top tourist attractions in massachusetts

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)

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

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

1620 Winery

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

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

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

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

Southwick’s Zoo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

History of Boston on Display Along This Walk to the Sea

Boston from the Sidewalk

Beautiful Marsh Welcomes Walkers

Old Italy Flavors at Caffe Vittoria

Artist Colony Is Vibrant in Gloucester

A Little Walk; a Little Chocolate; and Repeat

Riverwalk Is an Urban Treat

Broadmoor Offers Broad Variety

Stroll Charming Downtown Gloucester

Books, Soft Chairs, and a River View

Johnny Appleseed Trail Through Picturesque Towns

Pittsfield Hops with Shopping and Browsing Fun

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

Walking Trails Criss-Cross This Beautiful Island

Antiques Are Plentiful at This Cambridge Market

Come Aboard Old Ironsides

Prowl for Fashionable Objects of the Past

Find Contemporary Art and Advice from an Expert

Tuck in to Truro for Wine and Spirits Tastings

Here Lies Hawthorne

Kids Love to Explore ‘the Olden Days’

Bridge of Flowers Is Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen

Fruitlands Is Home to four Fascinating Museums

Out in the Woods, in Sight of Boston

A Garden Shop Like a Roman Piazza

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

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25 Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts

The berkshires, martha's vineyard.

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Where to stay: Brook Farm Inn

Your best chances of spotting a whale are between March and October. Beyond the beaches that attract many visitors, the forests, marshlands, ponds, and cranberry bogs are just waiting to be explored on foot or by way of the many miles of cycling trails. The towns in Cape Cod are full of history and shopping opportunities at the local boutiques as well as in antique and souvenir shops.

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

The town has long been known as a safe haven for LGBT travelers and residents and is home to many artists. The lively Commercial Street is lined with art galleries, eateries, clubs, cabarets, and shopping. The Race Point Light is a historic lighthouse located in Provincetown that offers overnight accommodations in the Keeper’s House. Next read: Best Romantic Places to Stay in 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

Last Updated By VI on April 26, 2024 in Things to Do in Massachusetts & Places to Visit

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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.

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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.

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If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful spots in the US, look no further than Massachusetts . You’ll discover beautiful towns and natural landscapes that make this New England destination a favorite for all travelers.

There is a lot to see and do in Massachusetts that allows you to appreciate its beauty. From the scenic coastal destinations, historical harbors, and natural landmarks, the Bay State has something for everyone to enjoy.  Let’s take a look at the most beautiful places in Massachusetts that are a must-see when you visit.  

Table of Contents

When is the Best Time to Visit Massachusetts?

Well, there is beauty to be found year round in the Bay State, for sure! Winter getaways in Massachusetts are all that is cozy and warm, spring in places like Boston are a celebration of new growth and rejuvenation, but when it comes right down to it, summer and fall probably offer the best opportunity for viewing the most beautiful places in Massachusetts.

Most Beautiful Places in Massachusetts

1. boston harbor.

Boston is much too large to experience it all in one day, so I’ll let you in on a tip: the Boston Harbor is a must-see. You might’ve heard about the harbor as the famous site of the historic Boston Tea Party. Today, it offers many beautiful sights to enjoy while pondering the myth if the water still tastes like tea.

You can go for a leisure stroll on the Boston Harborwalk, where you’ll have scenic views of Massachusetts Bay and the endless ship masts docked in the harbor. Take a harbor cruise to view the magical skyline of Boston Harbour, undeniably one of the most beautiful places in MA. 

2. Boston Harbor Islands

Board one of the ferries from the Boston Harbor to visit the Boston Harbor Islands. It consists of 34 islands in total, with 13 of them designated as a state park. With more than a half-million visitors every year, there are many sights and activities to explore on each island.

Whether you’re checking out the historic Fort Warren on George’s Island, hiking the coastal trails on Moon Island, or checking out the iconic Grave’s Lighthouse, there’s something to do for everyone. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful Massachusetts scenery and have views of the Boston Skyline in the distance.

3. Boston Common

You will find lots of people enjoying Boston Common, an urban park in Downtown Boston, all year round. You’ll get to enjoy more than 50 acres of green space surrounded by towering office buildings and residences. The summertime is always a popular time to enjoy recreational activities, but the winter can be just as charming.

This beautiful Boston park was built in 1964, making it the oldest public park in the US  and one of the most beautiful places in MA. There are sporting facilities like a baseball field, tennis court, and ice-skating rink. It’s an excellent place for people-watching, picnics, or catching an event like Shakespeare in the Park. The park is the starting point of the Freedom Trail .

4. Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod is a favorite vacation destination spot for New Englanders, thanks to its picturesque scenery. It’s a large peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean with several towns, but a national seashore area is a place you don’t want to miss.

Cape Cod National Seashore’s beauty will surely take your breath away. Of all the most beautiful places in MA, you will get to experience the best of its beaches, with 40 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, and more.

Go for a scenic Massachusetts hike along the sandy beach trails or boardwalk swamp trails. You’ll encounter landmarks like the Nauset Lighthouse and Highland Lighthouse. (Check out more of the best lighthouses in Massachusetts ).

5. Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is no longer Massachusetts’s best-kept secret because it’s now developed into a popular vacation spot. But even with the large summer crowds, the island’s beauty still captivates visitors to make it a go-to destination.

You can take a short ferry ride from Cape Cod to reach the island. It has everything from charming colonial-style towns like Oak Bluffs to some of the most picturesque MA beaches , making it truly one of the rarest and most beautiful places in MA.

One of the best ways to experience the island is by renting bikes and exploring the island. Be sure to stop by the local wineries for wine tasting while visiting this Massachusetts gem.

6. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Boston has several world-class museums, but none quite as beautiful as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum . The stunning courtyard is a trendy place for photography.

It’s hard to say which is more impressive – the Venetian mansion-style architecture or the famous paintings hanging inside it. The art collection includes works from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Botticelli. You’ll see masterpieces from American, European, and Asian art.

You can spend a few hours wandering the multiple floors of this beautiful museum. The courtyard features decorative plants and perfect lighting that makes it appear like a work of art in itself. Historically and aesthetically, it is few among the most beautiful places in MA for art-lovers. 

7. Heritage Museum and Gardens

  With over 100 acres of manicured garden landscape, you won’t find another garden as big as the Heritage Museum and Gardens in the region. You’ll immediately feel the tranquil atmosphere as you wander around the beautiful gardens .

The Heritage Museum and Gardens, located in Sandwich, feature many exotic flowers, trees, bushes, and more. Every detail of the garden is designed, including decorative features like waterfalls, a lake, windmills, and more.

The most popular times to visit these scenic Massachusetts gardens are during the spring and winter. The spring features the flora at full bloom, where the entire space is filled with colors and a pleasant aroma. The Gardens Aglow event is during the winter, where the site features an incredible Christmas light display.

8. Plimoth Plantation

Take a walk through the past to see where the pilgrims first landed when arriving in the new land. Plimoth Plantation is an impressive attraction that recreates the Native and Pilgrim villages as they were during the 17th Century.

Plimoth Plantation is a living museum experience that immerses you into the pilgrims’ lifestyle. You’ll see colonists dressed in authentic costumes that talk about their lives in the new world. You can even peek inside the traditional homes to see how they lived. If you are excited to experience pilgrim villages, Plimoth Plantation is undoubtedly one the must-visit spots in Mass.

Don’t forget to check out the restored Mayflower ship located just a few minutes away, also in the town of Plymouth .

9. The Berkshires

Travel to scenic Western Massachusetts to appreciate the Bay State’s natural beauty. The Berkshires describe the region characterized by forest-covered mountains and is a favorite outdoor recreation area.  For nature-lovers, it is one of the most beautiful places in MA and in the USA.

Hiking is one of the favorite activities in the Berkshires . Step out into the scenic outdoors to discover the best viewpoints and trails. Hike to the Mount Greylock summit for the best view overlooking the landscape – it’s the highest point.

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit; the Berkshires is one of the best places in MA to see the colorful fall foliage . It’s also great for a scenic drive in between towns. 

10. Bridge of Flowers

Guaranteed, you’ve never seen a bridge as unique as the Bridge of Flowers . The name accurately describes this small yet beautiful attraction in Massachusetts. The bridge is decorated with a colorful array of flowers seasonally, so it’s worth a visit anytime of year. For plant lovers and gardeners, this nature’s paradise will definitely appeal to you as one of the most beautiful destinations in Massachusetts.

Bridge of Flowers is a former trolley bridge built-in 1908 that is now a pedestrian bridge extending between Shelburne and Buckland. It is decorated with various flowers, such as bulbs, perennials, and dahlias. 

You can visit the bridge to see the flower decorations from April to October. It’s a popular photography spot or great for simply enjoying views of Deerfield River.

11. Nantucket

Massachusetts has some of the wealthiest communities in New England. You’ll get a glimpse of it when you visit Nantucket. It’s an island about 30 miles south of Cape Cod that’s a beautiful place for a scenic day trip. It’s also a great spot for a serene, restful retreat in winter !

This beautiful Massachusetts island feels secluded since it’s only accessible by ferry, but it has lots of sights and things to do. Visit the quaint town of Nantucket and explore the boutique shops lining the cobblestone streets or visit Brant Point Lighthouse, one of the three lighthouses on the island.

Whaling has a long history in Nantucket. You can take a whale-watching cruise or visit the Whaling Museum.

12. Rockport

Chances are, you’ve probably already seen Rockport in one of your favorite movies. This beautiful Massachusetts town is a popular film shoot site, and now you can say you’ve visited it! 

The small town of Rockport is the perfect escape from nearby Boston. It’s a scenic coastal town that keeps visitors coming back. Not only is it situated right on the shore surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, but you’ll see many vintage fisherman shacks that now house restaurants and shops; lots of small town MA charm here!

Rockport is a popular art destination with many galleries and you can go on a gallery crawl to see works from local artists depicting the town’s beauty.

13. Harvard University Campus

Harvard University is perhaps the most prestigious university in the world, but it’s also absolute architectural eye candy. Located in Cambridge, the campus is one of the most iconic places you’ll see in Massachusetts. It’s full of historic buildings, and you’ll feel smarter just by walking around the campus.

Harvard University was established in 1636, making it the oldest university in the US. Although it is a private university, visitors are welcomed to walk the campus. Harvard Square is a central hub of the campus that features statues and historical landmarks. Some of the most notable sites include the John Harvard statue, Massachusetts Hall, Widener Library, and Memorial Church.

14. Provincetown Dunes

You’ll feel like you’re in a new world as you begin to hike the Provincetown Dunes. The dunes occupy a large area of the Cape Cod National Seashore, but the landscape change appears otherworldly.

The coastal Provincetown dunes offer one of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s easy to forget that you’re in Massachusetts, thanks to the ethereal scenery.

The entire region is covered with rolling dunes so prepare to get very sandy. There are hiking trails that wind around and above the dunes. Plus, you’re in Provincetown, which is full of fun things to do and yummy places to eat!

15. Aquinnah Cliffs

The Aquinnah Cliffs are a must-visit while on Martha’s Vineyard because the pictures don’t capture how beautiful it is. Formerly known as Gay Head Cliffs, it’s one of the most popular destinations and most beautiful places in MA.

The Aquinnah Cliffs are made from red clay, giving them a spectacular color. Visitors can climb to the top of the cliffs to enjoy one of the best views Massachusetts offers, with sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby landmarks like the Gay Head Lighthouse.

If you can, join the crowds to watch an incredible MA sunset from atop the cliffs.

16. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Travel to Plum Island to discover the well-preserved landscape of the lovely Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. This nature area was designated for migratory birds, but the conservation efforts make it one of the most beautiful places in Massachusetts to check out.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge covers most of the small island. The scenic coastal landscape has the cleanest beaches and picturesque dunes. It’s an excellent destination for birdwatching, swimming, hiking, and fishing. 

There is a visitor center to learn more about the best places to see birds and hiking trails to scenic viewpoints.

17. Bartholomew’s Cobble

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ll genuinely enjoy nature walks at Bartholomew’s Cobble, near Sheffield, MA. Designated as a natural landmark, you have a chance to see hundreds of species of plants and birds.

