places to visit on massachusetts coast

12 Best Beach Towns in Massachusetts

A good beach town has to have the perfect mix of seaside charm, things to do, things to eat, and family-friendly activities. With that in mind, learn our picks for the best beach towns in Massachusetts.

By Yankee Editors

Aug 18 2022

Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, part of Cape Cod National Seashore.

New England is blessed with hundreds of miles of coastline and many popular coastal destinations — but which coastal towns are the best “beach towns”? Yankee ’s 25 Best Beach Towns in New England , first compiled by longtime contributor Steve Jermanok in 2012, is based on an extensive 14-category ranking system that includes scenic charm, accessibility, kid-friendly activities, average summer water temperature, and proximity to fried clams and ice cream. Heading to the Bay State for some seaside fun? Here are the 12 best Massachusetts beach towns, each with an expanded list of don’t-miss things to do.

Provincetown

At the tip of Cape Cod, P-town has it all: Cape Cod National Seashore beaches where, if you’re willing to walk, you can always find a strip of sand all to yourself; stunning sunsets; a vibrant gallery and restaurant scene; popular whale-watching cruises; and the most eclectic (and at times electric) people-watching of all. (When rain threatens to put a damper on your outdoor activities, check out P-town’s shops, too.) Devotees are passionate about Provincetown; an inspired place to visit off-season, its narrow streets can barely hold the cars in midsummer.

Don’t Miss:

Plan Your Perfect Summer Adventure: Get The Free Ultimate New England Summer Guide!

• Province Lands Bike Trail — This route can take you through nearly eight miles of scenic dunes and pine forests of the Cape, presenting beautiful ocean views along the way.
• Pilgrim Monument — At 252 feet, the Pilgrim Monument is the tallest granite monument in the country. Built between 1907 and 1910 to commemorate the landing of the Mayflower in 1620, it rewards those hardy enough to climb its 116 steps with panoramic views.
• See also: Provincetown Restaurants and Provincetown Hotels & Inns

This is an incomparable beach town. The restaurants are surprisingly sophisticated for a beach destination, the mix of shops is intriguing, and bike paths branch off in every direction to a variety of beaches. Just remember that it takes some organization to get to this island destination (but it’s worth it).

• Nantucket Whaling Museum — The museum’s impressive collection of scrimshaw is housed in a former spermaceti candle factory, recalling the gritty days when Nantucket whalers roamed the world.
• Cisco Brewers — It’s a nonstop party at this dog-and-kid-friendly mini village, where Nantucket’s only craft brewery and its winery and distillery sisters showcase their liquid artistry. Bike the 2.5 miles inland or catch the free seasonal shuttle from downtown, and join locals and tourists who know they’ll find live music and the island’s best food trucks here.
• ’Sconset Bluff Walk — More than just gorgeous ocean views, this admission-free scenic stroll is one of the best ways to admire the island.
• See also: Everything You Need to Know About Nantucket and Nantucket Hotels & Inns

Amble along the sidewalks of this Martha’s Vineyard town, laced with whaling captains’ homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, then take your bike on the two-minute ferry ride over to Chappaquiddick and its Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, a long coastal stretch that you can call home for the rest of the day. If you feel like getting even closer to the sea, the Trustees of Reservations offers guided kayaking tours on Cape Poge and Wasque Reservation waterways.

• Mad Martha’s — Great beach towns need great homemade ice cream, and this is the go-to place for that double-dip cone to enjoy during your stroll over to the docks.
• Cape Poge Natural History Tour — Experience Chappaquiddick Island’s 4-mile barrier beach up close on this three-hour journey by over-sand vehicle, from wave-swept shores populated with oystercatchers and plovers to cedar-covered expanses that shelter small mammals. The highlight? A remote 1893 lighthouse whose history of relocation mirrors the ever-changing landscape.
• See also: Favorite Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard and Martha’s Vineyard Hotel & Inns

Neighboring Gloucester boasts two of the finest beaches on Cape Ann, Good Harbor and Wingaersheek, but you’ll want to spend most of your evening hours in Rockport.  Bearskin Neck , with its collection of boutiques, ice cream shops, and restaurants, juts out into Sandy Bay, ending at a rock jetty. Front Beach , a two-minute walk from Bearskin Neck, will suffice for building sand castles and swimming.

• Shalin Liu Performance Center — For sheer drama, it’s hard to top this classical-music venue whose floor-to-ceiling stage window overlooks the Atlantic.
• Roy Moore Lobster Company — Housed in a diminutive shingled building on the Bearskin Neck waterfront, this may be the friendliest lobster shack anywhere. Order a fresh-made local lobster roll or thick, creamy clam chowder, and dine atop wooden lobster crates on the back deck.
• Motif No. 1 — No visit to Rockport is complete without snapping a photo of this iconic red structure, billed as “the most famous fishing shack in the world.”

You’ll find a quintessential village green here, replete with gazebo and bands playing concerts in summer, surrounded by a good selection of restaurants and shops. Note that parking at some of Chatham’s fine beaches is limited, so go early.

• Chatham Bars Inn — The c. 1914 inn has changed gracefully with the times and is the Cape’s sole surviving (now year-round) grand beachside resort. Book yourself a luxury getaway or enjoy a meal at one of its four restaurants, whose menus are invigorated by produce from the resort’s own eight-acre farm.
• Chatham Pier Fish Market — This busy market on a working pier serves up a chowder — rich with brine and clams, just creamy enough, and never gummy — that’s worthy of a day’s journey from wherever you are. And the lobster roll, which made our list of the 10 Best Lobster Rolls in New England , is also delicious.
• Cape Cod Baseball League — There is no summer league in the world as good as the Cape Cod Baseball League, where collegiate players on the cusp of stardom play on picturesque town fields for free admission. And in the Cape League, there’s no better place to watch a game than in Chatham, no better seat than a lawn chair directly behind the backstop, no better day than the traditional Fourth of July game against Orleans.

One of the larger communities on Cape Cod, Falmouth has both its busy and picturesque sides. If you’re looking for affordable lodging, restaurants that grill fresh seafood perfectly, a fun town center to stroll, an array of beaches, a great bikeway , and easy access (via Route 28 and the Bourne Bridge), follow the Bostonians who have a second home in Falmouth.

• Old Silver Beac h — The pearly-white sand and the warm water of Buzzards Bay (OK, warm by New England standards) make Old Silver Beach one of the highlights of the northern Cape.
• Conant Hous e — Operated by the Falmouth Historical Society, Conant House dates to the mid-1700s and features a collection of sailors’ valentines, scrimshaw, and old tools, as well as an entire room devoted to Falmouth native Katharine Lee Bates, who wrote the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.”

If we were judging beach towns solely on the variety and quality of their beaches, Wellfleet would earn top honors. Its mix of Cape Cod National Seashore beachfront, freshwater ponds, and bayshore and harborside walks is unparalleled. It’s all worth the drive from the small town center.

• Wellfleet Drive-In — Catching a first-run flick at this c. 1957 drive-in is the best kind of old-fashioned summer fun.
• Great Island Trail — Spectacular views highlight this “most difficult” of the Cape Cod National Seashore trails, which is roughly four to nine miles round-trip. Check tide tables, as some sections are submerged during high tide.

The famous gingerbread houses of this Martha’s Vineyard town are set among family-friendly environs packed with T-shirt shops, restaurants of every stripe, and one of the oldest carousels still in operation. If you feel like a dip, grab a bike and head three miles to Joseph Sylvia State Beach , halfway to Edgartown. There, you’ll find the bridge featured in the movie Jaws , now popular with kids who make the plunge to the deep water below.

• Flying Horses Carouse l  — Carved in 1876, the mighty steeds of this Vineyard institution have manes and tails of real hair, yet the real joy for children is the chance to lean over and snag a brass ring.
• Back Door Donuts — If you follow a delicious bakery aroma to a long line of people on a warm summer night, you’ll likely find yourself at the back door of Back Door Donuts. The front bakery-café is open regular hours from mid-April to mid-October, but its “back door” opens from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The pastries are made fresh in classic flavors as well as more adventurous ones (e.g., maple bacon, butternut crunch). And while you’re at it, pick up a few of the perfectly fried, equally sinful apple fritters.
• Camp Meeting Grounds  — In the quiet world of whimsy officially known as the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association Campground, 19th-century homes outlined in painted filigree trim are set within a few feet from one another, looking for all the world like a dollhouse village. Most of the 300-plus “gingerbread” cottages are shuttered during winter, but in warm weather this enchanting community springs to life with walking tours, concerts, visiting speakers, family movie nights, and the famous Grand Illumination lantern festival.
• See also: Favorite Things to Do in Oak Bluffs  and Martha’s Vineyard Hotel & Inns

Newburyport

With a five-mile drive to the beach on  Plum Island  (most of which lies within neighboring Newbury’s boundaries), Newburyport isn’t normally considered a beach town. Yet it’s hard to resist the intriguing collection of bookstores, boutiques, and top-notch restaurants in town after a day at the ocean.

• Bird Watcher’s Supply & Gift  — This shop carries binoculars so that you can see those piping plovers and other Atlantic Flyway birds at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island.
• See also: Favorite Things to Do in Newburyport and Newburyport Hotels & Inns

Spend the morning on  Nauset Beach ’s exquisite length of dune-studded coastline along Cape Cod National Seashore, the afternoon biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail  north past the ponds of Eastham, and the early evening watching a  Cape Cod Baseball League game, with many players who’ll soon find their way to the major leagues.

• Cape Cod Rail Trail — Following a former railroad right-of-way for 22 miles through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet, this path makes for easy biking with its paved surface, minimal hills, and well-marked automobile crossings. An unpaved shoulder on one side accommodates horseback riders, walkers, and runners.
• Nauset Beac h — One of the most popular beaches on the lower Cape, you’ll find body-surfing waves, some big enough to tumble you back to shore.

If all you want is one of Cape Ann ’s beloved sandy strands (Crane Beach) and arguably the best clam shack in New England (the Clam Box), you don’t have to go farther than Ipswich. The rolling country byways outside the town center also offer great road biking past orchards and along creeks.

• Russell Orchards — Pick your own berries and apples at this favorite family farm, then shop for gifts and visit the farm’s bakery and winery in an 1800s barn.
• The Clam Box — Whimsically shaped like its namesake container, this local institution — one of our picks for the 10 Best Fried Clams in New England —has been serving deep-fried seafood since 1935. You won’t find a crispier or more honest-tasting fried clam, so don’t be put off by the long lines.
• Crane Beach — For sheer scenic beauty, no strand in New England can top Crane Beach’s four miles of soft white sand set against a backdrop of undulating dunes, part of a 2,100-acre historic estate overseen by the Trustees of Reservations. Shallows and tidepools call to the kids, while five-plus miles of trails traverse the sand dunes and salt marsh, opening up even more vistas.
• Wolf Hollow — Established in 1990, this nonprofit organization offers a rare opportunity to view gray wolves in as natural a setting as possible. Come see how they interact with their pack members and live in a social unit very similar to that of human families.

With a thriving town center and historic sites galore, including  Plimoth Plantation  and the  Mayflower II , Plymouth has all the makings of a premier beach town, though you’ll need to do a little driving to get to the beach part. A few miles southeast toward the village of Manomet lie the soft white sands of White Horse Beach; head out there early, as public parking is limited and you might have to grab a spot on a side street. Plymouth Long Beach is closer to town, but a bit rocky.

• Plimoth Patuxet — Thanks to its re-creation of a 17th-century English village and its Wampanoag Homesite (populated not by reenactors but by members of the Wampanoag Nation and other Indigenous peoples), Plimoth Patuxet (formerly known as Plimoth Plantation) provides an immersive, 360-degree view of history. And there’s no better time to experience it than 2020, as the museum celebrates both the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ landing and the return of the Mayflower II  after a landmark multiyear restoration.
• Native Plymouth Tours — An interesting companion to a Plimoth Patuxet visit, these tours present the Native American slant on New England’s first English colony from a guide steeped in the ways of the Wampanoag.
• See also: Favorite Things to Do in Plymouth

What Massachusetts beach towns would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

This post was adapted from a 2012 Yankee feature by Steve Jermanok. For more, see his expanded list of the 25 Best Beach Towns in New England , including  how he chose the best .

10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England

10 best summer road trips in new england, 10 best seaside inns in new england.

Yankee Editors

9 of The Best Coastal Towns in Massachusetts

Posted on Published: 12/15/2023

Massachusetts is a small coastal state, located on the East Coast of the United States in New England. While it’s relatively small compared to other states in the US, it has a substantial amount of coastline, along with some great coastal towns. These gorgeous towns offer lovely beaches, beautiful views, fantastic restaurants, and more. Read about eight of the best coastal towns in Massachusetts.

This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you. All opinions are my own.

9 of The Most Beautiful and Best Coastal Towns in Massachusetts That You Absolutely Have to Visit

Massachusetts has several coastal regions, despite being a small state. The North Shore of Boston is the area north of Boston up to the New Hampshire border. The South Shore is the area south of Boston, to Cape Cod. Finally, Cape Cod is the cape bordered by the Cape Cod Canal. Along the coast, Massachusetts shares borders with Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

Because of the size of the state, it’s relatively easy to include multiple coastal towns , including Boston, in your family vacation plans. To do that, you’ll probably want to fly into Boston’s Logan Airport and then rent a car for your road trip.

If you are hoping to visit the beautiful beaches, you’ll want to visit in the summer months. July and August are the peak season and the warmer months, although it can be nice in the late spring, or early fall. Cape Cod especially has many restaurants and shops that are only open seasonally. While you are visiting Massachusetts, be sure to try a delicious lobster roll , oysters, fried clams, homemade ice cream, and other local specialties.

You’ll notice that while many of these destinations have hotels, motels, and inns, there aren’t a lot of large chain hotels in these Massachusetts coastal towns. In addition to local hotels and resorts, vacation home rentals are popular.

Located on Cape Cod, Chatham is the quintessential Cape Cod town. This quaint and preppy town is bustling in the summer months, with lots of tourists visiting the various attractions, restaurants, and shops. Chatham is a popular destination. A few of the highlights include:

• The Chatham Lighthouse
• The Chatham Fish Pier, where you can see harbor seals playing in the water
• Chatham’s town center offers a row of shops including local favorites and small chains
• Chatham Orpheum Theater
• Chatham Shark Center
• Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Where to stay: One of the most popular family resorts in Chatham is the waterfront and luxurious Chatham Bars Inn .

If you are looking for a fun, classic beach vacation, Yarmouth (including the villages of South Yarmouth, Yarmouthport, and West Yarmouth), is a great option. It offers several beautiful beaches including Smugglers Beach, Seagull Beach, and Gray’s Beach (which has a beautiful boardwalk over a salt marsh). This is the type of destination where you can play mini golf and get ice cream in the evenings after a long beach day.

Yarmouth is also centrally located on the mid-Cape, so you can do all sorts of Cape Cod day trips right from your home base. It’s the perfect place to stay, with easy access to the other Cape Cod towns.

