractions!

But Dimond-Cates wasn’t just any sculptor.

She was the stepdaughter of Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Ted Geisel.

She made statues out of bronze and set them in a garden in the middle of a quadrangle of the Springfield Museums.

These sculptures include Yertle the Turtle, The Grinch, the Lorax, the Cat in the Hat, and Sam-I-Am, among others.

The garden opened in 2002 and the sculptures are scattered all around it, providing a lovely way to spend a day in Massachusetts.

The surrounding museums, which include a museum dedicated to Dr. Seuss, provide additional enjoyment for guests.

Address: 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103, United States

45. Boston’s Old Burying Grounds

Diego Grandi / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind, creepy, and morbid stuff to do, taking a trip through Boston’s Old Burying Grounds will certainly fill that desire.

The oldest cemeteries in the city use deathly imagery on their headstones, such as death’s heads, skulls, and hourglasses, to remind the living of how fleeting life can be.

The design choice behind these headstones in Boston’s Old Burying Grounds stems back to Puritan times when settlers of this nature arrived in Boston in the early 1600s.

In the early years of their settlement in the area in 1630, about 700 Puritans would call this Massachusetts region their home, but harsh living conditions would lead to many fatalities in those young times.

The Puritan community believed in mortally upright and ascetic worldviews and was focused on hard work, piety, and education.

They banned extravagant forms of religious expression and had harsh, strict views on who they believed would be able to get to heaven.

In order to work with these harsh rules, headstones would use simple messages and generic but morbid symbols.

Over time, these design details would become a little more festive, and eventually, this tradition of careful morbidity would be lost to more elaborate headstones and rhyming verses.

The oldest of Boston’s Old Burying Grounds maintains a lot of the initial morbidity.

You can explore the King’s Chapel Burying Ground , the Granary Burying Ground , and more locations to see the crypts and final resting places of famous figures and random individuals alike.

Address: Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108, United States

46. Singing Beach

CO Leong / Shutterstock

Singing Beach is an interesting option among tourist attractions in Massachusetts.

It is located on the North Shore and is a great spot for relaxation and novelty this weekend.

But why is it called “Singing Beach”?

Well, its sand creates squeaky, creaking noises akin to some form of mildly melodic singing as it is jostled and moved by visitors, especially when it’s dry.

The singing of the sand isn’t entirely understood, but experts believe that it is a result of shear.

Shear is a phenomenon when one sand grain rubs against a layer underneath it.

It’s an extremely delicate process, and any organic matter, dust, or other forms of pollution can reduce sand friction enough to completely kill that singing sound.

Singing sand must be round, be between a width of 0.1 mm and 0.5mm, exist at specific humidity, and contain silica – and Singing Beach has sand that checks those boxes!

Address: 119 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944, United States

Looking for more thrill outside Massachusetts? Why not visit Boston and Salem? If you do plan the trip, here are some of the best things to do in Boston and some cool things to do in Salem, MA !

47. Medfield State Hospital

Yingna Cai / Shutterstock

Opened in 1892, Medfield State Hospital was an asylum for mentally ill patients for more than a century.

It was a self-sustaining community and institution and remained open all the way until 2003.

It stands out among Massachusetts’ Kirkbride asylums designed and built during the 1800s as it willfully avoided the imposing and intimidating atmosphere and went instead for a welcoming “Cottage Plan”.

The Medfield State Hospital was made up of 58 buildings made from brick throughout a big campus.

Its longevity and layout made it one of the best options for asylum treatment in its time.

It is also one of the few that, in this modern time, has not faced demolition or abandonment.

Instead, it has been open to the public during the day, letting curious visitors explore its grounds with no charge.

35 of the Medfield State Hospital’s original buildings remain now, and though entry is prohibited, the paths and grounds are all available as one of the free things to do in the state.

You may recognize some spots from films like Knives Out, Shutter Island, and The Box.

Medfield’s town government purchased the hospital at the end of 2014, and as of now, it’s unknown what plans they have for the historic building’s future.

Address: 1 Stonegate Dr, Medfield, MA 02052, United States

48. Cape Cod Rail Trail

Jim Bogosian / Shutterstock

The Cape Cod Rail Trail , as its name suggests, follows the path of what was once a railway.

It is carefully paved and travels 22 miles through multiple different towns in Massachusetts’s southeastern area, specifically in the mid-Cape region from Wellfleet to Dennis.

If you’re looking for what to do that offers exercise while being easy to walk, this trail is a great bet.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is very popular with joggers, walkers, hikers, horse riders, and cyclists, and it boasts a paved and unpaved section.

When snow falls, cross-country skiers may take to the trail, too.

No matter when you travel the trail, though, you’ll find a nice surrounding view, lots of stops on beaches, facilities, and rest locations, and even bike rental areas!

49. James P. Kelleher Rose Garden

Christine Riggle / flickr

The James P. Kelleher Rose Garden is one of the top hidden gem locations that you’ll find in Boston.

It is neatly tucked away behind and past several more popular parks in the city’s downtown area.

Dating back to 1932, the garden is situated in the Back Bay Fens and is carefully protected by a tall hedge of yew, close to Fenway Park.

The James P. Kelleher Rose Garden creates the feeling of a secret garden and boasts more than 1,500 roses.

It was commissioned in an English Style by the extremely infamous James Michael Curley, a former Mayor of Boston, and was designed by local landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff.

At the time of its opening, the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden actually won an award for excellence from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, but that award didn’t reflect public opinion.

Many locals even considered it gaudy, especially against the more natural, wild, and understated design of the parks of Olmsted.

Eventually (and thankfully), however, people would come to like the garden, and it is now a proud part of the city of Boston!

It is open from the middle of April to the end of October.

Address: 73 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States

50. Edgar Allan Poe Square

Andy Ihnatko / flickr

Great author and poet Edgar Allen Poe was born in 1809 in Massachusetts, but his home was sadly demolished along with its street several decades ago as part of an urban development project.

200 years after he was born, a small plaza right across the street from that was renamed Edgar Allan Poe Square.

Since its creation in 2009, Edgar Allan Poe Square has lived at Charles and Boylston streets’ intersection, been marked by a sign and a statue of Poe adorned with symbols from his poetry.

The square also houses a building twenty years older than it which is dedicated to the author.

If you’re a fan of the author, the square and its statue are among the things to see to add to your list.

Address: 176 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, United States

51. Ponyhenge

Carol Ann Mossa / Shutterstock

Ponyhenge is a small part of a large pasture located in the Massachusetts town of Lincoln.

It is a true hidden gem located on private property but open to the public for visits and consists of a strange collection of plastic and metal ponies, rocking horses that are broken and damaged, and all sorts of other horse toys and items.

But how did Ponyhenge come to be?

In 2010, these equine curiosities began to arrive randomly and anonymously.

It all began with one single horse 15 miles out of Boston along Old Sudbury Road, all rusted and strange.

No one really knows for sure where it came from, but it spawned the arrival of more and more horses of all kinds – figures and figurines, hobby horses, rocking horses, and more.

Ponyhenge has only continued to grow, and no one seems to take any of them away.

Occasionally, the horses are arranged in rows, in circles, or in amusing configurations.

Other times, they’re scattered haphazardly about.

However you happen to stumble upon them, there’s no denying that this is one of the most bizarrely fascinating places to visit in Massachusetts.

Address: 47 Old Sudbury Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, United States

52. Echo Bridge

Echo Bridge is a rather unique option among the things to do in Massachusetts.

Its construction finished in 1877 and it rests across Hemlock Gorge in Charles River, and, back when it was made, it was the country’s second-longest arch of masonry.

At the time, it was also an important part of the aqueduct of Newton Upper Falls and Needham.

Now, Echo Bridge doesn’t exactly bear these same honors, but it offers stunning views, architectural magnificence, and a rather interesting sound effect in its echo.

The anomaly of sound is an echo that provides a large number of reverberations.

A human voice may be reverberated up to 15 times, but something as sharp and loud as the shot of a gun may lead to a whopping 25 reverberations.

These amazing acoustics at Echo Bridge are a result of the sound waves bouncing between the arch of the bridge and the water beneath.

Some believe, however, that the arch is at the perfect angle to repeatedly direct sound back and forth within itself.

Whatever the case, it provides a four echo per second return and there’s a special platform built just for guests to test out the aural phenomenon during their Massachusetts trip!

Address: Newton, MA 02464, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a beautiful commonwealth and state.

As one of six New England states and the most populous in that group, it is bustling with life, diversity, culture, and history.

No matter what sort of hotspots you’d like to visit during your vacation to Massachusetts, you’re sure to find many that tickle your fancy!

Happy travels.

Western Mass.

Cape Cod & The Islands

Central Mass.

North of Boston

South of Boston

Great things to do in massachusetts.

Find great, fun things to do and fresh places to explore in the Bay State for every age and taste, from antique shopping to rock climbing to slithering through a water park. Check attractions' websites for updates to scheduling and other details, especially for activities affected by weather. Every region, from the historic homes and gardens of the Berkshires to the beaches of Cape Cod offers memorable adventures for the whole family. Plan a getaway to the cultural and historic sites of Boston and spring for a luxury hotel or waterfront lodging in this “Athens of America.” Follow these links for : Sightseeing - Walking & Hiking - Family Activities

Worcester Art Museum

55 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA, 01609 Phone: 508-799-4406

In this museum, there’s more to do than admire paintings (tho the paintings are amazing)

Island Queen

75 Falmouth Heights Road Falmouth, MA, 02540 Phone: 508-548-4800

An ocean of fun things to do when you ferry from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard

Greater Merrimack Valley

61 Market Street, Unit 1C Lowell, MA, 01852 Phone: 978-459-6150

Wide variety of activities, from concerts and theater to unique shopping and dining, in this vibrant area

W. Russell Blake Planetarium

117 Long Pond Road Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-830-4470

Plymouth planetarium provides perfect evening for star-gazers

1620 Winery

55 Cordage Park Circle Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-746-3532

The House of the Seven Gables

225 Derby Street Salem, MA, 01970 Phone: 978-774-0991

Get inspired about history, and literature, when you visit this beloved many-gabled home

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

137 Warren Avenue Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-746-1622

Museum featuring a variety of hands-on experiences to acquaint visitors with 17th-Century life

Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, off Route 20 Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 508-347-3362 Toll-Free: 800-733-1830

Re-created 19th-century village is more than a museum – it’s an interactive experience

Meet Boston

Information Centers on Boston Common and Prudential Towers (Center Court) Boston, MA, 02116 Phone: 888-733-2678

With so much history, and so many activities, vibrant Boston has something for every visitor

American Heritage Museum

568 Main Street Hudson, MA, 01749 Phone: 978-562-9182

Visitors will feel like they are part of history at this interactive, educational museum

Southwick’s Zoo

2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA, 01756 Phone: 800-258-9182

Adventure Awaits at New England’s Largest Zoo, Southwick’s Zoo!

See Plymouth

4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100 Toll-Free: 800-872-1620

Whatever you love to do on vacation, Plymouth can provide it — and so much more

Discover Quincy

City of Quincy Welcome Center - 1259 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-471-1700

From bikers and beach-lovers to shoppers and skiers, everyone has a great time in this welcoming city

Battleship Cove

5 Water Street Fall River, MA, 02721 Phone: 508-678-1100 Toll-Free: 800-533-3194

A day out you won’t forget

Seekonk Grand Prix

1098 Fall River Avenue Seekonk, MA, 02771 Phone: 508-336-8307

So many fun options when you spend the day at this raceway with a game room, bumper cars, mini golf

Salem Witch Museum

19 1/2 Washington Square North Salem, MA, 01970 Phone: 978-744-1692

Immersive exhibits at with trials museum shed light on a dark period of New England history

The Steamship Authority

Ferry voyage to the islands off Cape Cod is the just the beginning of your adventure

Beautiful Marsh Welcomes Walkers

Old Italy Flavors at Caffe Vittoria

History of Boston on Display Along This Walk to the Sea

Boston from the Sidewalk

Kids Love to Explore ‘the Olden Days’

Walking Trails Criss-Cross This Beautiful Island

Come Aboard Old Ironsides

Broadmoor Offers Broad Variety

Pittsfield Hops with Shopping and Browsing Fun

Prowl for Fashionable Objects of the Past

Here Lies Hawthorne

Enjoy a 20th-Century Diplomat’s House & Gardens

A Garden Shop Like a Roman Piazza

Books, Soft Chairs, and a River View

Bridge of Flowers Is Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen

Artist Colony Is Vibrant in Gloucester

Johnny Appleseed Trail Through Picturesque Towns

Find Contemporary Art and Advice from an Expert

Stroll Charming Downtown Gloucester

Fruitlands Is Home to four Fascinating Museums

Out in the Woods, in Sight of Boston

Riverwalk Is an Urban Treat

Tuck in to Truro for Wine and Spirits Tastings

Antiques Are Plentiful at This Cambridge Market

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

A Little Walk; a Little Chocolate; and Repeat

You may also like....

Great Events are happening across Massachusetts

Outdoor Adventures

Discover great Massachusetts outdoor adventures

Romantic Getaways

From the sea to mountains find your romantic getaway

Subscribe Today

For special offers and great New England travel tips subscribe today.

• Destinations

25 Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts

Last Updated By VI on June 10, 2024

The Berkshires

Martha's vineyard.

• Complete List & Map

Music lovers come for the concerts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which resides at the Tanglewoood Music Center in Lenox during the summer. There is much more for art lovers, including the Norman Rockwell Museum, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and MASS MoCA. Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking, rafting, fishing, kayaking, and golfing and, when the snow covers the hills, it is time for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. More info

A small number of boutique shops dot the streets. Visitors can tour the connected Chappaquiddick Island and its lighthouse. The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse offers weekly entertainment as does the popular summer film festival.

The Peabody Essex Museum displays a large collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including local art as well as a substantial Asian collection that features a restored Qing-era Chinese house. Other area attractions include Nathanial Hawthorne’s birthplace, Canobie Lake Park, and the Bakers Island Lighthouse.

There are several beaches to relax on and lighthouses to explore. Other attractions include the Nantucket Whaling Museum, the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, and the Maria Mitchell Association. Several small islands are located nearby, including the Muskeget and Tuckernuck islands, which can be reached by boats that depart from Nantucket Harbor.

Provincetown

Pilgrim Memorial State Park is home to a boulder that is claimed to be the place where the pilgrims first touched land. A replica of the original Mayflower, called The Mayflower II, is typically moored at the park. Plimoth Plantation, a popular family destination, is a living history museum with a recreation of the original settlement, craft activities, and several live animals. Explore the beaches.

Rounding out the museum scene are the Beneski Museum of Natural History and the eclectic Mead Art Museum. Nearby Mount Norwottuck and Bare Mountain as well as Mount Holyoke Range State Park provide ample opportunities to explore the outdoors through hiking and other activities.

Salisbury Park features a 56-foot-high stone tower that looks like a castle and makes for an interesting visit. Indian Lake and the Wachusett Reservoir provide opportunities for fishing and boating during the warm months.

Hyannis Main Street is a charming all-American Main Street in Hyannis , Massachusetts, commonly referred to as the capital of Cape Cod for its prime geographic location on the Mid-Cape. The town is best known as the home of Barnstable Municipal Airport, which serves as a major transportation hub for most of the rest of Cape Cod and nearby destinations such as Martha's Vineyard. A wide array of quaint restaurants, cafes, and shops line the town's Main Street, ranging from beachfront favorites such as ice cream parlors and surf shops to fine dining establishments in a variety of international cuisine styles. The JFK Hyannis Museum explores the region's connection to United States President John F. Kennedy, while Bismore Memorial Park, located on adjacent Ocean Street, is home to an Art Shanties colony of artisan vendors. More Hyannis beaches

Newburyport

Another historical attraction in the city is the Cushing House Museum and Garden, which is a federal-style mansion with beautiful gardens. Outdoor activities include nearby Plum Island, which features a national wildlife refuge along with beaches, lighthouses, and opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. Other opportunities to spend time outdoors around Newburyport include Lake Attitash and Maudslay State Park.

Some of the historic places of worship include the Church of St. Mary the Great, Holy Sepulchre, Ely Cathedral, and All Saints’ Church. There are numerous museums located throughout Cambridge, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is an art museum, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Science, the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, and the Museum of Cambridge.

Many historical places are located in North End, including the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the Clough House, which is one of the oldest brick homes in Boston. The neighborhood’s many restaurants, shopping opportunities, and events attract visitors from near and far. Make sure to stop by Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop to try some 18th-century chocolate.

The sites are marked with special ground markers explaining their significance and include sites such as the Bunker Hill Monument, Boston Common, the Paul Revere House, and 13 others. Other popular Boston attractions include the New England Aquarium , Fenway Park, the Boston Children’s Museum, and many more.

Race Point Beach

99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667, Phone: 508-255-3421

The U.S. Customshouse is also located in Barnstable and is a historic customs house that also houses a museum devoted to the Coast Guard. Several beaches are located in the area, including the South Cape Beach State Park, Follins Pond, Mashie and Wakeby Ponds, and Craigville Beach. Shawms-Crowell State Forest is a popular destination for overnight camping.