Bartholomew’s Cobble is known for its flora diversity. Several miles of hiking trails take you around this forested region of Massachusetts. It’s a scenic hike that you’ll surely enjoy as you trek alongside the Housatonic River.

Fall is one of the best times to visit this scenic area of Massachusetts, where the region showcases the vibrant colors of the fall foliage.

18. Bash Bish Falls

New England has plenty of beautiful waterfalls to check out, but Bash Bish Falls consistently ranks as one of the most stunning. It’s tucked away in the forest, so you get to hike the trails before stumbling upon this incredible sight.

Bash Bish Falls is located on the Massachusetts-New York border. It is the tallest waterfall in MA, with a nearly 60-ft drop. Although swimming isn’t permitted, the spectacular scenery at this Massachusetts waterfall is more than enough to appreciate.

During the warmer seasons, you can have a picnic near the waterfalls. Enjoy your meal amidst the soothing sounds of the falls trickling down the large rocks.

19. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

One of the most beautiful places in MA to see nature’s largest mammal is at the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary . It’s a popular whale-watching site that will leave you speechless once you get to see it in person.

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a large preserved marine area of Massachusetts Bay. It’s a hotspot for spotting whales, dolphins, and other species.

Take a scenic boat tour into the bay and keep your camera ready to snap photos of these majestic marine creatures.

20. Halibut Point State Park

After you’ve explored the scenic town of Rockport, stop by the Halibut Point State Park located just outside of town. It has 67 acres worth of hiking trails and landmarks in the beautiful landscape.

Halibut Point State Park is unique for the massive rocks lining the shore. The hiking trails extend over the rocks. You’ll reach elevations for one of the most scenic overlooks as it definitely scores top among the most beautiful places in MA. You can see the nearby beaches, Isles of Shoals, and even Mount Agamenticus in Maine on clear days.

21. Wellfleet Kettle Ponds

 One of the most beautiful “hidden” places in Massachusetts is the Cape Cod open secret of the beautiful freshwater oases that have been left behind from melted glacial deposits thousands of years ago, known as the Wellfleet Kettle Ponds . While access for non residents can be tricky to these gorgeous deep blue ponds as they all do require a Wellfleet Residents sticker to park, you could probably find yourself a friend in Wellfleet to take you there for an in-person glimpse of this gorgeous natural scenery in Massachusetts.

22. Benson’s Pond Cranberry Bog

Of course, you can’t talk about the most beautiful places in Massachusetts without mentioning the vibrant, crimson-filled cranberry bogs that have been such a significant part of Massachusetts’ state agricultural history and culture for such a long time!

Not only can you visit cranberry bogs in Massachusetts , but you can even participate in the cranberry harvest at places like Benson’s Pond , where you can strap on a pair of chest waders and get right in the vivid red cranberry bog yourself. This would make for a very cool photo to add to your Insta!

You might also like:

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• 5 Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts
• 30 Most Charming Small Towns in New England
• Hidden Gems in New England: 15 Secret Places to Visit
• 10 Breathtaking Swimming Holes in Massachusetts
• 15 Best VRBOs + Airbnbs in Massachusetts
• 9 Best Restaurants in Marthas Vineyard
• 13 Incredible Antique Stores in Massachusetts: Antiquing MA

23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Boston

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Perhaps no other city in America holds as much history of the colonial and Revolutionary War era as Boston. It's not surprising then that its main sites have become a pilgrimage trail for Americans and for others who hope to get a sense of that history.

But more than that, the Freedom Trail is a good introduction to today's city, connecting or passing close to some of its best loved tourist attractions. Boston is easy to navigate on foot, as its major sights are relatively close, and America's first subway system, the T, connects its important neighborhoods.

Across the Charles River, a watery summer recreation area whose Boston shore is reserved as the Esplanade park, is Cambridge. Although a separate and independent city, for tourist purposes, Cambridge is part of Boston and connected by the same transit system.

Here, you'll find two of America's most prestigious and important universities, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) . These and the many other universities and colleges in the area help keep Boston a youthful and vibrant place to be, with a lively cultural scene. With all the music, theater, and entertainment options, plus its abundance of restaurants, you'll never be at a loss for things to do in Boston at night.

Maybe because I've lived there and know its sometimes puzzling web of downtown streets, I find Boston a thoroughly comfortable city to visit; despite its tall buildings, its compact neighborhoods make it seem more like a cluster of small towns. Join me in a tour of my favorite city, and discover the best things to do, with this handy guide to the top attractions in Boston.

1. Walk the Freedom Trail

2. see a game or take a tour of fenway park, 3. faneuil hall, 4. boston common and public garden: ride the swan boats, 5. museum of fine arts boston, 6. isabella stewart gardner museum, 7. uss constitution and bunker hill (boston national historic park), 8. museum of science, 9. harvard square and harvard art museums, 10. old north church and boston's north end, 11. boston tea party ships & museum, 12. new england aquarium, 13. harvard museums and the glass flowers, 14. newbury street & back bay, 15. boston public library and copley square, 16. boston harbor and whale watching cruises, 17. john f. kennedy presidential library and museum, 18. beacon hill and the black heritage trail, 19. boston harborwalk and christopher columbus waterfront park, 20. rose fitzgerald kennedy greenway, 21. boston pops and boston symphony orchestra, 22. arnold arboretum, 23. massachusetts institute of technology, where to stay in boston for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to boston, best time to visit boston, ma.

The three-mile Freedom Trail leads you past – and into – 16 of the city's principal historic monuments and sites. It's easy to follow, by the line of red bricks in the sidewalk and by footprints at street crossings. Begin by picking up brochures on the attractions at the Visitor Center in the Boston Common before heading to the State House .

The trail will take you to Old Granary Burying Ground (where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are buried), King's Chapel Burying Ground (Boston's oldest cemetery with the graves of Governor John Winthrop and two Mayflower passengers), Old South Meeting House (where the ringing speeches of patriots spawned the Boston Tea Party), and the Old State House . This is Boston's oldest public building and the site of the Boston Massacre .

The Freedom Trail continues through Boston's North End, past the Paul Revere House and Old North Church , and ends across the bridge in Charlestown with the 54-gun frigate USS Constitution and the 220-foot granite Bunker Hill Monument. With all these attractions and places to see, it's no wonder the Freedom Trail is one of the best walking trails around Boston .

Known as "America's Most Beloved Ballpark," Fenway Park is one of the most fabled sports complexes in the country, and even if, like me, you're not a sports fan, a tour of it is both fun and interesting. And sitting inside, surrounded by cheering fans and singing "Sweet Caroline" is a quintessential Boston experience.

The home of the Boston Red Sox looks much the same as it did when it opened on April 20, 1912. One of its most recognizable features is the Green Monster , the 37-foot green wall in left field, and the park still maintains some of the remnants of "old time" baseball such as the hand-operated scoreboard.

Fenway Park also has the lowest seating capacity in the Major Leagues holding only 33,871 spectators (a fact that makes tickets exceedingly scarce).

Author's Tip: If you manage to get tickets, don't even think about driving to a game. Park outside the center and take any MBTA Green Line train (except one labeled Heath St.) to Kenmore Square and follow the crowd on the short walk to the stadium.

Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, Massachusetts

Known as the "cradle of liberty," Faneuil Hall was built in 1740-42 by Huguenot merchant Peter Faneuil as a market hall and presented to the city on condition that it should always be open to the public.

The ground floor is still occupied by market stalls; on the upper floor is a council chamber, which in the 18th and 19th centuries was the meeting place of revolutionaries and later, of abolitionists. On its fourth floor is the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Museum , with weaponry, uniforms, and paintings of significant battles.

The adjoining Faneuil Hall Marketplace includes three long halls (Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market), dating from the early 19th century, now occupied by a lively assortment of shops, restaurants, and exhibitions.

In good weather, I love the block-party atmosphere here, with street performers and buskers putting on shows in the square around the market, and in any weather I never tire of browsing through the shops selling jewelry, clothing, gifts, and souvenirs. You can never have too many Red Sox caps, or you can get a coffee mug inscribed with a Boston/English dictionary. It might come in wicked handy talking with locals.

The food stalls in Quincy Market are some of the most popular places to eat lunch in Boston. My favorites are Fisherman's Net and the family-run Boston Chowdah for seafood, and West End Srollers for panini sandwiches I can walk around with as I browse. Ethnicities from Hispanic to Asian Fusion are represented, and Boston Halal is opening in 2023.

Address: Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, Massachusetts

In the heart of the city is Boston Common, America's oldest park and the start of the Freedom Trail . In this large green space, which is much used by locals year-round, are various monuments and the Central Burying Ground of 1756.

You can rent skates to use on the Frog Pond from November through mid-March, enjoy the spring blossoms and fall foliage colors reflecting in its surface, and in summer, watch youngsters splash about in the wading pool.

Adjoining it on the west side of Charles Street, is the 24-acre Public Garden, America's oldest botanical garden. Along with the Victorian-style monuments and statues, including an equestrian statue of George Washington, are the popular modern bronzes of a family of ducks immortalized in Robert McCloskey's children's book Make Way for the Ducklings .

Joining the ducklings to give the Public Garden its whimsical air is one of Boston's most iconic experiences for all ages: riding around the lake in the garden's center on the famous Swan Boats , first launched in the 1870s.

Generations of children have ridden these and returned with their own children and grandchildren (I know this because I'm in one of those families). If you're in Boston with kids, take them for a ride here, and start your own multi-generational tradition.

Address: Public Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

One of the leading art museums in the country, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts excels in its collections of Impressionist paintings, ancient Egyptian treasures, Asian and Persian fine arts, and works from ancient Greece and the Middle East.

Its crowning achievement is the construction of an entire American Wing to house, integrated in chronological order, outstanding collections of American paintings, furniture, decorative arts, folk art, silver, glassware, and design dating from pre-Columbian arts to the Art Deco and Modernist eras. To see all these works of art shown in context with other creative accomplishments of their time is an exciting journey through the world of American creativity, one I never tire of taking.

Highlights elsewhere include a 12th-century lacquered-wood sculpture of a Buddhist Bodhisattva and Korean painted screens, the ivory and gold statue of the Minoan Snake Goddess from 1500 BC, and a statue of the Egyptian pharaoh Mycerinus and his queen from 2548-2530 BC.

For me, in addition to the American Wing, the museum's highlight is the group of 35 paintings by Claude Monet , one of the largest collections outside of France. These are exhibited in good company, alongside works of Gaugin, Renoir, and Degas.

To see and appreciate all the museum's galleries and collections could take a full day, but the mind can only absorb as much as the feet can endure. So unless you are a devoted art enthusiast, plan from two hours to half a day here and concentrate on those sections that interest you most.

The museum is about a 1½-mile walk from Copley Square and other neighborhoods for sightseeing; an easier way to get there is on the MBTA Green Line. Take a car marked Heath St. from Copley or Park St. stations.

Address: 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts

Set in a building its eccentric creator modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palace, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum displays its collections in rooms surrounding a four-story central courtyard filled with flowering plants and fountains.

The priceless 2,500-piece collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, tapestries, decorative arts, books, and manuscripts reflect the personal tastes and considerable expertise of Mrs. Gardner herself, whose own flamboyance further adds to the charm of the museum.

Behind the palazzo, a 70,000-square-foot glass-clad building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano creates new viewpoints for the original palazzo and stunning spaces for music and visual arts, allowing the museum to showcase exceptional contemporary works and artists. Rather than clash or compete with the original building, Piano's wing simply provides a new glass through which to view Mrs. Gardner's palazzo.

From almost anywhere in the new building are uninterrupted prospects of the palace and gardens through transparent walls. After you tour the museum, stroll through the Fens , a long green space, where you'll find a beautiful rose garden in bloom from June through October.

Author's Tip: The Gardner is only a few steps from the Museum of Fine Arts, making it tempting to combine them in one day. But unless art is your passion, it's best to see them on different days, so you can appreciate each. Visiting the Gardner is to immerse yourself not just in art, but in the 15th- and 16th-century artistic world of Renaissance Italy.

Address: 280 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts

Nicknamed Old Ironsides , USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy, and is still commanded and crewed by Navy personnel. The ship is open to visitors, who can go below desks and hear about the ship's construction and action at sea.