Activities in Yarmouth (in addition to the beaches) include:

• The Whydah Pirate Museum
• The Cape Cod Inflatable Park
• The Cape Cod Baseball League
• Ice Cream shops, including Cape Cod Creamery
• Bike paths, including the Cape Cod Rail Trail

There are several great family resorts and hotels in Yarmouth. Many are located within a short walk to the beach. Here are some of the most popular:

• Red Jacket Beach Resort
• Ocean Club on Smuggler’s Beach
• Red Jacket Riviera Beach Resort
• The Escape Inn

Provincetown

Located at the tip of Cape Cod is Provincetown, a vibrant coastal community with great shops, restaurants, entertainment, beaches, and more. Provincetown is a bit of a drive from Boston, although there are seasonal ferries that can make it a shorter trip . I prefer to stay mid-Cape and take a trip to Provincetown for the day, but you can also choose to stay there.

Summer visitors to Provincetown can enjoy the following activities:

• Beaches – the Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point Beach, and more.
• The Pilgrim Monument
• Provincetown Museum
• Whale Watching
• Shopping and dining on Commercial Street

Hotels with great reviews include:

• Surfside Hotel and Suites
• Breakwater Hotel

Gloucester, located on the North Shore on Cape Ann, is one of my favorite places to visit in Massachusetts . Known as the setting for movies such as The Perfect Storm and CODA, Gloucester is a fishing community with some of the best beaches.

Things to do in Gloucester include:

• Beaches, including Wingaersheek Beach and Good Harbor Beach
• Deep sea fishing
• Stage Fort Park

Well-rated hotels and inns in Gloucester include the following:

• The Ocean House Hotel
• Beauport Hotel
• Atlantis Oceanfront Inn

Located right next to Gloucester is Rockport, another fishing community. Rockport offers a quaint downtown area, called Bearskin Neck, where you’ll find shops and restaurants, as well as beautiful views. Rockport is one of my favorite Massachusetts towns. It’s not as tourist as the Cape Cod towns, although it still is very busy in the summer months.

Rockport offers the following activities:

• Sightseeing (don’t miss the beautiful and iconic Motif #1, a red fishing shack
• Halibut Point State Park
• The Paper House

Plays to stay in Rockport include the following:

• Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge
• Rockport Inn and Suites

While Salem is most popular as the home of the Salem Witch Trials, it’s also a gorgeous coastal town where you can enjoy shopping, waterfront dining, historic sites, and more. Unless you are specifically at Salem to celebrate Halloween, I recommend that you visit in the summer months, and not in October. Salem gets extremely busy in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Activities in Salem include:

• Salem Heritage Trail
• Peabody Essex Museum
• Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• The House of the Seven Gables
• The Salem Witch Museum
• Walking Tours

Here are some popular places to stay:

• Hawthorne Hotel
• Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites  (the only hotel with a pool in Salem)
• The Hotel Salem

Martha’s Vineyard: Oak Bluffs and Edgartown

Martha’s Vineyard is one of the two Massachusetts resort islands located off the coast of Cape Cod. The only way to get there is either by ferry or airplane, but the island of Martha’s Vineyard is a very popular vacation destination in the summer months. You’ll want to visit in the summer, but keep in mind that it can get very busy.

Oak Bluffs is a beautiful town offering seasonal ferry service to mainland Massachusetts. It’s also a great place to walk around, shop, and eat. Oak Bluffs is probably most known for the adorable gingerbread cottages on the streets, as well as the Flying Horses Carousel in the center.

Another popular coastal town on Martha’s Vineyard is Edgartown. It offers some great restaurants and shops in a very walkable downtown.

Activities include:

• Joseph Sylvia State Beach
• Day trip to   Chappaquiddick Island
• Shopping downtown
• Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are traveling to Martha’s Vineyard during peak season, you must book your ferry transportation early. During the busy season, they can fill up – especially the car ferries.

Like the rest of the towns on this list, there aren’t a lot of chain hotels on Martha’s Vineyard. Here are some popular local options:

• Harbor View Hotel
• Winnetu Oceanside Resort
• The Harborside Inn

Ipswich is a small town located on the North Shore of Massachusetts. It’s known for its clams, so you’ll want to get some during your visit. It also has some great beaches and other places to visit.

You can combine a trip to Ipswich with visits to Rockport and Gloucester if you’d like to do a coastal North Shore day trip . Here are some of the things you can see there:

• The Crane Estate (including Crane Beach)
• Eat at the iconic Clam Box (which is actually shaped like a fried clam box)
• Russell Orchards

As a smaller town, Ipswich offers mostly inns and bed and breakfasts. When traveling with a family, we recommend staying at a hotel in a nearby town.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you like seafood, you have to try some of the most popular seafood specialties, including lobster rolls, oysters, clam chowder, and fried clams.

If you are flying into Massachusetts for your vacation, you’ll want to rent a car. It’s pretty essential to get around.

While Boston is the most obvious answer, other airports are nearby. These include Worchester Regional Airport, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, the Cape Cod Gateway Airport, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

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

• Senior Living
• Wedding Experts
• Private Schools
• Home Design Experts
• Real Estate Agents
• Mortgage Professionals
• Find a Private School
• 50 Best Restaurants
• Be Well Boston
• Find a Dentist
• Find a Doctor
• Guides & Advice
• Best of Boston Weddings
• Find a Wedding Expert
• Real Weddings
• Bubbly Brunch Event
• Properties & News
• Find a Home Design Expert
• Find a Real Estate Agent
• Find a Mortgage Professional
• Real Estate
• Home Design
• Best of Boston Home
• Arts & Entertainment
• Boston magazine Events
• Latest Winners
• Best of Boston Soirée
• NEWSLETTERS

If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. If you're a scraper, please click the link below :-) Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours.

12 of the Prettiest Lighthouses to Visit in Massachusetts

From the north shore to the tip of the Cape, take a trip to one of these picturesque coastal lights.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

Gay Head Lighthouse Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Lighthouses were first built to prevent seafarers from crashing into dangerous rock formations and cliffsides (as was tragically commonplace in the early 1800s), and signaled to captains and their crew that land was up ahead. Each one had a distinct blinking pattern that not only warned of perilous land formations, but also allowed ships to determine their location (although, now that the GPS is commonplace, the light patterns aren’t as crucial as they once were). The coast of Massachusetts, from the Cape to the north shore, has long had an abundance of maritime traffic—and thankfully more than two dozen lighthouses that still stand today to guide those ships.

While many of those lighthouses are still active in the maritime industry, they’ve also become notable tourist destinations over the years for travelers interested in their history and scenic appearance (just count the lighthouses you can spot while browsing an art museum). Each one has a lengthy history—having been rebuilt, remodeled, and even moved over the course of the last two centuries. Many have nearly fallen victim to eroding cliffs and bluffs, but have been rescued, often multiple times, and relocated further inland by heavy machinery. Some have ghost stories to go along with them, and a handful can be toured, climbed, and explored. So whether you’re staying close to Boston or venturing out for a weekend-long road trip, these twelve lighthouses from the north shore to the tip of the Cape are well worth the visit.

Annisquam Lighthouse, Gloucester

Built in 1801 at the entrance of the Annisquam River, the area’s namesake lighthouse is now manned by the US Coast Guard. The 41-foot tower sits on private property, with (unfortunately) no public access. However, it can be easily admired from afar. Head to Wingaersheek Beach for the day and you can see the white brick lighthouse sitting across the river. Or, you can see it from the ocean—as it was meant to be seen —on a boat ride or harbor cruise around Cape Ann. (You can also get a US Lighthouse Society passport stamped along the way).

Rte 127/Washington Street, Annisquam, Gloucester

Boston Lighthouse, Little Brewster Island, Boston

Boston Light is the oldest continually used and manned lighthouse in the country. Constructed in 1716, it was the first to be built in the colonies. Although it was destroyed by the British during the Revolutionary War, and has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times since, the present tower is still a quintessential symbol of coastal New England. It’s located just off the coast of Boston on Little Brewster Island—but that means a boat is required to see it. If you don’t have your own vessel, you can take a two-hour Boston Harbor Lighthouse Cruise around the outer islands instead (and see two other lighthouses along the way).

191 W Atlantic Ave., Boston; 617-223-8108, bostonharborislands.org

Chatham Light, Chatham

One of the dozens of lighthouses scattered across the Cape’s coastline, the historic Chatham Light is a well-known Cape landmark. Because of cliff erosion (which has significantly affected many other Cape lighthouses, too) Chatham Light has undergone a series of renovations, replacements, and even relocations since its 1808 construction. Originally built as a pair of lighthouses (called the “Twin Lights”), in 1879 the south tower fell off the cliff onto the beach below, after powerful storms left it sitting only 27 feet from the cliff’s edge. The north tower lasted for a bit longer, only to be reconstructed inland (where it stands today) in the years following the south tower’s demise. Tours of the current reconstructed tower are offered weekly (but are currently suspended due to COVID-19).

37 Main St., Chatham

Eastern Point Lighthouse, Gloucester

This 36-foot lighthouse has overlooked Gloucester Harbor since 1832, when it was built to prevent the dozens of shipwrecks that happened off the coast. It gained additional notoriety after the film “The Perfect Storm” brought a local tragedy to national attention. The film, which stars Mark Wahlberg and George Clooney, dramatizes the sinking of the Andrea Gail, a ship that set out from the harbor, only to be caught in the center of a hurricane-strength storm. The ship was lost at sea and the crew was never recovered, and scenes from the movie were filmed at the lighthouse. Although it can’t be accessed directly, it can be admired from the nearby Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary (or in the movie, of course).

Eastern Point Boulevard, Gloucester, 978-887-9264

Edgartown Harbor Light, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard

Just a short walk from Edgartown and a stone’s throw from the aptly named Lighthouse Beach, Edgartown Light is a tourist hub. Originally, it was just a two story house with a lantern on top. But in 1938 it was replaced by a 45-foot tall lighthouse tower, transported from Crane Beach in Ipswich. After Edgartown residents rejected the city’s plans for a bare-bones skeleton lighthouse structure (made of metal and not as pleasing to the eye), the Crane tower was moved to the Vineyard by barge in 1938 and reassembled on its current site in Edgartown harbor. The lighthouse is currently open for visitors, and you can take the spiral staircase to the top to enjoy the views of Chappaquiddick Island and a panoramic seascape. If you’re afraid of heights, the grounds and the area surrounding the lighthouse are worth the trip as well.

121 North Water St., Edgartown, mvmuseum.org

Gay Head Light, Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard

In 2015, Gay Head Light was saved from falling off the edge of the Aquinnah Cliffs after erosion caused the cliffs to deteriorate dangerously close to the tower, and was ultimately moved over 100 feet inland. The lighthouse has sat atop the famous multi-colored cliffs since it was constructed in 1799, when the light wasn’t electrical, but a candle submerged in sperm whale oil. It’s also the site of a noted ghostly encounter, after a ship floated ashore in 1804 with no captain or crew—only cargo, and no owners were ever found. It’s one of the island’s busiest spots during tourist season, so make sure to get there early if you want to take a trip to the top without too big of a crowd.

15 Aquinnah Circle, at the end of Lighthouse Road, Aquinnah, gayheadlight.org

Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Highland Lighthouse, Truro

Built in 1797, the Highland Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the Cape — but the current 66-foot tower isn’t the original structure that was built there. It was rebuilt in 1831, rebuilt again in 1857, and then moved in 1996 when significant erosion left it sitting dangerously close to the water below. The 430-ton lighthouse was then lifted and moved back more than 450 feet to a safer, more inland location. The interior of the Highland Light is closed for renovations until 2022, when visitors can once again climb the 69-step, five-story staircase to the top.

27 Highland Light Road, North Truro, highlandlighthouse.org

Photo by Brian Walker/Getty Images

Minots Ledge Light, Scituate

Sitting all alone in the middle of the water, Minots Ledge Light is perhaps the most interesting lighthouse in MA. Just a mile off the coast of Scituate, the grey stone tower rises straight out of the waves, anchored directly into the large rock formation below it. Minots Ledge has been dubbed the “I-Love-You” light, and considered one of the most romantic lighthouses in the country, for its signature 1-4-3 flash cycle (a shorthand for the three-word phrase). But it’s also rumored to be very, very haunted, specifically by the ghosts of the men who perished when the lighthouse collapsed during a storm in 1851. There’s no shortage of ghostly sightings and unexplainable phenomena reported by those viewing the lighthouse on a stormy night. Needless to say, this light is closed for visitors, but you can still view it from the surrounding water (if you dare).

Off the coast of Scituate and Cohasset

Nauset Light, Eastham

Eastham’s Nauset Light can arguably boast the most turbulent history of all the lighthouses in the state. In the early 1800s, the light station was completed with three separate towers (nicknamed “The Three Sisters”). But because of coastal erosion, the towers were dismantled, moved, or replaced three times before 1930. By 1996, only one tower remained, and sat only 35 feet from the edge of the cliff, before being moved 300 feet to safety (that same year, it was adopted by Cape Cod Potato Chips as the iconic light pictured on every bag). While tours are temporarily suspended, you can climb to the top of the light tower for free once it reopens.

120 Nauset Light Beach Road, Eastham, nausetlight.org

Photo by lucky-photographer/Getty Images

Nobska Light, Falmouth

In 1828, the property on which the Nobska Light stands was purchased for $160, and a wooden tower was built to house the keeper’s quarters and the light itself. In the 1870s, the current 40-foot tall cast iron lighthouse replaced the wooden one (and is, thankfully, much more durable). Up until the early 1970s, the lighthouse was operated by a civilian keeper, who lived on the property and manned the electrified light. Interior tours of the lighthouse tower are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so you can climb the spiral staircase and take in the surrounding views from the top.

233 Nobska Road, Woods Hole, Falmouth, friendsofnobska.org

Race Point Lighthouse, Provincetown

Getting to the lighthouse requires quite a hike (four miles round trip, to be exact) through soft sand and sea grass. But the trail goes along the picturesque seashore, and the view makes it significantly less taxing. Although tours have been cancelled for the 2021 season, they’re typically offered on the first and third Saturdays of the month from June-October. Plan your day with enough time to walk there and back—or, if you have an ATV, you can take that down the path instead. (Plus, pre- and post-COVID, the Keeper’s House at the lighthouse is also open for overnight stays).

Race Point Road, Provincetown, racepointlighthouse.org

Sankaty Head Light, Siasconset, Nantucket

The Sankaty Head Lighthouse, a picture-perfect red-and-white-striped tower on the east edge of Nantucket, sits on a 7-acre stretch of bluff perfect for exploring. Bring your dog, pack, and picnic, and try to go on one of the two days a year the lighthouse is open for climbing. The best way to visit the light? On the Sconset Bluffs Walk, widely regarded as the most beautiful stroll on the island. The picturesque public footpath takes you from downtown Sconset to the Sankaty Head Light, right along the bluffs and behind lavish oceanfront homes.