Halibut Point State Park

Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA 01966, Phone: 978-546-2997

Bridge of Flowers

22 Water Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, Phone: 413-625-2523

Minute Man National Historical Park

174 Liberty Street, Concord , MA 01742, Phone: 978-369-6993

Charles River

Visitors can pack a picnic or eat at one of the many dining spots nearby. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are available for visitors who would like to paddle the river. Guided tours of the river depart from several locations throughout the city and are a fun way to see the city and learn about the history of the area. More beaches near Boston

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

15 State Street, Boston, MA 02109, Phone: 617-223-8666

Good Harbor Beach

99 Thatcher Road, Glouchester , MA 01930, Phone: 978-281-9785

Aquinnah Cliffs

Aquinnah Cliffs , 65 State Road, Aquinnah, MA 02535, Phone: 508-645-2300

Cape Cod Rail Trail

Phone: 508-896-3491

Cape Cod National Seashore

More Ideas: Main Street Hyannis

• 1. The Berkshires
• 2. Cape Cod
• 3. Martha's Vineyard
• 5. Nantucket
• 6. Provincetown
• 7. Plymouth
• 9. Worcester
• 10. Hyannis
• 11. Newburyport
• 12. Cambridge
• 13. North End
• 15. Race Point Beach
• 16. Barnstable
• 17. Halibut Point State Park
• 18. Bridge of Flowers
• 19. Minute Man National Historical Park
• 20. Charles River
• 21. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
• 22. Good Harbor Beach
• 23. Aquinnah Cliffs
• 24. Cape Cod Rail Trail
• 25. Cape Cod National Seashore

More Getaways in Massachusetts:

Resources: VisitMA , State parks

More Features

Beach Destinations: 15 Most Awesome Beach Picnics

10 Best Things to Do in Andover, MA

25 Best Day Trips from Massachusetts

• --> Conclusion

Vacation Idea

• About Us/Contact Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

• Students & Group Tours
• Haunted Happenings
• Visitor Centers

• Notable Locals
• 10 Free Things to Do in Salem, MA
• The Destination Salem Radio Show
• Education & Community
• Native History & Indigenous Acknowledgement
• Weekend at a Glance
• All Listings
• Museums & Attractions
• Psychics & Spiritual Growth
• Salem Heritage Trail
• Sweets & Treats
• Restaurants
• Witch Shops & Occult
• Chocolate & Candy
• Inns and B&Bs
• Regional Accommodations
• Transportation
• Map of Salem
• Information Centers
• Salem Witch Trials of 1692
• Modern Witch & Occult
• Hocus Pocus
• The Journey from 1692 to Salem’s Modern Witch Community

Home » Blog » Do » SUMMER IN SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS – DAY TRIP ITINERARY

SUMMER IN SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS – DAY TRIP ITINERARY

We may be known for our  Halloween festivities , but summer is an excellent time to visit Salem, Massachusetts! The weather is perfect for  harbor tours  and  outdoor dining , and you’ll find plenty of things to do around town with Salem’s  museums and historic sites , unique  shops ,  walking tours , and more!

Getting Here

Getting to Salem for a summer day trip is easy! If you are driving downtown, you can find directions and parking information  here . Once downtown, you’ll find most everything you want to see or do is in walking distance (and you could always take the  Salem Skipper  if you needed a quick ride, too).

Salem is also accessible via the Newburyport/Rockport lines of the  MBTA Commuter Rail . A ride on the train is just 30 minutes from Boston’s North Station and a quick ride from points north of Salem.

And another way to get to Salem from Boston is to cruise aboard the  Salem Ferry . The ferry leaves from Boston’s Long Wharf, and can get you to Salem in just under an hour.

Where to Start

After arriving in Salem, walk or take the Salem Skipper to the  Salem Regional Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street or the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center at 245 Derby Street. (If you drive downtown and park your car here, the garage above the Witch City Mall will be right across the street, as well as the South Harbor Garage located above the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center.) The Regional Visitor Center is currently open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm, and can be a great place to start with maps, information, restrooms, and an introductory film on the Salem Witch Trials . The Destination Salem Visitor Information Center is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. The staff can provide visitors with maps of Salem, MA as well as information on Salem for your visit. The public restrooms are located to the right of the Visitor Center, and are open 9am – 8pm.

To help get your bearings and introduce yourself to Salem’s historic downtown, we recommend taking a tour aboard the  Salem Trolley . Tickets are available first come, first served, in person right outside the visitor center.

Trolley tours are one hour long, and cover a loop around downtown featuring notable locations from the  McIntire Historic District  to the  Salem Willows  and  Winter Island  with lots to see in between. The first trolley tour departs at 10 am daily throughout the summer, and to make the most of your day trip we’d hop aboard one of the earlier tours available.

Witch Trials History and More

After your trolley tour, spend some time learning the history of the  Salem Witch Trials . There are two museums and attractions nearby that can fill you in on the Witch Trials history. From the trolley stop, you can head toward  Salem Common  to visit the  Salem Witch Museum  or continue down Essex Street toward the Witch History Museum.

The  Salem Witch Museum  features a presentation with 13 sets and a narration based on original documents from the trials. Following the presentation, guests can explore a tour of the museum’s  Evolving Perceptions  exhibit, which covers the changing perceptions of witchcraft over time.

Tickets to the Salem Witch Museum are available online for purchase the day of your visit. (If you are hoping to time your visit to the museum to follow your tour aboard the  Salem Trolley , we’d recommend planning ahead and selecting tickets for over an hour after your trolley tour in the morning, as presentations may sell out.)

On the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, the  Witch History Museum  presents the history of the  Salem Witch Trials  through a guided tour of a recreated Salem Village. Tickets for the Witch History Museum are available in person, and can be combined with the  Witch Dungeon  and  New England Pirate Museums if you are planning to visit all three sites during your visit.

If you being your trip at the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center you can take a quick walk over Real Pirates Salem , immerse yourself in one of the most harrowing stories from the Golden Age of piracy as you see and touch the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including pieces of eight, jewelry, and weapons – recovered from the Whydah Gally by underwater explorer Barry Clifford. Or take a short ten minute walk down Derby Street to The House of the Seven Gables which is open daily from 10am to 5pm. There you will embark on an unforgettable tour of the famous home. Admission also includes Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace, waterfront views, and a unique museum store.

Art & Shopping

Across from where you’ll have picked up the Salem Trolley is the  Peabody Essex Museum , one of the country’s fastest growing art museums. The museum is home to art from Salem and around the world, as well as the 200-year-old Chinese house,  Yin Yu Tang which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary on July 15th.

Special exhibitions on view this summer include As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic, which explore Black identity through a compelling compilation of photographs from African diasporic culture. Drawn from Dr. Kenneth Montague’s Wedge Collection in Toronto, a Black-owned collection dedicated to artists of African descent,  As We Rise  looks at the myriad experiences of Black life through the lenses of community, identity and power.

Since the museum’s expansion in 2019, an expanded garden space is also a beautiful spot to sit and take in the views between galleries. The exhibition space was also expanded, with new galleries showcasing PEM’s fashion and design collections, and galleries devoted exclusively to Salem history.

For this itinerary, we would spend a couple of hours in the museum. Seeing everything in the  Peabody Essex Museum  however, could easily fill up most of a day. If you’re inspired to add an overnight stay to your day trip, you can find a list of places to stay downtown  here .

As you exit the museum, consider doing some shopping around Essex Street. Nearby, you’ll find  Moody’s Home & Gifts , which stocks local handmade and global fair trade gifts.

Down Essex Street is  Crow Haven Corner , Salem’s oldest witch shop offering an array of crystals, candles, books, Tarot cards, and more (plus psychic readings). Nearby is  District Trading Co. , home to unique Salem designs printed on tees, hoodies, cards, and hats with 5% of sales supporting local arts education programs.

And from Essex Street onto Central Street you’ll find  Pamplemousse  for gourmet gifts and accessories, and  Modern Millie , Salem’s local vintage boutique. (You could continue down Essex Street and toward Front Street to find more local shops if time allows. Find a list of all of Salem’s shops  here .)

If you are beginning from the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center you may want to stop by Pickering Wharf, which has a plethora of shopping options including art, clothing, and jewelry stores just to name a few which can be found here .

Stop for Lunch

Summer in Salem means dining outside, so our perfect day trip would include a stop for lunch on an outdoor patio.  Rockafellas ‘ patio overlooks Washington and Essex Street and their menu features something for everyone with seafood, salads, flatbreads, and specialty cocktails.

For sushi lovers,  Koto on Washington Street has a small but beautifully decorated outdoor seating area (and don’t forget to stop into the newly opened Annie’s Asian Mart next door!)

And around the corner on Church Street,  Turner’s Seafood  has opened up a patio behind their restaurant where you can enjoy the outdoors while ordering up their fan-favorite Asian Nachos, raw bar selections, and classic New England seafood dishes.

If you got a little sidetracked, or want to move this itinerary around a bit in favor of a waterfront dinner, Sea Level Oyster Bar who’s hours can by viewed by clicking their name.

Walk Around Town

Walk off lunch with a stroll through downtown Salem. Spend about an hour and take in more  downtown shops , spot film locations from  Hocus Pocus , or embark on a historical  walking tour .

Salem’s walking tours range from the historical to the paranormal, with something for the whole family in between. Get a glimpse of history that would engage the youngest members of your family with  Salem Kids Tours , join  Salem Historical Tours  for a tour focused on the Salem Witch Trials, or pick up the  Salem Witch Walk  from  Crow Haven Corner to learn about Salem with a practicing Witch as your guide. If you are looking for a more spooky option join Spellbound Tours for a frightening and factual experience.

If you are not limited to the train or ferry schedules when you depart Salem, you can also extend your day trip by booking a ghost tour later in the evening, as some tours depart as late as 8:00 or 9:00 pm throughout the summer.

To see more of Salem on your own, we recommend one of the following:

• Visit the Salem Heritage Trail Mobile Site
• Explore the  Ropes Mansion Gardens
• Walk the grounds of  Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Follow our  Salem Maritime History Walk

The House of the Seven Gables

Continue your walk to  The House of the Seven Gables  on Derby Street (or if you find yourself on the other side of town, consider taking the  Salem Skipper or a Blue Bike .)

The House of the Seven Gables  is offering two ways to take in the history of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s work and the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion this summer. Book a semi-private guided tour of the mansion and head inside the historic home, or plan a Gardens and Grounds Experience and visit the museum’s Colonial Seaside Gardens with an audio tour at your own pace. Find tickets and booking information  here .

Sunset on the Water

From The House of the Seven Gables, walk down Derby Street toward  Pickering Wharf . Here you’ll find more shops and restaurants, including Timeless Life Treasure if you’re looking for a special keep sake, and The Witchery , which offers broom making and bookbinding crafting sessions.

Ahead of your visit to Salem book either a sunset cruise with  Mahi Cruises,   Schooner FAME , or a sail aboard the When and If or a cruise with Essex Heritage, all of which can be found here .

Depending on the date of your visit, you may find live music cruises available with  Mahi , and whenever you plan your cruise you’ll find a way to spend time on the water with Mahi’s friendly crew, full bar, and fresh eats from their onboard grill.

For a glimpse into Salem history on the water, book a sunset sail with  Schooner FAME . While onboard, join in raising the sails, learn a bit of Salem’s history, and experience the FAME’s cannon as the sun sets over Salem harbor.

Dinner Near Pickering Wharf

After your sail and a packed day of exploring Salem, plan for dinner by Pickering Wharf. Adjacent to Pickering Wharf Marina, you’ll find  Finz Seafood & Grill , with a variety of seafood specials and seasonal cocktails.

Further along Pickering Wharf,  Longboards  serves up a menu of flatbreads, lobster rolls, and more, plus unique drinks including their famous scorpion shots (you get a t-shirt for finishing it!)

And just outside of Pickering Wharf, the  Regatta Pub  at the  Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites has a lovely patio perfect for relaxing with drinks and appetizers.

Late Nights in Salem

If you aren’t ready for your day trip to come to an end, we have a couple of recommendations to end your visit to Salem:

On weekends,  Notch Brewing  is open until 12 am (and 10 pm on Fridays), so during summer nights you can visit their outdoor biergarten and enjoy a beer and a pretzel by the water.

Select Salem  ghost tours  begin at 8:00 or 9:00 pm, extending your visit to Salem by an hour to 90 minutes, and showcasing some of the historically significant and haunted locations around town you may have missed earlier in the day.

Live music and trivia nights are returning to Salem, so for more late-night fun we’d check out the  calendar  or download the  Destination Salem app  to see what may be happening during your visit.

Need More Time in Salem?

This itinerary comes with a backed day to Salem, but there is still so much to see and do! With another day or two in Salem, you could…

• Embark on a  Salem Food Tour  and take in local history while tasting your way around local restaurants
• Experience a psychic reading at a local shop like  Hex  or  Pentagram
• Join  Omen  for one of their weekend seances
• Take an evening  Tales & Tombstones  tour with the Salem Trolley (available July, August, and October)
• Pick up something sweet and see chocolates in the making at  Harbor Sweets
• Grab an omelet for breakfast at Fountain Place , or pancakes bigger than the plate at  Red’s
• …and so much more!

Find historic and full service hotels, B&Bs, and regional accommodations to extend your day trip into an overnight stay  here . And be sure to tag  @destsalem  and use  #SummerInSalemMA  during your visit so we can follow along! ❤️

Categorised in: Do , Eat , Plan , Stay

Tags: Brewery , Day Trip , Foodie , Summer in Salem

Recent Blogs

A bit of Ireland in Salem

Spirits are high in Salem, MA

Hidden History at the Salem Wax Museum

The annual Salem Arts Festival is back again for its 16th year

Get Your Free Guide To Salem

Privacy Overview

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts

By Carl Austin · Last updated on June 17, 2024

Massachusetts is made for history lovers. After all, the Pilgrims landed here in 1620; its colonial residents were a force to be reckoned with during the American Revolution. But the “Bay State” also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, through the visual, written and performing arts. And nature isn’t forgotten either, with an abundance of hiking trails, bird watching and beach activities. An overview of the best places to visit in Massachusetts :

10. Plum Island [SEE MAP]

Plum Island is a great destination for nature lovers. It’s a bird watcher’s paradise; a haven for migrating birds and a breeding ground for shorebirds. Joined to northeast mainland Massachusetts by a single bridge from Newburyport, even the island’s name suggests a connection with nature: It was named after the beach plums that grow on the sand dunes.

Public beaches are plentiful, and the fishing, whether from the shore or boat, is great. The coastal ecology is delicate; visitors can only access the sand dunes by boardwalk. There are numerous lodging options on the island, including bed and breakfasts, inns, and rental cottages. In addition, there is a population of year-round residents.

9. The Berkshires [SEE MAP]

Nature and the arts exist compatibly in the Berkshires, a hilly area in western Massachusetts. Most of the hills are under 1,200 feet (360 meters) high though a couple do climb higher to the sky. The Berkshires are filled with hiking trails, including parts of the Appalachian Trail.

The highest waterfall in Massachusetts, Bash Bush Falls, is located here. Travelers who get tired of hiking can take in an art museum or two, including the Norman Rockwell Museum, or a concert at Tanglewood Music Center. The Boston Symphony Orchestra makes its summer home in the Berkshires.

8. Northampton [SEE MAP]

Northampton is a charming college town in the Pioneer Valley with a picturesque and vibrant downtown, consisting of numerous art galleries, restaurants and quirky shops sprinkled among coffee shops and performing arts venues. It is home to Smith College, a prestigious women’s college.

The presence of college students and their professors gives the town a distinctly liberal political atmosphere. More than 20 percent of Northampton is devoted to open space and greenways, which make strolling a delight. Cultural activities include a vibrant music scene and annual film festival.

7. Nantucket [SEE MAP]

In the early 1600s, Nantucket Island was a refuge for Native Americans who wanted to escape the European settlements on mainland Massachusetts; its name is derived from an Algonquin word. Today it is a playground mainly for the wealthy, having one of the highest home property values in the United States.

Nantucket is a popular summer tourist destination with a population that jumps from almost 11,000 year-round residents to 50,000 in the summer. It offers quiet harbors, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, lighthouses, beautiful old mansions and gardens. The island is popular also with artists and writers, as well as visitors who for the annual summer music festival.

6. New Bedford [SEE MAP]

New Bedford, the 6th largest city in Massachusetts, is known as “the whaling city” as it was one of the most important whaling cities in the world during the 19th century. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the largest museum in the United Sates devoted to whaling; it has whale skeletons on display. Across the street from the museum, Seamen’s Bethel is the chapel that was immortalized in Moby Dick.

Visitors can also tour a whaling merchant’s home as well as museums devoted to art and firefighting equipment. The city also has its quaint side with several districts that are deemed historically valuable.

5. Martha's Vineyard [SEE MAP]

New England’s largest island, Martha’s Vineyard is a popular summer destination for the wealthy, including numerous celebrities who have homes here. Martha’s Vineyard was the setting for the first Jaws movie in 1974, with some scenes also included in the two sequels.

Located 7 miles (11 km) off Cape Cod, the island is accessible by boat (public ferries leave from several places on Cape Cod) or air. The island boasts great beaches for swimming or surfing, panoramic views of the Atlantic from cliffs on the island, an outdoor tabernacle and several notable lighthouses, including at Edgartown.