Across the pier, the USS Constitution Museum provides historical context through interactive exhibits that illustrate life aboard a naval vessel two centuries ago. Another ship you can tour here is the Cassin Young , a World War II destroyer.

Charlestown Navy Yard is part of the Boston National Historical Park, and it's a short walk to the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum, also in the park. The 221-foot-tall granite monument marks the hilltop site of the earthen fort built by New England soldiers prior to the Battle of Bunker Hill, the first pitched battle of the American Revolution.

Address: Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts

Exhibits in the extensive Museum of Science encourage learning through hands-on exploration of science and technology, but the museum is not just for children. Physics, biology, chemistry, ecology, zoology, astronomy, computers, and more are explored in more than 700 permanent, hands-on exhibits that are enhanced by stage presentations and interpreters. I find it every bit as engaging as my children do, and can easily spend a whole day here.

Highlights are a 65-million-year-old fossil discovered in the Dakota Badlands, an electricity dome with continuing programs, the Butterfly Garden where you can walk among free-flying butterflies in a conservatory filled with exotic plants, a live animal center, a chance to join local meteorologists to learn weather forecasting, and ComputerPlace , where you can operate a robot and explore how your computer stores information. The planetarium presents daily laser and star shows, and the Mugar Omni Theater has a five-story domed screen.

Author's Tip: Save money on a family day at the museum by bringing your own lunch. You are welcome to enjoy it in the Atrium, on the front plaza, or at picnic tables behind the museum. No snacking in the exhibit areas, though.

Address: Science Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Harvard University , founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and is widely considered one of the world's leading academic centers. Go to the Harvard Information Center to take a spirited and entertaining free walking tour of the campus guided by a student who will share history, Harvard lore, and personal perspective. Or you can download a tour from their website.

Harvard Yard sits right in Harvard Square , a lively hub for students, "townies," and visitors, filled with shops, bookstores, and allegedly more places to buy ice cream than any other U.S. city.

Adjoining Harvard Yard is the Renzo Piano-designed home of the Harvard Art Museums , including three formerly separate collections, each of which ranked high as major U.S. art museums. Few universities have such enviable collections. Fogg Art Museum concentrates on Italian early-Renaissance art, the Busch-Reisinger on Expressionist art of central and northern Europe, with Bauhaus objects and paintings by Kandinsky and Klee.

Another important feature of the museums is one of the world's best collections of Chinese jade, as well as Chinese bronzes, Japanese prints, Indian art, and Greco-Roman antiquities, especially vases and sculptures.

If you're as bookish as I am, don't miss browsing in The Harvard Bookstore , just across Massachusetts Ave. from The Yard. Not associated with the University, this indy store has been a fixture in this same spot since 1932.

If you're looking for Harvard insignia souvenirs, the place to go is the Harvard Coop , across the square.

Address: 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Boston's lively Italian neighborhood, known as the North End, is one of Boston's oldest, where the silversmith and activist leader Paul Revere lived at the time of the American Revolution. The Paul Revere House, which he bought in 1770 and lived in when he made his famous ride, is the only patriot's home on the Freedom Trail, and is open to tour.

You can climb to the tower of Old North Church , where lanterns were hung in April 1775 to alert Paul Revere that British troops were headed to Lexington to arrest the patriot leaders and confiscate the munitions supplies. The beautiful white interior of the church still retains its historic box pews.

The North End is a favorite spot for tourists for reasons that go well beyond its important historic sights. Although it has changed a bit over the years since it was filled with newly arrived immigrants from Italy, it retains its Italian character and lively flair.

You'll find Italian restaurants; cafes; bakeries; and shops fragrant with aromas of cured olives, fresh-roasted coffee, and Italian cheeses. For my family, Modern Pastry on Hanover St. is a required stop, for cannoli and pignoli cookies.

You'll also find the North Bennet Street School , where skills such as bookbinding, cabinet and furniture making, carpentry, silver and gold work, and violin making are taught. Their gallery shop is like a museum of fine craftsmanship and a good place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

On the night of December 16, 1773, more than a year before the first battle of the American Revolution, angry Bostonians protesting a tax on goods shipped to the colonies, stormed ships from England and threw the tea into the harbor at this site. With full-scale replicas of the original ships from which the Sons of Liberty dumped tea overboard, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum offers tours with a participatory reenactment of that event.

Costumed historical interpreters lead visitors through that historic night, through interactive exhibits, films, and multi-sensory experiences. Of course, everyone gets to dump tea into the harbor. In the museum, you'll see the only known tea chest from that ill-fated cargo.

This is more a history-as-entertainment attraction than a living history museum. But kids are drawn into the fun as they learn about shipboard life and American history, so it's no wonder this is one of the favorite things to do for families in Boston.

Address: 306 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Overlooking the waterfront, the New England Aquarium features more than 20,000 fish and aquatic animals representing over 550 species. A man-made Caribbean coral reef houses a large variety of tropical fish and underwater life including sharks, turtles, and moray eels. The Edge of the Sea touch tank allows visitors to handle small invertebrates like crabs, starfish, and urchins.

Outside the aquarium, visitors can watch harbor seals play, perform, and live in their enclosed habitat. The New England Aquarium also sponsors educational programs and whale-watching tours outside of Boston Harbor, and the adjacent IMAX Theater shows 40-minute films on nature subjects.

To be sure of admission at this popular family attraction, reserve timed entry tickets in advance. Nearby parking is expensive, but it's easy to get here by public transit; the aquarium has its own stop on the MBTA's Blue Line.

Address: Central Wharf, Boston, Massachusetts

Although the four Harvard Museums that make up this complex contain treasures such as the artifacts brought back by Lewis and Clark, for most people, the highlight is the more than 3,000 models of 830 species of flowers and plants, some with insects, and all so realistic that you will have trouble believing they are made of glass. I marvel at these anew, each time I see them.

Created between 1887 and 1936 by German artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, the flowers are unique in the world, and their secret process has never been replicated. These are part of Harvard's massive research collections, shown under one roof in the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology , the Mineralogical Museum , the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Botanical Museum .

Particularly strong in Native American exhibits , the Peabody shows artifacts and art interpreted as part of a living culture, even when that culture has vanished. You can admire some of the finest examples of Native American arts from many periods and tribes, and also see how these changed as Europeans provided a new market for their goods.

Those who like the Victorian "Cabinet of Curiosities" feel of old traditional museums will love the Pacific Islands balcony - it's like stepping back a century. The Museum of Comparative Zoology , founded by Louis Agassiz in 1859, contains an extensive collection of fossils, including a 25,000-year-old mastodon . The mineralogy collections include a dazzling display of rough and cut gemstones , a world-renowned meteorite collection, rocks, ores, and minerals from around the world.

Address: 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Both atmospheric and fashionable, Boston's Back Bay (it was once under water, before a hill was leveled to fill it in) is the heart of the 19 th -century city, home of the "Proper Bostonian" of legend. Streets of sedate Brownstone and brick townhouses line the grid of streets between the Public Garden and the Fenway, bounded on the north by Storrow Drive and the Charles River Esplanade.

Stroll its tree-lined streets, especially Newbury Street, to find an almost European atmosphere of small (mostly trendy) shops and boutiques, art galleries, and cafés and restaurants that spill out into sidewalk terraces. Architecture throughout the neighborhood is eclectic, with some fine examples of ornamental terra-cotta and brickwork.

I love walking through Back Bay residential streets at any time of year – in the spring when Magnolias bloom in the tiny front yards, in the winter when the wrought-iron fences sketch patterns against the snow, and in the fall when fallen leaves crunch underfoot.

The main square of the Back Bay area is surrounded by both old and ultra-modern buildings. One side is formed by the Boston Public Library , founded in 1848 as the first publicly funded lending library in the country. Architect Charles Follen McKim designed the present building in 1895.

Go inside to see the library's Renaissance Revival architecture and murals by John Singer Sargent and Edwin Abbey. Granite medallions over the entrance arches are the work of the pre-eminent American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The three sets of bronze doors in the vestibule were created by Daniel Chester French. Regular Art and Architecture Tours are among the several free things to do in Boston.

Author's Tip: Boston's best-kept secret may be the elegant afternoon teas served in the tearoom overlooking the beautiful Italianate Courtyard of the Boston Public Library. Crisp white linens and silver-edged crystal set the stage for proper tea sandwiches, scones, and trays of dainty sweets.

Facing the library, across a grassy lawn, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with neighborhood office workers, is Trinity Church , a red sandstone building designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson in his distinctive style, known as Richardson Romanesque. Trinity is widely considered to be his finest work. The murals, frescoes, and painted decorations inside are by John La Farge and much of the fine stained glass is by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.

On a third side of the square is the venerable Boston institution, the Fairmont Copley Plaza ; these three buildings, backed by the sheer glass wall of a skyscraper, create a stunning cityscape. A block down Boylston Street, look for the finish line of the Boston Marathon , run each April on Patriot's Day.

Just beyond is the Prudential Center , a 32-acre complex of apartments, shops, restaurants, and a 52-story tower. On its 50th floor, you can visit the Skywalk observation deck for 360-degree views of Boston and its surroundings.

Address: 700 Boylston Street, At Copley Square, Boston, Massachusetts

At Rowes Wharf, you can board the Odyssey to cruise through Boston Harbor, from Castle Island to George's Island, then east to the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, and back north to Charlestown Naval Yard before returning to the wharf.

You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch as you savor the views of the Boston skyline from the water. The skyline is especially beautiful at night when you can take a starlight or full moon cruise.

You can travel outside the confines of Boston Harbor on Boston Whale Watching Cruises , for a chance to see humpback and fin whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises, in the wild. This three-hour, naturalist-led tours are very popular and claim to have whale sightings on every trip.

Dedicated to the memory of the 35th U.S. President, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is the official national memorial to JFK, designed by noted architect I.M. Pei and opened in 1979. The museum, which stands on the shore south of the city, features three theaters, personal memorabilia, photographs, and historical exhibits that document the life of JFK and his presidency.

Exhibits cover the presidential campaign trail, the Oval Office, First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, and the Kennedy family. Interactive experiences here include the free and family-friendly Highlights tours and the Hands-on Cart programs, which include the PT-109 story and a closer look at the Race for Space.

Address: Columbia Point, Boston

One of Boston's most beautiful neighborhoods and right in the center of the city, the south side of Beacon Hill has traditionally been the home of Boston's "old money" families, known locally as "Brahmins." Well-kept brick homes in Federal and Greek Revival styles line its tree-shaded streets, and at its heart is Louisburg Square, where homes face onto a leafy private park. Author Louisa May Alcott lived here from 1880 to 1888.

The Nichols House Museum , a Federal-style home by Boston architect Charles Bulfinch, shows how Beacon Hill's upper-class residents lived and is filled with collections of 16th- to 19th-century furnishings and decorative arts. At the western foot of Beacon Hill, Charles Street is lined with boutiques and shops that have traditionally catered to the neighborhood and are popular with visitors as well. Beyond Charles Street, facing the Public Garden, The Bull and Finch , established in 1969, inspired the popular television program, Cheers .

Restaurants and cafes come and go quickly along classy Charles St, but one that has maintained its elegant ambiance and traditional Tuscan country menu is Toscano , where you can dine on melt-in-the-mouth veal scaloppini or a simple four-cheese pizza.

The north side of Beacon Hill is far more modest and has been home to immigrants, including a sizable African American community, since the early 19th century. National Park Service Rangers offer free guided tours of the Black Heritage Trail from April through November and you can follow the trail on a self-guided tour year-round.

The Boston African American National Historic Site includes 15 pre-Civil War homes, businesses, schools, and churches that give a picture of Boston's 19th-century African American community. The Museum of Afro-American History operates the African Meeting House , the country's oldest (1806) church built by and for Black Americans and now restored to its 1854 appearance.

The 1834 Abiel Smith School was the first public grammar school for African American children. Displays at both include artifacts, films, art, and sculpture related to the black experience in Boston and New England.

The Boston waterfront has seen many changes since its early beginnings as a colonial shipping port. After a period of decline for much of the 20th century, new life was breathed into the area in the mid-1970s with an ambitious redevelopment plan.