122 Baxter Road, Siasconset, Nantucket, sconsettrust.org

A New England Traveler’s Guide to Naples, Florida

10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine

30 Places to Eat and Drink on the Cape and the Islands in 2024

16 Restaurants Worth the Drive to Portland, Maine

Our guide to the 12 best restaurants on nantucket, boston’s downtown real estate is collapsing. this is ominous., who is “free karen read” blogger aidan “turtleboy” kearney, portland’s sea bags sets sail with sustainable style, in this section.

These 10 Charming Waterfront Towns In Massachusetts Are Perfect For A Daytrip

Massachusetts native. Freelance writer and strawberry eater.

More by this Author

We here in Massachusetts are fortunate enough to have the benefits of beautiful inland landscapes and gorgeous coastal regions. You never have to travel too far in the Bay State to reach a lovely waterfront town. Here are some of our favorite spots to explore, shop and kick back right on the water.

Related Stories

My Weekend In Salem, MA Is Not Complete Without A Stop At Goodnight Fatty

You’ll Fall In Love With The Stunning Waterfall Hiding Along This Breathtaking Massachusetts Trail

Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Massachusetts

These waterfront towns are sure to charm you into a second visit. If you love gorgeous Massachusetts scenery, be sure to check out these scenic overlooks that will give you a breathtaking view over the Bay State landscape.

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

• The Gorgeous, Little-Known Lake Chauncy Is One Of The Most Underrated Fishing Spots In Massachusetts
• We Wandered Off-The-Beaten-Path And Discovered This Scenic Park In Massachusetts
• These Four Quirky Airbnbs In Massachusetts Are Exceptional In Every Sense Of The Word
• I've Lived In Massachusetts For More Than 25 Years And I've Never Had A Boston Cream Pie
• These 9 Caribbean Vacation Destinations Are An Easy Plane Ride From The U.S.
• Hand-Picked: 15 Father's Day Gifts For Dads Who Love To Travel
• 12 Camping Must-Haves That Will Make Your Next Road Trip A Breeze
• We’re Dreaming Of A Waterfront Getaway And We Found 12 Perfect Spots In The Northeast

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

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

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)

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

1620 Winery

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

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

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

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

Southwick’s Zoo

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

W. Russell Blake Planetarium

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

Plymouth planetarium provides perfect evening for star-gazers

The Steamship Authority

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

Boston from the Sidewalk

History of Boston on Display Along This Walk to the Sea

Old Italy Flavors at Caffe Vittoria

Beautiful Marsh Welcomes Walkers

Walking Trails Criss-Cross This Beautiful Island

Antiques Are Plentiful at This Cambridge Market

Here Lies Hawthorne

Books, Soft Chairs, and a River View

Bridge of Flowers Is Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen

Find Contemporary Art and Advice from an Expert

Prowl for Fashionable Objects of the Past

Riverwalk Is an Urban Treat

Broadmoor Offers Broad Variety

Stroll Charming Downtown Gloucester

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

Fruitlands Is Home to four Fascinating Museums

A Garden Shop Like a Roman Piazza

Tuck in to Truro for Wine and Spirits Tastings

Out in the Woods, in Sight of Boston

Johnny Appleseed Trail Through Picturesque Towns

Artist Colony Is Vibrant in Gloucester

Come Aboard Old Ironsides

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

Pittsfield Hops with Shopping and Browsing Fun

Kids Love to Explore ‘the Olden Days’

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 4, 2024

The Berkshires

Martha's vineyard.

• Complete List & Map

Where to stay: Brook Farm Inn

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.

Good to know: Best Time to Visit Nantucket

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

12 Best Overwater Hotel Pools

10 Best Places to Visit in Boston

25 Best Things to Do in Cambridge, Massachusetts

• --> Conclusion

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

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts

By Carl Austin · Last updated on February 4, 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

Massachusetts Travel Video

Share this post:.

17 Best Beaches in Massachusetts

25 Best Places to Visit in the USA

12 Best Cities in Massachusetts You Should Visit

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Boston

33 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts

Where to Stay in Cape Cod: 10 Top Destinations

16 Best Things to do in Salem, MA

14 Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard

12 Best Places to Visit in Cape Cod

16 Best Things to do in Nantucket, Massachusetts

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 .

The best places to visit in Massachusetts for history, beaches and witches

Jul 31, 2022 • 7 min read

Any list of great places to visit in Massachusetts starts with historic and photogenic Boston © Opla / Getty Images

For a small state,  Massachusetts punches far above its weight for its place in American history and culture.

Given the state’s outsize contributions to the arts, science, technology, sports and politics, it’s jam-packed with memorable sites, top-tier educational institutions and world-class museums. It’s also beautiful, from the wave-pounded Atlantic coast to the forest-covered Berkshires to vibrant cities and charming small towns.

Massachusetts’ compact nature makes it easy to explore, yet it would be impossible to do everything the state has to offer . Depending on your time and interests, you could make a grand sweep through the state, sampling its diverse regions or pick a hub to explore in depth. However you proceed, these are the best places to visit in Massachusetts.

Start in Boston, with museums, sports and urban nature 

From the Freedom Trail to Fenway Park , the Italian food of the North End to the Venetian palazzo–style Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , Boston ’s attractions are legendary. 

A hub of American history that’s infused with a passion for sports and the arts, Boston brims with character. Next to the city’s iconic sites, diverse neighborhoods and artistic and architectural treasures are lesser-known attractions like the Boston Harbor Islands , a mix of history and nature, and the Black Heritage Trail , which provides insight into Boston’s 19th-century Black community.

Enjoy intellectual pursuits and diverse dining in Cambridge

A multicultural city with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, Cambridge is home to two of the country’s most prestigious institutions of higher education, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University .  

Though you can’t “pahk ya cah in Hahvahd Yahd,” you can stroll across its leafy quads, explore the excellent campus museums and soak in the intellectual atmosphere.

Further west,  Mt Auburn Cemetery contains the graves of dozens of famous figures such as Clement Morgan (founder of the NAACP), Eleanor Porter (author of Pollyanna ) and Joyce Chen (restaurateur and TV personality). Mt Auburn is also a magnet for bird-watchers, especially during the spring migration. 

Get witchy with it in Salem

Best known for the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem draws crowds with its witch-related attractions. Yet this small and charming city has much more to offer.

Visit the Salem Maritime National Historical Park to learn about its past as a leading 18th- and 19th-century seaport. And be sure to explore the outstanding Peabody Essex Museum , a treasure trove of objects seafarers brought back from far corners of the world.

Don’t miss the House of the Seven Gables , which dates from 1668 and inspired one of Salem-born author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s best-known novels. And for more historic architecture, wander through the McIntire District, filled with well-preserved homes spanning 400 years of building styles. 

Admire the scenic coastline of Cape Ann

Located in the northeastern part of the state, Cape Ann has an identity intimately tied to the sea: think beautiful beaches, great seafood – the fried clam was invented in Essex – scenic harbors and lighthouses and coastal parks. Founded in 1623, the city of Gloucester is the oldest fishing port in the United States and a top whale-watching destination, with tours operating from April to October. 

Along the harbor, the gripping Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial and Fishermen’s Wives Memorial honors those lost to the sea over the centuries, as well as the strong women who kept families and the community going. 

Seek out revolutionary and literary landmarks in historic Middlesex County

The peaceful, affluent suburbs northwest of Boston may not look like hotbeds of revolution now, but they played an integral role in shaping the USA . Dozens of sites in Lexington, Lincoln and Concord commemorate the dramatic events of April 19, 1775, when armed clashes between British regulars and Colonial militiamen sparked the American Revolutionary War. Concord was also the home of several prominent 19th-century American authors, including such luminaries as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau. 

Further north, Lowell’s textile mills and factories were at the heart of a different revolution: the Industrial Revolution. A host of significant locations are preserved in Lowell National Historical Park , including the Boott Cotton Mills Museum , where visitors can recreate working in a weave room in the 1920s. 

Plymouth is best for early colonial history

The city of Plymouth is made for US history buffs. Climb aboard the Mayflower II , a full-scale replica of the original ship that brought the first English colonists to Massachusetts’ shores in 1620.

And don’t forget Plymouth Rock, the famous (if rather underwhelming) boulder that the Pilgrims supposedly landed. The Pilgrim Hall Museum houses original artifacts from the early settlement, including personal possessions like a cradle, cupboards, a razor kit and one silk shoe.   

At the Plimouth Patuxet Museums , costumed interpreters bring the past to life at four sites, including a 17th-century English village and a Wampanoag Native American home site. 

Find glorious beaches and classic summer fun in Cape Cod 

Cape Cod calls up images of sandy dunes, long curves of beach, picturesque lighthouses , cranberry bogs and kettle ponds. 

Much of the outer Cape is protected as the Cape Cod National Seashore and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities and wildlife spotting. Nature lovers will also love the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and its trails through woodland and salt marsh, and Nickerson State Park , with its campgrounds and swimming areas.

Make a preppy getaway to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket

South of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket  are islands containing quaint towns, gingerbread-style wood houses, intriguing museums, lovely beaches, lighthouses and wildlife refuges. It’s no wonder many well-known artists, authors and even a few US presidents have found comfort among the sweeping dunes on these islands. 

Their permanent populations swell significantly in summer (the high season) with the influx of seasonal residents and short-term visitors. Book lodging – and ferry tickets, if you want to bring a car – well in advance.

Feast on seafood and seafaring history in New Bedford

Situated on the shore of Buzzards Bay, New Bedford is called “the city that lit the world” for its central role in the 19th-century whaling industry. The New Bedford Whaling Museum and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park explore this past and such other topics as natural history, conservation, immigration, cultural diversity and New Bedford’s important role as an abolitionist hub on the Underground Railroad. 

If whaling’s not your thing, New Bedford is also home to the well-presented Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum , a thriving arts community and the largest Portuguese-speaking population in the USA. The city teems with seafood restaurants and hosts the world’s largest Portuguese cultural festival, the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament . 

Worcester is great for families 

Worcester is New England’s second-largest city, and its attractions include the excellent Worcester Art Museum , the family-friendly EcoTarium , a thriving craft brewery scene and the minor-league Worcester Red Sox baseball team.  

West of the city is the Old Sturbridge Village , a recreated 1830s New England town filled with more than 40 restored buildings spread over 200 acres. Re-enactors teach the history of the village and the roles everyday folks played in it.  Moore State Park , located in Paxon and northwest of Worcester, is an 18th-century mill village on 400 acres filled with trails for hiking, cross country skiing and hunting. 

The Berkshires offer endless outdoor adventures

In westernmost Massachusetts, The Berkshires enchant with a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions and year-round outdoor recreation. 

The region hosts world-class performing arts events in warmer months like the Tanglewood Music Festival , Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival and Williamstown Theatre Festival . Art lovers won’t want to miss the Norman Rockwell Museum , the Clark Art Institute or Mass MoCA . 

The many interesting historic houses in the region include the birthplaces of activists Susan B. Anthony and W.E.B. DuBois, the homes of authors Edith Wharton and Herman Melville, and Naumkeag , a Gilded Age mansion and gardens. 

With the arrival of autumn, glorious fall foliage cloaks the hills and mountains, drawing leaf peepers galore, followed by winter-sports enthusiasts as soon as there’s enough snow.

Soak in the college-town vibes of the Pioneer Valley

A creative spirit flourishes along the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts, a region with numerous top-notch educational institutions and museums surrounded by gorgeous scenery. In Amherst, highlights include the home of poet Emily Dickinson and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art . 

In Springfield, The Amazing World of Dr Seuss celebrates the city’s most famous native son, while the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an essential stop for fans of the sport invented here in 1891.

Stop in Historic Deerfield Village  for a taste of 18th-century life or visit Dinosaur Footprints for a trip much farther back in time. Stroll across the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, then take to one of the region’s many excellent hiking trails boasting panoramic views of verdant mountains, farmland and the winding river.

Explore related stories

Jun 7, 2024 • 11 min read

Nothing says summer in the USA like heading to the lake. We asked our writers to share their favorite lakes in the country.

Jun 5, 2024 • 5 min read

Jun 4, 2024 • 7 min read

May 24, 2024 • 6 min read

May 20, 2024 • 4 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

May 5, 2024 • 5 min read

15 Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated May 13, 2023

The sheer variety of experiences and tourist attractions in Massachusetts will astonish you. Boston itself combines the vibrancy of a modern university town and commercial city with treasured historic sights. Plymouth preserves - and recreates - the experience of New England's earliest settlers. Throughout the state, you can visit the homes and studios of some of America's most beloved writers and artists: Louisa May Alcott, Thoreau, Whistler, Longfellow, Melville, Norman Rockwell, and Daniel Chester French.

But the places to visit in Massachusetts are not all about culture and history. Whether you head for the ski trails of the rolling Berkshires in the west or the long white sands of Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard , Massachusetts is about kicking back and having a good time, too. Plan your trip with our list of the best places to visit in Massachusetts.

2. Cape Cod

3. cambridge, 4. nantucket and martha's vineyard, 5. salem and cape ann, 7. lexington, 8. plymouth, 9. the southern berkshires, 10. mohawk trail and the northern berkshires, 11. worcester and old sturbridge village, 12. new bedford and fall river, 13. amherst and the pioneer valley, 15. newburyport and plum island, map of places to visit in massachusetts.

From the Brahmin bastion of Beacon Hill and the historic sights of the famed Freedom Trail , to the world-class art museums , "The Hub" has something for everyone. Whether your passion is fine art, ethnic neighborhoods, Americana, antiques, seafood, modern architecture, black history, music, the Revolution, technology, bookstores, boats, brownstones, boutiques, or baked beans, you'll find it here.

Tourists interested in history can start their tour of the Freedom Trail at Boston Common , where you can get self-guided tour information or sign up for a tour led by a costumed interpreter at the Visitor Center . Highlights of the tour are the State House , Old South Meeting House , Paul Revere House , Old North Church , and Bunker Hill Monument . Tourists can also explore areas like the North End , a walkable neighborhood that is home to many historic sites (and several excellent pastry shops).

Boston is a great city for families, offering plenty of attractions that interest all ages . The Waterfront district is a great place to start, home to the New England Aquarium and the Christopher Columbus Park . The famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace is only a five-minute walk from here, offering a huge range of dining options, including a food hall, as well as tons of shops and cart vendors. Families also love the Boston Museum of Science , home to a planetarium, IMAX, and many interactive exhibits.

Younger kids always adore the Boston Children's Museum , which is full of activities and playful learning, and any summer visit with kids needs to include a ride on the Swan Boats in the beautiful Boston Public Garden .

Reaching out into the Atlantic south of Boston, Cape Cod is the city's summer playground, with miles and miles of white-sand beaches and picturesque towns filled with tourist attractions and amusements.

For active travelers, the Cape offers sailing, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and miles of cycling and walking trails. Nature lovers find bird-filled salt marshes, and whales to watch in the nearby waters of Stellwagen Banks. The seafood is legendary, and in the fall, entire landscapes are red with cranberries.