4. Salem [SEE MAP]

Travelers who aren’t afraid of ghosts and goblins may want to spend Halloween in Salem , home of the famous witchcraft trials in the days when Puritans ruled the city. Haunted happenings take place all over Salem then, but those who visit at other times can learn about witches at a special museum devoted just o them.

Salem also was the setting for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables, which is an historic house worth visiting. Oysterfest, which celebrates the bivalve, takes place every September. Art shows and theatrical productions are popular events throughout the year.

3. Plymouth [SEE MAP]

Plymouth is where it all began back in 1620. Travelers can transport themselves back in time at Plimouth Plantation, a living history museum that shows how the Pilgrims lived in 1627. Next comes a tour of Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims to the New World.

Or they can be one of the estimated one million visitors a year to Plymouth Rock, the site where the Pilgrims supposedly stepped ashore. Travelers can also tour a cranberry farm, visit historic homes or play a round of golf on more than a dozen courses.

2. Cape Cod [SEE MAP]

Cape Cod is an arm-shaped peninsula located on the easternmost part of Massachusetts. It has developed into one of the most popular places to visit in Massachusetts in the summer. Lighthouses, cranberry bogs, swimming beaches, and walking and biking trails dot the Cape Cod National Seashore. The popular resort town of Provincetown, at the very tip of the peninsula, is the site of the first landing of the Pilgrims.

While Cape Cod is known for its artist colonies and quaint villages, its village of Hyannis, part of the cape’s largest town of Barnstable, put the cape on the map because it is the summer home of the Kennedy family. It is also a good jumping off place to reach Massachusetts’ outer islands.

1. Boston [SEE MAP]

Boston is loaded with history, from being one of the oldest cities in the United States (the city was founded in 1630) to hosting the world’s most famous tea “party.” Visitors can relive Boston’s participation in the American Revolution by walking the Freedom Trail. But the commonwealth’s capital is so much more than history.

The capital and largest city in Massachusetts as well as the largest city in the New England also is home to successful professional athletic teams as well as the Boston Pops Orchestra. Whether travelers are visiting Paul Revere’s house or Fenway Park, cultural activities and fine dining opportunities abound in this eastern city by the bay.

Map of Massachusetts

Share this post:

33 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts

12 Best Cities in Massachusetts You Should Visit

17 Best Beaches in Massachusetts

25 Best Places to Visit in the USA

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Boston

14 Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard

16 Best Things to do in Salem, MA

12 Best Things to Do in Worcester, MA

Where to Stay in Cape Cod: 10 Top Destinations

16 Best Things to Do in Provincetown, MA

Reader interactions.

February 11, 2021 at 6:59 am

What about Revere Beach it’s really nice.

April 9, 2016 at 3:41 pm

Great list! Barnstaple, however, is located in England. Barnstable is a county, town, and village on Cape Cod. Thus, there are actually people who live in Barnstable, Barnstable, Barnstable, Massachusetts. 🙂

April 10, 2016 at 11:27 am

Thanks @Beth, well spotted.

November 2, 2015 at 10:30 pm

Awesome list! I have Berkshires in my top 5 though. Thanks for the list!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Massachusetts (MA) » 25 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts

25 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts

As one of the original 13 colonies, it is not hard to figure out why the state of Massachusetts has so much history to offer visitors. Important battles and political rallies have taken place in the state during its history and evidence of these remains today in National Historic Parks and monuments.

The state is not stuck in the past however and Boston is a pioneering city with trendy and modern shopping, gastronomy and art on offer. The great outdoors is also a reason to visit the state with varied terrain of beaches, farmland and forests to explore. Here are the best things to do in Massachusetts :

1. The Freedom Trail

This winding three-mile trail in Boston is home to some of the most important historical sights in the United States.

Traversing the old colonial streets, the trail takes in 16 iconic monuments along the way including graveyards and the well-known Faneuil Hall, also known as “The Cradle of Liberty”, which was where abolitionists and revolutionaries gathered in the past.

The trail is easy to stick and is marked by red bricks and large medallions in the ground leading all the way from Boston Common to the Navy Yard in Charlestown.

2. Cape Cod

Massachusetts meets the Atlantic at Cape Cod and offers around 500 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches.

The beaches can get busy in the summer months but there are always quieter spots available for those willing to explore a little.

The Cape Cod coast is protected by the Cape Cod National Seashore, which ensures that the coast here has remained largely unchanged since the early 19th Century.

The Visitors Centres nearby in Provincetown or Salt Pond offer all the information needed for a happy visit.

3. Minute Man National Historic Park

The Minute Man National Historic Park marks the route marched by British and in turn initiated the American Revolution.

Other points of interest in the park are Concord’s North Bridge which was the site for battle between the Colonies and British and the Visitor Centre which is essentially a museum showing various objects and artifacts from the areas abundant history.

4. Battle Green

Battle Green in Lexington, also known as Lexington Green, is believed to be where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired in 1775.

Re-enactments of the belt are held here once a year on the anniversary of the event.

Also found here is a Minuteman statue which immortalizes the words of Captain Parker before the battle “if they mean to have war, let it begin here”.

5. Historic Houses of Salem

There are many historic homes in Massachusetts and the New England area but Salem offers a variety of homes and insight into history and culture, which is hard to match.

The name Salem is widely associated with witch trails and the house belonging to Jonathan Corwin, Judge at the witchcraft trails, can be found here.

The area was also once a thriving China trade port and the Peabody Essex Museum provides an in depth look at this trade as well as housing an impressive 18th Century Chinese building from Huizhou.

6. Plimoth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation is a living museum that aims to explore the lives of the Colonial Americans and there daily lives in what was the first New England settlement by Pilgrims in 1620.

The actors in the museum are costumed accordingly and never step out of character whilst undergoing a series of 17th Century tasks including building, gardening and military exercises.

The museum also explores the lives of Native Americans in the area at the time through the Hobbamock Homesite exhibit.

7. Faneuil Hall

Although briefly mentioned as being part of the Freedom Trail, the Faneuil Hall is a must visit spot and deserves its own place on this list.

The hall was built in 1740 and was home to a market and was used as a meeting point.

Over the years it has been the site of a number of revolutionary speeches including protests over taxes in the colonies and anti-slavery meetings.

On the top floor of the building the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Museum which explores military history via weapons, armor and other exhibits.

The building also still serves its original purpose with a lively market on its ground floor, which is well worth exploring.

8. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Park

The Stellwagen Bank is ranked as one of the best whale-watching spots in the whole world.

It has an extremely productive and diverse environment, which encourages a wide mix of marine wildlife.

Around 50 recognized humpbacks return each summer routinely and, as well as whales, there is also a chance to spot other marine animals including dolphins and seals.

There are plenty of whale spotting tours available in the area departing from Gloucester or Provincetown.

9. Old Sturbridge Village

Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge is another chance to witness what life was like in the past centuries in New England.

The Old Sturbridge Village covers the early 19th Century and includes homes, mills, farms and shops from the time period.

As with Pilmoth, the costumed actors and actresses at the museum are convincing and entertaining as they undergo routine life from the 1800s.

10. Tanglewood

Tanglewood is a must visit destination for music lovers, especially in the summer months.

Found in Lenox, Tanglewood’s various venues attract a wide variety of musicians in the summer months and range from symphony orchestras to soloist performances and from world-class musicians to student groups.

Tanglewood is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year.

11. Martha’s Vineyard

If you need some rest and relaxation whilst in Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is the place to visit.

Simply board a ferry from New Bedford and explore the six towns and beautiful beaches of The Vineyard.

There are a number of farms on the island which are happy to sell their fresh produce to tourists and many outdoor activities can be undertaken on here including sailing and kayaking.

12. Norman Rockwell Museum

The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge pays tribute to one of the most well-known and loved artists from the United States.

The museum houses the largest collection of Rockwell’s work in the world and is a great chance to see art focusing on life in the United States and the issues facing ordinary people such as poverty and civil rights.

If the museum leaves you craving more knowledge of American art, the Berkshire area has also attracted a number of other artists over the years and some of their homes and studios can be explored in the area.

13. Historic Deerfield

The remarkably preserved homes of Deerfield tell the story of its history in the Federal and Colonial periods.

There are 14 historic homes here and several galleries and museums housing over 27,000 artifacts from the area, some dating as far back as the early 17th Century.

The Helen Geier Textile Gallery is a great place to see what early settlers wore and has an impressive collection.

There are also demonstrations of crafts and cookery in the area throughout the year.

14. Boston Common

Boston Common is the oldest park in the United States and marks the beginning of the aforementioned Freedom Trail.

It can be found at the epicenter of the city of Boston. The park is home to green spaces as well as a historical burying ground and various other monuments.

Ice-skating is available here in the winter months but spring is a particularly beautiful time to do nothing but enjoy the park itself.

The public garden that connects with the park is the oldest botanical garden in the States.

15. Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is a stunning little neighborhood in Boston located very close to the city center.

Throughout the past, the neighborhood has been home to the powerful families in Boston.

The houses found in Beacon Hill are a mix of architectural styles ranging from Greek revival to Federal American.

The Nichols museum here shows how the residents of this area lived with its collections of furnishings and art pieces from the era.

16. Harvard

Harvard University in Cambridge has an impressive reputation around the world for its academic research and study facilities.

It is the oldest University in America and can be toured for free while guided by a current student of the university.

There is also an insightful guide on the website which can be downloaded and used for self guided tours of the campus.

The Harvard Square is a great place to experience student life with its many shops, ice cream vendors and bookshops.

Also on the Harvard campus are a number of top class museums.

17. Copley Square

Copley Square, in Back Bay, is home to the striking Trinity Church: a building designed in a Romanesque architectural style by Henry Richardson.

The church is undeniably impressive from the outside but the many murals and other decorative features inside the building make it well worth admiring its interior.

Also in Copley Square is Boston Public Library, which has been around since 1848. As with the Trinity Church, the interior and exterior of the Boston Public Library are both equally worth seeing.

18. Fenway Park

Fenway Park is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic sports grounds in the United States. It is home to the Boston Red Sox and was built in 1912.

Fenway Park still retains much of its charm from its early days with the old-fashioned scoreboard and (relatively) small stadium capacity, which makes tickets very hard to come by.

A tour of the stadium is highly recommended even for none sports fans.

19. Boston Museum of Fine Arts

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has a reputation of being one of the top fine art museums in the United States.

It has a vast and impressive collection ranging from ancient Egyptian pieces to Impressionist works.

The new American Wing houses a huge collection of art from the United States and includes everything from paintings to furniture.

20. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Whilst we are on the subject of impressive art collections, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum certainly deserves a mention.

Within the walls of this unusual building styled on a Venetian Palace, is a collection of over 2500 pieces of art taking the form of paintings, decorative objects, sculptures and even books.

The collection was selected Mrs Gardner herself, who was known for being slightly eccentric but also an expert in the field of art.

21. Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor has had a long history and can trace its roots back to the Colonial period when it was used as a shipping port.

During the 20th Century, a large amount of renovation took place at the harbor and the area is well worth a visit when in Massachusetts.

The interactive walkway HarborWalk takes in and connects the many parks, beaches and cafes along the waterfront.

The most notable section of the walk stretches from South Boston to Charlestown and includes Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.

22. New England Aquarium

Another attraction on the Boston waterfront is the popular New England Aquarium.

The Aquarium is home to over 20,000 marine animals from 550 different species.

The impressive Caribbean reef hosts sharks and turtles while smaller creatures such as small crabs can be touched in the “Edge of the Sea” tank.

Whale watching tours are also available from the aquarium and there is an on site Imax theatre showing short films on the natural world.

23. Boston Museum of Science

As with many great science museums, the Museum of Science in Boston is hands on in its approach to teaching about science.

The museum explores all areas of science and has over 700 permanent exhibitions.

Notable features in the museum are the Dakota fossil, which is around 65 million years old, the butterfly garden and the planetarium with its fascinating daily shows.

Despite its hands on approach, the museum is not just for kids and is a great day out for all ages.

24. John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

This museum in Boston is the official memorial of John F Kennedy and was opened in 1979.

There are a large number of photos, exhibits and artifacts from JFK’s life here as well as three theaters.

The museum covers both JFK’s personal family life and his political campaigns.

25. Boston Children’s Museum

Three floors of entertaining exhibits can be found at the Boston Children’s Museum, which is aimed at kids up to the age of ten.

The fun exhibits on offer include exploring a traditional Japanese home and a room solely dedicated to different ways of making bubbles.

25 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts:

• The Freedom Trail
• Minute Man National Historic Park
• Battle Green
• Historic Houses of Salem
• Plimoth Plantation
• Faneuil Hall
• Stellwagen Bank National Marine Park
• Old Sturbridge Village
• Martha’s Vineyard
• Norman Rockwell Museum
• Historic Deerfield
• Boston Common
• Beacon Hill
• Copley Square
• Fenway Park
• Boston Museum of Fine Arts
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• Boston Harbor
• New England Aquarium
• Boston Museum of Science
• John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
• Boston Children’s Museum

Top 16 things to do in Massachusetts from whale watching to a Red Sox game

Jun 27, 2022 • 9 min read

Occupying a sprawling former factory complex in the Berkshires town of North Adams, MASS MoCA is one of the world’s most exciting places to view contemporary art © Barry Winiker / Getty Images

Whether you want to gain a new perspective on American history, explore unusual art venues or eat your weight in cannolis, Massachusetts is ready for you. 

Native Bay Staters and visitors from afar have little trouble filling their days with unique and exciting things to do all year long. For history buffs, art lovers, outdoor-adventure seekers and everyone else, here are the very best things to do all over Massachusetts.

Dump tea into Boston Harbor

The renowned Boston Tea Party helped pave the way to the American Revolutionary War – and nothing showcases this history quite like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum . This in-person, interactive experience allows visitors to adopt a historic persona, engage in heated debates and shout “Huzzah!” as they join the Sons of Liberty in storming ships and hoisting crates of tea overboard. 

See amazing contemporary art at MASS MoCA

Set in 26 buildings on 19 acres, this extraordinary contemporary-art museum occupies the former site of the Sprague Electric Company. The sprawling post-industrial campus comes complete with brick facades, football field-sized rooms, open-air courtyards, hidden passageways, covered viaducts and other nooks and crannies. 

And every one of them is filled with art – bold, bizarre, eyebrow-raising, head-scratching, mind-boggling art, all frequently refreshed via rotating exhibitions. For a brilliant immersive experience, walk through Sol LeWitt’s Wall Drawing Retrospective , which occupies nearly one acre of wall space all by itself.

Treat yourself to cannoli in Boston’s North End

The North End is a little slice of the old country in the heart of  Boston . Dining out in the North End is a delightful and delicious experience – only most restaurants don’t serve dessert. 

That’s because they can’t top the sweets on offer at local bakeries. Light and crispy on the outside, sweet and creamy on the inside, cannolis are sheer perfection in a pastry – and a North End specialty. 

Where’s the best place to go for cannoli in the North End? The famous Italian bakeries are on Hanover St, though  Bova’s Bakery on Salem St serves equally scrumptious cannolis without the mile-long lines.

The best time to visit Massachusetts

Watch for whales at Stellwagen Bank

There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing a majestic whale launch its massive body out of the water or flip its tail as if saying hello. These types of sightings are (almost) guaranteed on a cruise to the offshore Stellwagen Bank , one of the world’s richest feeding grounds for marine mammals and birds.

Cruises depart from Gloucester, Plymouth, Provincetown and Boston. Common sightings include humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as dolphins, sharks and seals.

Ogle old-master paintings at the Gardner Museum

Isabella Stewart Gardner was a 19th-century socialite, a patron of the arts and a lover of the Boston Red Sox. Today, the unrivaled collection of art she amazzed on display at  a Venetian-style palazzo just off the Back Bay Fens. 

From rare books to ancient Roman objects to Italian Renaissance paintings, over 7500 pieces of art dazzle visitors. Watching over it all is Gardner herself,  via a captivating portrait by John Singer Sargent  hanging in the Gothic Room. If you close your eyes, it’s easy to imagine the salons and soirées that took place here back in the day. 

The interior courtyard – bursting with seasonal blooms, ancient Roman sculptures and mosaics – is worth the price of admission ($20) in itself. The museum was also the site of one of the world’s most brazen – and still unsolved – art heists, in 1990 : look out for the empty frames that still hang in the missing paintings’ place.

The best state parks in Massachusetts  

Summit the cliffs at Quincy Quarries

This former granite quarry is now a sort of unofficial, experiential outdoor art studio and rock-climbing center. Vibrant paintings cover every cliff – personal tags, political rants and murals wacky and whimsical, their colors exploding off the dull gray granite facades. 

The place has an offbeat, unkempt beauty that may not appeal to everyone. Rock climbers in particular have mixed feelings about the graffiti (which makes the granite extra slick), though the quarry is still a popular spot to rope up, with dozens of climbing routes around the grounds. An epic view of the Boston skyline awaits if you make it to the summit.

Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park

The oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, Fenway has been the scene of countless triumphs and tragedies since 1912. It’s the home of the Boston Red Sox, a team that inspires unrivaled passion in their fan base. The scene isn’t always pretty – but it’s pure, unfiltered Boston. If you can’t get tickets to a game, the on-site Bleacher Bar (with a limited view onto center field) is the next best thing.