Today, this interesting mix of residential and commercial space is connected by HarborWalk , an attractive walkway along the waterfront, with parks, public art, benches, cafés, interpretive signs, and access to several means of exploring the harbor by cruise boat, ferry, or water taxi. A shuttle boat also runs to the Charlestown Navy Yard .

Although it extends from Charlestown to South Boston – and will expand considerably farther – the part you won't want to miss goes from the North End through the wisteria-draped pergola of Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park , past Commercial Wharf, India Wharf, and Long Wharf , and by Rowes Wharf before curving along the harbor into the vibrant Seaport District to the Institute of Contemporary Art , an art museum dramatically cantilevered above the water.

One of the newest of Boston's many public parks and green spaces, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway fills the swath of downtown Boston left bare by the removal of the elevated Central Artery.

Nearly 1.5 miles of parks and gardens connect several diverse neighborhoods, including the financial district, the North End, Chinatown and Faneuil Hall Market, all just a few steps from the linear park.

Public art, gardens, benches, a farmers' market, food trucks, and playgrounds enliven the park, along with a fanciful carousel of whimsical animals, where children can ride on rabbits, a butterfly, turtle, lobster, or a grasshopper. All 36 creatures on the Greenway Carousel were inspired by drawings made by Boston school children. The carousel is specially designed to be accessible to adults and youth with disabilities.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its inaugural concert in 1881, and its first at Symphony Hall , one of the world's most acoustically perfect concert halls, when it opened in 1900. Over more than a century of history, its conductors have included greats such as Pierre Monteux, Serge Koussevitzky, Charles Munch, Seiji Ozawa, and James Levine.

In addition to its regular symphony season, the hall is home to the Boston Pops Orchestra , which sets an international standard for performances of lighter music. For many visitors, the highlight of a trip is a Pops concert, either in Symphony Hall or at the Hatch Memorial Shell , an Art Deco outdoor music shell on the riverside Esplanade that has become a Boston landmark.

The shell hosts a regular program of concerts and other special events, and is especially famous for the Boston Pop's yearly performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture on July 4th. Audiences sit on the lawn in front of the shell with views of Cambridge, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill, and the Pops orchestra is accompanied by real cannon fire and ringing Boston church bells.

Following the concert is a spectacular fireworks display over the river; both are televised all over New England. When I lived on River St, a block from the Esplanade, I took my lawn chair and a book to a grassy spot near the Shell at 10 am to get the best spot; now you'll have to wait until noon to stake your claim.

You can go behind the scenes on a tour of Symphony Hall where you'll hear the history and traditions of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, its musicians and conductors.

Address: 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts

A "museum of trees," the Arnold Arboretum is especially colorful in the fall, when the maples are ablaze in reds and yellows, and in the spring, when cherry trees, lilacs, or magnolias are in full bloom. But the Arnold Arboretum is beautiful all 12 months of the year. When the trails through its 281 acres are covered in snow, they are popular places to snowshoe and cross-country ski.

A National Historic Landmark , designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, the Arboretum is maintained by Harvard University , which uses it as a teaching laboratory. Along with a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennial flowering plants, are exceptional collections of lilacs, azaleas, and rhododendrons; the Bonsai & Penjing Collection is also a highlight.

The Explorers Garden , occupying a small microclimate within the grounds, is home to two of the world's largest Franklin trees, a species now extinct in the wild. Docent-led tours range from quarter-mile introductions suitable for all abilities to a 90-minute Keeper's Tour.

Address: 125 Arborway, Boston, Massachusetts

The 150-acre MIT campus is of special interest to fans of modern and postmodern architecture , a living museum of works by noted architects including Alvar Aalto, Eduardo Catalano, I. M. Pei, Frank Gehry, and Eero Saarinen.

In addition, the campus displays hundreds of sculptures and art installations that you can see with the help of a self-guided walking tour map, by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Jacques Lipchitz, and Auguste Rodin. In the Hart Nautical Gallery are ship models, and the Compton Gallery shows contemporary art.

Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Official site: www.mit.edu

Most of Boston's major tourist attractions are relatively close to the downtown area and Boston Common, where the Freedom Trail begins. Beacon Hill, Copley Square, and the Waterfront/North End are all within easy reach of these highly-rated hotels in Boston.

Luxury Hotels :

• These hotels are in Boston's most prestigious - and convenient - locations: Copley Square and Beacon Hill. Fairmont Copley Plaza is the Grand Dame of Boston hotels, an elegant and gracious landmark property overlooking Copley Square and minutes from the Public Garden's Swan Boats.
• The intimate Lenox Hotel is known for personal attention in the heart of Back Bay, adjacent to Prudential Center and Copley Square, close to museums and Newbury Street shopping.
• XV Beacon crowns historic and fashionable Beacon Hill, next to the State House and overlooking Boston Common.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Boston's waterfront extends from the North End Italian neighborhood to the newly blossoming Seaport area, handy to harbor cruises, seafood dining, museums, and historic sites. Boston Marriott Long Wharf overlooks Boston Harbor, close to the New England Aquarium and North End attractions.
• Seaport Boston Hotel guests enjoy sweeping views across Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline, excellent service, and a no-tipping policy in the hotel and its restaurants.
• In a skillfully repurposed brick factory building, Residence Inn Boston Downtown Seaport is steps from the Boston Children's Museum and downtown attractions.

Budget Hotels:

• Even Boston's budget-friendly options are conveniently close to the center. The Revolution Hotel , in the chic South End restaurant and arts neighborhood, has double, triple, and quad rooms, some with shared dorm-style bathrooms.
• Especially handy to sports and entertainment events at TD Garden, Hotel Indigo Boston Garden is an easy walk to the North End and Quincy Market.
• Across the street from the TD Boston Garden, and within walking distance of the North End, citizenM Boston North Station has tech-savvy, soundproof rooms.

Sightseeing:

• For first-time visitors to Boston, the best way to see the attractions and get acquainted with the city layout is to take a Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour . This tour stops at all the major tourist attractions and gives you the freedom to stop where you want and see the city at your own pace.

Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard:

• Explore more of the Bay State with a 12-hour Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard , traveling by bus through Cape Cod to Falmouth, before boarding the scenic cruise to the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard. Here, you'll have six hours to explore the island on your own, or you can add a guided bus tour to see Gay Head Light and the historic village of Edgartown.

Day Trip to Newport:

• See the famous summer palaces of Belle Epoch society on the Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Marble House Admission . On an 11-hour small group tour of "America's First Resort" you'll visit the two most famous mansions, as well as Cliff Walk, Ocean Drive, and St. Mary's Church, where Jack and Jacky Kennedy were married.

If you're looking for a seamless vacation packed with fun adventures and ideal weather conditions, the best time of year to go to Boston is during the late spring and early fall . This is technically Boston's high season.

From May through the end of June , things are starting to warm up nicely. You're looking at highs in the upper 60s to high 70s and more comfortable lows in the 50s. Not too hot nor too cold, these temps are perfect for wandering the streets all day. Still, you'll want to pack layers to be sure you're prepared for the fluctuating temperatures.

The months of September and October also present visitors with optimal highs in the mid-60s (October) to high 70s (September). Lows range between high 40s to high 50s. Again, you'll likely need layers. At this time, you'll witness an impressive sight: vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues envelop the city in the form of fall foliage, especially towards the end of October, rewarding photographers with picture-perfect backdrops.

Boston hotels will be more expensive during this time, and you can expect to see larger crowds of tourists, but overall, late spring and early fall are the best times to visit Boston . Since many of the city's best attractions are outside (i.e. the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park ), you're guaranteed an enjoyable visit that allows you to visit the city's most popular points of interest with ease. Plus, you'll be able to ride a Swan Boat in Boston Common . This "ride" is closed during the cold winter months.

More on Massachusetts

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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The 17 Best Things to Do in Boston

By Todd Plummer and Paul Rubio

Built on almost 400 years of history, Boston's character is as layered and distinct as a Kennedy accent. The city has reinvented itself countless times over, serving at different times and to different communities as the birthplace of the American Revolution, as an international academic capital, and as a biotech hub. Boston’s wharves whisper of tea parties, its libraries of literary greats, and its ballpark of curses broken. Each year, its famed universities keep this old city young with an ebb and flow of some 150,000 students from around the world—and these smarties keep the city lively round the clock.

All that, plus some of the finest  food and  drink make Boston one of America’s greatest and most enduring cities. Across its patchwork of squares, corners, and crossings, here are the best things to do in  Boston —including the occasional jaunt across the Charles River to neighboring  Cambridge —whether you're in town for Marathon Monday (better known as Patriot's Day around here), making a summer stop on your way to the Cape and islands , or on a fall foliage journey .

Read our complete Boston travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Arrow

This is one of  our favorite museums in Boston —and the country. At once intimate and unparalleled in its grandeur, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum draws on the vast art collection of its eponymous (and eccentric) founder, who had a thirst for travel, a bohemian lifestyle, and the fine luxuries of ancient cultures. Set within a Venetian-style palazzo, surrounding an elegant courtyard, masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, and John Singer Sargent share space with impressive architectural elements. Stewart Gardner herself delicately arranged the collection of more than 7,500 fine and decorative art objects, 2,700 books and manuscripts, and over 8,000 historic objects from around the world, including sculptures, furniture, textiles, metalworks, and ceramics, that she collected during her lifetime. A Renzo Piano–designed wing opened in 2012, and provides interdisciplinary, multipurpose space for contemporary artists, musicians and scholars.

New England Aquarium Arrow

It all starts with the penguins—when you first enter, you're greeted by African Penguin and Rockhopper colonies that are by any measure an absolute delight to watch. Just past, the main attraction is the 40-foot wide, floor-to-ceiling, 200,000 gallon salt water Ocean Tank, home to about 1000 marine animals, including turtles, eels, and tropical fish. A cylindrical walkway makes it possible for guests to experience the tank from every depth and angle, and a number of smaller satellite rooms contain informational displays and touch tanks that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This is a popular field trip spot, so you're likely to be surrounded by schools of rambunctious kids on any given day, especially from the lunch hour onwards. The museum implemented timed ticketing during the pandemic and is likely to keep it moving forward, which acts as a good form of crowd control, but the quietest times to visit are still weekdays first thing in the morning.

High Street Place Arrow

Food halls are complicated. Make them too pedestrian and they quickly fall into the “food court” category, recalling the sad shopping mall eateries of our youth. But throw in a James Beard finalist, and an eclectic mix of some of Boston’s most discerning foodie favorites from across the city, and you’ve got a worthwhile detour for locals and visitors alike. Highlights include: bagels and pastrami from Brookline favorite Mamaleh’s; artisanal doughnuts from Blackbird; and Bubble Bath, a Champagne bar complete with Moët & Chandon vending machine. There’s tons of seating, a sleek LED entertainment system playing multiple sports games at once, and an airy, atrium-type feel that never feels overly crowded or cramped. There are a number of excellent food halls serving downtown Boston’s office-dwelling population, but this one feels less like a corporate convenience stop and more like a proper microcosm of the city’s food scene.

Public Garden Arrow

Bostonians may breeze through the Public Garden to get from one side of town to the other, but there's plenty to linger over in this city-center oasis. The lagoon, which wanders almost the entire length of the garden, is where the famed Swan Boats have been peddled for over a century; and the flowers are beyond vivid. The Commonwealth Avenue entrance serves as the park’s most enchanting introduction, where a statue of George Washington comes flanked by flowers at the gate. In this pleasurable moment, remember that Victorian Bostonians found this park to be offensively bright. My, how times have changed.

Hannah Towey

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Steph Koyfman

Boston Public Library Arrow

There’s a lot to love about the Boston Public Library: It’s the oldest municipally-funded lending library in the country, its McKim Building is considered the masterwork of iconic Gilded Age architect Charles Follen McKim, and an ongoing calendar of free events all year-round means there is quite literally always a tour to go on, lecture to attend, or exhibit to peruse. Architecture nuts should reserve a spot on one of the thrice-weekly Art & Architecture Tours, which unlocks some of the premises’ lesser-known gems, including tile arches by famed Spanish builder Rafael Guastavino, and the first mural commission from John Singer Sargeant. The museum is home to all sorts of treasures beyond just books–including the lesser-known but entirely worthwhile Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, which houses over 250,000 geographic objects.

