Massachusetts is a unique travel destination thanks to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and exciting cultural offerings. From the bustling streets of Boston to the peaceful Berkshires, Massachusetts offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history of the American Revolution, relax on the picturesque beaches of Cape Cod, or enjoy the contemporary art scenes in Provincetown, Massachusetts, there is something for everyone.
Get ready to experience the best of New England’s charm and beauty. In this blog, we will share 21 things to do in Massachusetts.
Table of Contents
The following are the 21 best things to do in Massachusetts.
1. Walk the Path of Patriots with Boston’s Freedom Trail.
Think about what it would be like to travel through time and encounter the same situations that the founding fathers of the United States faced. That is the experience one can have while walking the Freedom Trail in Boston, MA. Along its 2.5 miles, you’ll pass 16 historical sites that document different aspects of the American struggle for independence.
From the gold-domed Massachusetts State House to the old North Church, where lanterns signaled the British were coming, it’s like a live history lesson. But here’s the kicker: every step on the cobblestone streets is a step where America’s founding fathers once walked, making history feel incredibly close and real.
2. Witness the Shadows of History at Salem’s Witch Trials.
Salem, Massachusetts, is famous for something a bit eerie: the Witch Trials of 1692. This was a time when fear and hysteria took over, leading to the trial and execution of twenty people accused of witchcraft.
The town of Salem still proudly displays its eerie history. The only remaining buildings directly related to the trials, the Witch House and the Salem Witch Museum, educate visitors about this gloomy chapter instead.
The Salem Witch Trials were one of the first major events in American history during which legal documents were extensively written down. Today, we can read court documents from over 300 years ago, giving us a direct window into the past.
3. Cape Cod National Seashore, Where Land Meets Sea in Harmony.
Cape Cod National Seashore is a place where Massachusetts’s natural beauty shines bright. Stretching across 40 miles of pristine sandy beaches, marshes, ponds, and uplands, this area offers breathtaking views and is a haven for wildlife.
Whether you’re a fan of hiking, bird watching, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, Cape Cod has something for everyone. And for those who love the ocean, the seashore’s lighthouses stand as historic beacons, guiding ships for centuries.
4. Find Your Escape in the Tranquil Berkshires.
Situated in western Massachusetts, the Berkshires provide a tranquil retreat into nature while also showcasing a diverse array of cultural experiences. Thanks to its lively cultural scene and serene beauty, this region is a refuge for creative types.
From the world-renowned Tanglewood Music Festival to the Norman Rockwell Museum, the Berkshires blend natural beauty with artistic excellence. Whether you’re exploring its scenic trails or enjoying a live performance under the stars, the Berkshires provide a refreshing retreat into a world where nature and culture harmonize.
The Berkshires are home to MASS MoCA, one of the world’s largest contemporary art centers, housed in a converted 19th-century factory.
5. Fenway Park, Where Every Game Is a Home Run.
Despite being over a century old, Fenway Park still feels like a living, breathing part of American history. The Boston Red Sox call this Major League Baseball stadium home. Despite being the league’s oldest, the electric energy of games, both past and present, is palpable the moment you step inside.
Imagine watching a game where every pitch adds to a story that started in 1912. And it’s not just about baseball; it’s about experiencing a piece of Americana, from the iconic Green Monster to singing “Sweet Caroline” with thousands of fans.
6. Step back to the 17th century at Plimoth Patuxet Museums.
The Plimoth Patuxet Museums offer a unique window into the early days of American settlement, where the story of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people comes to life.
Through meticulously recreated settlements and a Native American homesite, visitors can step back into the 17th century to understand the challenges and triumphs of the first settlers and the indigenous people they encountered. It’s a place of learning and reflection where history is told from multiple perspectives.
7. Find Yourself in Creativity at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Entering Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is like taking a trip across continents and through time. This museum is one of the biggest in the US, housing over 450,000 pieces of art ranging from ancient Egyptian relics to modern American works of art.