Eat fried clams on the North Shore

The fried clam is one of the state’s iconic foods, with crispy breading on the outside, tender bivalve on the inside – and tasty all around. 

The North Shore is the place to sample this delicacy: it was invented here, and the clams harvested in Essex and Ipswich are consistently sweet and succulent. Sample them at Woodman’s of Essex (the original), at JT Farnham’s overlooking the salt marsh, or at the Clam Box , a restaurant that actually looks like...a clam box. 

The best beaches in Massachusetts 

Discover the street art in Salem

The Point (or El Punto) is a predominately Latinx neighborhood only a few blocks from Salem’s historic center. In recent years, the streets have transformed into a unique Salem attraction: the Punto Urban Museum , an open-air art exhibition with more than 75 murals on the neighborhood’s brick walls, painted by artists from around the world.

The paintings immortalize Latinx heroes, elevate cultural themes and comment on socioeconomic inequities. And they also enrich the neighborhood with their color, texture, detail and vibrancy.

Best things to do in Salem  

Learn about Indigenous culture at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums

The town of Plymouth on the South Shore is typically known as the site of an early English settlement – but the native Wampanoag people have inhabited the region for over 12,000 years, with the Patuxet resident in the 17th century. The Plimoth Patuxet Museums explore both these histories. 

At Historic Patuxet, you can visit a wetu (Wampanoag house), study the craftsmanship of a dugout canoe and observe how food was grown and cooked before the English colonists arrived.

Cycle through the dunes along Cape Cod National Seashore

Stretching along the outer edge of the Outer Cape,  Cape Cod National Seashore is 40 miles of utter paradise. Pristine beaches, sand dunes, pine forests and kettle ponds with a few lighthouses for effect make any trip here one you’ll remember forever. 

It’s impossible to see it all in one visit, but the Province Lands bike trail offers an excellent sampler along a surprisingly rigorous 5.45-mile loop – one of  Cape Cod ’s top activities. On a hot day, end your ride at wild and wonderful Race Point Beach to cool off in the waves.

Best free things to do in Massachusetts  

Spy on seals in Chatham

It’s not unusual to glimpse a sweet, whiskered face peeking out of the waters near Cape Cod, which is home to some 50,000 gray and harbor seals. If you want a guaranteed sighting, take a boat trip out to Monomoy Island , where you’ll see the creatures bobbing in the water or lounging on the beach. 

During mating season (especially September and October), the sheer number of bodies astounds, with the long, narrow beach packed with hundreds of seals piled on top of each other like anchovies in a tin.

Alternatively, you can usually spot seals from the observation deck at the Chatham Pier Fish Market (which is also a fantastic place for a lobster roll lunch).

Tip: no matter how cute you think these seals are, remember they are wild animals. Always maintain a safe distance. 

Get lost in the stacks at Montague Bookmill

On a wooded country road along the banks of the Sawmill River on the edge of the micro-town of Montague is a bibliophile’s bliss. The unexpectedly rich and locally beloved Montague Bookmill is a place to get lost for hours. 

The c 1842 building retains the rustic atmosphere the grist mill it was for nearly a century. Today, it contains tens of thousands of volumes in a maze of stacks and shelves, with plenty of comfy chairs and sunny corners to curl up with your treasures. 

With coffee available next door at the Lady Killigrew Café , this place is pretty much perfect.

Behold the dramatic colors of the Aquinnah Cliffs

It’s hard to outdo the red-clay cliffs at the western end of Martha’s Vineyard , both for their sheer natural splendor and their geology, which is unique in Massachusetts. 

Rising 150ft from the ocean , this dramatic glacial formation is a stunner, especially when it reflects rich jewel tones in the late-afternoon sun. Expect gorgeous views – and surprisingly few crowds – at Gay Head public beach.

Catch some of the world’s best artists at a Berkshire summer festival

Whether you’re into live music, theater or dance, you can get your cultural fix amid  the Berkshires ’ forest-covered hills and under star-filled skies. Massachusetts’ western mountain region has been an artistic hub ever since the Gilded Age elite came from New York and Boston to spend their summers amid the greenery. 

No longer as exclusive, it’s now a lovely region for packing a picnic, spreading a blanket and listening to live music at Tanglewood , or watching a dance performance at Jacob’s Pillow . This is Massachusetts summer at its best.

The best places to hike in Massachusetts

Pick (and eat) your own apples amid the fall foliage

Apple picking is the perfect way to get your fix of eye-goggling fall foliage and crispy, local produce. In September and October, apple orchards around the state lure families with hay rides, hedge mazes and other farm animals. 

Others forgo these extras:  Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond only has trees, yielding a dozen varieties of apples (the local favorite: tart, juicy McIntosh). But the surrounding Berkshire hills – dressed up in extravagant yellows, oranges and reds – make Bartlett’s one of the top places in Massachusetts to take in the splendor.

A word to the wise: no matter where you get your apples, do not pass on apple-cider donuts, an autumn rite of passage each year.

Explore related stories

Festivals & Events

Jun 17, 2024 • 9 min read

The Fourth of July is one of America's most festive holiday. Here are the best places to celebrate.

Jun 5, 2024 • 5 min read

Jun 4, 2024 • 7 min read

May 24, 2024 • 6 min read

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

May 17, 2024 • 4 min read

May 17, 2024 • 14 min read

May 17, 2024 • 7 min read

May 9, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Massachusetts

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 30, 2022

Art, music, colonial history, patriotic landmarks, shopping, idyllic beaches, laid-back islands, succulent seafood — Massachusetts has something for everyone. Take your pick from tourist attractions that range from classical music concerts by a world-class symphony orchestra to perfecting your tan on a pristine beach.

As one of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts has preserved more than its share of historic landmarks from as far back as pilgrim days. But it's not all history — in Boston's vibrant Faneuil Hall Marketplace, you'll find fashions as new as tomorrow.

Landscapes are just as varied, and as you explore these must-see sights, you'll find rolling mountains, waves crashing on rocky shores, green pastures and farmlands, deep forests, and beautiful little postcard-perfect villages that Norman Rockwell immortalized in his paintings. To be sure of finding the best places to visit, plan your trip using this handy list of the top attractions in Massachusetts.

1. Freedom Trail

2. faneuil hall, 3. cape cod beaches, 4. boston common and public garden swan boats, 5. fenway park, 6. harvard square and museums, 7. museum of fine arts and the isabella stewart gardner museum, 8. mayflower ii and plimoth patuxet museums, 9. salem's historic houses, 10. whale watch at stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary, 11. museum of science, boston, 12. old sturbridge village, 13. tanglewood concerts, 14. norman rockwell museum, 15. uss constitution and bunker hill monument, 16. minute man national historical park and lexington green, 17. island life on martha's vineyard, 18. historic deerfield, more things to see and do in massachusetts.

Some of Colonial America's most iconic landmarks mark Boston's three-mile Freedom Trail as it winds through the old city's narrow streets to connect 16 historic monuments and attractions. Follow the red brick line and brass medallions in the pavement, from the Visitor Center in the Boston Common all the way to the 54-gun frigate USS Constitution , "Old Ironsides," at the Charlestown Navy Yard .

Along the way, wander through two old burying grounds to find the graves of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and the first female to step off the Mayflower . The Old State House , Boston's oldest public building, was the scene of the infamous Boston Massacre, when five colonists were killed by British soldiers. A few steps off the Freedom Trail, at 1 Milk Street, is the birthplace of Benjamin Franklin , a site marked by a bust of the patriot, who was born here in 1706.

The trail's best-known attraction is Faneuil Hall , called the "cradle of liberty" for its role as the meeting-place of revolutionaries and later, of abolitionists. Along with a museum, it houses the stalls of Faneuil Hall Marketplace , which also includes three more long halls filled by pushcarts, food stalls, and shops.

Two more iconic places for sightseeing are in the lively Italian neighborhood, the North End : the 17th-century Paul Revere House and Old North Church , Boston's oldest and the one from whose steeple two lanterns were hung to signal the start of Paul Revere's famous ride.

Official site: https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Boston

Built in 1740-42, Faneuil Hall was given to the city as a market hall by merchant Peter Faneuil. Along with a market, it was a place for public meetings well-used by colonists protesting British taxes and other grievances.

In the mid-19th century, it was the scene of anti-slavery meetings, rallies, and speeches. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Museum on its top floor preserves paintings of battles, along with arms and uniforms.

True to its origins, the ground floor is filled with market stalls, which flow out into the three nearby market halls - Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market - to make up Faneuil Hall Marketplace . This entire area is almost always lively, filled with shoppers, buskers, tourists, and workers from nearby offices enjoying their lunches on the benches that line the wide promenades between the market halls. The halls themselves are filled with food stalls, pushcarts, shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Official site: www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

Cape Cod is a long, curving peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, protecting Cape Cod Bay with its northward curve. Most of its 560 miles of shoreline is long white-sand beaches , often backed by dunes of waving sea grass. Many of them are crowded in mid-summer, but there is enough sand for everyone (although not always enough parking for their cars).

Look for the more uncrowded beaches on the quieter north shore, along Route 6-A, near Sandwich or Brewster. Chatham and Orleans both have especially scenic white beaches on the Atlantic-facing shore. Cape Cod's beaches are among the most beautiful places to visit in Massachusetts .

Cape Cod National Seashore protects nearly the whole eastern coast of the Cape, keeping a 40-mile stretch of sand and dunes almost unchanged since the 1800s. Walk its white sands, spot nesting shorebirds, and follow the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail through its beautiful cedar woodlands.

Stop at the Salt Pond or Provincetown Visitor Centers for maps, information, and passes. Lifeguards are on duty at beaches near parking areas from late June through August.

Address: 99 Marconi Station Site Road, Wellfleet, Massachusetts

The Boston Common — along with the adjacent Public Garden — paints a large swath of green in the very heart of the city. Downtown streets border one end, Commonwealth Avenue and Back Bay the other. To one side is stately Beacon Hill; the Freedom Trail begins in the Common, the state house overlooks it.

The Common spans Boston's history, with the Central Burying Ground of 1756 at one corner and the next generation of Bostonians splashing in the Frog Pond in the summer, and skating on it in the winter.

The Public Garden, America's first botanical garden, is more formal in its design, with beds of flowers and an 1869 suspension bridge over the pond, beloved by locals and tourists for the charming Swan Boats that have glided across its surface since the 1870s. Don't think these are there just for kids - most of the smiling passengers are adults.

Address: Public Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

Official site: http://swanboats.com

With all the nostalgic appeal of an old-fashioned ballpark, Fenway Park is beloved not just by New Englanders and Red Sox fans, but by baseball fans everywhere. Little changed in appearance from its opening in the spring of 1912, Fenway Park still has its hand-operated scoreboard and the legendary Green Monster, the 37-foot green wall in left field.

While most other cities have built new stadiums in the city outskirts, Bostonians have kept the old tradition of an inner-city venue for its home team, even though it has the lowest seating capacity of any major league ballpark.

Tickets for one of the only 33,871 seats are usually scarce, but you can see the park on a lively tour that's fun even for tourists who are not baseball fans.

Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, Massachusetts

Harvard University , one of the world's leading academic centers, is an attraction in itself, filled with historic buildings and exceptional museums. But its surroundings are just as appealing to visit, as the shops, restaurants, cafés, and bookstores around Harvard Square throb with activity at any time of year.

The Harvard Art Museums now combine three major collections, each of which formerly ranked as major U.S. art museums. Fogg Art Museum specializes in Italian early-Renaissance art, and the Busch-Reisinger concentrates on German and northern European Expressionist art, with works by Kandinsky and Klee. The Museum's Chinese jade and bronzes, Japanese prints, Indian art, and Greco-Roman antiquities comprise some of the finest collections in the world.

Four more world-class museums sit two blocks away on Oxford Street, Harvard's research collections displayed in the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology , the Mineralogical Museum , the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Botanical Museum . The exceptional Native American exhibits show art and artifacts in the context of a living culture that changed as contact with Europeans increased.

The best known exhibits here, however, are the more than 3,000 glass flowers and plants, so realistic that it's hard to believe they are man-made. The secret of how these were made died with their creators, and the process has never been replicated. You can take lively free walking tours of the Harvard campus led by students.

Address: 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Official site: http://hmnh.harvard.edu/

Two neighboring museums, both overlooking the green expanse of Boston's Fenway, trace fine and applied art from the ancient world to modern masters. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is renowned for its collections of Impressionist paintings; Asian and Persian fine arts; and works from ancient Greece, Egypt, and the Middle East.

An entire American Wing displays outstanding collections of American paintings, decorative arts, folk art, furniture, silver, and design from pre-Columbian to Modernist.

A few steps away is the somewhat eccentric collection of Isabella Stewart Gardner, bequeathed as a museum, along with her Venetian-style palace in which these treasures are displayed. The more than 2,500 works range from paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer to exquisite handmade lace and medieval furniture. Behind her palace is a glass-encased building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, creating spaces for music and contemporary art.

Museum of Fine Arts

• Address: 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts
• www.mfa.org

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

• Address: 280 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts
• http://www.gardnermuseum.org

In December 1620, separatists from the Church of England, called Pilgrims, landed at Plymouth after failing to reach their original destination in Virginia, making Plymouth the first permanent European settlement in New England.

You can step back into their world at the living history villages at Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly known as Plimoth Plantation). In the 17th-Century English Village, costumed interpreters (who never leave their 17th-century persona) re-create the experience of living in early colonial America as they go about daily tasks of gardening, building, cooking, and military training. Craftsmen use authentic tools to make objects common in the 17th century.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums also explore the lives and culture of Native Americans at the Patuxet Homesite , a re-creation of a Wampanoag village, where you'll see dwellings, gardens, and artifacts. Here, descendants of the area's first inhabitants demonstrate how their ancestors lived before and after the colonists' arrival.

Be sure to visit the full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower , Mayflower II , fresh from a four-year restoration and birthed at Plymouth Pier, to learn about the historic voyage from costumed guides representing the passengers and crew.

You can visit Plimoth Plantation on a day trip from Boston .

Address: 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Official site: www.plimoth.org

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Plymouth, MA

While early homes full of period furnishings are thick on New England soil, few places can offer the number, quality, and variety of those you can tour in the former China Trade port of Salem. What's more, they represent a wide range of Salem's history and culture, beginning with the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and including the House of Seven Gables , immortalized in the book by Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose 1804 birthplace is also open.

The 1642 Witch House was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided at the witchcraft trials, and it's the only remaining building that's directly connected with the trials.

As the hub of the China Trade, it's not surprising that Salem streets are lined with homes built by men who grew rich in that era as captains or merchants. Two homes, the Hawkes and Derby houses, are part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Several others are part of the exceptional Peabody Essex Museum complex: the 1727 Crowninshield-Bentley House ; the 1684 John Ward House ; and the 1804 brick Gardner-Pingree House , whose interior preserves work by master builder Samuel McIntire.

The Peabody Essex Museum explores the China Trade, its participants, and their homes in its extensive collections, which include an entire original 18th-century home from China's Huizhou region, reassembled here and open to visitors.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Salem & Cape Ann

Among the top 10 whale-watching sites in the world, the Stellwagen Bank has one of the world's most biologically productive ocean environments. At this underwater plateau in the Atlantic, at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay, you may spot several different species of whale, along with Atlantic white-sided dolphins, harbor porpoise, seals, and other marine life.

More than 50 individual humpback whales have been identified and named by researchers, all dependable returnees each summer. Many of them are females that bring their new calves to Stellwagen Bank to feed in the food-rich waters and teach their calves to hunt.

You can board a whale watching tour in Gloucester or Provincetown, the closest harbors to the Stellwagen Bank, or from Boston or several other towns on Cape Cod. For the best experience, look for a company that offers trained naturalists to provide commentary during the trips and help identify species and explain their behavior.

This constantly innovating museum invites kids and adults to jump right in, with more than 700 interactive exhibits and activities that explore all realms of science, from the human body and electricity to Arctic exploration and dinosaurs.

The dramatic Lightning Show is an all-time crowd-pleaser, as it explores electricity and its powers, using the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator and Tesla coils that produce about half a million volts.

Throughout the huge facility hands-on exhibits are designed for all ages. Newer exhibits include an engineering design workshop and Project Vaccine, which explores how vaccines are developed and tested. The newest is the virtual Arctic Adventure , a digitally created immersive experience using ground-penetrating radar technology and ice core drills to explore the Arctic, its ice fields, and its wildlife.

Address: Science Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Official site: www.mos.org

One of the state's most visited tourist attractions, Old Sturbridge Village re-creates life in New England as it was in the early 1800s, in more than 40 historic homes, craft shops, stores, mills, and farm buildings brought from various places to this 200-acre site. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks of farmers, blacksmiths, housewives, and craftspeople, and offer hands-on activities for children.

A working farm demonstrates early farming and gardening, complete with back-bred livestock and heirloom plant varieties. You can also see two operating mills using water power to process wool and saw timber for buildings.

Address: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Official site: https://www.osv.org/

The Boston Symphony Orchestra decamps in the summer to Lenox, in the heart of the Berkshires , where Tanglewood becomes a magnet for musicians and music lovers from late June through August. In the Koussevitzky Music Shed, Ozawa Hall, and other venues throughout the campus, various resident and guest musicians rehearse, learn, and perform.