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Arrow

A gorgeous 281-acre green space within Boston, Arnold Arboretum of  Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America (c. 1872) and the highlight of Frederick Law Olmsted's famed  Emerald Necklace series of green space in the city. Prolific biking and walking trails zigzag past more than 16,000 accessioned plants, many meticulously marked with signs. The natural splendor is a feast for the eyes, which are able to spot the sheer diversity of trees and plants at every turn. QR-coded signs and the arboretum’s easy-to-use  Expeditions app make it possible to dig deep into the environment.

The Freedom Trail Arrow

The Freedom Trail starts at the  Boston Common , the oldest public park in the United States, following a red brick path lined with 16 historic landmarks, which paint a picture of Boston’s revolutionary history. Although tourists flock to the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, this pedestrian path also coincides with day-to-day rush of downtown Boston. You’ll see revolutionary sites in a modern setting and walk alongside commuters and after-school kids. If you’re short on time, prioritize the North End section of the trail, home to landmarks like the  Paul Revere House , Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burial Ground, in a historic neighborhood that’s known as Boston’s Little Italy. If you want to go deeper, find all the hidden Freedom Trail spots locals love to visit here.

Charles Street Arrow

Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, is home to some of the finest examples of Federal-style brick row houses in the country, and Charles Street is the perfect launching point from which to explore it all. Tiny sidewalks, gaslit corners, and Instagrammable charm await on this busy thoroughfare, which starts by the Massachusetts General Hospital campus and concludes on the Boston Common. Charles Street has an independent bent that locals love to support. Come here for contemporary accessories at December Thieves, mouthwatering truffles at Beacon Hill Chocolates, custom stationery at Gus + Ruby Letterpress, and “this might have belonged to a Kennedy” antiques at Upstairs Downstairs Home. And if you’re a book lover (or bookstore lover), don’t leave town without visiting Beacon Hill Books & Cafe , a stunning townhome-turned-bookshop that’s restoring this city’s faith in the importance of independent booksellers.

Lookout Rooftop Arrow

With a deserved reputation as Boston's premiere rooftop bar, Lookout often reaches capacity with the city's work-hard, play-hard young professional crowd (Reservations are required these days; no walk-ins). For most, Lookout isn't a novelty—it's a mainstay—though you may find the occasional bridge-and-tunnel-type folks later on weekends. The crowd definitely likes a solid cocktail but they're here for the views and highly social atmosphere. In a city that skews historic and can feel sometimes like a  college town, The Lookout Rooftop provides big-city appeal with a cool crowd, awesome skyline views, and strong drinks. It's a place to hang out with friends and just have some boozy fun.

Fenway Park Arrow

What’s Boston without Fenway Park? America’s “Most Beloved Ballpark” isn’t just a stadium–it’s a piece of living history. It’s the home of the Red Sox, who play there each year from late March through October, but it’s also known for its popular summer concert series, and its fascinating behind-the-scenes tours offered in the off-season. Sure, there are parts of Fenway’s history that aren’t exactly worth celebrating–the Red Sox remained segregated longer than any other MLB team, and it wasn’t until Lady Gaga’s Joanne World Tour came in 2017 that a woman headlined a concert there–but at the end of the day, it’s one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Boston. When you’re in the cheap seats, having paid way too much for a beer and a hot dog and the crowd starts singing “Sweet Caroline,” it’s clear there’s a sense of history here that even non-sports lovers can get excited about.

Charles River Esplanade Arrow

If you’re exploring Boston for the day, take a walk up through Back Bay from Massachusetts Avenue and loop back down along the Esplanade or head over the Harvard Bridge to Cambridge (Ironically, the Harvard Bridge ends at M.I.T.). It's a narrow paradise along both sides of the Charles River, stretching for several miles between the Longfellow Bridge to the west and the Boston University bridge to the east. More than 1,500 trees line the walkway (or runway, if it's marathon-training season), while playgrounds, ponds, and gardens bring a lyrical quality to this meandering landscape. It's best viewed in autumn, when the Esplanade shows its true colors. The Hatch Shell is a performance space that serves as home base for all things at the Esplanade including the famous performance by the  Boston Pops on the Fourth of July.

South End Arrow

This neighborhood has the kind of charm that'll make you move to Boston. There are so many historic plaques that show off the neighborhood's rich past and an abundance of hidden art galleries and boutiques that will keep you searching for more. Design aficionados should definitely come here on Sundays, when you can visit SoWa Open Market (short for South of Washington Street) for food trucks and entertainment as well as SoWa Vintage Market and the SoWa Farmer's Market, and a number of one-of-a-kind boutiques and design showrooms. Plus, a foodie's trip to Boston isn't complete without a stop here casual bistros and oyster-slinging wine bars: Don't miss Black Lamb , an elevated American brasserie that impresses with a sensational raw options and sublime lobster rolls. Late night, stop by Beehive or Wally's Cafe for lively local jazz sets in casual bar settings. And for one of Boston's best dive bars (and best burgers) where everybody knows your name, hit cozy wood-paneled DeLux Cafe on cobblestoned Chandler Street.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Arrow

The MFA’s vast collection of art and artifacts is exceptional by any standard. The museum houses one of the best collections of Korean art outside the Korean peninsula, the only permanent exhibition space for ancient coins in the United States, one of the world’s largest holdings of ancient Egyptian treasures, and a comprehensive collection of work by John Singer Sargent. The museum’s claims to fame are so varied, in fact, you could spend weeks documenting its exceptionality. Whatever you take in during your visit, don’t miss the Claude Monet gallery in the European Wing, with one of the greatest caches of the Impressionist’s work outside of France, or the impressive Arts of Islamic Cultures Gallery, whose 2019 reinstallation was developed in collaboration with local Muslim groups. All said and done, the MFA is the crown jewel of  Boston's art scene .

Seaport District Arrow

Boston Seaport is one of the city's most talked-about neighborhoods—and for good reason. The former no-man's land, just over the bridge from Downtown, has quickly evolved into a center of innovation, mixed-use development, and modern culture, attracting prominent companies like Amazon, big names in biotech, and major developers competing to erect Boston’s priciest, sky-scraping condos. A young, ambitious work force has followed, as have some great businesses—including the  Institute of Contemporary Art ,  Legal Harborside 's rooftop bar, Wood Hills Pier 4 for farm-to-table cuisine, darts bar Flight Club, the Lookout Rooftop, and Mediterranean hotspot  Committee.

The Barking Crab Arrow

The last vestige of the old Seaport—a once rough-around-the edges neighborhood that’s now filled with glass skyscrapers, corporate types, and Lululemon stores—this indoor-outdoor seafood institution fills with diners and happy hour revelers of all stripes, from construction workers to management consultants. The waterfront destination feels like a coastal summer clam shack with its tented roof and picnic tables, and, indeed, it got its start as a seasonal restaurant back in 1994. Now, it includes a more permanent wing with an old time-y tavern feel, but the seaside, atmosphere persists throughout. That vibe pairs perfectly with the menu of seafood platters; raw bar favorites; fried scallops, shrimp, and clams; fish sandwiches; entrees; and lobster in all forms, including boiled, grilled, roasted, and rolled.

Brattle Book Shop Arrow

In the heart of Boston’s downtown, carts and shelves of $1, $3, and $5 books fill an alley off of West Street. The seller: Brattle Bookshop, a store that encompasses three floors of used books, the top one filled with rare collectibles. Its purveyor, Ken Gloss, is a regular appraiser on the PBS’ Antiques Roadshow and has gained modest fame among antiquers and public-television addicts.  Independent bookshops attract an eclectic mix of characters, and that’s as much a part of the experience as the books themselves. Curmudgeonly regulars, bespectacled students, and travelers who value a good read all make Brattle Bookshop an institution. Even the famously reclusive J.D. Salinger stopped here once.

Harvard Square Arrow

Take an afternoon and evening to sink into this corner of Cambridge, and you’ll have discovered a city unto itself. You certainly don’t have to be a student to savor this neighborhood. There are  art and  natural history museums on Harvard’s campus, quirky boutiques for souvenirs like Black Ink, Grolier Poetry Book Shop (the oldest in the country, c. 1927), and local-loved, world-class restaurants like  Alden & Harlow . Tourists turn out in droves to walk the famous Harvard Yard, and despite the crowds it's worth taking a genuine wander.

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Salem, MA   Travel Guide

Courtesy of DenisTangneyJr | Getty Images

14 Best Things To Do in Salem, MA

Updated September 23, 2022

While first-time visitors to Salem won't want to miss the city's plethora of witch-themed attractions – the Witch House and Salem Witch Trials Memorial are two of the most popular – there is more to this mysterious city than just witchcraft.

• All Things To Do

The House of the Seven Gables The House of the Seven Gables

Built in 1668 for Capt. John Turner I, this waterfront mansion was home to three generations of Turners before being sold to Capt. Samuel Ingersoll in 1782. After Ingersoll's death, the property was inherited by his daughter, Susanna Ingersoll. Susanna's cousin, now-famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne, visited her here often and the property eventually became the setting for his 1851 novel, "The House of the Seven Gables." Although the official name of the house is the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, the home quickly took on the name given to it by Hawthorne.

In 1910, the home opened to the public as a museum. Philanthropist Caroline Emmerton, the museum's founder, hoped to preserve the home for future generations and use the proceeds to help fund settlement programs for immigrant families. Today, the museum honors her wishes by funding social work and offering various types of educational programming, including English language classes and community-based conversations on immigration. At the museum, visitors can marvel at original period features that span four centuries, including the home's extraordinary Georgian paneling, and climb a hidden staircase that leads to the structure's attic. In addition to the House of the Seven Gables, the property boasts a collection of six historic buildings set along Salem Harbor. Other buildings within the collection include the Hooper-Hathaway House, the Retire Beckett House, the Counting House and the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, which was moved here from its original location on Union Street in 1958. It also includes a visitor center and a museum store where guests can purchase unique souvenirs. The whole campus has been designated a National Historic Landmark District.

Peabody Essex Museum Peabody Essex Museum

One of the largest art museums in the country sits in Salem's backyard. Founded in 1799 and renovated in 2019, the Peabody Essex Museum takes the title of the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. Here, visitors can explore a wide variety of American, Asian, African, Native American, Oceanic and Maritime art. Today, the collection includes more than a million works.

Examples of every major architectural style can be found in Salem. So, it shouldn't be surprising that Peabody Essex Museum's massive campus, which spans three city blocks and includes several off-site properties, also features a broad collection of historic gardens and buildings. These include structures like the Samuel Pickman House, East India Marine Hall, John Ward House and Ropes Mansion.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial Salem Witch Trials Memorial free

If you're heading to Salem, you should set aside some time for a visit to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Built to honor the victims who died during the 1692 witchcraft hysteria, the memorial features three four-foot-high granite walls that surround a small grassy area where locust trees have been planted. Along the walls are granite benches engraved with the names, means of death and date of execution for each of the 20 victims who were executed during the Salem witch trials. At the entryway to the memorial, stone slabs are inscribed with the protests of each of the deceased, cut off mid-sentence to symbolize society's indifference to the victim's innocence.

Many travelers recommend stopping here to remember the people who lost their lives during the 1692 witch trials. While some said there wasn't much to see, others appreciated the opportunity to reflect on Salem's dark past away from the kitschy Halloween-themed attractions. Small trinkets like flowers, coins and stones are often left on the benches as a way to pay respect to the deceased. A stop at the memorial is also included on many of the itineraries of the best Salem tours . Centrally located in downtown Salem, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is open every day from dawn to dusk and free to enter. For more information, visit the Salem tourism board's website .  

Popular Tours

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

(8612 reviews)

from $ 32.94

Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem

(1305 reviews)

from $ 30.00

The Salem Night Ghost Tour

(3323 reviews)

from $ 26.00

Witch House Witch House

The name of this famed Salem attraction can be misleading – it was never home to any witches –nevertheless, it warrants a visit. Formerly the residence of infamous Judge Jonathan Corwin, the Witch House is the only structure in Salem still standing that has direct ties to the 1692 witch trials. Because of this, it is a crucial stop on any Salem itinerary (and included on many of the best Salem tours ).