A 40-mile stretch of Cape Cod's eastern coast is set aside as Cape Cod National Seashore , its perfect dune-backed beaches, woodlands of Atlantic white cedar, and bird nesting grounds networked by miles of hiking paths. At the outer tip of the cape is lively Provincetown , known for its inclusive atmosphere and thriving arts scene, including live drag shows during the summer. Tourists also venture to the far end of the cape to see the impressive dune system.

Although part of Boston's metropolitan area and connected by a single transit system, Cambridge is a separate city. And within it are two premier universities whose campuses feel like cities of their own. Harvard is the country's oldest institution of higher education, dating from 1636, only 16 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. The campus, which you can tour free with a lively student guide, is centered in Harvard Yard , right at Harvard Square .

Adjacent are the outstanding Harvard Art Museums , in a building designed by Renzo Piano, and farther on is the complex housing the equally prestigious Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology; Mineralogical Museum; and the Botanical Museum, housing the famous collection of glass flowers.

The 150-acre Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus is an open-air art gallery, with sculptures by artists that include Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Jacques Lipchitz, and Auguste Rodin. Discover these with the help of a campus map, as you stroll among buildings designed by some of the greatest names in modern, postmodern, and contemporary architecture: Frank Gehry, Alvar Aalto, I. M. Pei, and Eero Saarinen, among others.

South of Cape Cod and easy to reach by ferries, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard offer sandy beaches and the relaxed pace of island life. Nantucket is a 15-mile-long island only 30 miles south of Cape Cod. Between 1740 and 1830, more than 125 whaling ships called Nantucket their home port, making it the world center for the whaling industry.

You can discover more about whaling, whales, and the ships and seamen who hunted them, at the Nantucket Whaling Museum , filled with ship models, scrimshaw, whaling equipment, fascinating logbooks, and the skeleton of a 43-foot sperm whale. Elsewhere on the island are chic shops and restaurants, beaches, and miles of quiet lanes and walking trails.

One of the most relaxing places in Massachusetts is laid-back Martha's Vineyard , only five miles from Cape Cod, but light years away in atmosphere. Its gentle landscapes are covered in farms and six villages, each with its own year-round local life. Some of its miles of beaches are beneath scenic sand bluffs. The appealing town of Oak Bluffs preserves rows of little 19th-century "gingerbread" cottages, built when it was a Methodist Camp meeting site; don't miss the historic merry-go-round, the Flying Horses Carousel .

• Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Nantucket

North of Boston, and less visited than Cape Cod, Cape Ann is known for the picturesque fishing harbor at Rockport , and the working port of Gloucester. But in-the-know travelers come here for its beautiful and uncrowded beaches, its thriving art colonies, and the idyllic little towns of antique-filled historic homes .

Salem was the hub of the China Trade, and once one of the major ports on the East Coast, and its streets today are still lined by stately homes built for sea captains and prosperous merchants. It has literary connections as the birthplace and home of Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the added historic appeal of the infamous Salem Witch Trials -a grim history that Salem has turned into several tourist attractions.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Salem and Cape Ann

Although Concord was of major importance in the struggle for independence - it was here that the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired at North Bridge on April 19, 1775 - it is as well-known for the transcendentalists . This remarkable group of writers and philosophers who lived and worked here included writers Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and Henry David Thoreau, and they created some of their most famous works here.

You can visit the Alcott's Orchard House , preserved in its original state, where Louisa set her semi-autobiographical novel Little Women . Walden Pond , immortalized in Henry David Thoreau's writings, is part of a 411-acre nature preserve with a replica of his cabin.

For an overview of Concord's Revolutionary history and literary legacy visit the excellent Concord Museum , where you'll find Native American artifacts, Thoreau's snowshoes and furniture, Ralph Waldo Emerson's study, and the original lantern that signaled Paul Revere, along with collections of 17th- to 19th-century decorative arts and furniture.

Northwest of Boston is Lexington, where the first shots in the War of Independence took place on April 19, 1775. A Minuteman statue by sculptor Henry Hudson Kitson and a monument mark Battle Green, where colonial militia members (called the Minutemen for their ability to get ready for battle in a minute's notice) clashed with British troops.

Minutemen and their commander, Captain Parker, gathered in the 1710 Buckman Tavern before confronting the British, and its interior, preserved as it would have been in the 18th century, is complete with the original seven-foot-wide taproom fireplace. The old front door still contains British musket-ball holes.

Munroe Tavern , built in the early 1690s, became a field hospital for the wounded and contains period artifacts and furniture. The Hancock-Clarke House contains period furniture of the Clarke family and Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Pilgrims fleeing religious persecution in Britain arrived in Plymouth in 1620 on board the Mayflower , establishing the first permanent European settlement in the north. Plymouth Rock marks the place where the Pilgrims first landed.

Visit a re-creation of their village, peopled by costumed interpreters who play roles of actual Pilgrims at Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly known as Plimoth Plantation ), and learn about the life of Native Americans who welcomed them at Hobbamock's Homesite.

Pilgrim Hall Museum opened in 1824 to showcase Pilgrim artifacts; furniture; decorative arts; painting; and the remains of the Sparrow Hawk, a wooden ship that wrecked off Cape Cod in 1626. Highlights include Governor Bradford's bible, Myles Standish's sword, and the original cradle used by Peregrine White, who was born on the Mayflower. Sparrow House , built in 1640 and Plymouth's oldest surviving wooden house, shows how primitively the first settlers lived.

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

The Berkshires, with their green hills, white churches, photogenic villages, and narrow country lanes, present the idyllic view of New England. Since the early 1800s, the southern communities of this region, which covers the entire area of western Massachusetts, have been a magnet for creative talent, and this cultural largess of music, dance, art, and literature is one of the region's major tourist attractions .

So are the miles of hiking trails, scenic waterfalls, and the ski areas of Butternut and Catamount , which combine to make the southern Berkshires one of the favorite places to visit in Massachusetts in the winter. Among the natural highlights are 80-foot Bish Bash Falls and the hike to the summit of Monument Mountain .

Stockbridge was home to the artist Norman Rockwell, and the Norman Rockwell Museum features his original works. Chesterwood was the summer home of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the Seated Lincoln in Washington's Lincoln Memorial; his studio showcases his work, including working models.

In Pittsfield , you can tour Arrowhead , home of Moby Dick author Herman Melville . Lenox , best known for Tanglewood , the summer venue of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was home to Pulitzer Prize winning author Edith Wharton, who built The Mount here in 1902 on a 40-acre estate, where you can tour her extraordinary Italianate gardens.

If you love gardens, be sure to also see the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge. The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield features works by American artists, an Egyptian mummy, and antiquities from Classical Greece and Rome. Naumkeag is the 44-room summer residence of a prosperous family, filled with antiques, art, and Chinese porcelain.

Tony Award-winning Williamstown Theater Festival and the many resources of Williams College make Williamstown a cultural hub in Western Massachusetts. The Clark Art Institute Museum features extensive collections of European and American painting and sculpture, highlights of which are the works of French Impressionists and American painters Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent.

Hike the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail as it crosses the summit of Mt. Greylock , the state's highest point, or you can drive to the top for views of three states.

Williamstown is the start of the scenic driving route, the Mohawk Trail , which follows an old Native American trail across western Massachusetts. In North Adams, MASS MoCA is an arts center for sculpture, theater, dance, and film, housed in 27 restored historic buildings. Hancock Shaker Village features a working farm using Shaker methods and 20 original furnished buildings used by the Shaker community from 1783 to 1960, including the Round Stone Barn.

Worcester is an industrial city west of Boston, at the center of rolling rural countryside. Its prosperous history shows in the collections of the Worcester Art Museum , whose more than 35,000 pieces are highlighted by European and American works, Asian art, Greek and Roman sculpture, and contemporary art.

The most recent addition is the outstanding collections of medieval, Japanese, and other armor and artifacts from the now-closed Higgins Armory Museum . The indoor/outdoor EcoTarium complex features wildlife exhibits, a planetarium, and a tree-top walkway where you can learn about the New England environments and ecosystems.

Worcester was the major center of manufacturing diners between 1906 and the 1960s, turning out more than 600 of them that were transported across the country. You can honor this legacy by stopping at the well-preserved Miss Worcester Diner or Boulevard Diner .

Not far from Worcester is Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum of more than 40 historic homes, farm buildings, and shops demonstrating New England crafts and daily life of the early 1800s. One of the state's most visited tourist attractions, Old Sturbridge Village appeals to all ages with its costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts such as spinning, weaving, wool dyeing, pottery, tinwork, and blacksmithing, along with the daily tasks of farmers, millers, and homemakers.

In May, July, and September, the small town of Brimfield becomes the entire Northeast's Antiques Central, as dealers and collectors converge for several days of frenzied buying and selling at the Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market .

South of Boston and Cape Cod, New Bedford was the heart of the world's whaling industry in the 19th century, with 80 percent of the nation's whale ships, and factories turning whale oil into candles and whale bone into corset frames and umbrellas. This legacy is remembered in the excellent Whaling Museum , with displays on the history of whaling, a large scrimshaw collection, a whaleboat, whale skeletons, and a whaling film.

Also worth seeing are the Seamen's Bethel featured in Herman Melville's Moby Dick , and the 1834 Rotch-Jones-Duff House with decorative arts, antique furniture, and extensive gardens. Take a self-guided walking tour of the waterfront, preserved as the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park , and still an active and colorful fishing port .

Nearby Fall River also has a rich history, both as a textile center and a shipping port, but perhaps its most famous citizen was Lizzie Borden, whose trial for her alleged murder of her parents still fascinates visitors to the Fall River Historical Society museum. The Marine Museum houses one of the world's largest Titanic exhibitions and models of the Fall River Line, a fleet of steamships that carried wealthy passengers from New York and Boston to summer homes in Newport.

At Battleship Cove, you can tour New England's largest floating museum, which includes the battleship USS Massachusetts , PT torpedo boats 796 and 617, the USS Lionfish , a WWII submarine, and the USS Destroyer Joseph P Kennedy , which served in Korea, Vietnam, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Near the Connecticut River in central Massachusetts, Amherst is home to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, and Hampshire College, making it a center for arts and culture with museums, galleries, bookstores, and performance venues. The Emily Dickinson Museum includes the poet's home and that of her brother, where you'll find collections and exhibits relating to her life and writing.

In nearby Hadley, a stage coach, oxcart, wagon, broom-making equipment, and other old farming equipment is shown in a restored 1782 barn at the Hadley Farm Museum . Several historic homes and a museum at Historic Deerfield illustrate the colonial and Federal periods in the Pioneer Valley.

The Merrimack River powered some of the world's largest mills during the heyday of the textile industry, and in the Lowell area are a number of reminders of that era. The Middlesex Canal , built between 1793 and 1803, connected the Merrimack with the port of Boston, playing an important role in the Industrial Revolution that is explored at the Middlesex Canal Museum in Billerica.

The American Textile History Museum traces textile production from the 18th century to the mid-1900s with exhibits of hand-powered tools, machinery, fabrics, and garments.

Another facet of textile history is shown at the New England Quilt Museum , where you can admire the intricate handiwork in contemporary, traditional, and antique quilts. For a break from textiles, see works of James Abbott McNeill Whistler and other American artists at his birthplace, the Whistler House Museum of Art .

The major tourist attractions relating to Lowell's part in the Industrial Revolution are found at two open-air museums: the Lowell National Historic Park and the Lowell Heritage State Park . After seeing the videos, hop on the trolley for a tour, or in summer ride a boat along the canal system.

A guided tour of the Boott Cotton Mills Museum shows the weaving room where 88 looms pound away, powered by an ingenious system of shafts, belts, and pulleys all driven by the Merrimack River. Nearby, the former workers' boardinghouse concentrates on the living conditions and explores the stories of textile workers, often farm girls or immigrants. Lowell's textile mills were instrumental in the beginning of the American labor rights movement.

Newburyport has a rich history as an important seaport and shipbuilding center, and you can explore its seagoing past in the Custom House Maritime Museum . Get a look at the prosperity that shipbuilding brought to the city at the federal-style Cushing House Museum and its beautiful gardens. The house is filled with collections of furniture, silver, needlework and treasures brought back from exotic ports. The harbor is still active, and you can take whale-watching tours from its docks or enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Nearby Plum Island is an 11-mile barrier island, with miles of beaches, dunes, and marshes protected by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge . You can kayak in its marshes, walk its beaches, and watch for sea and shore birds from its boardwalks. For information on its resident and migratory birds, stop at the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Joppa Flats Education Center.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go in Massachusetts: For even more information on what to see and do, refer to our pages on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Massachusetts . This will give you a complete overview of the major tourist sites around the state. When you are ready to fine tune your itinerary, these articles will lead you to the best beaches , hiking trails near Boston , and the best weekend getaways .

Exploring Nearby States : New England is a compact region, so it's easy to see the attractions of New Hampshire and explore historic Portsmouth , only a short trip from Boston. Northern New Hampshire is home to the White Mountains, where you'll find some of New England's best hiking trails and mountains for skiing . On the coast to the south is Rhode Island , with the spectacular mansions of Newport .

More on Massachusetts

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Massachusetts (MA) » 17 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Massachusetts

17 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Massachusetts

Massachusetts , also known as The Bay State, The Old Colony State, The Puritan State and The Baked Bean State, has a lot to see and explore. Have a look of these awesome pictures of places to visit!

1. Rockport

Rockport is one of the most beautifully charming towns in the state of Massachusetts. Located right at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, north-east of Boston , Rockport is a popular tourist spot. Many miles of soft sand beaches attract people to the town, which also has some of the best hikes in this part of the United States. Rockport’s coastal locale means it is ideal for kayaking and scuba diving, but many visitors will just want to kick back and relax in this stunning place.

2. Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail

Hiking down the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail is an ideal leisure activity on a hot Massachusetts day. Based around the site of a former US Army base, Cape Wellfleet, the trail is home to a wide range of forest birds. At the end of the walk is the Marconi Station Site, which provides a fantastic place to look out across the Atlantic Ocean, with unforgettable views and a perfect photo opportunity. The trail is flat, making it easy for beginners, and just over a mile long.

3. Sturbridge

Sturbridge is one of the most historic towns in Massachusetts and visiting it is like stepping back in time. Unique boutiques and antique shops are easy to spend hours exploring, while the living museum at Old Sturbridge Village is a must-visit too, where costumed guides give tourists a taste of life in the 19th century. Just outside Sturbridge itself is Wells State Park, which boasts a gorgeous pond where canoeing and swimming is permitted. Sturbridge is one of the best spots in Massachusetts to experience old-fashioned New England charm.

4. North Point Park

Cambridge itself is one of the most beautiful places in Massachusetts, but visitors who want to experience the best the city has to offer should head to North Point Park. Located on the Charles River, the park has only been open for a few years but has already become a very popular spot. The Zakim Bridge and the Museum of Science are among the sights that can be seen from the vantage point within the park’s grounds. A beautiful place to while away a quiet afternoon.