Here, you can stand face-to-face with Egyptian mummies, marvel at Monet’s impressionist landscapes, or explore the vibrant cultures of Africa and Asia. It’s a place where art comes alive, telling stories that transcend time and geography.
The museum houses one of the only complete galleries of musical instruments in the world, showcasing over 1,100 pieces that span centuries and continents.
8. Nantucket A Seaside Retreat with a Story.
Nantucket is more than simply an island; it’s a beautiful portal into a world where the passing of time is suspended, and the salty air of the ocean is sensed with each soft gust of wind.
Once a whaling hub, Nantucket has transformed into a serene getaway with cobblestone streets, historic lighthouses, and pristine beaches. It’s a place where you can bike along scenic paths, explore charming boutiques, and watch the sunset over the harbor, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink.
9. Stand Where Heroes Stood at Minute Man National Historical Park.
The Minute Man National Historical Park is where the American Revolution’s first battle cries echoed, marking the dawn of a new era.
Stretching along the historic battle road from Lexington to Concord, this park preserves the sites and tells the stories of the first battles of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775.
Walking through the park, visitors can trace the footsteps of the brave Minutemen, stand on the North Bridge where “the shot heard round the world” was fired, and reflect on the courage and sacrifice that shaped the nation.
10. The New Bedford Whaling Museum Chronicles of Ocean Giants.
Once the world’s whaling capital, New Bedford has a rich maritime history that the New Bedford Whaling Museum allows you to explore in great detail.
This museum isn’t just about whales; it’s a comprehensive exploration of the industry that shaped New England’s economy and culture, featuring a vast collection of whaling artifacts, ship models, and the world’s largest ship model, the Lagoda.
Visitors can stand beneath massive whale skeletons suspended in the air and learn about the lives of sailors and the global impact of whaling.
11. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Where Beauty Transcends Time.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a jewel in Boston’s cultural crown, housed in a building that mirrors a 15th-century Venetian palace. This museum is the legacy of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a visionary collector who amassed an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts.
Each room is curated as if it were a work of art itself, creating an intimate experience that blurs the lines between past and present. The museum’s central courtyard, a lush, flowering oasis, offers a tranquil retreat from the city.
12. Experience living history at Old Sturbridge Village.
Old Sturbridge Village brings the early 19th-century New England countryside to life, offering a full immersion experience into the daily lives of early Americans. With over 40 original buildings, including homes, meetinghouses, a school, and trade shops, visitors can step back in time and see history in action.
Craftspeople in period attire demonstrate the blacksmithing, pottery, and farming techniques of the era, making history tangible and engaging. It’s a place where the past is not just observed but experienced, allowing visitors to understand the rhythms of seasonal life in a New England village.
13. Find out America’s maritime roots at Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a tribute to the city’s illustrious seafaring past, where the rich history of American maritime adventure comes to life.
Nestled along the scenic waterfront, this site encompasses historic buildings, wharves, and a replica of the tall ship Friendship, offering a glimpse into Salem’s global trade era.
14. Brace Yourself for Thrills at Six Flags New England.
Six Flags New England is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. It boasts a wide array of roller coasters, water rides, and entertainment options.
From the adrenaline-pumping Superman: The Ride, known for its steep drops and high speeds, to the family-friendly attractions in Looney Tunes Movie Town, there’s something for everyone. The park combines modern thrills with classic amusement park charm, ensuring a day of unforgettable fun.
Superman: The Ride is often ranked among the top steel roller coasters in the world, offering a glimpse into cutting-edge roller coaster design and engineering, making it a must-ride for coaster enthusiasts visiting the park.
15. Witness the diversity of life on Earth at Harvard’s Museum of Natural History.
Through its extensive collection, which spans from prehistoric times to the most recent findings in biodiversity, the Harvard Museum of Natural History provides an enthralling journey through the natural world.
