Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Massachusetts

As one of the original 13 colonies, it is evident why the state of Massachusetts possesses a wealth of history for visitors. Significant battles and political gatherings have occurred in this state throughout its history, and remnants of these events are preserved today in National Historic Parks and monuments.

However, the state is not merely a relic of the past; Boston stands as a vibrant city, characterized by contemporary shopping, culinary delights, and artistic innovation. The state’s diverse landscapes, including beaches, farmland, and forests, also offer compelling reasons to explore. Below are the premier activities in Massachusetts:

1. The Freedom Trail

This meandering three-mile path in Boston showcases some of the most significant historical sites in the United States.

Winding through the historic colonial streets, the trail encompasses 16 iconic landmarks, including cemeteries and the renowned Faneuil Hall, affectionately dubbed “The Cradle of Liberty,” where abolitionists and revolutionaries once congregated.

The route is straightforward to follow and is marked by red bricks and large medallions on the ground, leading from Boston Common to the Navy Yard in Charlestown.

2. Cape Cod

Massachusetts meets the Atlantic at Cape Cod, offering approximately 500 miles of pristine white sandy beaches.

Although these beaches can become crowded during the summer months, secluded spots remain accessible for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

The Cape Cod coastline is safeguarded by the Cape Cod National Seashore, which helps maintain the area’s historical integrity since the early 19th Century.

Visitors can find a wealth of information at the nearby Visitor Centers in Provincetown or Salt Pond, ensuring a pleasurable experience.

3. Minute Man National Historic Park

The Minute Man National Historic Park commemorates the route marched by British forces, which triggered the American Revolution.

Noteworthy sites within the park include Concord’s North Bridge, the venue of conflict between the Colonies and the British, and the Visitor Center, functioning as a museum that showcases various artifacts from the region’s rich history.

4. Battle Green

Battle Green in Lexington, also known as Lexington Green, is regarded as the site where the initial shots of the American Revolution were fired in 1775.

Reenactments of the event are conducted here annually on its anniversary.

Additionally, the area features a Minuteman statue that immortalizes Captain Parker’s declaration, “if they mean to have war, let it begin here.”

5. Historic Houses of Salem

Massachusetts is home to numerous historic dwellings, but Salem provides a unique array of residences and insights into historical and cultural narratives.

The name Salem is inextricably linked with witch trials, and the residence of Jonathan Corwin, a judge during the witchcraft trials, can be visited here.

The area was previously a flourishing China trade port, and the Peabody Essex Museum offers an in-depth exploration of this trade, incorporating an impressive 18th Century Chinese building from Huizhou.

6. Plimoth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation serves as a living museum dedicated to examining the lives of Colonial Americans and their daily routines within the first New England settlement established by Pilgrims in 1620.

The museum’s actors are attired in period costumes and remain in character while engaging in a variety of 17th Century tasks, such as construction, gardening, and military drills.

This museum also delves into the lives of Native Americans during this period through the Hobbamock Homesite exhibit.

7. Faneuil Hall

Though it is briefly referenced in connection with the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall warrants individual recognition.

Constructed in 1740, the hall was originally a market and gathering place.

Throughout its history, it has hosted many revolutionary speeches, including protests concerning colonial taxation and anti-slavery meetings.

The upper floor features the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Museum, which offers a look into military history through a collection of arms, armor, and various exhibits.

The building continues to serve its initial purpose, now hosting a vibrant market on its ground floor, which merits exploration.

8. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Park

Stellwagen Bank is considered one of the premier locations in the world for whale watching.

This area boasts a highly productive and diverse marine environment, attracting an array of wildlife.

Approximately 50 recognized humpback whales return every summer, and visitors may also encounter other marine creatures, including dolphins and seals.

Numerous whale watching tours are offered in the vicinity, departing from Gloucester or Provincetown.

9. Old Sturbridge Village

Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge provides yet another glimpse into life in New England during past centuries.

The village highlights early 19th Century life, featuring homes, mills, farms, and shops from that era.

Similar to Plimoth, the costumed performers here engage in authentic portrayals of daily life from the 1800s.

10. Tanglewood

Tanglewood is an essential destination for music enthusiasts, especially in the summer season.

Located in Lenox, Tanglewood’s various venues attract a diverse array of musicians throughout the summer, hosting performances from symphony orchestras to soloist acts, encompassing both renowned artists and student groups.

The venue also hosts multiple festivals and events year-round.

11. Martha’s Vineyard

If relaxation is your intention during your visit to Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is the ideal destination.

Simply take a ferry from New Bedford and discover the six towns and stunning beaches of the Vineyard.

The island hosts several farms that welcome tourists to purchase their fresh produce, with numerous outdoor activities such as sailing and kayaking available.

12. Norman Rockwell Museum

The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge honors one of the most cherished artists in American history.

This museum houses the largest collection of Rockwell’s artistic endeavors globally, offering a unique perspective on American life and the challenges faced by everyday citizens, such as poverty and civil rights.