5. Cohasset

Cohasset might just the quintessential New England town, with its picture perfect sights drawing many tourists every year. But Cohasset is probably best known for its numerous superb beaches, many of which have been kept private to be enjoyed by local residents. Sandy Beach, known as the Jewel in the Crown in Cohasset, is open to the public – although visitors need to be accompanied by a resident. The vintage carousel and arcades at Nantasket Beach are well worth a visit too, while Cohasset’s other attractions include the white clock tower at the beautiful First Parish Meeting House.

6. Cape Cod

Cape Cod is one of the romantic places in the United States, drawing countless tourists to Massachusetts every summer. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are among the most picturesque locations in the world, with Cape Cod’s mix of superb cuisine, gorgeous beaches and conservation spots making it an ideal holiday location. Cape Cod Bay is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet, while Falmouth and Provincetown tend to be busier, with lively nightlife options.

7. Hammond Castle

Hammond Castle, found in Gloucester , was the home of one of the great American inventors, John Hays Hammond Jr, who was at the forefront of developing remote control technology. Today, the castle is home to a museum that displays Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts collected by Hammond himself, while every October to mark Halloween the castle hosts a haunted house tour. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore the castle themselves.

8. Bartholomew’s Cobble

A National Natural Landmark, Bartholomew’s Cobble is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in Massachusetts. The highest point of the Cobble – which was created by geological upheavals – provides amazing views across the Housatonic River Valley. There are five miles of trails to try out and the most challenging of them is up to the Hurlburt’s Hill summit. The interpretive center and museum at Bartholomew’s Cobble are also well worth checking out.

9. Townsend, Massachusetts

• Townsend, Massachusetts

10. Palmer Island Light Station

Palmer Island is home to one of the most historic lighthouses in America. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Palmer Island Light Station can be found at the northern point of Palmer’s Island in New Bedford Harbor. After undergoing an extensive refurbishment project, the Palmer Island Light Station is being used once more, now as a private aid to navigation.

11. Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is probably the most famous tourist location in the state and it is the jewel of the improbably gorgeous Cape Cod region. Typically referred to simply as The Vineyard, it takes a bit of an effort to reach but it is well worth the trip. The ferry to Martha’s Vineyard can be a rough ride, but the difficult journey is all part of the charm of the tiny island. Sunsets on The Vineyard are particularly beautiful, with the East Chop Lighthouse in Oak Bluffs one of the best places on the island to watch the sun go down. The beautiful small towns of Chilmark and Aquinnah are also worth visiting for anyone who wants to see Martha’s Vineyard at its most authentic and unspoiled.

12. Fall in Massachusetts

Fall is perhaps the best time of the year to explore Massachusetts as this is when the Bay State looks at its finest. The beautiful river valleys that are dotted all over the state are ideal places to watch the leaves steadily change colour and drop from the trees. The Central region of Massachusetts and the Berkshire Mountains are the best places to experience fall in Massachusetts, while Route 2, otherwise known as the Mohawk Trail, is a must-visit.

13. Provincetown

Provincetown has a tiny population in the off-season, but in the summer months as many as 60,000 people live in this gorgeous New England town. Sometimes referred to as P-town or P’town, the LGBTQ community particularly adore Provincetown because of its laid-back, accepting, relaxed feel. The Atlantic House in Provincetown is regarded as the oldest gay bar in the whole of the States, while many of Cape Cod’s best beaches are also located here, with Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach particularly highly recommended.

14. Plimoth Plantation

Anyone interested in history should make time to spend a day at the Plimoth Plantation living museum, which gives visitors the chance to experience what life was like in the 17th century. Among the most interesting of the attractions at the museum is a re-creation of a Wampanoag home site, where Native People explain all about how the Wampanoag’s ancestors lived. The museum is also home to the Mayflower II, which is docked near the purported Plymouth Rock. The incredible ship is among the world’s oldest wooden vessels that still sails.

15. Old State House, Boston

Boston’s Old State House is one of the oldest surviving public buildings in the United States. Dating back more than 400 years, the building – sometimes known as Boston’s Towne House – is now run as a Boston history museum by the Bostonian Society. The Old State House is among the landmarks on Boston’s Freedom Trail and visiting is a must for anyone who wants to learn more about the colonial history of the country. Most famously, The Declaration of Independence was made from the balcony of Boston’s Old State House.

16. Longfellow’s Wayside Inn

The Wayside Inn claims to be the oldest operating inn in the country, with the building featuring a mix of British colonial and Greek Revivalist architecture. The inn dates back 400 years and one of its key features is the ancient grist mill outside. The last private owner of the Wayside Inn was Henry Ford, who wanted to develop the site into a historically oriented village and museum. The inn remains open as a restaurant and guests can even stay over in historically accurate rooms.

Farm, Carlisle, MA

17 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Massachusetts:

• Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail
• North Point Park
• Hammond Castle
• Bartholomew's Cobble
• Palmer Island Light Station
• Martha's Vineyard
• Fall in Massachusetts
• Provincetown
• Plimoth Plantation
• Old State House, Boston
• Longfellow's Wayside Inn

9 places to visit in Massachusetts that aren't Boston

• Even though Massachusetts' capital city Boston is a popular place for people to travel to, the state has so much more to offer visitors. 
• Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket are popular summertime destinations that are known for having stunning views and delicious food.
• Cambridge is home to two of the country's most notable higher-education institutions. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

Massachusetts is home to pristine coastlines, famous universities, and good eats. Even though it's known for its impressive capital city Boston, the state has a ton of other areas that are also worth exploring. 

Here are nine places to visit in Massachusetts that aren't Boston.

Nantucket is known for its beautiful beaches and delicious seafood.

Nantucket is a small island located off of the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Known for its picturesque dune-swept beaches, high-end shopping, and delicious seafood restaurants, there's plenty to do on this quaint island.

The area is also known for hosting impressive wine and food festivals and it has even been designated as a National Historic Landmark . 

Martha's Vineyard is a beloved warm-weather destination with gorgeous ocean sunsets.

Martha's Vineyard, a popular summer destination, is a ferry ride away from Nantucket.

Check out Aquinnah , a coastal town colorful sunset views that is located in the western portion of Martha's Vineyard. Edgartown is another popular spot on the island that has boutique shopping, bookstores, coffee shops, brick-lined streets, and more.

When you're done, head over to Menemsha on the other side of the island. It's where part of the movie "Jaws" was filmed. Hungry? Stop by the Menemsha Fish Market for a fresh-caught meal.

Cape Cod has miles of nature trails, beaches, and other outdoor spots for adventure lovers.

Cape Cod, which jets out into the Atlantic Ocean, is another popular summer destination for tourists and was famously frequented by President John  F. Kennedy and his family .

If you're looking to learn more about the former president and his family, stop by John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum .

Ready to relax? Head on over to the Cape Cod National Seashore where you'll find over 40 miles of nature trails, coastline, and more outdoor activities. The peninsula is also full of great seafood eats, lighthouses, and breweries. 

Plymouth is a coastal town with some historical ties.

Situated on the coast of Massachusetts, Plymouth's culture is deeply rooted in US history. The town, which was founded in the 1620s, is home to the first colonial settlement in New England.

Usually, you can visit the Plimoth Plantation to see a replica of the Mayflower II, however, the 17th-century model is currently away for repairs right now and is expected to be returned in 2020. While at the Plimoth Plantation, you can also walk around a reproduction of a 1600s village. 

Salem is known for its history.

Salem, which was incorporated in the 1600s , is located less than an hour north of Boston. The area is often known for its infamous Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s.

If you're a first-time visitor, a good place to start is at the Salem Heritage Trail . There are several walking tours in Salem, but this one is free and self-guided. You can just follow the red line that connects Salem's top historical sites.

Other historical sites worth checking out include the Salem Witch Museum , House of the Seven Gables , and the Old Burying Point Cemetery .

Read More : 21 locations of your favorite scary movies that you can actually visit

Manchester-by-the-Sea offers lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Manchester-by-the-sea is located in the northern part of Massachusetts and is about 45 minutes to an hour away from Boston.

Singing Beach is one of the main attractions in this seaside town, and yes, the sand actually does make noise under the right conditions. On a hot day, you can stop by Captain Dusty's Ice Cream near Masconomo Park to cool off. 

Cambridge is a college town that also has some great places to eat.

A close neighbor to Massachusetts' capital city, Cambridge is bustling with some of the nation's most prestigious educational institutions, like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In the mood for a satisfying meal? You can also check out the famous Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Harvard Square. The famous restaurant has been slinging patties since 1960 — it's quite popular, so be prepared to wait.

Amherst is full of multiple museums for art and literature enthusiasts.

Settled in the 1730s , Amherst, Massachusetts offers a variety of museums for lovers of art and literature, like the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art , Beneski Museum of Natural History , and the Emily Dickson Museum .

Another noteworthy landmark in the town is the University of Amherst, where the Mead Art Museum is located. 

Brookline has many great dining and shopping options.

Brookline, Massachusetts, one of the largest towns in New England , is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Boston.

It's the birthplace of President Kennedy and the home of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, which boasts being the oldest motorcar collection in the US.

The city has several shopping districts in Coolidge Corner, Washington Square, Brookline Village, and other locations. You don't need a car to get around either, as Brookline is a fairly walkable area with options for public transit . 

• 10 places to visit in Denmark that aren't Copenhagen
• 13 destinations in the US that rival castles in Europe
• 13 places to travel to in New York that aren't the city

Follow INSIDER on Facebook .

• Main content

Best Things to Do on Boston's North Shore

Experience the Best of Gloucester, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Newburyport

Kim Knox Beckius

The Massachusetts North Shore is a New England coastal region that holds many surprises for visitors, all within an hour of Boston. Get a place to stay in Marblehead, Salem, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester , Rockport, Essex, Ipswich,  Newburyport , or Salisbury and make it your base of operations to explore all of the North Shore.

Here's a quick look at some of the most memorable adventures you can have on Boston's North Shore, along with tips on planning your vacation to this stunning coastal area.

Sail Aboard a 65-Foot Schooner

A trip around Gloucester Harbor aboard the schooner  Thomas E. Lannon  makes for a relaxing outing that gives you spectacular views of the coast from the water. You'll sail past photo-worthy lighthouses, lobster boats, and other Gloucester landmarks on the 65-foot wooden schooner, a replica fishing boat built in 1997 by owner Tom Ellis. It sails from Seven Seas Wharf in Gloucester daily from late June through August and weekends from early May through late June and from September through the second Monday in October.

Dine at the Top of a Lighthouse

The Newburyport Rear Range Light in Newburyport is the only lighthouse in America with a dinner table at the top. For a tax-deductible contribution to the Lighthouse Preservation Society , you'll enjoy incredible views and a memorable meal while helping to protect America's fragile and beautiful lighthouses. The cozy dinner table for two or four, a popular spot for marriage proposals and special occasions, is yours for up to five hours, and your server will deliver any food and beverages you wish to order from seven local restaurants. Most dates are booked far in advance, so it's important to plan ahead if you hope to enjoy this one-of-a-kind dining experience. A few words of caution: You'll need to climb steep steps and a metal-rung ladder to reach the top of the lighthouse, and there are no bathrooms up there.

Hold a Sea Star in Your Hands

Gloucester is America's oldest seaport, and at Maritime Gloucester , diverse displays, including many interactive exhibits, allow visitors of all ages to explore the waterfront and its marine life and history. Watch a boat builder at work, set out aboard a schooner, observe the bustle of activity at the State Fish Pier, learn about the riches that lie offshore, and peer at tiny sea creatures on computer monitors connected to digital microscopes.

Feast on Fried Clams

In July 1916, Lawrence "Chubby" Woodman took a friend's suggestion and tossed some clams dipped in evaporated milk and corn flour into his potato chip fryer. "Essex Fried Clams" sold like hotcakes that Fourth of July, and the rest is Yankee culinary history.

At Woodman's of Essex , where more than 50 members of the Woodman family still make sweet, tender, and delicious fried wholebelly clams using Chubby's reliable recipe, you'll enjoy casual dining and a taste sensation that has drawn customers for generations. Be sure to sample the clam chowder and steamers here, too. The North Shore's Ipswich clams, hand-harvested from the muddy tidal flats of the Essex River, are unparalleled.

Squeak Your Feet on the Singing Beach

The Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea is named for its unusual sand, which squeaks or "sings" beneath your feet. You won't produce a tune by simply strolling along the sand (and it's not very musical when wet), but if you shuffle and scuff your feet on the dry sand with a bit of authority, you will, indeed, produce a distinct squeaking sound.

A few hints:

• Arrive early; the beach's parking lot is usually full by 11 a.m., even on weekdays
• Take commuter rail from Boston to Manchester; the Singing Beach is just under a half-mile walk from the station
• Head to the Singing Beach in the off-season: before Memorial Day or after Labor Day (but keep in mind the parking lot is reserved for town residents only during the off-season)
• Check the Gloucester Harbor tide chart before your visit because more of the beach is underwater at high tide

Meet the Artists at the Rocky Neck Art Colony

John Nesta takes his paints and canvases outdoors, even in the wintertime, and captures the drama of Cape Ann seascapes. Elynn Kroger 's paintings are abstract and complex, but they nevertheless reflect the colors and flow of the coast. Joseph Flack Weiler 's black-and-white photographs capture New England's ethereal beauty, and  Judy Robinson-Cox 's eye-catching and humorous color photos she dubs "Lilliputian Landscapes" feature tiny plastic people in unusual settings.

There are three dozen artists who welcome visitors to their galleries at Gloucester's Rocky Neck Art Colony , and chatting with them about their work and inspiration is as much a part of the experience as strolling in and out of each studio and shopping for everything from affordable gifts to singular works to adorn a home or workspace. While their work may be divergent, these artists share a passion for place and a desire to make their creations accessible to a larger audience.

Shop for Vintage Jewelry and Antiques in Essex

 There are more than 30 antique shops along Route 133 in Essex, a North Shore town that's just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boston.

At the eclectic White Elephant Shop  in Essex, customers can rummage through bins of affordably priced pins, earrings, and necklaces from the past. The White Elephant also has antique books, paintings, furniture, and collectibles.

Spy on Shorebirds

Plum Island ​is home to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge , a terrific birding spot with its own pristine beaches to explore. On busy weekends, you'll need to arrive early because there is a limit to the number of vehicles that can enter the protected property. In the summer, you'll be able to spot magnificent shorebirds without leaving your car. Parker River Wildlife Refuge is also a great place to observe songbirds during spring and fall migrations.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, TripSavvy believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. 

The 13 Best Day Trips from Boston

The 10 Best Beaches in Massachusetts

The 11 Best Boston Beaches In and Around the City Limits

The 10 Best Things to Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts

New England Fall Foliage Cruises and Boat Tours

New England's 10 Most Iconic Outdoor Landmarks

The Best Beach in Every State

10 Top Things to Do in Ogunquit With Kids

The Top 8 Things to Do in Newburyport, Massachusetts

15 Best Romantic Things to Do in Orange County

20 Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

The Top 20 Things to Do in San Diego, California

10 Top Road Trip Routes in the Northeastern US

The 16 Most Beautiful Natural Features in the UK

10 Great Things to Do in Big Sur

The Best Beaches to Visit in Oregon

The Magazine

• Subscription information
• Eat + Drink
• Shop + Renew
• Faces + Places
• Arts + Culture
• Northshore Home
• Purchase Issues

9 Iconic Spots to Visit North of Boston

Scenic spots on the north shore to inspire your next weekend day trip..