Situated on the corner of Essex and North streets, this foreboding mansion has a gloomy history. During the Salem witch trials, Corwin was one of several judges who presided over the pretrial examinations of citizens accused of witchcraft. Today, the house is open to the public as a museum and is considered one of Salem's most haunted destinations (the spirits of the people Corwin sentenced to death supposedly haunt its halls).

Salem Maritime National Historic Site Salem Maritime National Historic Site free

The first National Historic Site in the United States, Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a collection of 12 historic structures set along Salem Harbor. Established in 1938, this historic waterfront park preserves the site of one of America's most important ports in the late 18th and the early 19th centuries, offering a fascinating look into the maritime history of New England and the United States. The national park includes historic sites, such as the Custom House, Derby Wharf, Hawkes House, Narbonne House and the Colonial Revival Garden.

In addition to the park's buildings and grounds, Salem Maritime National Historic Site includes the Salem Armory Visitor Center and the Waite & Peirce Park Store. Head to the visitor center for brochures, maps, exhibits and films on the park's history, or peruse the souvenirs at Waite & Peirce Park Store.

Old Burying Point Cemetery Old Burying Point Cemetery free

Old Burying Point Cemetery, like the name suggests, is Salem's oldest maintained cemetery. Established in 1637, this cemetery is a frequent stop on many of Salem's best ghost tours . Famous Salem residents such as Judge John Hathorne (one of the main judges in the witch trials), Gov. Simon Bradstreet (the last governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony) and Revs. John Higginson and Nicholas Noyes are buried here, along with other notable Salem citizens. Contrary to popular belief, none of the victims of the Salem witch trials are buried here.

Past travelers recommend a visit to Old Burying Point for its historic value, citing the original headstones as relics from Salem's past. Guests appreciated this interesting piece of history, though some recommended coming here on a tour to make the most of your trip. Just keep in mind, visitors are not allowed to stray from the walkways.

Salem Willows Park Salem Willows Park free

Named for its ample white willow trees, the 35-acre Salem Willows Park is a popular destination come summertime. This public park, located at the tip of Salem Neck, features three swimming beaches, a large band shell for performances, basketball and tennis courts, several shaded gazebos, restaurants, bumper cars and the Salem Willows Arcade, which offers classic games like Pac-Man, air hockey and Skee-Ball. A small amusement park, called Kiddieland, also opens in the summer and offers a variety of children's rides.

Recent visitors loved this waterfront park, and recommended stopping by in the summer and early fall when the restaurants and arcade are open. Several also mentioned that this is a fantastic place to bring children for an evening ice cream cone, a game of catch or to get out their energy on an amusement ride. However, many said this is more of a local's hangout, so if you're expecting a major tourist destination, you'll be disappointed.

Essex Street Pedestrian Mall Essex Street Pedestrian Mall free

Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, located smack dab in the middle of downtown Salem, is a historic brick and cobblestone road lined with restaurants, shops, galleries and museums. Vehicles are not permitted to drive on the road – which is for the best, considering how crowded it can get – and come October, the mall becomes a hot spot for hundreds of costumed tourists looking to score the perfect witch-themed souvenir. While you will certainly run into other tourists here, it's a classic Salem haunt you won't want to miss.

If you have some time to spare, travelers recommend perusing Essex Street's unique boutiques. Past visitors loved the collection of witch-themed shops and small cafes, but said the area floods with tourists during Salem's peak Halloween season, so strike this from your list you're looking to avoid crowds. 

Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour

(897 reviews)

Salem Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour

(1565 reviews)

from $ 28.00

Salem High Speed Ferry to / from Boston

(399 reviews)

from $ 27.50

Winter Island Park Winter Island Park

Despite its waterfront position along the Salem Harbor, Salem is not known for its beaches. However, travelers willing to look outside the box will be rewarded with scenic Winter Island Park. Located on a peninsula connected to the Salem Neck about 2 miles northeast of downtown Salem, this hidden gem was once the site of a 17th-century military fort named Fort Pickering. Eventually, it became a base for the U.S. Coast Guard from 1933 to 1970. Although much of the historic fort still exists, Winter Island is primarily used as a camping and beach destination today.

Recent travelers praised Winter Island's picturesque Waikiki Beach, calling it a tranquil place to kick back on a summer day and watch the sun set behind Fort Pickering lighthouse. However, some visitors said the no-frills campsites could be better maintained. Facilities here include a public boat ramp, a camping store, dinghy rack spaces and a function hall. 

Salem Witch Museum Salem Witch Museum

The Salem Witch Museum is perfect for first-time visitors to Salem. Founded in 1972, this museum offers two types of presentations: One is an immersive narration of the 1692 Salem witch trials featuring costumed life-size mannequins, lighting and prerecorded narration, and the second, titled "Witches: Evolving Perceptions," uses audio-dubbed tableaux and informational displays to educate visitors on the European witchcraft trials, the history of witch-hunting and the evolution of the term "witch," among other topics. Because these presentations depict some disturbing scenes and images from the Salem witch trials, the museum may not be suitable for young children.

While many travelers complimented the entertaining and informative presentation, others warn that this isn't your typical museum experience – there are no actual historical artifacts – so if that's what you're looking for, you may be disappointed. Several reviewers also noted that the museum itself is outdated and needs renovating, but that it's worth a visit if you're looking for a brief history lesson on the Salem witch trials. There is also a gift shop selling trinkets and Salem memorabilia. If you're looking for a more in-depth exploration of Salem history, consider signing up for one of the best Salem tours , which are led by knowledgeable locals eager to share stories about the city's past.

Salem Trolley Salem Trolley

Whether you only have a few hours to experience Salem or your feet just need a break from walking, the Salem Trolley is an excellent way to learn about this intriguing town. Visitors can either stay on the trolley for the duration of the tour (which lasts approximately one hour), or hop on and off at their leisure while they explore historic Salem. Aboard the trolley, local tour guides narrate Salem's fascinating history, pointing out notable landmarks, such as The House of the Seven Gables , Old Burying Point Cemetery and the Salem Witch Museum , along the way.

Recent visitors praised the trolley's knowledgeable tour guides, calling them informative and entertaining. However, some travelers noted that the service was disorganized and the trolley gets crowded quickly, making hopping on and off difficult. For the best experience, visitors recommend taking the full one-hour guided tour instead of using the trolley as a shuttle service.

Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery free

One of Salem's most iconic landmarks is the Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, located in Lappin Park at the end of Essex Street Pedestrian Mall . Measuring six feet tall, this bronze statue depicts Samantha Stephens – the character Montgomery played in the 1960s sitcom "Bewitched" – sitting sidesaddle on a broom next to a crescent moon. Several episodes of the hit show were filmed in Salem in 1970, a fact that the city has embraced. Next to it is a small plaque that reads, "Hair of gold, eyes that twinkle, a nose that neatly twitched, clever, charming and enchanting, Samantha left us all Bewitched."

Recent travelers agree that this statue makes a great photo opportunity for Salem visitors, but say it isn't worth going out of your way for unless you're a die-hard "Bewitched" fan. Access to the statue is free 24/7.

Witch Dungeon Museum Witch Dungeon Museum

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Black Cat Ghostly Night Tour in Salem

(172 reviews)

Salem "Hocus Pocus" Movie Locations Tour (31st Anniversary)

(162 reviews)

from $ 55.00

Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour

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from $ 25.00

Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery

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Everyone In Massachusetts Should Check Out These 15 Tourist Attractions, According To Locals

Kim Falchek

Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!

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Only In Your State recently asked local readers which Massachusetts tourist attractions they consider to be the best. Readers gave us lots of wonderful suggestions and came to a consensus on many places. If you are looking for some fabulous local spots to visit this year, check out these recommended attractions. In no particular order:

1. Cape Cod National Seashore

2. Fenway Park

3. Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

4. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

5. Battleship Cove

6. The Salem Witch Museum

7. The Bridge of Flowers

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8. the freedom trail.

9. The Quabbin Reservoir

10. Mount Greylock

11. Plimoth Patuxet Museums

12. Old Sturbridge Village

13. Walden Pond

14. Museum of Science

15. George's Island

How many of these 15 local Massachusetts attractions have you visited? What other places would you add to this list? Be sure to also check out our list of some of the best restaurants in Massachusetts .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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• October 3, 2023

21 Top Boston Attractions — Best Tourist Spots!

Boston, nicknamed the Cradle of Liberty, is the oceanfront capital of Massachusetts.

It is a picturesque city known for Fenway Park, its world-famous baked beans, beautiful parks, and historical attractions.

Here, you can go on an unforgettable getaway with your companions as you explore its terrific tourist hotspots.

Some of the highlights that await you are magnificent stadiums, glorious museums, dazzling art galleries, charming neighborhoods, stunning aquariums, breathtaking cruises, grand concert halls, vibrant breweries, bustling shopping districts, and endless more.

Let me help you make your dream vacation a reality as you look through this hand-picked list of the top Boston attractions.

21. Freedom Trail

Freedom Trail Boston, MA 02113 (617) 357-8300

The Freedom Trail, established in 1951, is a 2.5-mile long trail featuring at least 16 historical sites to explore.

Why We Recommend This Tourist Attraction

On your Boston sightseeing adventure with your travel buddies, a top attraction you need to visit is the Freedom Trail.

It is the perfect budget-friendly location to tour because 13 out of 16 attractions charge no admission fee.

Go on a walking tour of this scenic trail as you discover the various historical sites, like an Old State House, one of the oldest public buildings in the country dating back to the 1710s, and the Paul Revere House, a three-story home constructed in 1680.

One of the best ways to experience this attraction is scheduling a private tour alongside charismatic and knowledgeable guides in 18th-century appropriate clothing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental Boston, an IHG Hote

Related: Best Things to Do in Boston

20. Fenway Park

4 Jersey St Boston, MA 02215 (877) 733-7699

Fenway Park, first constructed in 1912, is a baseball stadium home to the Boston Red Sox.

It is the oldest active ballpark of its kind in Major League Baseball or MLB.

It is an iconic landmark and one of the main attractions of Boston.

This baseball stadium is one of the most famous tourist places in Boston, welcoming tourists from all over the country.

It also offers various shows throughout the year, like concerts of world-class acts, like Stevie Wonder, and other sports games, such as soccer and hockey.

A popular activity you should do here when visiting is going on a guided tour of the facility.

It includes going behind the scenes, learning about its popular games, hearing stories of the world-class celebrities that performed here, and so on.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Boston Hotel Commonwealth

Related: Things to Do in Boston with Kids

Related: What is Boston Famous For?

19. Faneuil Hall Marketplace

4 S Market St Boston, MA 02109 (617) 523-1300

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a bustling shopping center situated in a historic 18th-century building.

Do you want to go on the ultimate shopping spree with your friends or family?

If you do, make your way to Faneuil Hall Marketplace today.

Here, you can find numerous vendors selling a wide array of items, like apparel, antiques, custom-made jewelry, local handicrafts, shoes, accessories, artwork, decorations, and so much more.

As you go shopping, it also offers many entertainment options for a more enjoyable time, like street performers, free ping pong games, face painting, tour options, and the like.

After shopping, visit the Salty Dog Seafood Grille & Bar to enjoy delicious food and a couple of drinks with your friends.

It offers mouth-watering fresh seafood dishes, like native oysters, shrimp cocktails, steam shellfish, fried calamari, lobster salad, grilled salmon, and tons more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Boston Harbor Hotel

Related: Best Beaches Near Boston, MA

18. Museum of Fine Arts Boston

465 Huntington Ave Boston, MA 02115 (617) 267-9300

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, founded in 1870, is one of the most popular attractions in Boston, welcoming millions of guests annually.

It is the 14th largest art museum on earth and has an impressive collection of at least 450,000 pieces of artwork.

Dive into a day immersed in artful masterpieces at this spectacular museum.

It boasts a collection of more than 8,000 paintings and thousands of other stunning pieces, like artwork from ancient civilizations from at least 3,000 years ago and captivating pieces from Europe, Korea, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and tons more.

For a more interactive experience, it offers lectures and studio art classes where you can learn something new, like painting, drawing, working with watercolors, printmaking, and other options.