Visitors can marvel at the famous Glass Flowers exhibit, a stunningly detailed collection of over 4,000 models representing more than 830 plant species meticulously crafted by glass artists Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka.
The museum also features an impressive array of mineral specimens, animal mounts, and a series of exhibits on climate change and evolution, providing insights into the planet’s past, present, and future.
16. Ascend Mount Greylock, Massachusetts’ Majestic Summit.
Mount Greylock stands as the highest point in Massachusetts, offering breathtaking views that stretch across five states on clear days.
More than just a peak, Mount Greylock is an invitation to adventure. Miles of hiking trails wind through rich biodiversity and lead to its summit, where the iconic 93-foot Veterans War Memorial Tower shines like a beacon. Whether covered in snow or bursting with autumn colors, the mountain’s natural beauty provides a serene escape for nature lovers and hikers alike.
17. Walk Through the Lives of the Adams Family at Their Historic Park.
John Quincy Adams and his father, John Adams, were both presidents of the United States, and their lives and legacies are explored in great detail at Quincy Adams National Historical Park.
The park preserves their birthplaces, the family home known as Peacefield and the Stone Library, which houses more than 14,000 historic volumes collected by the Adams family.
18. Which is Massachusetts’s oldest town?
Massachusetts’ oldest town is Plymouth, founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower.
It is renowned for its historical significance as the first Pilgrim settlement in New England.
19. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Where Liberty’s Story Unfolds.
The museum vividly portrays the events that transpired prior to the American Revolution through engaging exhibits, restored tea ships that are true to the original design, and an emotionally engaging, multi-sensory documentary.
Visitors can even participate in a reenactment of the tea-throwing, gaining a deeper understanding of the courage and resolve that fueled the fight for independence. This experience connects the past with the present, reminding us of the enduring values of freedom and democracy.
20. Feel the Charm of Provincetown Along Commercial Street.
Commercial Street in Provincetown is a vibrant artery of art, culture, and life, where the spirit of creativity and freedom flows as freely as the ocean breeze. Lined with art galleries, eclectic shops, and cozy cafes, this bustling street offers a colorful mosaic of experiences.
It’s a place where artists find inspiration, where history meets contemporary life, and where every corner tells a story. The lively atmosphere, combined with the stunning backdrop of Provincetown Harbor, makes Commercial Street a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Cape Cod.
Provincetown is known as the nation’s oldest continuous art colony, and Commercial Street has been at the heart of this creative community, attracting artists and writers for over a century.
21. Find peace at the foot of Bash Bish Falls.
Bash Bish Falls, a stunning waterfall in the Taconic Mountains, provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking nature’s love. It is the highest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts, and as it tumbles from a succession of rocky ledges into a pristine pool below, it is a sight to behold.
Surrounded by lush forests and rugged terrain, the falls are accessible through scenic hiking trails that offer an adventure as rewarding as the destination itself. It’s a place of tranquility and awe where the power and beauty of nature can be fully appreciated.
FAQs
First American Lighthouse: The first American lighthouse was built in Boston Harbor in 1716. Known as the Boston Light, it is the nation’s oldest lighthouse station.
Volleyball Invention: William G. Morgan invented volleyball in 1895 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, originally called “mintonette.”
Fig Newton Namesake: The Fig Newton cookie is named after the town of Newton, Massachusetts. It was first produced in 1891 by the Kennedy Biscuit Works (later part of Nabisco).
The lost town of Massachusetts is Dana. In the 1930s, four towns flooded and disincorporated to create the Quabbin Reservoir. Dana, along with Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott, now lies beneath the waters.
Boston, the state capital, is the most visited town in Massachusetts. Known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant city life, Boston attracts millions of visitors each year.
1. Birthplace of the American Revolution.
2. Home to world-renowned institutions like Harvard and MIT.
3. A vibrant mix of cultures, festivals, and culinary experiences.
Massachusetts is most popularly nicknamed “The Bay State.”