The concerts vary from the full symphony orchestra to chamber groups and soloists, and from student groups, such as the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, to top-name performers like popular singer Tony Bennett and operatic soprano Renée Fleming.

The music of the BSO is often enhanced by the 120 voices of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and throughout the summer, the programs may include jazz pianists, string or wind quartets, Medieval music, contemporary works, opera, classics, and other forms and styles.

Free Fun Fridays are designed to appeal to the whole family, and Saturday morning rehearsals are open to the public by reserved ticket. Along with concert-style seating, audiences enjoy some of Tanglewood's most popular concerts seated on the well-manicured lawns.

Address: 297 West Street, Lenox, Massachusetts

Official site: http://www.bso.org

One of America's most beloved artists, Norman Rockwell lived and painted in the Berkshires for the last 25 years of his life, and his legacy is preserved here in the museum containing the world's largest collection of his original artworks. Rockwell is best known for his characterization of American life, especially in small towns, and for his representation of the country's ideals.

His ability to portray ordinary people and to convey nostalgia, gentle humor, and his deeply held concerns, such as civil rights and America's war on poverty, give his paintings warmth and tremendous appeal. Highlights of the collection are favorites from his Saturday Evening Post covers, the Four Freedoms, and Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas .

The Berkshire region has attracted artists, writers, and other creative figures since the early 19th century, and several of their homes and studios are open as tourist attractions, including those of Herman Melville, Edith Wharton, and Daniel Chester French.

Address: 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Official site: http://www.nrm.org

Two icons of American Independence combine to form the Boston National Historic Park in Charlestown. The three-masted wooden frigate USS Constitution , nicknamed Old Ironsides, is the oldest commissioned ship in the US Navy, launched in 1797. Still afloat and crewed, the ship is open to tourists. You can explore its decks, learn about its naval exploits, and go below to experience the cramped quarters where 18 th -century seamen lived and worked.

The USS Constitution Museum, also at the Charlestown Navy Yard, tells more of the ship's history in interactive exhibits. A short walk away, the Bunker Hill Monument is another important feature of the park, marking the site of the fort built by militiamen before the Battle of Bunker Hill. This is the site of the first pitched battle of the American Revolution.

Address: Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts

Official site: https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org

You can follow the route taken by the British regulars as they marched from Boston in a move that would begin the American Revolution. Battle Road is now part of Minute Man National Historical Park, which also includes North Bridge in Concord, where the Colonials engaged the British in battle. North Bridge Visitor Center shows artifacts, uniforms, and a historical film, and at the end of the bridge is Daniel Chester French's famous Minuteman statue .

At Battle Green in Lexington, where the very first shots were fired on April 19, 1775, stands another statue commemorating a Minuteman (they were called Minutemen because they were ready for battle at a minute's notice). On a boulder are inscribed Captain Parker's words to his men: "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon but if they mean to have a war let it begin here."

Reenactments of the battles here and at North Bridge in Concord are held each year on the anniversary. Begin at Minute Man Visitor Center to learn about the battles and Paul Revere's Ride to warn the colonists of the British advance.

Address: 174 Liberty Street, Concord, Massachusetts

Nowhere in the state can you experience a more idyllic laid-back island life than on Martha's Vineyard, only five miles off the southern coast of Cape Cod . You'll feel the island's relaxed vibe almost from the moment you board the ferry from Woods Hole or New Bedford.

"The Vineyard" has six small towns, miles and miles of beaches, lighthouses, weathered shingle houses, sand bluffs, protected waters for kayaking, and a plenty of ocean for sailing. In its low, rolling landscape, you'll find working farms with farm stands selling everything from just-picked strawberries to fresh eggs.

In its villages, which have a real year-round life of their own, locals mix easily with summer people, some of whose families have been coming here for generations. You may get a glimpse of some of their "cottages," as they refer to the posh estates built by wealthy New York and Boston families.

Oak Bluffs still has rows of little 19th-century "gingerbread" cottages from its days as a Methodist Camp meeting site, along with one of the oldest merry-go-rounds, the Flying Horses Carousel . Edgartown is a bit more sedate, with white clapboard buildings lining tree-shaded streets. The oldest is Vincent House , built in 1672 and now a museum.

Board the Chappy On-Time Ferry to Chappaquiddick , an even smaller island with beautiful protected beaches and the outstanding Mytoi Japanese garden.

The remarkable history of the Pioneer Valley village of Deerfield is told in its impressive collection of well-preserved colonial and Federal period homes and at the 14 houses of Historic Deerfield and the Flynt Center of Early New England Life .

Especially outstanding are the collection of American quilts ; the 1824 Federal Wright House , with its collection of Chippendale furniture; and the Asa Stebbins House , which contains a unique arched doorway and notable collection of wall coverings.

Historic Deerfield's houses and galleries contain more than 27,000 objects made or used in America from 1650 to 1900, one of the largest collections anywhere. Helen Geier Flynt Textile Gallery alone holds one of the finest collections of early American textiles and costumes in any museum, and frequent programs explore their history and techniques. Throughout the season are demonstrations of early American skills, crafts, and cooking.

Address: 84B Old Main Street, Deerfield, Massachusetts

Official site: www.historic-deerfield.org

Where to Go near Boston: Many of the best places to visit in Massachusetts , including the active seaport of New Bedford with its maritime sites, are easy day trips from Boston. Other parts of the state, including the beautiful Berkshire hills to the west, are perfect destinations for weekend getaways . Closer to Boston, the lively and historic city of Portsmouth is just across the border in New Hampshire.

Where to Go for Sea and Sand: New England's favorite seaside escape route begins south of Boston, where top-rated sandy beaches surround scenic Cape Cod . Or hop a ferry in Hyannis and spend time exploring the lovely island of Nantucket .

More on Massachusetts

The 10 Best Summer Activities in Massachusetts!

Summer in Massachusetts opens all sorts of possibilities for fun activities. From the oceans to the lakes, the mountains to the cities, there are lots of things to do for people of all ages. Visit the Bay State and prepare to have fun. Consider the following activities when planning your summer! 

1 . Cape Ann Whale Watch, Gloucester, MA

Take to the seas in Massachusetts this summer and go on a whale watch. Cape Ann Whale Watch is touted as best in the Boston area. There’s plenty of parking and the location is easily accessible from Route 128.

2 . Tanglewood, Lenox, MA

Enjoy a performance by the Boston Pops, as well as other internationally-acclaimed performers in one of the world’s favorite outdoor music venues. Tanglewood features beautiful grounds, where guests can bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic supper and spend the evening.

3 . Mendon Twin Drive-In, Mendon, MA

One of only three remaining drive-in theaters in the state of Massachusetts, Mendon Twin Drive-In is a must-see during a Bay State summer. There’s nothing like sitting in your car on a warm summer night, snacking on fresh popcorn, and watching a feature film.

4 . The Freedom Trail, Boston, MA

Even though you can walk the Freedom Trail in Boston all year round, there’s something very special about doing so in the summer time. The nice weather means more people are on the streets of the city, and that flavor lends itself to the origins of our country. The Freedom Trail takes in many sights instrumental in the American Revolution.

5 . The Clam Box, Ipswich, MA

As with the Freedom Trail, you can eat fried clams in Massachusetts during various times of the year, but there’s something about eating them in the summer that defines the season in the Bay State. The Clam Box in Ipswich is a casual dining spot, and the clams are fresh, sweet and delicious. Many Massachusetts residents make a point of driving to Ipswich once per summer to indulge.

6 . Six Flags New England, Agawam, MA

A visit to Six Flags is a summer staple for many in Massachusetts, as well as folks from all over New England. The theme park is known for its daredevil rides and amusements for all ages.

7 . Pick your own berries

Whether it’s blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or other plump, ripe and oh-so-delicious berries that tempt your taste buds, picking your own makes them even more delectable. There are several locations within the state of Massachusetts that offer the “pick your own” option, and it’s a must-do summer activity for practically everyone in the state.

8 . Boston Gondola Tours, Boston, MA

You don’t need to go to Italy to ride in a gondola. In fact, you need only visit Boston Gondola Tours to enjoy a scenic, romantic ride on the Charles River. Their Venetian gondola tours are offered during the day and—for those looking for a more romantic feel—just before sunset.

9 . Brimfield Antique Show, Brimfield, MA

Antiquing is a favorite pastime throughout the year in Massachusetts, but during the summer, avid antiquers flock the state in droves. Their favorite place to visit is the Brimfield Antique show, where countless dealers set up shop from May through September. The flea market is open during these weeks, but be sure to check the site for actual show dates.

10 . Sandy Neck Beach, West Barnstable, MA

Massachusetts has several beaches along its small stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, but none quite compare to the beaches on Cape Cod. Probably the best of all Cape Cod beaches is Sandy Neck Beach. More than 4,500 acres of shoreline, sand dunes, marshes and forestland afford the best of everything for beach lovers. 

The 10 Best Senior Discount Offers in Massachusetts!

The 8 best tattoo parlors in massachusetts, the 6 best buffets in massachusetts, 10 beautiful botanical gardens in massachusetts, 8 best consignment shops in massachusetts, 8 best garden centers and nurseries in massachusetts, the 10 best dog kennels in massachusetts, 9 best florists in massachusetts, the 9 best places for a bloody mary in massachusetts, the 10 best places for pancakes in massachusetts, the 8 best places for dessert in massachusetts, the 7 best milkshakes in massachusetts, the 7 most delicious food trucks in massachusetts, editors' picks: 20 of the best things to do in massachusetts, 7 best bubble tea places in massachusetts, the 12 best rainy day activities to do in massachusetts, the 6 most unique (and amazing) restaurants in massachusetts, the 8 best steakhouses in massachusetts, the 7 best comedy clubs in massachusetts, the 10 best dog parks in massachusetts, 9 best thai restaurants in massachusetts, 10 best plumbers in massachusetts, the 10 best bowling alleys in massachusetts, 11 most romantic places in massachusetts, 8 best ramen places in massachusetts, the 9 best historic theaters in massachusetts, the best places for gelato in massachusetts, natick farmers market, face 2 face - elton john & billy joel tribute, sold out - booty vortex boston boat cruise, ocean alley.

