New England's most populous state, Massachusetts packs in appealing variety, from the sandy beaches of Cape Cod to college towns of the Pioneer Valley to the woodsy hills of the Berkshires. The state's rich history oozes from almost every quarter: discover the shoreline in Plymouth, where the Pilgrims first settled in the New World; explore the battlefields in Lexington and Concord, where the first shots of the American Revolution rang out; and wander the cobbled streets and old ports of Salem, Nantucket and New Bedford, where whaling and merchant boats once docked.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Fenway Park
Kenmore Square & Fenway
Home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912, Fenway Park is the oldest operating baseball park in the country. As such, the park has many quirks that make for a…
Harvard University
Cambridge
America's oldest college, Harvard University is one of the country's most prestigious universities. It was originally founded in Harvard Yard in 1636by…
Museum of Science
Boston
Theeducational playground that is the Museum of Science has more than 600 interactive exhibits. Favorites include the world’s largest lightning-bolt…
Plimoth Plantation
South Shore
Three miles south of Plymouth center, Plimoth Plantation authentically re-creates the Pilgrims’ settlement in its primary exhibit, entitled 1627 English…
Minute Man National Historic Park
Boston's Western Suburbs
The route that British troops followed to Concord has been designated the Minute Man National Historic Park. The visitor center at the eastern end of the…
Punto Urban Art Museum
Massachusetts
If you walk south on Lafayette from Derby St, you'll find yourself on the other side of the tracks (or river, in this case). Welcome to El Punto, or ‘The…
Harvard Yard
Cambridge
Harvard University was originally founded here in 1636, and Harvard Yard remains the historic and geographic heart of the university campus. Flanked by…
Boston's Western Suburbs
See AlsoMassachusetts | Flag, Facts, Maps, Capital, & AttractionsMassachusetts: Highlights und Übersicht - reisetipp-usa.deMassachusetts - Die Wiege der Unabhängigkeit - USA-Info.netMassachusetts Tourism Vacation Guide, Attractions, & EventsThe magical DeCordova Sculpture Park encompasses 35 acres of green hills, providing a spectacular natural environment for a constantly changing exhibit of…
View more attractions
View more attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
The 11 best things to do in Salem, Massachusetts
Curated by
Annika Hipple
Witch Dungeon Museum
Massachusetts
This place offers a 15-minute live re-enactment of a witch trial, using historical transcripts for dialog (which is interesting, but it makes it difficult…
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Massachusetts
This National Historic Site comprises the Custom House, the wharves and other buildings along Derby St that are remnants of the shipping industry that…
Salem Witch Museum
Massachusetts
Housed in a creepy Romanesque church, this so-called museum starts with a presentation of life-size dioramas, with a voice-over recounting the narrative…
Witch House
Massachusetts
Of more than a score of witchy attractions in town, this is the only actual historic site. The house was once the home of Jonathan Corwin, a local…
Peabody Essex Museum
Massachusetts
All of the art, artifacts and curiosities that Salem merchants brought back from the Far East were the foundation for this museum. Founded in 1799, it is…
House of the Seven Gables
Massachusetts
‘Halfway down a by-street of one of our New England towns stands a rusty wooden house, with seven acutely peaked gables facing towards various points of…
Witch History Museum
Massachusetts
This 'museum' utilizes scary-looking mannequins to recount the history of the Salem witch trials. It has re-created scenes from 'Old Salem village,'…
Massachusetts' top free things to do are wicked fun
Massachusetts
Only a few miles north of Dock Sq along MA 127 is Halibut Point Reservation. A 10-minute walk through the forest brings you to yawning, abandoned granite…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
From cannoli in Boston to music in the Berkshires - with dunes, apple picking and whale watching in between – Massachusetts brims with exciting activities.
Read article
Things to Know
A local's guide to everything you need to know before visiting Massachusetts.
Read article
Best Road Trips
The best road trips in Massachusetts offer history, scenery, and some sublime cultural attractions.
Read article
Articles
Latest stories from Massachusetts
Read more articles
Filter by interest:
Activities
The 11 best things to do in Salem, Massachusetts
Oct 6, 2023 • 14 min read
There's more to Salem than witch trials. See everything this beautiful New England town has to offer with our guide to the best things to do in Salem.
Museums
A reason to travel to Amherst, MA in December: the reopened Emily Dickinson Museum
Dec 8, 2022 • 4 min read
Destination Practicalities
13 things to know before traveling to Massachusetts - and why not trashing the Red Sox is the most important
Aug 20, 2022 • 7 min read
Wildlife & Nature
Top 6 road trips in Massachusetts
Aug 13, 2022 • 6 min read
Budget Travel
The best way to see Massachusetts on a budget
Aug 10, 2022 • 8 min read
Beaches
The best places to visit in Massachusetts for history, beaches and witches
Jul 31, 2022 • 7 min read
Wildlife & Nature
Top 16 things to do in Massachusetts from whale watching to a Red Sox game
Jun 27, 2022 • 9 min read
State Parks
The 14 best state parks in Massachusetts you really shouldn't miss
May 17, 2022 • 8 min read
Festivals & Events
The best time to visit Massachusetts for a dose of New England magic
May 14, 2022 • 7 min read
Tours
18 picture-perfect Massachusetts lighthouses
Jan 27, 2022 • 12 min read
Read more articles
in partnership with getyourguide
Book popular activities in Massachusetts
Go Beyond
Massachusetts and beyond
Beyond Massachusetts- Boston
- Cambridge
- Back Bay
- Streetcar Suburbs
- Charlestown