For those interested in exploring further, the Berkshire area has attracted numerous other artists over the years, with opportunities to visit their homes and studios within the region.

13. Historic Deerfield

The impeccably preserved homes in Deerfield chronicle its history during the Federal and Colonial periods.

Here, visitors may explore 14 historic homes, alongside several galleries and museums featuring over 27,000 artifacts from the region, some of which date back to the early 17th Century.

The Helen Geier Textile Gallery provides a fascinating insight into the garments worn by early settlers and boasts an impressive collection.

Craft demonstrations and culinary exhibitions are also offered in the area throughout the year.

14. Boston Common

Boston Common ranks as the oldest park in the United States and marks the commencement of the already mentioned Freedom Trail.

Located at the heart of Boston, it features lush green areas, a historical burial ground, and several monuments.

In winter, visitors can enjoy ice-skating, but spring presents a particularly splendid opportunity to relish the park’s natural beauty.

The connected public garden is recognized as the oldest botanical garden in the nation.

15. Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is a picturesque neighborhood in Boston, conveniently located near the city center.

Historically, this district has been home to Boston’s influential families.

The architecture in Beacon Hill showcases a blend of styles, including Greek Revival and Federal American.

The Nichols museum here portrays the lifestyle of residents from this area, featuring collections of furnishings and artistic pieces from the period.

16. Harvard

Harvard University, situated in Cambridge, possesses a distinguished global reputation for its academic research and educational resources.

As the oldest university in the United States, it offers free tours guided by current students.

An informative guide is available on the university’s website for those interested in conducting self-guided campus explorations.

Harvard Square serves as an excellent locale to experience student life, full of shops, ice cream sellers, and bookstores.

Additionally, several premier museums are located on the Harvard campus.

17. Copley Square

Copley Square, located in Back Bay, features the striking Trinity Church, designed in a Romanesque architectural style by Henry Richardson.

The church makes an indelible impression from the outside; however, the numerous murals and decorative elements inside warrant a thorough appreciation of its interior.

Also situated in Copley Square is the Boston Public Library, established in 1848. Both the library’s interior and exterior are equally worthy of inspection.

18. Fenway Park

Fenway Park is indisputably one of the most iconic sports venues in the United States, serving as the home ground for the Boston Red Sox since its establishment in 1912.

Retaining much of its historical character, which includes an old-fashioned scoreboard and a relatively compact seating capacity, obtaining tickets to games can be quite a challenge.

A tour of the stadium is highly advisable, even for those who are not avid sports enthusiasts.

19. Boston Museum of Fine Arts

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is recognized as one of the premier fine art institutions in the United States.

It boasts an extensive and remarkable collection that spans from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Impressionist masterpieces.

The newly established American Wing showcases a substantial compilation of art from the United States, encompassing paintings and furniture.

20. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

In the realm of impressive art collections, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum certainly merits recognition.

This distinctive building, styled after a Venetian Palace, houses over 2,500 pieces of art, including paintings, decorative objects, sculptures, and books.

The collection was curated by Mrs. Gardner herself, who was eccentric yet an authority in the art world.

21. Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor boasts a rich history tracing back to the Colonial period when it served as a shipping port.

Throughout the 20th Century, extensive renovations revitalized the harbor, making it an attractive destination while in Massachusetts.

The interactive HarborWalk connects multiple parks, beaches, and cafés along the waterfront.

The most notable segment of this walk traverses from South Boston to Charlestown, including the picturesque Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.

22. New England Aquarium

Another prominent attraction along the Boston waterfront is the New England Aquarium.

This facility is home to over 20,000 marine animals spanning 550 distinct species.

The impressive Caribbean reef is inhabited by sharks and turtles, while smaller creatures like crabs can be touched in the “Edge of the Sea” tank.

Whale watching tours are also offered from the aquarium, which features an on-site IMAX theater presenting films about the natural world.

23. Boston Museum of Science

Similar to other esteemed science museums, the Museum of Science in Boston adopts a hands-on educational approach.

This museum encompasses all scientific disciplines, featuring over 700 permanent exhibitions.

Among the museum’s notable attractions are the Dakota fossil, estimated to be around 65 million years old, the butterfly garden, and the planetarium that offers exciting daily shows.

Though interactive in nature, the museum appeals to all ages, making it an excellent choice for a day of exploration.

24. John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

This museum located in Boston serves as the official memorial for John F. Kennedy and was inaugurated in 1979.

It houses a vast array of photographs, exhibits, and artifacts reflecting JFK’s life, alongside three theaters.

The museum offers extensive insights into both JFK’s personal life and his political endeavors.

25. Boston Children’s Museum

Three levels of engaging exhibits await at the Boston Children’s Museum, targeting children up to ten years old.

Exciting activities include exploring a traditional Japanese home and a unique room dedicated solely to bubble-making techniques.