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is ADA-accessible and offers wheelchairs and rollators, state-of-the-art walkers with wheels, and padded seats that you can borrow free of charge should you need them.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonder — Pierce Boston

Related: Best Restaurants in Boston

17. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

306 Congress St Boston, MA 02210 (617) 338-1773

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a history museum floating atop the Fort Point Channel.

It features full-scale replicas of sailing vessels from the 18th century.

One of the best places to visit in Boston is this spectacular floating museum.

It offers you a plethora of exciting things to do with your companions, like going on themed tours with guides in character and costumes, looking at artifacts, observing live reenactments of how the American Revolution started, and watching an award-winning documentary at the theater.

Don’t leave the museum without visiting Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace, its onsite eatery offering an authentic Boston Tea experience.

You can try five different cups of teas, each with a historical twist.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston

16. Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

Atlantic Ave Boston, MA 02110 (617) 635-7275

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, created in 1967, is one of the most well-known urban parks in Boston.

It features a statue of Columbus made out of Italian marble.

Take a break from touring and sightseeing and spend a relaxing time at this beautifully manicured park.

Here, you can enjoy some much-needed fresh air as you go for a stroll through the postcard-perfect surroundings and take a picture with the iconic Columbus statue.

Other things you can do here are viewing the aromatic flowers at the rose garden, enjoying the waterfront views, and watching over your youngsters as they have a blast at the playground.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park sits near schools, housing areas, restaurants, and other popular attractions, making it easily overcrowded.

To better avoid the influx of large crowds, visit early in the morning.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Club Quarters Hotel in Boston

Related: Best Hotels in Boston for Families

15. Symphony Hall

301 Massachusetts Ave Boston, MA 02115 (888) 266-1200

Symphony Hall, which opened in October 1900, is a captivating concert hall.

It has a capacity of 2,625 and is a national historic landmark.

Are you looking for the best places to go in Boston to watch a brilliant live show?

If you are, I strongly recommend visiting Symphony Hall, one of the top concert halls in the States based on acoustics alone.

It is the ideal destination for you to watch awe-inspiring performances of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, classical concertos, choirs, concerts, and lots more.

Before or after your show, sign up for a free guided tour of Symphony Hall.

It includes going behind the scenes, learning interesting factoids about its architecture and history, and so on.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Eliot Suite Hotel

14. New England Aquarium

1 Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 (617) 973-5200

The New England Aquarium, which opened in 1969, is a world-class aquarium welcoming at least 1.3 million guests each year.

It is home to over 20,000 animals of at least 600 different species.

When searching for cool attractions near you to go on a journey of exploration into the depths of the ocean, this superb aquarium is a fantastic choice.

Here, you can see animals like penguins, sea lions, balloonfish, stingrays, octopuses, green sea turtles, green anacondas, colorful tropical fishes, and so much more.

Some of the activities you can enjoy, aside from observing the vibrant marine life, are watching a fascinating show at the theater about diverse sea life, listening to an intriguing lecture, and numerous others.

A top-rated activity you need to do here is going on a whale watching tour.

You can go out into the water and see various species of colossal animals, like humpback, minke, pilot, and finback whales.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: YOTEL Boston

13. Museum of Science

1 Museum Of Science Driveway Boston, MA 02114 (617) 723-2500

The Museum of Science, established in 1830, is one of the most-visited attractions in the city.

It is a science museum featuring over 700 engaging exhibits and an indoor zoo, home to at least 100 animals.

If you want to visit one of the best tourist attractions in Boston, Massachusetts, drive on down to the Museum of Science.

This renowned museum welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe each year.

It has many interactive exhibits for you to view with your family or friends.

For example, the Hall of Human Life, featuring displays on the human anatomy, Arctic Adventure, taking you on a journey into the arctic, Colossal Fossil, highlighted by a triceratops fossil at least 65 million years old, and plenty of other fun options.

At its planetarium, you can watch spectacular shows that will take you on an adventure to Mars, various moons, far into the galaxy, and the like.

If you are vacationing with someone who has a physical disability, like someone who is blind or deaf, you can book special guides and tour options in advance.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Whitney Hotel Boston

12. Public Garden

4 Charles St Boston, MA 02116 (617) 635-4505

The Public Garden, encompassing 24 acres, is also known as the Boston Public Garden.

It sits in the downtown area and is the first public botanical garden in the country established in 1837.

Spend an hour or two of your time with your partner or loved ones strolling through this jaw-droppingly gorgeous garden.

You can do things like going on a romantic boat ride with your significant other on a swan boat, throwing a ball or frisbee around, taking pictures of the breathtaking landscape, ice skating on winter days, picnicking, and touring the garden featuring 600 imported and locally grown trees.

Spring is one of the best seasons to visit this well-loved attraction when it features thousands of tulips of every color.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont Copley Plaza

11. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

25 Evans Way Boston, MA 02115 (617) 566-1401

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, established in 1903, is an award-winning art museum.

It boasts a magnificent collection of American, European, and Asian artwork.

Are you searching for points of interest to view stunning works of art?

If you are, consider a visit to this wonderful museum.

Here, you can view more than 7,500 art pieces of various forms, like paintings, textiles, decorative arts, ceramics, furniture, tapestries, sculptures, and more.

It features archival objects and selections from the Islamic world, ancient Rome, Asia, Medieval Europe, 19th-century France, Renaissance Italy, and so on.

Visit on a Saturday or a Sunday to go on their special Spotlight Talks.

It is a 20-minute tour that offers an interactive discussion on a featured artwork.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Boston

10. North End

North End Boston, MA 02115

North End, known as Boston’s Little Italy, features some of the oldest buildings in the metropolis.

It features at least 100 establishments and attractions for you to explore with your companions.

Its rich history dates back to the 1700s.

Enjoy a peaceful and laid-back day with your significant other or friends as you make your way around the North End.

You can do things like tour various historical sites, like the Freedom Trail, dine at an Italian restaurant, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee at a cafe, and so on.

Your trip to the North End isn’t complete until you dine at Giacomo’s Ristorante.

It is one of the top Italian restaurants in Boston, welcoming long lines of guests.

Here, you can try dishes like linguine, fettuccini, baked ziti, lobster, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront

9. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Columbia Point Boston, MA 02125 (617) 514-1600

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, founded in 1979, encompasses about 10 acres.

Learn about the life, death, and legacy of 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy at this awe-inspiring attraction.

You can view galleries on his wife Jacqueline Kennedy, a recreation of his oval office, on the 1960 presidential election, his early life, his inauguration, the U.S. space program during his presidency, and lots more.

For a more educational experience, you and your travel buddies can opt to go on a guided tour of the facility.

The Highlights Tour is one of the best experiences you can book with your companions at this museum.

It is ideal for all ages and includes watching a clip from his first televised debate, looking at his doodles from Cuban Missile Crisis Meetings, and many more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Boston

8. Samuel Adams Boston Brewery

30 Germania St Boston, MA 02130 (617) 368-5080

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery offers more than 60 variations of Samuel Adams beer.

Spend quality time with your significant other or friends as you catch up and enjoy a pint of exquisite-tasting beer along with delicious locally-made snacks.

You can also go on a guided tour of the brewery and learn about how they make their craft beer and a bit of their history.

It also has a gift shop where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs, like glassware, beer to take home, apparel, tote bags, coasters, keychains, and other trinkets.

If you want to try Mexican cuisine, visit the nearby Chilacates Amory St.

It features a friendly and inviting ambiance where you can enjoy burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston/Brookline

Related: Free Things to Do in Boston, MA

7. Quincy Market

206 S Market St Boston, MA 02109 (617) 523-1300

Quincy Market is a public market taking place in a historical building constructed between 1824 to 1826.

It is a well-known Boston landmark welcoming numerous locals and tourists throughout the year.

Shop for fresh, locally-grown produce and other items for affordable prices at Quincy Market.

It features hundreds of stalls for you to choose from, depending on what you want to buy.

Go on a shopping spree as you buy things like artisan crafts, freshly baked goods, accessories, confectionaries, farm-fresh produce, apparel, jewelry, and so much more.

One of the local delicacies that you must try at Quincy Market is the official dessert of Massachusetts, the Boston cream pie.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Godfrey Hotel Boston

6. Boston Children’s Museum

308 Congress St Boston, MA 02210 (617) 426-6500

The Boston Children’s Museum, founded in 1913, is the second-oldest museum of its kind in the United States.

Bond with your youngsters as you spend a fun-filled day together at this museum.

It features numerous hands-on activities and interactive exhibits to guarantee a terrific time.

Some of the exhibits you can expect to see are the Japanese House, a two-story townhouse where you can learn about family life in Japan, as well as their culture and art.

Another is the Art Studio, where you can work together to make stunning masterpieces.

Check their website before visiting because they plan various fun events and engaging programs throughout the week that you and your children will love, like family workshops and art festivals.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Bostonian Boston

5. Arnold Arboretum

125 Arborway Boston, MA 02130 (617) 524-1718

The Arnold Arboretum, founded in 1872, is the oldest arboretum in the state.

It spans roughly 281 acres and features an extensive collection of at least 16,000 plants from the country and eastern Asia.

One of the top Boston tourist spots and sites that you should explore with your friends, partner, or loved ones is this arboretum.

Here, you can view plants of diverse species, towering trees, and vibrantly colored flowers.

It also offers various packages for a fun-filled experience, like the Introductory Tour, a 40-minute tour where you can learn its brief history, or the Director’s Tour, an immersive 2-hour tour of the area.

Visit the arboretum during May to see eye-catching and aromatic lilacs in full bloom.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway

4. Emerson Colonial Theatre

106 Boylston St Boston, MA 02116 (888) 616-0272

The Emerson Colonial Theatre, which opened in the 1900s, has a capacity of 1,700.

It is the oldest continuously operating theater in Boston.

Prepare to be amazed as you watch a magnificent live show at the Emerson Colonial Theatre.

It features awe-striking architecture, comfortable seating, a grand stage, and state-of-the-art lights and sounds systems.

You can watch magnificent live shows like inspirational talks, musicals, Broadway productions, concerts, musicals, dance recitals, and the like.

It also offers tour options where you can learn about its early beginning, go behind the scenes, and enjoy a glass of champagne.

Download the Ordertorium application on your phone before visiting.

It allows you to enjoy a glass of wine and a tasty snack from the comfort of your seat without getting up as you order online.

Its friendly staff will happily bring your order to you.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston

3. Gibson House Museum

137 Beacon St Boston, MA 02116 (617) 267-6338

The Gibson House Museum, built between 1859 to 1860, was the former home of Catherine Hammond Gibson and her family.

It is a well-preserved Victorian rowhouse and a national historic landmark.

Experience what life was like from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s as you go on a guided tour of this house museum.

On your tour, you can view its many rooms, look through antique furnishings, learn about the Gibson family, discover its significant role in movies, like Little Women, and countless more.

When planning for special events like enjoying a photoshoot or an intimate wedding, this house museum offers rental facilities that you can take advantage of.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Copley Place, Boston

2. Newbury Street

Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116

Newbury Street running for 1.6 kilometers long, is a popular shopping area featuring numerous upscale and retail shops.

You can find it in the Black Bay district of the city.

One of the top places to see in Boston on your sightseeing tour is Newbury Street.

It is the perfect site to visit to splurge on a superb shopping experience.

Here, you can find many luxury stores like Bulgari, Cartier, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Burberry, and more, and cheaper options like Forever 21, Nike, H&M, and Nordstrom.

Many restaurants, pubs, and cafes also line its streets for a more enjoyable time.

If you want to relax and rejuvenate after shopping, visit Bella Santé.

Here, you can enjoy a full body massage, a facial, a manicure or pedicure, and various other treatments.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Charlesmark Hotel

1. Old Town Trolley Tours in Boston

200 Atlantic Ave Boston, MA 02110 (617) 269-7010

One of the top Boston attractions for tourists in Boston is the Old Town Trolley Tours in Boston.

It features a guided tour aboard orange and green trolleys maneuvered by professional and experienced drivers.

Visit various historical, natural, and cultural attractions by scheduling a tour with Old Town Trolley Tours in Boston.