• Abington Plymouth
• Adams Berkshire
• Agawam Hampden
• Acushnet Bristol
• Acton Middlesex
• Accord Plymouth
• Allston Suffolk
• Arlington Middlesex
• Amherst Hampshire
• Andover Essex
• Amesbury Essex
• Ashby Middlesex
• Arlington Heights Middlesex
• Ashland Middlesex
• Ashburnham Worcester
• Ashfield Franklin
• Assonet Bristol
• Attleboro Bristol
• Attleboro Falls Bristol
• Athol Worcester
• Ashley Falls Berkshire
• Auburndale Middlesex
• Auburn Worcester
• Avon Norfolk
• Ayer Middlesex
• Babson Park Norfolk
• Barre Worcester
• Barnstable Barnstable
• Bedford Middlesex
• Baldwinville Worcester
• Becket Berkshire
• Bellingham Norfolk
• Berkshire Berkshire
• Berkley Bristol
• Belmont Middlesex
• Belchertown Hampshire
• Beverly Essex
• Blackstone Worcester
• Billerica Middlesex
• Bernardston Franklin
• Berlin Worcester
• Boston Suffolk
• Bondsville Hampden
• Bolton Worcester
• Blandford Hampden
• Bourne Barnstable
• Braintree Norfolk
• Boxford Essex
• Boylston Worcester
• Boxborough Middlesex
• Brant Rock Plymouth
• Brimfield Hampden
• Brighton Suffolk
• Bridgewater Plymouth
• Brockton Plymouth
• Brewster Barnstable
• Brookline Village Norfolk
• Brookline Norfolk
• Brookfield Worcester
• Buckland Franklin
• Bryantville Plymouth
• Byfield Essex
• Canton Norfolk
• Buzzards Bay Barnstable
• Burlington Middlesex
• Cambridge Middlesex
• Carlisle Middlesex
• Centerville Barnstable
• Cataumet Barnstable
• Carver Plymouth
• Charlemont Franklin
• Charlton Worcester
• Chartley Bristol
• Charlton City Worcester
• Charlton Depot Worcester
• Charlestown Suffolk
• Chelsea Suffolk
• Chelmsford Middlesex
• Cherry Valley Worcester
• Cheshire Berkshire
• Chatham Barnstable
• Chester Hampden
• Chesterfield Hampshire
• Chicopee Hampden
• Chilmark Dukes
• Chestnut Hill Middlesex
• Colrain Franklin
• Conway Franklin
• Clinton Worcester
• Concord Middlesex
• Cohasset Norfolk
• Cotuit Barnstable
• Dalton Berkshire
• Cummaquid Barnstable
• Cuttyhunk Dukes
• Cummington Hampshire
• Dedham Norfolk
• Dartmouth Bristol
• Danvers Essex
• Deerfield Franklin
• Dennis Barnstable
• Dighton Bristol
• Dorchester Suffolk
• Dennis Port Barnstable
• Devens Middlesex
• Dennisport Barnstable
• Dracut Middlesex
• Dover Norfolk
• Douglas Worcester
• Dorchestr Ctr Suffolk
• Dorchester Center Suffolk
• Drury Berkshire
• Dudley Worcester
• Dunstable Middlesex
• Duxbury Plymouth
• East Boston Suffolk
• East Bridgewater Plymouth
• East Dennis Barnstable
• East Douglas Worcester
• East Brookfield Worcester
• East Falmouth Barnstable
• East Freetown Bristol
• East Mansfield Bristol
• East Longmeadow Hampden
• East Orleans Barnstable
• East Otis Berkshire
• East Princeton Worcester
• East Templeton Worcester
• East Taunton Bristol
• East Walpole Norfolk
• East Sandwich Barnstable
• East Weymouth Norfolk
• East Wareham Plymouth
• Easton Bristol
• Eastham Barnstable
• Easthampton Hampshire
• Everett Middlesex
• Essex Essex
• Erving Franklin
• Edgartown Dukes
• Elmwood Plymouth
• Fall River Bristol
• Feeding Hills Hampden
• Fayville Worcester
• Falmouth Stafford
• Fairhaven Bristol
• Fitchburg Worcester
• Florence Hampshire
• Forestdale Barnstable
• Fiskdale Worcester
• Foxboro Norfolk
• Franklin Norfolk
• Foxborough Norfolk
• Framingham Middlesex
• Georgetown Essex
• Gardner Worcester
• Goshen Hampshire
• Gill Franklin
• Gilbertville Worcester
• Gloucester Essex
• Glendale Berkshire
• Green Harbor Plymouth
• Grafton Worcester
• Great Barrington Berkshire
• Granville Hampden
• Granby Hampshire
• Greenfield Franklin
• Groveland Essex
• Groton Middlesex
• Hadley Hampshire
• Greenbush Plymouth
• Halifax Plymouth
• Hampden Hampden
• Hanover Plymouth
• Hancock Berkshire
• Hamilton Essex
• Harvard Worcester
• Hanson Plymouth
• Hanscom AFB Middlesex
• Hardwick Worcester
• Harwich Barnstable
• Hatfield Hampshire
• Harwich Port Barnstable
• Haverhill Essex
• Hathorne Essex
• Haydenville Hampshire
• Hingham Plymouth
• Holbrook Norfolk
• Holden Worcester
• Heath Franklin
• Hinsdale Berkshire
• Holyoke Hampden
• Holliston Middlesex
• Hopkinton Middlesex
• Holland Hampden
• Hopedale Worcester
• Humarock Plymouth
• Hudson Middlesex
• Housatonic Berkshire
• Hubbardston Worcester
• Hull Plymouth
• Hyannis Barnstable
• Hyde Park Suffolk
• Hyannis Port Barnstable
• Indian Orchard Hampden
• Huntington Hampshire
• Ipswich Essex
• Kingston Plymouth
• Jefferson Worcester
• Lake Pleasant Franklin
• Jamaica Plain Suffolk
• Lanesboro Berkshire
• Lancaster Worcester
• Lawrence Essex
• Lakeville Plymouth
• Lanesborough Berkshire
• Leeds Hampshire
• Lenox Berkshire
• Lenox Dale Berkshire
• Lee Berkshire
• Leicester Worcester
• Leominster Worcester
• Lexington Middlesex
• Lincoln Middlesex
• Leverett Franklin
• Linwood Worcester
• Littleton Middlesex
• Ludlow Hampden
• Longmeadow Hampden
• Lunenburg Worcester
• Lowell Middlesex
• Manchaug Worcester
• Manchester Essex
• Malden Middlesex
• Lynnfield Essex
• Marion Plymouth
• Marblehead Essex
• Manomet Plymouth
• Mansfield Bristol
• Marlborough Middlesex
• Mattapan Suffolk
• Marshfield Plymouth
• Mashpee Barnstable
• Marshfield Hills Plymouth
• Marstons Mills Barnstable
• Medway Norfolk
• Maynard Middlesex
• Medfield Norfolk
• Medford Middlesex
• Mattapoisett Plymouth
• Merrimac Essex
• Mendon Worcester
• Methuen Essex
• Melrose Middlesex
• Menemsha Dukes
• Middleboro Plymouth
• Middlefield Hampshire
• Middleton Essex
• Mill River Berkshire
• Milford Worcester
• Millis Norfolk
• Milton Norfolk
• Millbury Worcester
• Millers Falls Franklin
• Millville Worcester
• Monson Hampden
• Minot Plymouth
• Monponsett Plymouth
• Milton Village Norfolk
• Monroe Bridge Franklin
• Montague Franklin
• Nahant Essex
• Nantucket Nantucket
• Monterey Berkshire
• Monument Beach Barnstable
• Needham Heights Norfolk
• New Braintree Worcester
• New Bedford Bristol
• Natick Middlesex
• Needham Norfolk
• Newburyport Essex
• New Salem Franklin
• Newbury Essex
• New Marlborough Berkshire
• New Town Middlesex
• Newton Lower Falls Middlesex
• Newton Upper Falls Middlesex
• Newton Center Middlesex
• Newton Highlands Middlesex
• Newton Middlesex
• Norfolk Norfolk
• North Amherst Hampshire
• Nonantum Middlesex
• Newtonville Middlesex
• North Adams Berkshire
• North Attleboro Bristol
• North Andover Essex
• North Brookfield Worcester
• North Carver Plymouth
• North Billerica Middlesex
• North Eastham Barnstable
• North Dartmouth Bristol
• North Dighton Bristol
• North Chelmsford Middlesex
• North Chatham Barnstable
• North Egremont Berkshire
• North Falmouth Barnstable
• North Hatfield Hampshire
• North Easton Bristol
• North Grafton Worcester
• North Scituate Plymouth
• North Reading Middlesex
• North Oxford Worcester
• North Pembroke Plymouth
• North Marshfield Plymouth
• North Waltham Middlesex
• North Truro Barnstable
• North Uxbridge Worcester
• North Weymouth Norfolk
• Northampton Hampshire
• Northfield Franklin
• Norton Bristol
• Norwell Plymouth
• Northbridge Worcester
• Northborough Worcester
• Oakham Worcester
• Norwood Norfolk
• Nutting Lake Middlesex
• Oak Bluffs Dukes
• Ocean Bluff Plymouth
• Osterville Barnstable
• Orange Franklin
• Otis Berkshire
• Orleans Barnstable
• Onset Plymouth
• Oxford Worcester
• Palmer Hampden
• Pembroke Plymouth
• Peabody Essex
• Paxton Worcester
• Pepperell Middlesex
• Pinehurst Middlesex
• Phillipston Worcester
• Petersham Worcester
• Peru Berkshire
• Plymouth Plymouth
• Plympton Plymouth
• Plainfield Hampshire
• Plainville Norfolk
• Pittsfield Berkshire
• Princeton Worcester
• Pocasset Barnstable
• Prides Crossing Essex
• Provincetown Barnstable
• Quincy Norfolk
• Reading Middlesex
• Readville Suffolk
• Raynham Bristol
• Raynham Center Bristol
• Randolph Norfolk
• Rehoboth Bristol
• Revere Suffolk
• Richmond Berkshire
• Rochester Plymouth
• Rochdale Worcester
• Rowley Essex
• Rockland Plymouth
• Rockport Essex
• Rowe Franklin
• Roslindale Suffolk
• Russell Hampden
• Roxbury Crossing Suffolk
• Rutland Worcester
• Royalston Worcester
• Roxbury Suffolk
• Salisbury Essex
• Sagamore Beach Barnstable
• Sagamore Barnstable
• Salem Essex
• Salisbury Beach Essex
• Saugus Essex
• Scituate Plymouth
• Savoy Berkshire
• Sandwich Barnstable
• Sandisfield Berkshire
• Shelburne Falls Franklin
• Shelburne Franklin
• Sheffield Berkshire
• Seekonk Bristol
• Sharon Norfolk
• Shrewsbury Worcester
• Shutesbury Franklin
• Shirley Middlesex
• Sherborn Middlesex
• Sheldonville Norfolk
• Siasconset Nantucket
• South Attleboro Bristol
• Somerset Bristol
• Silver Beach Barnstable
• Somerville Middlesex
• South Chatham Barnstable
• South Boston Suffolk
• South Barre Worcester
• South Carver Plymouth
• South Dartmouth Bristol
• South Deerfield Franklin
• South Easton Bristol
• South Grafton Worcester
• South Egremont Berkshire
• South Dennis Barnstable
• South Hadley Hampshire
• South Harwich Barnstable
• South Hamilton Essex
• South Lancaster Worcester
• South Lee Berkshire
• South Natick Middlesex
• South Orleans Barnstable
• South Wellfleet Barnstable
• South Walpole Norfolk
• South Weymouth Norfolk
• Southborough Worcester
• South Yarmouth Barnstable
• Southfield Berkshire
• Southbridge Worcester
• Southampton Hampshire
• Springfield Hampden
• Spencer Worcester
• Still River Worcester
• Sterling Worcester
• Southwick Hampden
• Stoneham Middlesex
• Stockbridge Berkshire
• Stoughton Norfolk
• Sturbridge Worcester
• Stow Middlesex
• Sunderland Franklin
• Sutton Worcester
• Swampscott Essex
• Sudbury Middlesex
• Swansea Bristol
• Templeton Worcester
• Thorndike Hampden
• Three Rivers Hampden
• Tewksbury Middlesex
• Taunton Bristol
• Topsfield Essex
• Turners Falls Franklin
• Tolland Hampden
• Truro Barnstable
• Townsend Middlesex
• Uxbridge Worcester
• Tyringham Berkshire
• Upton Worcester
• Tyngsborough Middlesex
• Tyngsboro Middlesex
• W Bridgewater Plymouth
• Village of Nagog Woods Middlesex
• W Springfield Hampden
• Waban Middlesex
• Vineyard Haven Dukes
• Walpole Norfolk
• Wakefield Middlesex
• Ware Hampshire
• Wales Hampden
• Waltham Middlesex
• Watertown Middlesex
• Warwick Franklin
• Wareham Plymouth
• Waverley Middlesex
• Warren Worcester
• Wellesley Norfolk
• Wellfleet Barnstable
• Wayland Middlesex
• Webster Worcester
• Wellesley Hills Norfolk
• Wenham Essex
• West Barnstable Barnstable
• Wendell Franklin
• West Boxford Essex
• Wendell Depot Franklin
• West Chatham Barnstable
• West Bridgewater Plymouth
• West Brookfield Worcester
• West Chesterfield Hampshire
• West Boylston Worcester
• West Dennis Barnstable
• West Falmouth Barnstable
• West Chop Dukes
• West Harwich Barnstable
• West Groton Middlesex
• West Newbury Essex
• West Medford Middlesex
• West Hyannisport Barnstable
• West Hatfield Hampshire
• West Millbury Worcester
• West Newton Middlesex
• West Tisbury Dukes
• West Springfield Hampden
• West Stockbridge Berkshire
• West Roxbury Suffolk
• West Yarmouth Barnstable
• West Whately Hampshire
• West Wareham Plymouth
• West Warren Worcester
• West Townsend Middlesex
• Westford Middlesex
• Westminster Worcester
• Westborough Worcester
• Westhampton Hampshire
• Westfield Hampden
• Weymouth Norfolk
• Westwood Norfolk
• Weston Middlesex
• Westport Bristol
• Westport Point Bristol
• Whitinsville Worcester
• White Horse Beach Plymouth
• Whately Franklin
• Wheelwright Worcester
• Whitman Plymouth
• Williamstown Berkshire
• Wilbraham Hampden
• Wilmington Middlesex
• Williamsburg Hampshire
• Winchendon Worcester
• Winchendon Springs Worcester
• Winthrop Suffolk
• Windsor Berkshire
• Woburn Middlesex
• Winchester Middlesex
• Worthington Hampshire
• Woods Hole Barnstable
• Woronoco Hampden
• Woodville Middlesex
• Worcester Worcester
• Wrentham Norfolk
• Yarmouth Port Barnstable

23+ of the Best Things To Do in Massachusetts

M assachusetts is one of the most desirable places to live, in both the country and in New England. It’s popular because you have everything at your fingertips, from skiing beautiful mountains to soaking up the sun at the beach.

The seasons also offer a rotating list of activities, so you are always on your toes. This list of things to do in Massachusetts, known as “The Bay State,” is truly an incredible list that I can personally vouch for. 

From historical sites, like Plymouth, to taking in the incredible art culture, like the Institute of Contemporary Art or the famous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — there is so much to see and do. Here are 23+ of the best things to do in Massachusetts that you just can’t miss.

VISIT PLYMOUTH

If you were paying attention in history class then you are likely to recognize the town of Plymouth . If you weren’t paying attention, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Plymouth is home to Plimoth Plantation , although the name has now been officially changed to the Plimoth Patuxet Museum. Here you can take a step back to the 17th century and learn about the Native Americans’ lifestyle when the Mayflower II  and the English colonists arrived. 

This American history museum truly has a lot to offer and can be a great place for not only adults, but kids as well. Founded in 1947, the goal of this museum is to recreate the Plymouth Colonization through several exciting exhibits. One of the best kids activities is their program to teach kids about Pilgrim life, while letting them be an actor/actress in a show later that day!

Plymouth is one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts.

OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

Speaking of incredible museums to visit, Old Sturbridge Village has to be at the top of your list of things to do in Massachusetts. This living museum and working farm spans over 200 acres, and features more than 30 exhibits! This is the place to be if you have a lot of time on your hands, and you want to truly experience what it’s like to lead a life without technology during the 1830s. 

Popping in and out of the 40 antique buildings truly is like walking through a movie during this time period. Some of the more fascinating buildings are the Cider Mill, Shoe Shop, and Friends Meetinghouse. It’s also worth paying a visit to their gardens, since farming was in fact a major way of life.

A visit here is a great way for kiddos to burn energy, as there is so much open land to see.  

WALK THE HALLS OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Calling all geniuses! Harvard University is a great place to visit, and personally, Cambridge happens to be one of my favorite spots in Boston. (Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not a part of Boston, because it truly is.) 

First let’s take a look at Harvard. There are a few different options for tours, and you can sign up on their website for private or group walking tours. Or you can skip the group and download the app to take yourself on a self-guided tour that takes 45-60 minutes, with 14 different stops. The tour includes a stop at the famous Harvard Book Store, where you can buy souvenirs.

Harvard Square is also a great place to get a bite to eat or take in a true cup of Beantown coffee! Pavement Coffeehouse is worth a stop in. 

Read More: 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON FOR A GOOD TIME

ENJOY THE PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

Hopping back on the museum train, one that is certainly a great stop is the Peabody Essex Museum . The museum is located in the historical city of Salem, Massachusetts, where the witch trials took place.

PEM takes a look at a vast collection of artwork and artifacts from the 1700s all the way to today! Interestingly enough, it also draws its inspiration from all over the world, from places such as Africa, Asia, India, and more.

Maritime life is incredibly important to the history of New England, and specifically the coastal towns in Massachusetts. The museum is another great spot for the family, and thanks to its modern approach combined with a classical history, it’s not a museum you will find many yawning at. 

Read More: 20 WITCHY THINGS TO DO IN SALEM MA YOU’LL LOVE

DODGE THE GHOSTS AT BOSTON’S OLD BURYING GROUNDS

Salem, Massachusetts, is not the only haunted place to explore. Boston’s Old Burying Grounds offers some really scary sights, with skulls and crossbones planted right on the front of gravestones. For those who like a little thrill, it’s best to go on a gloomy day.

It’s the oldest cemetery in the city of Boston, and was established in 1630. One of the most sought out headstones belongs to Joseph Tapping, and you can find it closest to the Tremont Street entrance. Sadly he passed at 23-years-old and is Boston’s most well-known gravestone, due to the unique engraving of the hour glass that sits on top of the skull. The symbolism represents appreciating the time you have. 

CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD

Charlestown Navy Yard National Historic Site in Boston was one of the oldest shipbuilding facilities in the U.S. Navy. Established in 1801, the yard closed in 1974, after years of building, repairing, and modernizing ships.

Today, you can visit the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitors Center, where you’ll find interactive exhibits and more. The main draw is the two historic warships found here. Walk the decks of the USS Constitution and the USS Cassin Young — two ships that call the Navy Yard home.

Additionally, you can explore the USS Constitution Museum.

EXPLORE ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM

If you haven’t already watched the Netflix series on the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , then it’s worth a look before visiting. If you don’t have the time, that’s OK too, because this is one of the most interesting and appealing museums for several different reasons.

For starters, you are walking through a real crime scene! It’s home to one of the world’s largest mysteries — two men stole 13 works of art in April of 1990. The crime is the single largest property theft in the world.

In addition to that interesting history, the museum today has a number of fantastic exhibits, from modern and contemporary art to fine art and history of Europe.

One of the most attractive parts of the museum are the beautiful gardens. The Courtyard features different displays of seasonal flowers and installations making it a peaceful spot to read a book and enjoy the space. 

FERRY TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Martha’s Vineyard is one of the two hottest islands off the coast of Massachusetts to visit! The best part is that you don’t have to stay overnight if you don’t want to. Taking the Steamship Authority Ferry from Woods Hole and Falmouth is a great option. If you want to take your car, you can, but keep in mind that you want to make sure there is return availability on the ferry as well.

If you don’t have a car, no need to stress, because the MVTA has tons of bus routes to take you to all the best places. Gay Head Lighthouse is a beautiful place to visit, where you can take in the red clay cliffs and grab a bite to eat at their restaurant overlooking the ocean. Oak Bluffs is also a great little town that offers tons of shopping, boutique art galleries, and fine dining. 

Ultimately Martha’s Vineyard is known for having some of the best beaches and lobster rolls. Because it can get so packed in the summer, it’s never a bad idea to visit early spring or early fall. The weather is still nice and you can take advantage of renting bikes and exploring the island this way. 

Read More: 36 PHENOMENAL THINGS TO DO IN MARTHA’S VINEYARD

VISIT THE NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM

Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum , which contains the largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art. For those who love and appreciate his works that reflect true American culture, this is a must-visit.

The museum has permanent exhibitions featuring his work, but to keep things fresh, they have a constant rotation of exhibits centered around the same concepts and ideologies. 

TOUR FENWAY PARK

If you’re going to be in Beantown, you’ve got to take a historic tour of Fenway Park . The best part of seeing one of America’s most beloved ballparks? You can check out the Green Monstah, which is a massive green seating section overlooking the entire field.

Fenway has a rich history, and a walking tour of this ballpark is the perfect family-friendly activity. When taking photos, the famous Citgo sign is a picture perfect memory, so make sure to grab a selfie!

Going with a group? Check out Fenway’s area. There are tons of bars and good eats, which is why going to an actual ball game is a lot of fun. Bleacher Bar is among the favorites of locals, and gets packed on the weekends and game days. 

OVERNIGHT IN THE BERKSHIRES

The Berkshires is known for some of the best skiing and the best hiking in all of New England. In the fall, you will take winding roads up and down throughout the mountains while looking at valleys and small ponds below. The Berkshires is also home to quite a few art museums and history, which makes for a good break when you need a break from the slopes.

The Berkshire Art Museum is definitely a favorite, and it’s located inside two repurposed buildings. One of the buildings resembles a beautiful church structure — which is amazing to see. While it may feature older architecture on the outside, it offers a modern take on the inside. Both permanent and temporary exhibits are featured within the 25,000 square foot space.

SEE THE ART AT MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston , or MFA, is the 20th largest museum in the world. Here you can take in 8,161 paintings and 450,000 pieces of artwork! For art lovers, this is the ultimate destination, and features a vast collection of artwork from all over the world.

Some of the more recent exhibitions have taken a new look at the Winnie the Pooh, Japanese artwork, and more. If you can’t make a trip here in person, their virtual tours on their website make a great alternative.

GET YOUR HISTORY ON AT LEXINGTON COMMON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Massachusetts is home of The Revolutionary War (American Revolution) and some of the most important battles and events in history took place in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. In fact, this is where the first shots were fired. Stepping onto the green here is a history lover’s dream. 

There is such a wide variety of activities at the Lexington Common National Historic Site , from reading the plaques that sit on the outer edges of the park to just sitting back and enjoying a picnic. This park is close to many walking trails and hiking sites, as most of Lexington and Concord is wooded areas designated as state parks. 

SEE THE LIGHT(HOUSE) AT BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS NATIONAL REC AREA

The Boston Light is a lighthouse that was built in 1716, and it’s one of the many amazing things you can see at the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area . The lighthouse sits on Brewster Island, and can cast a light beam 27 miles. It has withstood major storms and blows during the American Revolutionary War, and is considered to be the first lighthouse in the United States. 

Take a 2-hour Boston Harbor Lighthouse cruise, to not only get magnificent views of the lighthouse, but also Boston’s Harbor. The tour is narrated by the National Park Service and U.S. Coast Guard, and it gives you a detailed history of its use and occupation.

FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE AND QUINCY MARKET

While in Boston, make sure to visit the Faneuil Hall Marketplace , located on Boston’s historic Freedom Trail.

At the marketplace, you’ll find shops, dining, entertainment, and live music. It is the place to be!

Quincy Market is the largest and oldest food hall in the country! You’ll find all types of delicious eats here — from seafood to hot dogs to international cuisine and plenty of yummy desserts.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market is a one-stop-shopping experience you can’t miss.