Looking for a change of scenery? You don’t have to go far. Below are some of our favorite North Shore icons, picturesque places, and wide open spaces. We bet you haven’t seen every single one!

Each of these towns is home to iconic and beloved North Shore spots. Here are a few of our faves:

Richardson’s Ice Cream, Middleton If you enjoy ice cream on the North Shore, chances are you’ve enjoyed ice cream from Richardson’s. The family-owned dairy has been making and distributing delicious ice cream for years, creating a local icon in the process. While you can find Richardson’s products at ice cream stands throughout the region, a trip to their Middleton farm location is always worth it. There you’ll find not only ice cream but their own milk and cream from their working dairy farm, as well as mini golf, batting cages, and a driving range. 156 South Main St. (Rte 114), Middleton, 978-774-5450, richardsonsicecream.com

Montserrat College of Art, Beverly Beverly’s flourishing arts community owes a debt of gratitude to the legendary Montserrat College of Art, where art students from around the world come to study, create, and learn. Their energy and imagination permeate the city’s culture, enlivening it with a youthful spirit and constant feeling of rebirth and rejuvenation. Montserrat also offers treasures within its own walls, like public galleries and exciting events. 23 Essex St., Beverly, 978-921-4242, montserrat.edu

Jordan’s Furniture, Reading To anyone outside New England, putting a furniture store on an “icons” list might seem strange, but for North Shore residents who know and love Jordan’s Furniture in Reading, it makes perfect sense. That’s because Jordan’s Furniture does a lot more than sell sofas. Families regularly make the trip to its Reading location to see Beantown, a re-creation of Boston landmarks like the Green Monster, made entirely of jelly beans; watch the Liquid Fireworks light and water show; see a movie in its 500-seat, eight-story IMAX 3D theatre; grab a burger at Fudrucker’s or an ice cream from Richardson’s; and even take part in their ropes course. 50 Walkers Brook Dr., Reading, 781-944-9090, jordans.com

Picturesque Places

Time to break out the camera or easel! These places will brighten up your Instagram feed, inspire your inner Monet, or, at the very least, make you smile when you visit.

The Crane Estate, Ipswich The photographic possibilities at the lavish seaside Crane Estate in Ipswich are endless. There’s Castle Hill, home to the Great House—which has major European palace vibes—plus landscaping by the Olmstead Brothers and opulent gardens filled with beautiful plants, trees, flowers, and classical statuary. Beyond Castle Hill is the ocean and Crane Beach, where a pristine shoreline meets wild dunes and marshes, as well as the Crane Wildlife Refuge. 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-4351, thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/northeast/castle-hill-crane.html 

Lynch Park, Beverly A beautiful relic of Beverly’s past as the North Shore’s “Gold Coast” for wealthy magnates and dignitaries, Lynch Park is now a stunning public park where a sunken Italian rose garden beckons romantics, photographers, and anyone craving a slice of sophistication and grandeur. 55 Ober St., Beverly, 978-921-6067, bevrec.com/lynchpark.html

Lobster Cove, Annisquam Whether you visit at the golden hour of sunrise or sunset in the summer, after a dusting of snow in the winter, or with the crimson glow of the fall, Lobster Cove in Annisquam is a photographer  or painter’s picturesque seaside New England dream. River Rd., Annisquam

Wide Open Spaces

Social distancing and enjoying the natural world is the name of the game at these favorite outdoor spots .

Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport Plum Island’s Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a 4,700-acre expanse of land that protects migratory birds and consists of an incredible array of habitats, including a sandy beach and dune, a cranberry bog, a maritime forest and a shrub land, a freshwater marsh, and a salt marsh. Start your day at the visitor center before exploring the Hellcat Interpretive Trail boardwalk, the handicap-accessible Pine Trail, the Bill Forward Bird Blind, two observation towers, and wildlife viewing areas. 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, 978-465-5753, fws.gov/refuge/Parker_River  

Lynn Woods Reservation, Lynn With 2,200 acres of forest and 30 miles of hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and nature trails, Lynn Woods Reservation is the second-largest municipal park in the United States. In addition to trails and woodlands, there are other strange and beautiful sites to visit within Lynn Woods. Visitors can explore the underground tunnel at Dungeon Rock and imagine themselves into pirate lore, while beauty seekers can find inspiration at the Rose Garden, Houghton Horticultural Garden, and Amphitheater. lynnma.gov/departments/lynnwoods.shtml 

Brooksby Farm, Peabody Most cities don’t own historical working farms, but then again, most cities aren’t Peabody, which owns and manages the more-than-200-acre Brooksby Farm. It offers pick-your-own fruits, including peaches, blueberries, and apples; a farm store; barnyard animals; woodland trails; and cross-country skiing. 54 Felton St., Peabody, 978-531-7456, brooksbyfarm.org

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

10 Best East Coast Road Trips for History, Beaches, and Seafood

Whether you're a foodie or history buff, prefer hiking or relaxing on the beach, these East Coast road trips will truly deliver.

Unlike the West Coast, where only three states border the Pacific, a total of 14 states lie along the Atlantic shores. Road trips on the East Coast offer plenty of variety, taking in mountains, beaches, rugged seashores, large cities, small towns, and Intracoastal waterways. To top it off, seafood — from Maine's lobsters and Maryland's oysters to Florida's stone crabs — is abundant. Nearly every East Coast state has a culinary specialty as well, making food a memorable part of any East Coast road trip.

We've put together 10 of the best East Coast road trips, and while these have been broken up into easy weekend itineraries you can do from major cities, you could certainly tweak them, connect the dots, and build the ultimate multiday road trip all the way from Maine to Florida. Whatever you decide, there's plenty of adventure and lots of beautiful sights to see, from the incomparable colors of Vermont in the fall to the wild horses on the beaches of Virginia and, of course, grand cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Miami.

Boston, Massachusetts to Burlington, Vermont

If you're on the East Coast when the trees begin to change color, a road trip through Vermont and New Hampshire will deliver some of the greatest autumn backdrops you could imagine. Starting in Boston, head north to Lake Winnipesaukee, where you'll find one of the country's best lake towns . Dubbed "America's oldest summer resort town," Wolfeboro is a place worth spending a night to soak up the Americana aesthetic in this town that many have called "Rockwellesque."

From the lake, drive an hour north on NH-16 to get to North Conway where you can get on the Kancamagus Highway, a top-tier National Scenic Byway for fall foliage lovers that offers scenic stopping points like waterfalls and gorges. The highway travels for 34.5 miles through the White Mountain National Forest . Once you've come out the other side in Lincoln, New Hampshire, you can continue on your way west and cross over into Vermont.

Set your sights next on Stowe, Vermont's most picturesque ski resort town , and the location of the Trapp Family Lodge , the historic home of the real von Trapp family that inspired Rodgers and Hammerstein to write "The Sound of Music." If there's no snow on the ground, the area offers plenty of trails for biking and hiking, or you can enjoy a scenic gondola ride and the charming downtown area. You'll finish the trip when you arrive in the state capital of Burlington, a small city with a youthful personality as the home of the University of Vermont. You can stock up on farm-fresh groceries at the celebrated Saturday farmers market and go barhopping among the city's many craft breweries.

Boston, Massachusetts to Acadia National Park, Maine

There's no shortage of ways to explore Boston — self-guided walking tours, museum visits, and strolls through Little Italy (in the North End) and historic spots like Faneuil Hall and Boston Common are all great options for soaking in the city. Visitors can also take a harbor cruise or ride a seasonal Swan Boat in the Public Garden lagoon. Don't leave town without sampling the city's famous clam chowder and Boston cream pie.

The fastest route on this 285-mile trip takes nearly five hours and passes through Salem, Massachusetts ; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Portland, Maine; and Augusta, Maine's capital, before reaching Bar Harbor. You'll experience New England's scenery and history if you take U.S. Route 1 with a few detours along the way.

Traveling north on U.S. Route 1 from Boston, you'll pass over the Mystic River. If time allows, watch for the Yankee Division Highway heading east toward Gloucester — a worthwhile detour if you're interested in seeing lighthouses, fishermen's memorial statues, and historic buildings. Back on the highway, you'll drive north, just a mile or so from the sea most of the time, briefly passing through New Hampshire until you reach Portsmouth and enter Maine. Continue through beach towns and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge , and take State Route 9 for a detour to Kennebunkport. Spend the night, dine on Maine lobster, and check out the stunning mansions in this nearly 400-year-old town.

Take Route 9 around the shore, then head back to U.S. Route 1 on Route 208. Continue on U.S. Route 1 to Portland, another great option for an overnight stay. From Portland, three hours on the shore-hugging scenic route will get you to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park .

New York, New York to Newport, Rhode Island

Spending a few days in Manhattan is the ideal lead-in to a relaxing road trip to a quieter town like Newport. After noshing on bagels or pizza, shopping, visiting museums, and strolling through Central Park, it could be time for a change. Don't leave without walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, meandering along The High Line , and experiencing The National September 11 Memorial Museum .

When it's time to leave, head north on Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive (FDR Drive) along the East River to the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, which spans the Harlem River. Interstate 278 then takes you through the Bronx and onto Interstate 95 through Westchester County. The highway runs northeast, close to the shore of the Long Island Sound into Connecticut. You'll pass through New Haven, home of Yale University, and have an opportunity to explore the campus.

Shortly after the town of Guilford, exit onto State Route 1, which will take you closer to the sea and add about 30 minutes to the four-hour, 185-mile trip — but it's well worth it for the views and beach access. You'll join Interstate 95 again to get back on your way to Newport, eventually exiting onto State Route 102 and then Route 138.

In Newport, park your vehicle and spend a few car-free days along the shore, strolling the three-and-a-half-mile Cliff Walk , exploring vintage mansions, and enjoying fresh seafood. Take a bike ride along one of many trails or relax on a sunset cruise.

New York, New York to Washington, D.C.

Greg Pease / Getty Images

This 226-mile trip takes approximately four hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. From lower Manhattan, take the Holland Tunnel that passes under the Hudson River to New Jersey. You'll be on Interstate 78 in Jersey City, with views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty . The interstate highway crosses Newark Bay on the Vincent R. Casciano Memorial Bridge, then meets Interstate 95 heading south.

Driving south on Interstate 95 (New Jersey Turnpike), Staten Island, one of New York City's boroughs, will be on your left across a narrow body of water called Arthur Kill — the word "kill" is derived from the Dutch, influential in settling this part of the northeast. Continue south on Interstate 95 through New Jersey — maybe taking a detour to the beaches of the Jersey Shore — until you cross the Delaware River into the state of Delaware. You'll soon enter Maryland, where Interstate 95 is named John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, cross the Susquehanna River, and go on to Baltimore.

Continue south on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (295) into Washington, D.C., where there's plenty to see and do, from museums, memorials, and monuments to outdoor activities on the waterfront. The Smithsonian museums alone could fill several days, plus there's hiking, biking, and boating for those who want to spend some time outdoors.

Baltimore, Maryland to Virginia Beach, Virginia

Starting in Baltimore, this East Coast road trip will take you on a long detour from I-95 that passes through a rare coastal landscape populated by wild horses. From Baltimore, it's a 118-mile drive across the Chesapeake Bay to Delaware's Bethany Beach, a lovely first beach to set the tone for this coastal adventure. From here, travel south along the water until you reach Ocean City, Maryland, a classic American beach town to base your adventures in Assateague State Park. Open to beach campers, this 48,000-acre stretch of grass and sand is considered one of the country's most scenic camping destinations.

You'll find wild horses roaming the landscape on Assateague and further south on Virginia's Chincoteague Island, which is your next stop. There's no main road connecting the two islands (although there are many back-country campsites) so you will have to briefly go back inland to get to Chincoteague, where you'll find even more beautiful scenery, horses, and the famous Pony Swim , which takes place every summer. During the event, spectators can watch as the horses are herded across the bay by the "Saltwater Cowboys" in an impressive display of the animals' swimming chops.

From Chincoteague Island, it's a beautiful 105-mile drive with the Atlantic on one side and the Chesapeake Bay on the other. Make sure to stop for lunch in one of the small towns along the way for fresh seafood. When you reach the end of the island, you'll travel across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and arrive at your final destination in Virginia Beach, another classic American beach town, where you'll have your pick of chic hotels and a large boardwalk with plenty of restaurants and attractions for all ages.

Washington, D.C. to Nags Head, North Carolina

After taking in the sights, restaurants, and history of our nation's capital, you may be ready to head to the beach — this trip takes you about 280 miles south to the Outer Banks of North Carolina . As with most of these road trips, there's the faster way and the more scenic route. In this case, the scenic drive adds nearly an hour to the approximately five-and-a-half-hour trip, but if you're on vacation, it's worth the additional time.

Head south out of Washington, D.C. on Interstate 395 (which turns to Interstate 95). You'll pass the Thomas Jefferson Memorial , then cross the Potomac River into Virginia. Continue south until you reach State Route 3 around Fredericksburg — head east on Route 3, then south on Route 17. Called Tidewater Trail, Route 17 meanders along next to the Rappahannock River, a spot known for outdoor fun and delicious oysters.

You'll cross the York River and the James River, which empty into the Chesapeake Bay. In the city of Newport News, take Interstate 64 southeast, and in Chesapeake, take Route 168 into North Carolina. The highway meets up with Route 158, takes you along a narrow peninsula to the Wright Memorial Bridge, and south to the Outer Banks town of Nags Head. Relax on the beach, climb to the top of the still-active Bodie Island Lighthouse , or watch the hang gliders at Jockey's Ridge State Park among massive sand dunes.

Charlotte, North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

For this scenic East Coast road trip, you'll travel to the heart of Appalachia, starting in Charlotte, North Carolina where you can pay a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame . From here, you'll head west to Asheville, another city with a lot of character and a unique history. Consider this your gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . While in town, you should stop by The Biltmore Estate, the impressive mansion of the famously rich Vanderbilt family, and plan to spend sunset at the Omni Grove Park Inn , a historic hotel that once hosted American authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and also has the best sunset views in town.

From Asheville, get yourself to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a road that provides 469 miles to explore the poetic Appalachian Mountain landscape from the comfort of your car — with plenty of stopping points to enjoy a cozy cabin lodge or gentle hike. The road goes northwest through Virginia, but we recommend traveling southwest to finish in the Smoky Mountains and then crossing the national park until you reach Gatlinburg. For a trip this grand, why not plan a big finale and book a night in one of the region's luxury tree houses? The Sanctuary Tree House Resort in nearby Pigeon Forge is home to beautiful feats of architecture with real tree houses boasting trip-making amenities like outdoor hot tubs and swinging day beds.