It features a handful of tour options you can choose from, depending on where you want to go and what you want to do.

Depending on what package you book, you can visit museums, historical sites, bustling restaurants, and tons more.

For a spookier and more entertaining experience, book the Boston Ghost Tours.

It includes visiting the darker sides of the city, like haunted buildings and graveyards.

It also features stories about ghosts, local murders, and so on.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental Boston, an IHG Hotel

Related: Things to Do Near Boston

Map of Boston Attractions

Boston Tourist Attractions: The 21 Best Tourism Spots for 2024

• Freedom Trail
• Fenway Park
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace
• Museum of Fine Arts Boston
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
• Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
• Symphony Hall
• New England Aquarium
• Museum of Science
• Public Garden
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
• Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
• Quincy Market
• Boston Children’s Museum
• Arnold Arboretum
• Emerson Colonial Theatre
• Gibson House Museum
• Newbury Street
• Old Town Trolley Tours in Boston

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Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Destination Development Capital Grant Program to Support Tourism Projects

Media contact   for healey-driscoll administration announces destination development capital grant program to support tourism projects, brie bristol, deputy director of communications.

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) have announced the Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant program for fiscal year 2025.  Destination Development Grants are included in the economic development plan, “The Mass Leads Act: An Act Relative to Strengthening Massachusetts' Economic Leadership,” as a strategy to support critical capital improvements at tourism assets across Massachusetts. 

The FY25 DDC grant program is anticipated to be funded at up to $5 million through the Capital Budget. The competitive grant program will award funds to strengthen the economy of Massachusetts through destination development projects that enhance tourism sustainability and have the potential to increase non-resident visitation. Preference will be given to projects related to climate resiliency, rural communities, cultural districts, and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.   

"Massachusetts is a top travel destination with a diverse array of attractions, including remarkable historical landmarks, beautiful national parks, and vibrant communities,” said Governor Maura Healey . “Through the DDC grant program, we’re dedicated to enhancing our tourism and cultural sectors, aiming to attract more visitors from across the country and the world to experience all that Massachusetts has to offer for years to come.” 

"As former Mayor of Salem, I know firsthand the transformative impact of tourism on our communities. Tourism not only boosts our economy, but also boosts our competitiveness as a desirable destination for families,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll . “We’re excited to see how the DDC grant program will continue to strengthen our economy.”  

"Our tourism industry is fundamental to our state’s success. When people visit Massachusetts, we want them to feel welcomed and at home, encouraging repeat visits and potential relocation,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao . “With the FY25 opening of the DDC grant program, we’re committed to boosting Massachusetts as a top-tier travel destination while advancing our economic goals.” 

"The Destination Development Capital Grants provide resources for communities and organizations to make critical improvements that will enhance the visitor experience in Massachusetts,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox .  “We are excited to offer another round of DDC grants and look forward to supporting important projects across the state.” 

Eligible projects will enhance tourism resources and infrastructure. Applications will be accepted for projects that include plans to expand, construct, restore or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. Applicants must demonstrate how the tourism capital project will work to promote the tourism goals of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Regional Tourism Councils. DDC grants are focused on capital improvements with a direct relationship to tourism, and other physical/structural items with a greater than five-year lifespan. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2025. 

Any public agency, municipality, or nonprofit organization incorporated in Massachusetts with 501(c)3, 501(c)5, 501(c)6, status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that does one of the following are eligible to apply: Produces, promotes, or presents tourism attractions and activities for the public; Provides public access to physical collections and exhibits for tourists and meets other eligibility criteria can apply. 

The FY25 Destination Development Grant Program opened on April 22, 2024, with applications due May 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted through MOTT’s Online Application Portal. Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2024. 

DDC guidelines and information is available at visitma.com . An informational session about DDC Grants will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 1, at 10 a.m. To register, please contact Marc Zappulla, [email protected] .

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Top 100 biggest tourist traps worldwide

Glen Luke Flanagan

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 7:25 p.m. UTC Nov. 21, 2023

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When you’re planning the perfect vacation, you don’t want to spend your time or money on a tourist trap that disappoints. To help you avoid a case of destination letdown, we turned to the treasure trove of data found in online reviews that can help savvy travelers make the most of their vacation planning.

In July 2023, we analyzed 23.2 million Google reviews of the 500 most popular tourist attractions in the world, spanning 65 countries in six continents. For each attraction, we asked a simple question: How frequently do the reviews mention the terms “tourist trap,” “overrated” or “expensive”?

We compared attractions to one another by measuring the relative frequency of these mentions, dividing the number of mentions in each case by the total number of reviews for that attraction. We break down our findings, so you are armed with the information you need before planning to visit a popular tourist destination, and offer tips on how to travel in a way that’s good for your wanderlust and your wallet.

Key findings

• The Four Corners Monument (in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah) is the No. 1 tourist trap in the world, according to our analysis.
• The Blue Lagoon in Iceland and Penang Hill in Malaysia are the top tourist traps in Europe and Asia.
• The Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia had 397,905 reviews on Google, as of our analysis, and not a single one mentioned “tourist trap.”
• The California Academy of Sciences, Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the South Carolina Aquarium are the most overpriced attractions in the United States.
• Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon, is the most overrated tourist attraction in the world.

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Top 100 tourist traps worldwide

With the distinction of being the only place where four states meet — Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah — the Four Corners Monument sounds pretty cool. It’s also 30 miles from the closest gas station, so it might appeal to travelers seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, this attraction also topped our list in terms of the percentage of disgruntled reviews. Of 10,839 reviews analyzed, 139 flagged this spot as a tourist trap.

Meanwhile, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin got the most mentions of “tourist trap” in the reviews we analyzed of any tourist attraction in the world, with 400 out 76,269 reviews flagging it as one. This spot is a popular stop for travelers because of its historical significance as a border crossing during the Cold War, when the city was split in half between West Germany and East Germany.

Top 25 tourist traps in the U.S.

Eight of the top 10 tourist traps in the world, as determined by our analysis, are in the U.S. Three of the top tourist traps involve paranormal phenomena — witches, ghosts and UFOs.

Those spots are the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts, Calico Ghost Town in California and the International UFO Museum and Research Center in New Mexico. Each location had a number of reviews mentioning "tourist trap," so it seems some visitors left feeling disenchanted.

Most overpriced attractions worldwide

The U.S. is home to the third most overpriced attraction in the world, according to our analysis of reviews mentioning the word “expensive,” with spots in Iceland and Canada taking first and second places. Coming in at most overpriced is the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, with prices starting at $67 per person but nearly doubling during peak times. This is followed by the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver where tickets are $69.95 per person when you purchase them at the ticket window. The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco comes in third for an entry fee that makes consumers grumble at $49.75 for an adult ticket during a peak visiting time.

It seems that Americans feel aquariums are overpriced in general, with aquariums in South Carolina, Maryland, California and Georgia making the top 50 in our list.

California has seven of the top 25 most overpriced attractions, with Tennessee coming in next with three spots in the top 25 — including Elvis Presley’s Graceland, at No. 5 in the world.

Most overrated attractions worldwide

Unless you just really love doughnuts, one spot you might want to skip on your next vacation is Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon. At least, you might want to skip it if you care about reviews, because our analysis found it to be the most overrated attraction in the world.

Rounding out the top five most overrated attractions are the following:

• The Little Mermaid in Denmark.
• The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Japan.
• The Manneken Pis sculpture fountain in Belgium.
• The Hollywood Walk of Fame in California.

Tips on how to avoid tourist traps

Get recommendations from your travel card concierge.

Your travel card may provide access to a concierge which can help with travel research, planning and booking. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees ) is a luxury travel card (as evidenced by its $695 annual fee) with a slew of perks and protections, including a highly regarded concierge service. Contact your concierge early on in your vacation planning and tell them you want to go off the beaten path and enjoy unique experiences rather than known tourist traps.

Consider where your rewards can take you

It’s no secret that credit card rewards can help you see the world. But are you getting the most out of your stash? Let’s consider an example using American Airlines miles.

As of the time of this writing, a flight from New York to Honolulu and back at the end of October 2023 might run you anywhere from about 53,000 AAdvantage miles to well over 100,000 AAdvantage miles. By contrast, if you were to fly from New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico and back in the same time period, you might find deals in the ballpark of 24,000 or 31,000 miles. While many variables impact the exact cost, being flexible with your vacation options can save you substantially.

Plus, when opting for destinations with less sticker shock, you can still find activities and sites that are every bit as amazing as you'd find in a pricier locale. Continuing our example from above, if Hawaii's stunning rainforests initially attracted you to Honolulu, consider that Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque National Forest — the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

If you’ve piled up the points on a card that earns transferable rewards, rather than one that’s specific to a certain airline or hotel chain , you can do even more shopping around. Compare the cost of booking award travel on the loyalty transfer partners your card offers before you commit, because the number of points or miles required can vary dramatically between different airlines.

Plus, savvy travelers know that travel credit cards sometimes offer deals, such as double value when transferring points from your card to a specific airline partner. For instance, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® offered a deal on Aug. 1, 2023 where cardholders with Bilt Silver Status could get double the number of Virgin Red points for their Bilt points when transferring their rewards to the airline. Keeping a sharp eye out for deals like this could help your earnings take you farther than you’d normally go.

Finally, great deals on award travel aren’t just for people willing to pay an annual fee for luxury cards, either. See our list of best travel cards with no annual fee for budget-friendly options.

If you’re going abroad, it’s best to use a credit card without foreign currency surcharges. Check out our picks for the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees .

Follow a trusted travel newsletter

What better way to avoid tourist traps than by getting curated recommendations from a trusted source? By getting a travel newsletter in your email inbox, you can make note throughout the year of enticing destinations and enriching activities, and plan your next vacation accordingly.

For example, people with an Amex Platinum or the invite-only American Express Centurion Black Card * The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. can receive the Departures newsletter, which the issuer describes as a “lifestyle resource”. Examples of the content you can expect, based on a recent issue of Departures, include "7 Hotels Worth Planning Your Whole Trip Around" with recommendations for stays in Paris, New York City and more, and "How I Escaped City Life and Moved My Family to a Mexican Surf Town".

All information about American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

In short, smart travel recommendations are just a few clicks away — and can help you craft the dream vacation while avoiding tourist traps that might not leave you feeling fully satisfied.

Seek out lodging that isn’t part of a mega-chain hotel collection

If you have a travel rewards credit card , check if it grants you special access to a hotel collection. For example, Capital One announced the Lifestyle Collection in mid-2024, designed to be exclusively available via Capital One Travel for people with specific Capital One cards .

The Lifestyle Collection is a list of curated boutique hotels allowing guests to stay in popular destinations but avoid the crush of an overcrowded megahotel lobby.  While your choice of lodging won’t necessarily prevent you stopping by a tourist trap, finding a great stay can make it easier for you to have a wide selection of possible vacation activities.

If picking the right credit card has you overwhelmed, we’ve got you . Here are our picks for the best credit cards for every type of person.

Methodology

In July 2023, we analyzed 23.2 million Google reviews of 500 popular tourist attractions in the world, spanning 65 countries in six continents.

We focused our analysis on mentions of certain keywords that indicate a common negative sentiment among visitors. Those keywords are: “tourist trap”, “expensive”, and “overrated”.

It’s true that a few uses of these keywords do not fit in a negative context (e.g. “It’s kind of a tourist trap but we loved it!”). Based on our analysis, these positive instances of usage were not frequent enough to be statistically significant, and in any case, they are consistent enough across attractions to cancel each other out.

We began with a list of 1,600 tourist attractions for consideration, before narrowing to our final 500. We removed from this list, with only a few exceptions, all national parks, state parks, lakes, and mountains. We also removed sports stadiums. The list was further reduced based on the total number of reviews submitted for each attraction.

All reviews analyzed were written in English.

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page .

*The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Glen Luke Flanagan is a deputy editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint credit cards team. Prior to joining Blueprint, he served as a deputy editor on the credit cards team at Forbes Advisor, and covered credit cards, credit scoring and related topics as a senior writer at LendingTree. He’s passionate about helping people understand personal finance so they can make the best decisions possible for their wallet. Glen holds a master's degree in technical and professional communication from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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