STEP BACK IN TIME AT BOSTON COMMON

Make way for the ducks! The Boston Common is a beautiful green space that sits right in the middle of downtown Boston, and it’s a place where swans, ducks, visitors, and locals walk, relax, and grab a meal.

Well known for its fun swan boat rides, Boston Common is a historic part of the city. You can take in beautiful views of the skyscrapers, as well as the Massachusetts State House.

The common is also part of the Freedom Trail (more below) and is surrounded by activities and amazing sights, that are worth checking out.

FREEDOM TRAIL

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that 16 historic sites, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, and more. The historic buildings not only tell America’s freedom story, but give insight into the rich history of Boston. 

There are several group tours that you can enjoy, including North End Tours and A Walk Into History. If a self-guided tour is more your style, there are a number of apps that offer amazing walking tours.

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

One of my personal favorite things to do in Massachusetts is exploring the New England Aquarium , because who doesn’t love watching sea otters play? It’s not too far from downtown Boston, and it can serve as the connector between The Commons and Seaport. It also is uniquely positioned right on the Boston Harbor. 

As I mentioned, the New England Aquarium is home to some pretty adorable sea otters, but what really draws the crowd is the giant ocean tank, which features some scary sharks. You’ll also find other exhibits, like the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef, Penguin Colony, the Olympic Coast, and more.

BOSTON TEA PARTY SHIPS AND MUSEUM

Boston Harbor is home to some incredible ships. These sailboats were an incredible part of historical events, like the famous Boston Tea Party.

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is actually a lot of fun, because they have a multi-sensory experience, including live actors reenacting the series of events. The full scale replica of the 18th century ship is truly a marvel to take in. 

BEACON HILL

Boston is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets and little alleyways, and Beacon Hill is the heart and center of this. You can weave in and around the Massachusetts State House, as Beacon Hill sits just above the Boston Commons. It’s also home to some of the best coffee shops and breakfast spots in all of the city. 

For instance, Tatte Bakery (now numerous throughout the city) is one of these go-to spots. They have a massive selection of coffee and teas, as well as a killer pastry menu. Don’t forget about their incredible breakfast or lunch menu, as this is the place to be. Highly recommend! 

BOSTON PUBLIC GARDEN

The Boston Public Garden was established in 1837, and is the first botanical garden that opened to the public in the United States. It’s often confused for The Commons, because it actually sits right inside the park. Here, you’ll notice the swan boats in the summer and beautiful flower displays that reflect Victorian times. 

Tip: The best place to take pictures is over the foot bridge that overlooks the pond and park. Beware if it’s spring time, you will get a lot of graduates looking to do the same thing. You can also likely find someone to do a caricature, if this is more your speed. 

HAMMOND CASTLE MUSEUM

Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester, MA, was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr. Now, this beautiful estate is a museum, cultural arts center and venue welcoming guests daily throughout the season.

Hammond is known as “The Father of Radio Control,” and was one of America’s most prolific inventors of his time. The castle’s architectural style is a mix of a medieval castle, medieval French village, and a Gothic cathedral.

Visitors can explore the castle and grounds, learning more about Hammond along the way.

ADAMS NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

Adams National Historic Park in Quincy, MA, is a 13-acre park that honors members of the Adams Family. The park is comprised of the Birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams; the  Old House at Peace field,  home to four generations of the Adams family; and the Stone Library.

You may register take a guided tour of the historic homes, and learn more about the family and the contributions they made to the United States.

MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

Minute Man National Historic Park sits in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and brings visitors right back to the American Revolution. Here, you can take part in both history and spending time outdoors. Walking these grounds are like walking the actual battlefields, with many places to stop and read information about the park. 

It’s also home to some incredible literature, as the Alcott family lived here at Wayside. But this is not the only reason why you will see hundreds of visitors here. It’s also a very popular park to go birdwatching and observe other animals, from bunnies to deer. The wooded area makes it the ultimate place to spend time with nature. 

Explore the hiking trails at Minute Man National Historic Park, including the Battle Road Trail, a 5-mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington.

SOAK UP THE SUN AT CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE

For those who just love a beautiful shoreline, there is none quite like the Cape Cod National Seashore . There are six major beaches here that are all worth a visit. Definitely make time to visit Race Point Beach and Nauset Light Beach, as these are two of the most popular beaches for good reason. You are guaranteed to have a good time here.

In addition to the beaches, there are also a number of great walking, hiking, and biking trails to explore, and some of them offer amazing views.

While you’re in Cape Cod, make sure to take part in a whale watching tour! Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises allows you to see these stunning creatures up close and personal and I couldn’t recommend it more. See the whales at the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, where is noted as the premier whale watching destination in New England and the East Coast. 

Read More: 28 THINGS TO DO IN CAPE COD YOU JUST CAN’T MISS

CAST A SPELL AT SALEM WITCH MUSEUM

Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts , is certainly a bucket list item. However, if you can’t make it out for the spooky holiday, it is still worth a visit, any time of year.

In Salem, you’ll find many different museums dedicated to the history of The Salem Witch Trials. You’ll also find haunting graveyards to explore, and amazing tours offered here.

In addition to the historical significance in the area, you can also find great eateries, boutique shopping, and more.

BIKE THE ISLAND OF NANTUCKET

Nantucket is the sister island and competitor to Martha’s Vineyard. Some like to say it’s the classier version, but to be honest, you really can’t go wrong with either. Nantucket also maintains beautiful little towns with tons of places to hop off your bike for a bite to eat, or a cold one on a hot day. 

The Steamship Authority also offers daily ferries if you want to make this a day trip. It’s worth riding your bike to the Nantucket Lobster Trap for one of the world’s finest lobsta’ rolls. 

Read More: 20 FUN THINGS TO DO IN NANTUCKET YOU CAN’T MISS

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO MASSACHUSETTS

• YOUR MASSACHUSETTS VACATION
• MARTHA’S VINEYARD:  36 Phenomenal Things To Do In Martha’s Vineyard
• NANTUCKET: 20 Fun Things To Do In Nantucket You Can’t Miss
• BOSTON: 40 Awesome Things To Do In Boston For A Good Time
• AMUSEMENT PARKS: 4 Best Amusement Parks in Massachusetts

11 Destinations Everyone In Massachusetts Needs to Visit This Summer

Massachusetts native. Freelance writer and strawberry eater.

More by this Author

There’s no time like summer to make the most of your free time. Whether you prefer to spend your day off keeping cool indoors or exploring the great natural beauty this state has to offer, there’s something for everyone on this list of awesome summer destinations.

Related Stories

There's An Incredible Meteor Shower Happening This Summer And Massachusetts Has A Front Row Seat

This Is The Island Boat Your You Can’t Miss In Massachusetts This Summer

This Massachusetts Mountaintop Hike Belongs On Your Summer Bucket List

For more summer fun, check out these amazing natural attractions across the state that everyone should visit.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Massachusetts in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Massachusetts!

Thank you! You will receive your first email soon.

An error occured.

Related Articles

• There’s An Incredible Meteor Shower Happening This Summer And Massachusetts Has A Front Row Seat
• America’s Oldest County Fair Is Happening This Summer In Massachusetts
• The Tropical Themed Restaurant In Massachusetts You Must Visit Before Summer's Over
• Cool Down With This Flower Festival Cocktail Trail In Massachusetts This Summer
• You May Not Want To Swim At These 6 Massachusetts Beaches This Summer Due To A Dangerous Discovery
• You Have To Try This Gorgeous Hidden Beach Restaurant In Massachusetts This Summer
• You’ll Absolutely Love A Ride On Massachusetts' Majestic Mountain Train This Summer
• The 10 Commandments Every Massachusetts Native Should Live By This Summer

Explore Massachusetts

Boston   Travel Guide

30 Top-Rated Things to Do in Boston

As Massachusetts' capital and the birthplace of the American Revolution, there's no shortage of historical sites for travelers to explore within Boston's city limits (and beyond). There's even a Boston Tea Party Museum on the harbor

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Freedom Trail Freedom Trail free

Stretching 2½ miles, the Freedom Trail weaves past 16 of the city's most historic sites, including Faneuil Hall Marketplace , the Paul Revere House and Old North Church . Taking in all of the trail's attractions requires at least half a day (and some comfortable walking shoes), but you can easily plot points of interest before you begin your jaunt from Boston Common .

Though most visitors agree the trail is easy to navigate on your own, some recommend a guided tour or downloading an app to tell you about the sites. (You'll find a handful of apps available for Apple and Android devices.) If you have a Go Boston Card, standard guided tours given by the Freedom Trail Foundation are covered by your pass.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every Friday and Saturday, Haymarket (one America's oldest open-air markets) pops up adjacent to Faneuil Hall. In order to navigate this often-chaotic scene successfully make sure to bring small bills, leave bulky bags at the hotel and keep it moving on the sidewalk. - Jill LeGrow

Four buildings – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market – constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with the oldest being Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 and now a stop on the Freedom Trail , Faneuil Hall has had a long and important history in Massachusetts politics. Samuel Adams once stood here to push for resistance against the British, and abolitionists and suffragists have stood on their soapboxes here. In fact, this is where colonists famously challenged the Stamp Act of 1764 by proclaiming, "no taxation without representation." From those illustrious days, the marketplace has expanded to include more than 100 shops and restaurants.

Boston Public Garden Boston Public Garden free

Though the Boston Public Garden sits right next to Boston Common , the two are quite different. The public garden is newer (established in 1837) and holds the distinction of being America's first public botanical garden. Flowers and trees are beautifully organized and kept in quality condition throughout. You can see the colorful arrangements and exotic trees from the 6-acre pond as you glide along the water in a Swan Boat. Additionally, the park houses two of Boston's most iconic statues: Make Way for Ducklings (a bronze sculpture of a duck and her eight ducklings) and a sculpture of George Washington (which shows America's first president riding on a horse).

Visitors looking to relax after sightseeing will enjoy the Boston Public Garden. Parkgoers say you'll find plenty of shade beneath the park's trees, which comes in handy on hot summer days. Plus, you'll likely spot some ducks and geese swimming around the lagoon. And if you have a few dollars, visitors recommend taking a 15-minute ride on a Swan Boat. The large paddle boats cost $4.50 to ride (or $3 for kids ages 2 to 15 and $4 for seniors); travelers with Go Boston Cards ride for free. Swan Boats are usually available between mid-April and Labor Day.

Popular Tours

Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option

(2275 reviews)

from $ 119.00

Freedom Trail: Small Group Walking Tour of Revolutionary Boston

(2608 reviews)

from $ 39.00

Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops

(4356 reviews)

from $ 52.45

North End North End free

Chances are you'll end up in the North End at least once during your visit to Boston. It's steeped in the city's rich history as it holds the title of Boston's oldest neighborhood and houses three attractions on the Freedom Trail . What makes this neighborhood a top point of interest, however, is its Italian culture: The North End is considered Boston's Little Italy.

While Italians weren't the first to settle in this area (English settlers arrived first then European Jews, African Americans and Irish immigrants), their cultural influence on the North End withstood the test of time. Today, you'll find all kinds of Italian food from classic pizza pies served at the popular Regina Pizzeria to Sicilian-style seafood, such as black linguine (made with squid ink) and calamari meatballs at The Daily Catch . For dinner, try Mamma Maria for fine dining, Giacomo's for its affordable, made-in-house pasta or Bricco , which sources its meats and bread from its own meat and bread shop, located right next door. If you’re only interested in pizza, hit up Galleria Umberto for delectable solo slices or Antico Forno for its full-size, wood-fired pies. Prezza is known for its extensive wine list, boasting hundreds of wine labels to choose from. For dessert, make sure to pick up a cannoli at Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry , or tiramisu at the 24-hour Bova's Bakery .

Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine Arts

If you want to make the most out of the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most comprehensive art institutions in the country, then you'll need to spend a good chunk of your day here. The museum is home to one of the best art collections in the world, including the celebrated Art of the Americas wing. Inside this sprawling collection, you'll encounter galleries showcasing iconic pieces from indigenous cultures in North, South and Central America to works by contemporary artists like Edward Hopper.

You'll also find an impressive collection of Asian art here, plus works from Monet, Renoir, Manet and Rembrandt on display. And in special temporary exhibits, you can admire masterpieces from Black artists like Diedrick Brackens and Picasso, among others.

Boston Common Boston Common free

The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. It was also used for Puritan punishments, like whipping, and even for hangings. In 1768, the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events – including theater and musical performances and free fitness classes – hosted here throughout the year. If you plan to traverse the Freedom Trail , you'll start the walk here at Boston Common.

Though some visitors say you won't find much to do in this park, Boston Common is great for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Travelers also mention that this site is a wonderful spot to take young children. In addition to ample running room on the park's green space, kids can play at the Tadpole Playground or Frog Pond. Frog Pond offers a spray pool during the warmer months and an ice skating rink in the winter. Some visitors do note that the park tends to draw Boston's homeless population, particularly at night.

Best Boston Tours

Boston Tours

The 15 Best Boston Tours

March 14, 2024

Photo Tour: Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston

June 26, 2023

Fenway Park Fenway Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to watch a Sox game without a ticket, head to the Bleacher Bar on Lansdowne Street. Located beneath the bleachers of Fenway, the best tables are positioned directly in front of the huge garage window that overlook centerfield. – Jill LeGrow

Fans of America's favorite pastime won't want to miss a game at Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, this stadium has been the site of home runs, stolen bases and grounders since 1912. Regardless of whether or not you're a diehard Red Sox fan, you should try to catch a game and admire the ballpark's original architecture. Must-see features of the park include Pesky's Pole – the right field foul pole named after former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky – and the 37-foot-tall "Green Monster" wall in left field.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

After Isabella Stewart Gardner's husband died in 1898, the art enthusiast carried out their plan to buy land in Boston's Fenway area and open a museum to display her impressive collection of Italian art. The museum, which was fashioned after the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice , was completed in 1901, at which point Gardner moved in to the fourth floor and began installing her collection. Today, you can visit this Boston museum to get your fill of the Italian masters, such as Raphael and Titian. The building also showcases a cache of beautiful furniture, photographs, sculpture and rare books straight from Europe. The museum's New Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, includes a glass atrium, greenhouses and landscaped gardens.

The art isn't the only interesting thing here: the museum is also the site of the single largest property theft on Earth. In the wee hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves made their way into the museum disguised as police. The duo stole 13 works, including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas and Manet. Today, the museum has empty frames on the walls as placeholders until the art returns to the museum. As you may have guessed, the crime has not been solved and the works haven't been recovered. The museum is even offering a sizable reward ($10 million) for information leading to the art. 

Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

(2505 reviews)

from $ 79.87

Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

(8613 reviews)

from $ 57.65

Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution

(833 reviews)

from $ 46.00

Boston Public Library Boston Public Library free

A library isn't always all about books. The main branch of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, which opened in 1895, is so much more, according to recent visitors who call the architecture "beautiful" and a “must-see.” Walking into the Renaissance Revival building is akin to visiting a museum. On Dartmouth Street, two immense stone lions sculpted by Louis Saint-Gaudens stand guard by the main entrance. Inside, Bates Hall, the library's main reference reading room, is a 218-foot-long room with a barrel-arch ceiling soaring 50 feet high.

Visitors can take a free tour and learn all about the murals found throughout the library, including John Singer Sargent's series on the "Triumph of Religion." Other murals include works by French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, who depicted eight library-centric disciplines in "The Muses of Inspiration," and Edwin Austin Abbey's "The Quest and Achievement of the Holy Grail."

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

A must for any history buffs or fans of our nation's 35th president, this excellent library and museum details the life of President John F. Kennedy. Exhibits include his presidential papers; masses of Kennedy memorabilia, including re-creations of his desk in the Oval Office and of the television studio in which he debated Richard M. Nixon in the 1960 election; and artifacts from the U.S. space program. There's permanent display on the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis plus plenty of other artifacts and information about Kennedy's life and presidency. The building itself is quite striking and was designed by architect I. M. Pei.

Museumgoers say that while the museum is off the beaten path (it sits about 5 miles south of downtown on Columbia Point), it is well worth the trek thanks to the exhibits and staff. However, some wish the exhibits had a more detailed explanation of Kennedy and events during his life. The views from the museum are amazing, add some visitors.

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

If you want to get outdoors in the greater Boston area, consider hopping a ferry (which operates from mid-May through mid-October) to the Boston Harbor Islands. This collection of 34 islands located in the Massachusetts Bay boasts plenty of things to do and see including historic sites, hiking trails, beaches, wildlife and much more. Popular islands include Spectacle, Georges and Peddocks, though ferries also go to Lovells, Grape, Bumpkin and Thompson.

The 114-acre Spectacle Island is a great option for those looking to hike. Here, you'll find 5 miles of trails, including one which leads to the harbor's highest hill, offering incredible views of Boston's skyline. If you’re looking for a place where you can sink your toes into the sand, head to Lovells Island. Here, you’ll find secluded shorelines as well as tide pools (when it's low tide, a whopping 71 acres are added to the island's land mass). Meanwhile, history lovers will enjoy a trip to Georges Island. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, which the U.S. government used for patrolling and training Union troops as well as housing Confederate prisoners during Civil War times. Peddocks Island, one of the largest of the Boston Harbor Islands, offers a little bit of everything. This island is considered a prime camping spot and features scenic hiking trails that pass through coastal forests, headlands connected by tombolos and the biggest beach of any island. You'll also find a little bit of history thanks to Fort Andrews and a restored chapel from World War II.