Wilmington, North Carolina to Savannah, Georgia

Daniela Duncan / Getty Images

Start or end this road trip by spending a few days in the riverfront city of Wilmington, strolling Cape Fear's 1.75-mile Riverwalk , browsing the shops, or dining at one of the waterfront cafes or restaurants. Tour the Battleship North Carolina , just across the river from downtown, to catch a glimpse of its role in World War II's Pacific Theater. Spend a day at the beach or ride in a horse-drawn carriage among Wilmington's historic mansions.

When it's time to begin your drive south to Savannah, you have a few options. The fastest route is inland on Interstate 95, a little less than five hours for 300 miles. But take your time and drive near the coast on U.S. Route 17. While this will add around an hour, you'll pass through small towns and be able to stop for lunch on a nearby beach. If time allows, you could happily take three days or more to enjoy this scenic and historic section of the coast.

Head west across the Cape Fear River, then U.S. Route 17 takes you inland for a few miles south before you get close to the Atlantic shore for most of the drive. You'll pass Shallotte, its river of the same name, and the Brunswick Islands , five barrier islands with beaches, seafood, and a historic atmosphere. North Carolina's Outer Banks region, which comprises 100 miles of shoreline, is a popular summer destination, and you might decide to spend some time (or even a night) in one of the beachside towns.

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina might be your next stop, or you can continue your scenic drive along the shore and spend the night in Charleston. Continue on U.S. Route 17, driving near the Sea Islands — hundreds of barrier islands along the shores of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida — for about two hours, before arriving in Savannah.

Savannah, Georgia to Orlando, Florida

It may not be easy to leave Savannah's squares, parks, riverfront, and restaurants, but if you're planning a visit to Orlando's theme parks and many attractions, it's time to get on the road. Most of the 300-mile trip will be on Interstate 95, which runs fairly close to the coast, but there's a short detour that takes you to Sea Island , Little St. Simons Island , and Jekyll Island that's well worth an extra hour or more.

Take Interstate 16 West out of Savannah to meet up with Interstate 95 South — you'll drive mostly inland, but pass over creeks and streams along the way. Shortly after the Altamaha River, watch for a turnoff onto State Route 99, then take Route 17 south. Take a road to whichever island you want to visit. Then, continue on Route 17, which meets up with Interstate 95 again. Continue south, passing Amelia Island, and on toward Jacksonville, where you'll cross the St. Johns River.

You'll drive near the coast as you pass St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, and a variety of beach towns. At Daytona Beach, home of the Daytona International Speedway , head southwest on Interstate 4, passing Lake Monroe and on to Orlando, where hotels, Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, and entertainment of all kinds await. Explore the natural surroundings at Shingle Creek Regional Park , where you can paddle a canoe or kayak, or enjoy a quiet picnic.

Miami, Florida to Key West, Florida

Artur Debat/Getty Images

This classic road trip takes you to the furthest reaches of Highway 1 and the southernmost point of the continental U.S. From Miami, it's a 164-mile drive to Key West, but it's a trip that should be broken up along the way to enjoy the diversity of the many islands that make up the Florida Keys — and maybe even a detour to Everglades National Park if you've always wanted to see gators in person. Before you set out, make sure you take the proper time to enjoy the scene of South Beach, have a cafecito on Calle Ocho in Little Havana, and take a few shots for the 'gram at Wynwood Walls .

From Miami, embrace the laid-back style of the Keys by traveling slowly, first stopping at Key Largo for a slice of Key Lime Pie at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen . As you roll down Highway 1 past Islamorada and Marathon, you'll see fabulous resorts and cozy bed-and-breakfasts but for an experience that's a little different, park the car and hop on a boat to the celebrated Little Palm Island , a private island resort where you can have your own luxury bungalow. You can spend the entire trip exploring the many wildlife-rich snorkeling and diving spots, especially if you take an excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park , a protected marine reserve.

For literature fans and animal lovers, a visit to the Hemingway Home and Museum is a must, where you can meet the unique six-toed cats descended from the great American author's precious pet Snowball who lived there with him in the 1930s. Of course, with only one way to go from Key West, the drive back is just as scenic as the drive there, so keep track of your favorite spots and make sure you never miss the sunset, which is magnificent from just about every angle.

Related Articles

12 Things To Do In Worcester: Complete Guide To Exploring A Coastal Massachusetts Gem

Nestled in the center of Massachusetts, the city of Worcester is brimming with New England charm.

Known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth,” Worcester is the second-largest city in New England. Home to a number of educational institutes, including Worcester State University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the city is known for being a bustling college town.

But it’s much, much more than that. With bountiful outdoor spaces, including flowering gardens and parks, countless cultural museums, a thriving art scene, and an array of exquisite restaurants, Worcester is certainly one of the East Coast's hidden gems .

Of all the awesome things to do in Massachusetts , a trip to Worcester should be at the top of any globetrotters list. Located less than an hour away from Boston and Providence, the city offers visitors a chance to partake in a plethora of enjoyable adventures, from seeing a minor league baseball team in action to admiring striking art spanning the centuries.

UPDATE: 2023/06/21 15:34 EST BY AUDREY ENJOLI

Even More Things To Do In Worcester

Traveling to Worcester is even better with this expanded list of things to do and places to go.

Related: Road Trip New England: See Six States In Two Weeks

Top Things To Do

From the best activities the city has to offer to its most delicious eateries, here is the complete guide to exploring one of the Bay State’s most prized retreats.

Worcester Historical Museum

What better way to learn about this quaint Massachusett city than with a stop at the local historical museum? Located in the city's downtown area, the museum features thousands of works, including an extensive photographic collection.

• Address: 30 Elm St, Worcester, MA 01609
• Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm; extended hours on the fourth Thursday of each month until 8:30 pm
• Cost: $5 for adults and $4 for seniors

Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary

Connect with nature at this lush conservation park. The largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England , the park features more than 400 acres of greenery.

• Address: 414 Massasoit Rd, Worcester, MA 01604
• Hours: The conservation center is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm
• Cost: $4 for adults and $3 for children ages 3 to 13

The sanctuary's five miles of trails are open daily from dawn until dusk.

Worcester Art Museum

When it comes to American cities with the best museums , Worcester reigns supreme. That’s because this museum is home to some of the oldest art , dating back to 3,000 BC.

Founded in 1896, the museum houses a collection of more than 38,000 pieces, from European sculptures to Asian artifacts.

• Address: 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
• Hours : Galleries open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm
• Cost: $18 for adults, $14 for seniors, and children under the age of 17 are free

The Salisbury Mansion

For a tour through a historic New England house, check out the Salisbury Mansion. Built in 1772, the home is rich in history, serving as a gentleman’s club and a boarding house in its earlier days.

Visitors can explore the Georgian-style home’s various rooms, from parlors and drawing rooms to its impressive library.

• Address: 40 Highland St, Worcester, MA 01609
• Hours : Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm
• Cost: $10 per person

Reservations are required for guided tours, which are held at 1 pm and 3 pm.

For science and nature lovers, this museum has it all. Head inside to explore the planetarium, a natural history collection, and the Mineral Dome—a rare collection of crystals and stones that are displayed under colorful skylights.

Outside, visitors can explore the museum's 45 acres of trails and interactive exhibits, including the Wild Cat Station, Otter Encounter, and Animal Corner. The outdoor section even has a train that visitors can hop aboard for a scenic ride around the property.

• Address: 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604
• Hours: Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: $19 for adults, $14 for children ages two and up, and $15 for seniors

The museum is open on select Monday holidays , including Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. From November through March, the outdoor exhibits close at 4 pm.

New England has some of the best day hikes . For a relaxing afternoon, take a stroll through one of Worcester's oldest parks. Purchased back in 1854 , it now encompasses 58 acres, which are divided by Park Avenue. Traverse the west side's wooded trails or explore the east's ponds (which are open for ice skating in the winter) and historic bridges.

• Address: 138 Russell St, Worcester, MA 01602
• Hours : Open daily from 5 am to 10 pm

For the sports fanatics—tickets to see a game at Polar Park, which is home to a Minor League Baseball team, the Worcester Red Sox, are a must. And when it's not baseball season, worry not. The park hosts a number of other events, including concerts and other sporting events.

• Address: 100 Madison St, Worcester, MA 01608
• Tickets : Check the website for pricing and schedules .

The Crompton Collective

Founded in 2012, this quaint boutique market features an array of local businesses, including antiques and handmade gifts. From books and furniture to artwork and vintage clothes, the adorable shop is the perfect place to stop for gifts for loved ones back home.

Upstairs, shoppers will find the Crompton Collective's sister shop, The Haberdash, which also sells small handmade gifts.

• Address: 138 Green St, Worcester, MA 01604
• Hours : Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm; Fridays from 11 am to 6 pm; Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm; and Mondays from 11 am to 4 pm

Bancroft Tower In Salisbury Park

Take a walk through Salisbury Park and tourists will find this charming castle. Featuring a 56-foot lookout tower, this stunning display of architecture was built in 1900 to honor the legendary historian George Bancroft .

Nestled at the top of Prospect Hill, climb to the top to find breathtaking views in every direction.

• Address: Bancroft Tower Rd, Worcester, MA 01602
• Hours : Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm

The Hanover Theatre And Conservatory

Built in 1904, this theater is another iconic part of Worcester's history. Ranked as one of the best theaters around the world by Pollstar, a music trade publication, it's the perfect place to spend an evening.

Take a tour of the historic theater or enjoy watching a Broadway show. The conservatory also offers an array of acting, singing, and dancing classes for those interested in learning how to perform.

• Address: 2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA 01608
• Hours : 551 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
• Cost: Check the website for ticket pricing .

Worcester Common

The literal heart of the city, tour the historical monuments and sprawling lawns, or stop by Worcester City Hall. Enjoy Movies on the Common , a free family event that shows movies seasonally throughout the year.

• Address: Worcester, MA 01608
• Hours : Open daily; attraction hours may vary
• Cost: Free entry to the Commons (attraction prices may vary)

Mechanics Hall

Round out an evening in Massachusetts with a special concert or performance at this historic concert venue. Nestled on Main Street, this concert hall was established way back in 1857 and features stunning 19th-century architecture.

• Address: 321 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
• Hours : Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Cost: Check the website to see the full calendar of performances and events, including ticket prices

Best Time To Go

Much like the rest of the region, Worcester rains year-round and experiences much cooler temperatures in the late fall, winter, and early spring. For those not keen on the snow, these months are probably best avoided.

On the other hand, sun lovers can still enjoy themselves because the area is one of the best New England cities to bask in during the summer . Keep in mind, however, that June, July, and August are the most popular among travelers, so hotel accommodations may be more expensive.

Best Ways To Get Around

Overall, the city as a whole is somewhat walkable . However, there are several neighborhoods that are pedestrian-friendly, such as the downtown, Main Middle, and Canal District areas.

The city's Regional Transit Authority , which is the second-largest in the state, offers bus services throughout Worcester and to 36 nearby communities. But visitors looking to get around town on their own time should opt for either a rental or a carsharing service.

Where To Eat In Worcester

Dining out in Worcester is quite an experience; here's where to eat.

Altea's Eatery

• Address: 259 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01609
• Cuisine: American fare with a French twist
• Address: 335 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602
• Cuisine: Healthy cafe serving breakfast and lunch staples

BirchTree Bread Company

• Address: 138 Green St #5, Worcester, MA 01604
• Cuisine: American fare including soups, salads, and pizza (vegan and gluten-free options available)

Peppercorn's Grille & Tavern

• Address: 455 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01610
• Cuisine: Quaint Italian eatery

Deadhorse Hill

• Address: 81 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
• Cuisine: Salads, burgers, pasta, and plates

The Mercantile

• Address: 2 Mercantile St, Worcester, MA 01608
• Cuisine: Upscale restaurant featuring a rooftop deck that serves standard American fare

Wormtown Brewery

• Address: 72 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604
• Cuisine: Beers and seltzers

Armsby Abbey

• Address: 44 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
• Cuisine: Cocktails, wine, drafts, and bottles

Related: 10 Charming Islands You Must Visit In New England

Where To Stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Worcester, with accommodations at all price points.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

​​​​​​

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Auburn Worcester

• Address: 446 Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA 01501
• Amenities: Free parking, business center, and airport shuttle

Days Inn by Wyndham Shrewsbury Worcester

• Address: 889 Boston Turnpike, Rt-9, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
• Amenities: Fitness center, free parking, and business center

Mid-Tier Hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Worcester

• Address: 72 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605
• Amenities: Indoor pool, restaurant, coffee shop, fitness center, and bar/lounge

Hampton Inn & Suites - Worcester, MA

• Address: 65 Prescott Street, Worcester, MA 01605
• Amenities: Indoor pool, free shuttle service, free airport shuttle, and fitness center

Upscale Hotels

Beechwood Hotel

• Address: 363 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605
• Amenities: Fitness center, bar/lounge, coffee shop, free shuttle service, restaurant, room service, and free parking

AC Hotel by Marriott Worcester

• Address: 125 Front Street, Worcester, MA 01608
• Amenities: Fitness center, bar/lounge, restaurant, and room service

Related: Discover The Charm Of New England: 10 Essential Stops On The New York City To Boston Route

Tips To Know When Visiting

Worcester is a quintessential New England stay. The city is brimming with art, culture, music, and eclectic shops for an eventful getaway spent on the East Coast. Another perk is that the town is less than an hour away from other major Massachusetts cities, including Boston and Cambridge.

This is good news for those eager to embark on a road trip to explore the state at large. Tourists flock to the city during the summer—which is more than any other time of year. It may be more expensive to travel to Worcester during this time, compared to the spring, fall, and winter months.

Related: See Some Of New England's Best Scenery On Its National Scenic Trail

How To Spend The Perfect Day In Worcester

With so many exciting things to do, visitors should start their day off with a nourishing breakfast at a local eatery to fuel the day. Stop by Miss Worcester Diner, an old-fashioned diner located on Southbridge Street, for classic comfort staples. Next, explore the city with visits to the EcoTarium followed by the Worcester Art Museum and the Salisbury Mansion, which are located 0.1 miles away from each other.

Afterward, enjoy a spicy tomato bisque soup or a slice (or two!) of pizza at the BirchTree Bread Company. From there, head next door to shop at the Crompton Collective and its sister shop, The Haberdash. Continue exploring Canal District's many unique shops and then head to Polar Park to catch a game.

For dinner, Deadhorse Hill, which serves up fresh, local ingredients, is an absolute must. Finish the fun-filled day with a nightcap at the award-winning Wormtown Brewery, which is located less than a mile away.

Q: Is Worcester worth visiting?

Yes! Worcester is one of the East Coast's hidden gems and features an array of museums, parks, and exquisite restaurants for a relaxing trip to New England.

Q: What time of year is best for visiting Worcester?

Although it is the busiest time of year, the town is one of the best New England cities to bask in during the summer months.

Q: What is the nicest part of Worcester?