Newbury Street Newbury Street free

Located in the Back Bay along eight blocks between Massachusetts Avenue and Arlington Street, Newbury Street is home to gorgeous 19th century brownstones. It's also Boston's premiere destination for dining and shopping. Newbury Street has been called one of the most expensive streets in the world, thanks in large part to the significant cluster of expensive shops on the lower end (by numbered address) nearest Arlington Street.

Starting at the higher end, by Massachusetts Avenue, you'll find more budget-friendly retailers like TJ Maxx and Forever 21, as well longtime local favorites Newbury Comics and Trident Booksellers. In fact, Newbury Comics' opening in 1978 was the catalyst that began the transformation of Newbury Street from a heavily upper-class retail destination to a hipper, trendier spot for everyone.

Samuel Adams Brewery Samuel Adams Brewery

Despite its location outside of city center, visiting the Samuel Adams Brewery is a popular stop for beer lovers. This brewery location acts as Samuel Adams' testing facility for new and specialty brews, which patrons can try. You can also take a guided tour of the facility to learn more about the brewing process.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, odds are you'll enjoy a visit to this brewery. Visitors say the staff is knowledgeable, but note there can be long entry lines.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

(1592 reviews)

from $ 35.00

Boston's Best Freedom Trail Tour

(1497 reviews)

from $ 25.00

Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

(1734 reviews)

from $ 47.20

Cambridge Cambridge free

Cambridge, which sits about 3 miles northwest of Boston's city center, is home to both Harvard University and MIT , but there's more to see in Cambridge than just the schools themselves. The city features an impressive array of cultural institutions that feature collections and exhibitions ranging from fine art to technological innovations.

The Harvard Art Museums , which include the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum, house a wide range of periods, styles and mediums within its walls. Here, you’ll find a mix of modern photography, 13th century sculpture, paintings from legends like Georgia O’Keeffe, Picasso and Jackson Pollock, and much more. If you prefer history, head to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology , which boasts exhibits exploring everything from ancient Latin American cultures to the evolution of American eating habits and tableware to the lives of Native Americans. If science is more your speed, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History to view dinosaur fossils, rare minerals and animal specimens from New England to Asia.

Beacon Hill Beacon Hill free

Beacon Hill is arguably Boston's most beautiful neighborhood. Located north of Boston Common , Beacon Hill is awash with quaint, cobblestone-lined alleyways, corners dotted with gas street lamps, stately townhouses affixed with bay view windows and vibrant, flower-filled window boxes. It's Beacon Hill's incredible style, a stunning mix of Federal and Greek revival architecture, that make this neighborhood an attraction in and of itself. And recent visitors couldn't agree more.

Travelers who venture to Beacon Hill are charmed by its beauty and say that it's the perfect place to take a long stroll and wander around. While here, make sure to make your way to noteworthy spots including the picturesque Louisburg Square and Acorn Street, the latter of which is one of the most photographed places in Boston. After, head down Charles Street, where you'll find restaurants, shops and bars. Fans of the TV show "Cheers" will want to walk down Beacon Street to find the bar that inspired the program.

Old North Church Old North Church

Most people who know anything about American history have heard of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride, when he rode through town to warn people about the arrival of British troops. Before heading off to Lexington, Revere gave orders at Old North Church. Robert Newman – the church's sexton – and Captain John Pulling Jr. – the church's vestryman – then climbed the steeple and held two lanterns as a signal that the British were indeed coming, but by sea.

The church itself, which is officially named Christ Church, is filled with beautiful relics from the past, including North America's oldest set of change ringing bells and chandeliers brought in from England in the early 1700s. The pews have a long history as well; Pew No. 54 was reserved for Paul Revere's son.

Boston Children's Museum Boston Children's Museum

With a giant milk bottle structure at the front of the building, it's hard to miss the Boston Children's Museum. Here, hands-on exhibits present a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about various sciences, culture, art and health and wellness, among other subjects. Among the museum's standout exhibits are "Construction Zone," where little ones can learn about and play with kid-sized construction equipment, "The Common," where kids play with color, games and music, and "Japanese House" – a 100-year-old authentic Japanese house reconstructed in Boston by Japanese carpenters.

Museumgoers praise the variety of engaging exhibits tailored to kids within different age groups and can't recommend it enough. Others warn the museum gets crowded, especially in the summer.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway free

Boston is packed with cool outdoor spaces, but this nearly 1½-mile-long series of parks and gardens offers more than most. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was established to link Boston's diverse neighborhoods through a series of lawns, parks and walkways that occupy a former highway tunnel. Since opening in 2008, visitors have flocked to this sprawling green space to enjoy temporary public art displays, bubbling fountains, numerous food vendors and a carousel. Plus, the park offers free weekly events, including food and art festivals, summer concert performances and seasonal fitness classes.

Many previous visitors said the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway not only offers a much-needed respite from the city, but also an easy way to explore Boston with kids during the warmer months. And, in many sections of the Greenway, you're never more than a few steps away from the Freedom Trail .

Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark

(1980 reviews)

from $ 33.34

The Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Walking Tour of Boston

(1354 reviews)

from $ 76.00

Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings

(710 reviews)

from $ 115.00

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

This hands-on museum offers an entertaining look at one of Boston's pivotal moments. You can toss (fake) tea overboard, climb around replica ships and converse with period actors about Colonial issues. Exhibits at the museum, which is located on Griffin's Wharf (close to where the actual Tea Party occurred on Dec. 16, 1773) include 3D holograms, talking portraits and the Robinson Tea Chest, an authentic tea chest from the Boston Tea Party. Two of the three ships have been recreated, the Beaver and the Eleanor, which are fun to explore. The film "Let It Begin Here" depicts the events that immediately preceded the American Revolution. You can also grab a cup of tea or a snack in Abigail's Tea Room, which has one of the best views of the harbor around.

Visitors love the interactive nature of the museum and tossing tea overboard, saying their time there was entertaining for all ages. They also add that the guides are informative and stay in character.

Museum of Science Museum of Science

If you're traveling with young ones in tow, be sure to swing by the Museum of Science. Here, kids can learn about astronomy, earth sciences and anatomy, not to mention participate in some fun interactive exhibits. Budding scientists can examine the Arctic in "Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology" exhibit or play on swings to learn about physics in "Science in the Park." The museum also features the Charles Hayden Planetarium, where you can indulge your inner astronaut during shows. Meanwhile, at the Mugar Omni Theater, you'll feel like you're actually in the IMAX film thanks to its cutting-edge sound technology and five-story-high projection screen.

Although the museum is very kid-focused, past visitors said that young-at-heart adults and even teens will get a kick out of the museum's engaging displays and shows. Though most travelers spend about half a day exploring the museum, you could easily allocate an entire day to this attraction. Also, remember that separate tickets (which cost extra) are needed for some museum features, such as IMAX films, planetarium shows and the Garden Walk and Insect Zoo.

Boston Duck Tours Boston Duck Tours

Wander Boston for a couple of hours and you're sure to see a Duck Tour quacking its way through the streets (and waterways). These "Truck Duck" vehicles recreate the look of a DUKW truck used by the U.S. military during World War II and transport tourists all over the city by land and water. The tours drive past a number of landmark sites including the Old State House, Newbury Street , Prudential Tower, Public Garden and the Swan Boats, and Copley Square (home to the Boston Public Library ). Once launched into the water, you'll cruise down the Charles River checking out MIT, the Longfellow Bridge, as well as the Esplanade and the Hatch Shell. 

Besides giving tours around the city, Boston Duck Tour boats have been used in all of the victory parades since 2002 for the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins (the city's major teams for football, baseball, basketball and hockey, respectively). What started off simply as a way to roll the Patriots through downtown Boston for a Superbowl celebration has turned into a much-loved tradition that continues today.

Boston Symphony Orchestra Boston Symphony Orchestra

Even if you're not a classical music aficionado, you can't miss attending one of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's world-renowned performances at Symphony Hall. The BSO began performing in 1881. Today, the symphony performs everything from family shows to traditional concerts and Boston Pops – a lively performance filled with singing and a variety of music. The BSO performs at Symphony Hall from September through April, then heads to Tanglewood (which is about 130 miles west of Boston) in the summer.

Past spectators not only praised the world-class talent, but also noted the impressive acoustics of Symphony Hall as a main selling point for attending future concerts. If you can't score tickets to an orchestra performance, consider taking a free tour of Symphony Hall. Tours, which are offered in the fall, winter and spring, provide information about the property, as well as insight into the orchestra's musicians and conductors.

New England Holocaust Memorial New England Holocaust Memorial free

Gaze up at the six 54-foot glass towers that comprise the New England Holocaust Memorial, and you're bound to be awestruck. Dedicated in 1995, each haunting tower is etched with numbers. The 6 million numbers represent the Holocaust's victims, while the towers represent the six major death camps. There is also a granite path covered in quotes from survivors that leads visitors inside the towers.

Recent visitors described walking through the columns as an emotionally charged and unforgettable experience. The monument's location next to Faneuil Hall Marketplace makes it very accessible while walking the Freedom Trail .

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise

(204 reviews)

from $ 116.66

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

(335 reviews)

from $ 48.00

Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor

(261 reviews)

from $ 58.45

Paul Revere House Paul Revere House

For a glimpse of what life was like in the late 1700s, head to Paul Revere's former residence in the North End . The house, which is situated on the Freedom Trail , offers insight into how homes looked in Revere's time (it's even filled with period pieces, including fine silver). Inside, history fans can admire the building's sweeping beams, spacious fireplaces and some original furnishings owned by the Revere family.

If you like American history, travelers say you'll enjoy seeing the Paul Revere House. This house is small, though, so don't allot more than an hour to tour the property. Docents are friendly and knowledgeable.

Massachusetts State House Massachusetts State House free

The golden-domed Massachusetts State House is an important building for many reasons and is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail . The land it sits on was originally used as John Hancock’s cow pasture. It was designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798 and the cornerstone was laid by Samuel Adams in 1795. A copper dome was installed by Paul Revere in 1802 (later covered in gold). Nowadays, senators, state representatives and the governor conduct the Commonwealth's business here.

Free tours are offered by docents who explain the building's history and discuss the important art and architecture within. Make sure to look for the Sacred Cod in the House of Representatives Chamber. The almost 5-foot wooden cod symbolizes the importance of the salt cod industry to the area.

New England Aquarium New England Aquarium

Your kids will find plenty to love at the New England Aquarium, starting with the Atlantic harbor seals that hang out just beyond the ticket booth. Inside, you'll find thousands of marine critters to study, and at the center: the Giant Ocean Tank. This four-story tank includes a coral reef habitat that houses more than 1,000 underwater creatures including green sea turtles, eels and barracuda. In other parts of the aquarium, you'll find exhibits dedicated to penguins, sea jellies and seadragons, plus a six-story high projection movie screen with digital surround sound, where you can watch films about sea creatures and more. And don't forget to check out the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, which allows visitors to graze sharks and rays as they swim by.

While some visitors bemoan the aquarium's compact size (which, in turn, made for thick crowds), many appreciate the attraction's variety of animals. Several travelers also recommend watching a penguin or seal feeding.

USS Constitution USS Constitution free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every July 4th, the USS Constitution takes her annual "turnaround" sail in Boston Harbor. The particular sail is the only one open to the public and the US Navy holds a lottery with the lucky winners getting to board "Old Ironsides." – Jill LeGrow

History lovers, boat enthusiasts and military aficionados alike can't miss the chance to board the USS Constitution. Docked at the Boston National Historical Park in Charlestown, this historic vessel is the world's oldest commissioned warship still operational today. It is helmed by United States Navy sailors, who also serve as the ship's guides. The ship's accompanying museums displays nearly 2,000 artifacts related to the ship's history.

Bunker Hill Monument Bunker Hill Monument free

Bunker Hill Monument is part of the Boston National Historical Park and a stop on the Freedom Trail . The first major battle of the American Revolution took place on Breed's Hill in June 1775, though originally it was supposed to take place on nearby Bunker Hill. Names aside, the British won the battle but fared worse than their American foes. The British sacrificed about nearly half of their 2,400 men; American casualties were between 300 and 500 out of an army of 1,400 to 1,800 soldiers. Construction of the monument started in 1827 and was completed in 1842. The 221-foot granite obelisk offers fabulous views from its observatory, though you have to work for it by climbing 294 steps to the top.

Start your visit at the Bunker Hill Museum, located across the street. Exhibits explain the Battle of Bunker Hill, the construction of the monument, and the history of Charlestown. Free tickets are required to climb the monument and you can also pick them up at the museum. Visitors enjoy the museum and say the monument is awe-inspiring and the grounds beautiful.

Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

(288 reviews)

from $ 120.00

Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

(2152 reviews)

from $ 23.00

Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor

from $ 60.00

View Boston View Boston

U.S. News Insider Tip: To save some cash on your sightseeing, pick up a Boston CityPass which allows you to visit up to four attractions (such as the Museum of Science , New England Aquarium , Boston Harbor City Cruise and View Boston) for one discounted price. – Jill LeGrow

Replacing the iconic Top of the Hub restaurant and Skywalk Observatory that closed in 2020, View Boston opened in June 2023 to offer 360 panoramic views of Boston from atop the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center. Taking over the top three floors of the Prudential Center, View Boston includes an observatory, a wraparound roof deck and indoor/outdoor cocktail bar called Stratus, and a floor with interactive exhibits such as a projection-mapped 3D model of Boston. There's also Beacon, a bistro offering seasonal beverages and food.

The Mapparium The Mapparium

Located at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this three-story, stained glass globe never fails to elicit wonder. Designed by the architect of the Christian Science Publishing Society building, Chester Lindsay Churchill, the globe depicts the world as it was in 1935.

The "How Do You See the World" experience includes the globe; the "Our World: Mapping Progress," which highlights humanity's achievements since 1935; and "Points of Progress," where you can learn about significant events in human rights, scientific advances, exploration, and other fields. A 10-minute audio narration features clips from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Wangari Maathai (a Kenyan Nobel laureate) and others. One of the coolest features of the globe is that it is a "whispering gallery." Stand at one end of the gallery while a friend stands at the other. Whisper something to them and they will be the only one to hear it.

Things to Do in Boston FAQs

Explore more of boston.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

This South Shore town was selected as the best seaside small town to visit in America in 2024, according to Smithsonian Magazine

A South Shore community was selected as the best seaside small town in the country to visit this year.

Scituate was honored as part of Smithsonian Magazine’s 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2024 .

“Each year, we celebrate the many small towns that make up the heart of America,” the publication said. “This year’s towns vary in size, but their populations are all fewer than 25,000 residents ...they also boast vast cultural experiences, superb nature, and a plethora of activities and events, not to mention an anniversary or opening that makes 2024 an especially great year to visit.”

On August 7, National Lighthouse Day , the town will unveil a refurbished Scituate Light , built in 1810. A $1.1 million restoration began last year.

Advertisement

The lighthouse’s rebuilt lantern room will be on display and local restaurants will feature lighthouse-inspired dishes and drinks, the publication said.

Featured in movies such as the “Witches of Eastwick” in 1987 and “American Fiction” in 2023, Scituate’s “picturesque harbor boasts a vibrant cultural arts district” and hosts a summer bandstand series throughout the season, the publication said.

Scituate is one of the state’s most Irish towns , according to Census data, and is full of historical sites, including The Maritime & Irish Mossing Museum , set in the 18th-century home of a militia leader and shoemaker, the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail , which travels through nine coastal towns from Weymouth to Plymouth, and the Lawson Tower.

The Lawson Tower is a “massive, imposing, and elegant” water tower built in 1902, according to the Scituate Historical Society’s website .

If that isn’t enough, in August the town will host Heritage Days , featuring live music, food trucks, and dory races, the publication said.

Two other towns in the Northeast made the publication’s list — Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., was chosen as the best spooky small town to visit, and Glassboro N.J., was selected as the best fossil-filled small town to visit.

Here are the 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2024, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

• Seaside Small Town — Scituate, Mass. (pop. 19,297)
• A Revitalized Small Town — Humboldt, Kan. (pop. 1,816)
• Soothing Small Town — Hot Springs, S.D. (pop. 3,609)
• Spooky Small Town — Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. (pop. 10,962)
• A Small Town That Knows How to Fuel Your Fun — Aspen, Colo. (pop. 6,612)
• A Laid-Back Small Town — Haleiwa, Hawaii (pop. 4,941)
• Fossil-Filled Small Town — Glassboro, N.J. (pop. 23,987)
• A Small Town Preserving Its Indigenous Heritage — Santa Ynez, Calif. (pop. 4,505)
• Baseball-Obsessed Small Town — Huntingburg, Ind. (pop. 6,495)
• An Oasis in the Desert — Superior, Ariz. (pop. 2,571)
• Cinematic Small Town — Beaufort, S.C. (pop. 13,850)
• An Atomic Small Town — Arco, Idaho (pop. 930)
• A Rollicking Small Town — Floyd, Va. (pop. 449)
• A Stargazer’s Small Town — Silver City, N.M. (pop. 9,377)
• A Garden Lover’s Small Town — Kennett Square, Pa. (pop. 6,521)

Ava Berger can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her @Ava_Berger_ .