Although there are many awesome things to do in Massachusetts , a visit to the Canal District is a must. The nicest part of the city, it features a variety of eclectic shops and restaurants.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Where to Go for a Less-Crowded East Coast Summer Vacation

By Hannah Towey

Come summertime, there’s no place like the East Coast . The sun-filled months of June through August remind us why we voluntarily endure our beloved home’s long and harsh winters: to bike past cape-style cottages and hydrangeas down to the beach, where lighthouses and fishing boats dot the coastline; to indulge in salty oysters and buttered lobster rolls; to shop our way through quaint, historic downtowns.

For those chasing a New England summer (far from endless and always too short), a few seaside destinations will come to mind: Nantucket , Martha’s Vineyard , the Hamptons , Newport, the Cape —places where to summer is a verb. But as with many of the world’s most sought-after places, seasonal tourists can push availability, and cost, out of reach for many travelers.

This summer will be no different. Hyannis, Massachusetts, (home to Cape Cod’s main airport) was ranked the number one trending domestic destination in Hopper’s summer travel forecast , with Bar Harbor, Maine, (the gateway to Acadia National Park ) not far behind at number three. According to data from Kayak, the average hotel room in Nantucket this summer will cost you $769 a night, and in the Hamptons, $621 a night. Even if you can swing it, that small town peace and quiet is often spoiled if a busload of people from the same place you’re trying to escape arrive along with you.

None of this means you can’t still plan the classically coastal getaway of your dreams. Lesser-known towns and islands—dare we say hidden gems—offer a chance for an authentic East Coast summer sans the crowds and sticker shock. The catch? You just need to know where to look. So, we tapped local experts and Condé Nast Traveler editors for their favorite under-the-radar northeast summer destinations, from New York up to Maine.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Duxbury, Massachusetts

This historic maritime community about one hour south of Boston was one of the country’s shipbuilding capitals in the 1800s. Now, it’s one of the largest oyster-producing towns in Massachusetts. But it’s as picturesque as it is productive: walk across a historic wooden bridge to the town’s sandy six-mile barrier beach for a dip in the bay’s calm waters, or take a scenic stroll through the charming downtown area lined with old ship captain’s houses and shops.

“Duxbury is definitely a hidden gem,” Chris Sherman, the CEO of Island Creek Oysters, tells Condé Nast Traveler . “A lot of people skip over us on Route 3 on their way down from Boston to the cape or the islands, and that's definitely preserved it as a nice little summer enclave that doesn't get whacked with crowds.”

To get a real taste of Duxbury, look no further than Island Creek , an oyster farm founded approximately 30 years ago that now has two onsite restaurants, in addition to the hatchery: the Raw Bar for casual outdoor dining and water views, and the recently-opened Winsor House, a full service seafood restaurant.

Mystic, Connecticut

About a four-hour drive from New York City, Mystic is a quaint coastal village split between the towns of Groton and Stonington, Connecticut. True to its Mystic Pizza lineage, the local “ restaurant scene has definitely been elevated” in recent years, says Daniel Meiser, founder and CEO of 85th Day Food Community, a group that connects local farms to Mystic restaurants like Oyster Club & Treehouse, the Engine Room, and Port of Call. “There are a few more people in town than there used to be, but Mystic has stayed true to its roots.”

Meiser’s personal favorites include Noah's in Stonington Borough, Carson’s Store in nearby Noank (order a burger at the counter), and the farm stand at Stone Acres Farm . “When I worked in Hartford at Firebox restaurant, I would drive down to Stonington to fill a cooler of dayboat fluke from the town docks for the week’s menu,” he says. “I’d always stop by Noah’s for breakfast before heading down to the boats.”

Mystic is also a great home base for accessing other communities in Southern New England, such as Misquamicut, Watch Hill, Lyme, and Essex, says Amanda Arling, president of popular local favorites The Whaler’s Inn and The Shipwright’s Daughter. “You would be hard pressed to find another town that offers so much, is so easily accessible to most of the Eastern Seaboard, and still retains New England’s quintessential small-town charm,” Arling says.

Block Island, Rhode Island

Just 13 miles off the coast of mainland Rhode Island, Block Island boasts similarly stunning scenery to the more-frequented Cape Islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, but with less fuss. It may not be as anonymous as other entries on this list, but with just 1,000 year-round residents and 44% of the island protected as a dedicated nature preserve, it won’t be hard to find peace and quiet on the 9.5-square-mile island.

The most common way to get around Block Island is by bicycle, and sustainability is a “huge initiative to the island,” says Anika Kimble-Huntley, chief marketing officer at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, who calls the area a “special place for bird watchers and enthusiasts, as it’s a migratory stopover in the spring for fall birds.”

Take the hour-long ferry from Point Judith, Narragansett or Newport (or, splurge a little for the high-speed 30 minute ferry). You can reserve a spot onboard for your car, but you won’t need it.

Fishers Island, New York

Fishers Island is one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets—and that’s no accident. There are no hotels on the island, meaning the majority of visitors own or rent their homes, and the only way to get there is by boat. The Fishers Island ferry from New London, Connecticut, takes just 45 minutes; if you’re interested in a day trip, the earliest ferry leaves at 7 a.m. and the latest returns at 3:30 p.m.

In the words of local real estate brokerage Shutters & Sails , one of the only online sources with information about the island: “Fishers Island is the ultimate gated community—only the gate is a ferry.”

While Fishers Island may be ultra-exclusive, don’t expect a Hamptons-style social scene here. There’s only one bar in town, the Pequot Inn, plus a few small cafés and an ice cream parlor. But there are a surplus of beautiful beaches to spend your time at, in addition to a world-renowned golf course and several sailing clubs.

“Isabella Beach is among the most beautiful in New England, yet a busy day at this mile long beach will find only about 20 cars in the parking lot,” the Shutters & Sails website says. “Equally lovely and more intimate Chocomount Beach is ‘crowded’ with eight families along its 1/3 mile stretch of white and purple (from mussel shells) sand.”

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

CNT Editors

The Farm Coast, Massachusetts and Rhode Island

New England’s “Farm Coast” is a region in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that encompasses the rural communities of Tiverton, Little Compton, Westport, and South Dartmouth, where rolling green fields meet the sparkling blue sea. The closest urban hub is New Bedford, once a major whaling port that is now one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the US (pro tip: it’s home to some of the best Portuguese food in the state).

The Farm Coast “has been a real sleeper for a long time and it's stunningly beautiful,” says Sherman of Duxbury’s Island Creek Oysters, which also has a tinned fish cannery located in New Bedford. “It's one of the few places in New England where you still get these gorgeous saltwater farms that cascade down to Buzzards Bay.”

Because agriculture is at the heart of the place, farm-to-table is taken seriously here. Sherman recommends The Back Eddy restaurant in Westport, Massachusetts, for seafood and Little Moss restaurant in Padanaram Village, South Dartmouth.

Camden, Maine

One of the few towns on the East Coast with a beach and ski mountain 10 minutes apart from one another, Camden’s town slogan is “where the mountains meet the sea.” That means you can go for a hike in Camden Hills State Park and end the day with a sunset swim (with both saltwater and freshwater beach options).

When you’ve had your fill of the natural world, Camden’s charming downtown strip scenically located along the harbor is home to some seriously good eats, fun shops, and cool art galleries: grab breakfast at the cozy Zoot Coffee and dinner at local establishment Long Grain for deliciously fresh Asian cuisine.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Camden does attract a fair amount of summer traffic; the adjacent fishing village of Rockport offers a more laid-back, less-touristy feel. While it’s definitely worth its own trip, Camden also makes for an ideal pit stop between Portland and Bar Harbor if you’re heading to Acadia National Park this summer.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• 6 Delightful Towns to Visit on the Atlantic Coast

From New York to Florida, the Atlantic Coast is home to beautiful stretches of coastline, stunning views, and remarkable beach towns. Whether visitors are looking for a summer destination full of excitement and entertainment and teaming with crowds or want to escape to a quieter small town this summer, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy on the coast. From pretty, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, there is much to explore this summer. From Montauk to Fernandina Beach, the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a treasure trove of vacation destinations.

Montauk, New York

Montauk is commonly referred to as “the End,” thanks to its location at the easternmost point of Long Island and the state of New York. Buffeted by strong winds and rough surf, it sometimes seems like the edge of the world—it feels more remote and low-key than its fancy Hamptons neighbors. The Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1792, is the oldest in New York State. It has stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island —worth the 137-step climb to the top.

Ditch Plains Beach is the most popular spot for surfing in Montauk. Still, several other beaches in Montauk are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, like Gin Beach, Sunset Beach, which is walkable to nearby shops and restaurants, and South Edison Beach (or Nick’s as the locals call it). Visitors traveling with four-legged friends are welcome at beaches at dawn and dusk (before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.). The town has several natural trails perfect for hiking, including Montauk State Park, where the lighthouse is; Shadmoor State Park, where visitors walk along the bluffs; and Hither Hills State Park, where hikers can explore the park's beautiful beaches, walking dunes, and scenic picnic areas. At the end of a Montauk day, visit the Montauk Brewing Co. for a hard seltzer blueberry lemonade.

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Edgartown is renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century whaling captains' homes, notable for their prominent “widow’s walks,” where captains kept an eye on their ships at sea, and wives watched for the return of loved ones. Located on Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, like surf-friendly South Beach (Katama Beach) and Lighthouse Beach, home of the iconic 1800s-era Edgartown Lighthouse. While the lighthouse is relatively small, the area surrounding the lighthouse is stunning. From the top of the spiral staircase, visitors can view the harbor and Chappaquiddick Island vistas. Another activity in the fresh air is exploring the four miles of trails at the family-friendly Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.

The island’s flat terrain and scenic routes make it a perfect destination for cycling, so why not explore Edgartown on two wheels with a rental from Wheel Happy Bicycle Shop? Spend some time walking down Edgartown’s Main Street and discover a host of unique shops, restaurants, and cafés, like Slate—a boho fashion and lifestyle shop, 19 Raw Oyster Bar, and Behind the Bookstore—a café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Hemingway-inspired drinks like Palomas and A Night in Cabo at The Hemingway Bar, hidden behind Edgartown Books.

Ocean City, Maryland

The seaside town of Ocean City offers fun for the whole family. Renowned for its 10 miles of stunning sandy beaches, it’s perfect for swimming, body surfing, and beachcombing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of watersports, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and parasailing. Jet ski and boat rentals are available at Odyssea Watersports. Ocean City’s iconic 3-mile wooden planked boardwalk is a beehive of activity 24/7. Stroll down the boardwalk and visit Dolle’s Candyland for fruit slices, traditional boardwalk fudge, or salt water taffy; the shop is currently celebrating its 114th year in business. Tony’s Pizza has been a landmark on the boardwalk since 1963, and visitors can dine on their rooftop deck overlooking the boardwalk, beach, and the ocean.

No visit to a seaside town would be complete without a round or two of mini golf, so grab a putter and visit Embers Island Mini Golf Course, complete with pirate ships, caves, and water hazards, or Nick’s Mini Golf, where you can choose from various themed courses like Jurassic Golf, Maui Golf, or Dino Golf. After dark, enjoy live music, karaoke, and entertainment at Seacrets Jamaica USA, Fager's Island, and Macky's Bayside Bar & Grill.

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Head to this small Martha’s Vineyard town, Oak Bluffs , to see its colorful and delightful gingerbread cottages, which lend the town a picturesque and whimsical feel. Over 300 cozy cottages are in a 34-acre neighborhood called Wesleyan Grove, a National Historic Landmark. With gothic archways, steeples, and turrets, the cottages are painted in the colors of ice cream. The cottages are celebrated every year on August 14th with an event called “Illumination Night,” where the owners decorate their homes with lanterns. Another playful landmark in town is the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest in the United States . Originally an attraction on Coney Island , the hand-carved, glass-eyed horses with real horse hair manes were moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884.

To learn about the island's history, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum or follow the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard, a trail of 30 sites marked with explanatory plaques dedicated to the contributions made by people of African descent to the island. Finally, for the alpaca enthusiast in the family, visit the Island Alpaca Company for a first-hand look at these gentle and curious animals, and stop by the gift shop for the perfect souvenir.

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is a quiet barrier island known for its unspoiled, serene beaches, historic charm, and laid-back vibe. First settled in the 1500s, the island is one of the oldest beach towns in the United States. Like many old seaside towns, the island is rumored to be haunted by a ghost known as the “Gray Man”—a cloaked figure who roams the beach ahead of major hurricanes. Ghostly attractions aside, this tranquil little town has many other things to do. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy surf fishing from the beach at Huntington Beach State Park or fishing from the Garden City Pier for flounder, black drum, or mackerel. Explore the island’s salt marshes and creeks by kayak or paddleboard with rentals from Surf the Earth, a peaceful way to observe local wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Take a walking tour of the Pawleys Island Historic District, which features charming, centuries-old beach houses and landmarks reflecting the island’s rich history, like the Pawleys Island Chapel, which marks its 76th year of worship in 2024. and the 1845-built All Saints Summer Parsonage. The island also has several renowned eateries where visitors can sample South Carolina’s legendary Lowcountry cuisine, like Pawleys Island Tavern, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback Bar, and Pawley’s Raw Bar, which bills itself as a “rusty ramshack of a restaurant.”

Fernandina Beach, Florida

On Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is a charming Victorian seaside town with a historic downtown area and beautiful beaches wrapped in a laid-back, sunny atmosphere. Once a town full of pirates, bootleggers, and other quirky residents, today it is a family-friendly destination with much to see and enjoy. Although the barrier island is only 13 miles long, there are more than 40 public beaches, including the popular Main Beach Park (known as “The Family Zone” by locals). Play a round of mini putt at the Putt-Putt Fun Center, surf the waves, or shred it at the skate park. For food and drinks at the beach, visit the Salt Life Food Shack for sushi, poke bowls, street tacos, and a pitcher of sangria.

After a day in the sun and the surf, head to Fernandina Beach’s charming downtown area, known for its Victorian-era architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and inviting cafés. Visit Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop for a shake from its authentic 1950s soda fountain, Villa Villekulla Toys, or join a yoga class at Centred on Yoga. Don’t leave town without a visit to Florida’s oldest lighthouse, the Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838. Today, the lighthouse’s beacon still guides ships into the channel to the Fernandina Harbor, but when it was first lit, Florida was not yet a state.

The Atlantic coast is chock full of delightful towns with picturesque landscapes, rich history, and diverse activities. With stunning beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing and historic lighthouses providing breathtaking views and a glimpse into maritime history, visitors can easily make every moment count on an East Coast vacation. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic trails in state parks; water lovers can surf, kayak, and paddle board, while anglers can drop a line from a pier or surf cast. Quaint towns with charming architecture, boutique shops, activities for the whole family, and local cuisine only add to the appeal of the Atlantic coast.

More in Places

7 Budget-Friendly Towns in Michigan for Retirees

6 Cozy Towns to Visit in Mississippi

7 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in Victoria

7 Best Places to Live in New South Wales

8 Underappreciated Towns To Visit In The Finger Lakes

The Best State Parks to Visit in Wisconsin

11 Towns Perfect for Retirement in Florida

11 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania