35 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts in 2024 (By a Local)

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

👉 Jump to:Best Things to Do | Sites & Attractions | Museums & Culture | Hidden Gems | Food & Drink | Beaches | FAQ

There are so many unique and fun things to do in Massachusetts. And I’m here to help you discover it all.

I am a Massachusetts local and I grew up in the state. This list incorporates my lifetime of experience exploring the Bay State. I’ve included all the popular Massachusetts attractions and sites, but also a few hidden gems and unique personal favorites.

I hope this list helps you enjoy exploring all that my home state has to offer! 

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35 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts

Boston Public Library

The most remarkable library in America is a treasure trove of art and culture. 

a large group of people sitting at tables in a library
a large building with a large pool of water

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 536- 5400 | Website | Monday through Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm, Friday & Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm, 11 am – 5 pm Sundays | Entrance: Free

The Boston Public Library welcomes more than 2.2 million visitors every year. It was the first expansive free municipal library in the entire country.

The Boston Public Library has a vast collection of over 1.2 million rare books and documents. These are displayed on a rotational basis. You might even have the chance to see a rare medieval manuscript. 

If you have a book with you, go to my favorite spot: the elaborate Bates Reading Room on the second floor. Head to the third-floor gallery for a treat of John Singer Sargent murals. You can also find some tranquility out in the Italian-styled courtyard. 

Fenway Park

Fenway Park is the most famous and oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. 

a woman that is standing in the street

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 733 -7699 | Website | Red Sox Tickets | 👉 Book a tour of Historic Fenway Park

Fenway Park opened in 1912 and has been the home of the Boston Red Sox ever since. The legacy of this historic ballpark is deeply intertwined with the spirit of Boston. 

You can take a tour of Fenway Park during the off-season. You’ll get to see all of the stadium and get the inside scoop on Boston Red Sox history. You will also enjoy unique views of the ballpark and its iconic green frame that has been nicknamed the “Green Monster.”

I highly suggest you make the pilgrimage to Fenway Park if you can make it for a game during the season. I always enjoy its Boston ambiance. There’s nothing like sitting in the original wooden seats with a cold beer, and singing “Sweet Caroline.” I promise it is one of the most memorable things to do in Massachusetts, no matter how the team plays. 

Salem Witch Museum

This museum tells the tragic story of the famous Witch Trials. 

a large brick building with a clock on it

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (978) 744 -1692 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $17.50 adults, $14.50 under 14, $16.00 senior citizen | 👉 Book Salem History Lovers Walking Tour

The Salem Witch Museum does an excellent job of portraying the story of the 1692 Witch Trials. It’s one of the most famous attractions in Massachusetts. 

The first part of the museum is an audiovisual reenactment of the trials. After that, examine what it means to be a witch in the “Witches: Evolving Perception” exhibit. Upon leaving, you will have a better understanding of what happened at the witch trials. 

You can also book a tour to see one of Salem’s historic houses that is still standing–that of Judge Johnathan Corwin. His home is locally known as the Witch House as it is directly tied to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

Cape Cod National Seashore

44,000 acres of untouched Massachusetts coastline.  

a wooden fence on a beach next to the ocean

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (508) 255 – 3421 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a sanctuary to diverse wildlife. This busy destination invites visitors to find refuge in its beaches, marshes, dunes, and swamps.

The park can be explored all year round at any time of day. Walking, biking, and horsing trails criss-cross the park. Fun things to do at Cape Cod National Seashore include swimming, self-guided bike rides, and guided canoe trips. 

Boston Children’s Museum

This interactive museum embraces the power of play in children.  

a very tall building with a lot of windows

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 426 – 6500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday | Entrance: $22 general admission, free for children under 12 months

Traveling with Kids? The Boston Children’s Museum should be on the top of your list. It is a popular Boston museum for crowds aged two to ten. 

All exhibits within the museum are designed to encourage children to explore. Kids love the hands-on engaging exhibits. Parents love that children can play while building developmental skills. 

Plan your visit for a Sunday afternoon and snag $1 tickets. It is only valid for Sunday afternoons from 1 pm to 4 pm. Online reservation is required for date and timed tickets. 

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Shoppers and merchants have gathered in Boston’s historic downtown for almost four centuries.  

people walking in front of a large building

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 523 – 1300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am – 9 pm Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free |

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the most popular attractions in Massachusetts. It offers a mix of shops, restaurants, pubs, food stalls, and street performers. 

Faneuil Hall is made up of four historic buildings on a cobblestone plaza. This location is the heart of historic Boston. The site is famous for hosting pro-freedom speeches in the months leading up to the American Revolution. 

Today, the marketplace is the perfect destination for shopping and entertainment. It is a social hub for people to gather, relax, and have fun.

Deer Island

Stroll 60 acres on the shoreline path of Deer Island. 

a large body of water with mountains

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 223 -8666 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Daily | Entrance: Free

Deer Island is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It consists of 60 acres of parkland surrounding a water treatment plant. 

You will find plenty of opportunities for walking, jogging, biking, and fishing at Deer Island. There is a 2.6-mile accessible perimeter pathway. In addition, there are 2 miles of hiking trails on the hills of the island. 

Deer Island is my favorite place to go for a stroll at sunset or sit on the grass for a solo picnic. I also think it has the most stunning views of the city of Boston. 

The Berkshires

The Berkshires promises plenty of outdoor adventures. 

a view from the top of a mountain

📍 Google Maps

The Berkshires is located in the western regions of Massachusetts. There are so many fun things to do year-round. The region is surrounded by green valleys, crystal clear waters, and picturesque mountains. 

Hike Mount Greylock, the highest point in the state of Massachusetts at nearly 3,500 feet tall. Explore a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that leads to the summit. 

Visitors can climb up to the observation deck at the top of the Massachusetts War Memorial Tower. It offers panoramic views across five states – Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This museum is home to one of the world’s most impressive private collections of art. 

a large stone building with a fountain in front of it

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 566 – 1401 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed & Fi, 11 am – 9 pm Thurs, 10 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Tues | Entrance: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $13 students, Free under 18

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is a treasure. The art museum is structured as a Venetian-style palazzo. There is a majestic courtyard surrounded by plants, masterpieces, and architectural elements. 

The building and collection reflect Stewart Gardner’s thirst for travel and bohemian lifestyle. Stewart Gardner meticulously arranged the collection of more than 18,000 pieces of fine art, books, manuscripts, and historic objects from around the world. 

If you can plan your visit in advance, pop by the museum’s monthly Free First Thursday event. The monthly event is a fun way to enjoy the galleries after hours.

Boston Tea Party Ships

Toss tea overboard at the Boston Tea Party Ships at this hands-on museum. 

a red and white boat docked in a harbor

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 338 – 1773 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $35 General Admission

Boston Tea Party Ships is an interactive museum offering a look at one of the most pivotal moments in Boston’s history. Exhibits allow visitors to climb aboard replica ships and converse with period actors.

Explore their 3D holograms, talking portraits, and toss (fake) tea overboard. The museum even has the Robinson Tea Chest, an original tea chest from the Boston Tea Party. 

After your visit to the museum, grab some tea and a bite to eat at Abigail’s Tea Room. It offers one of the best views of the harbor.

Massachusetts Sites & Attractions

Massachusetts has so much history. From national historic landmarks to family attractions, the Bay State won’t disappoint.  Here are some of the best historical sites and attractions in Massachusetts: 

Freedom Trail

This unique tour tells the story of the American Revolution with every step you take. 

a statue of a man riding on the back of a horse

📍 Google Maps | Website | Guided Tour Times Vary | Entrance: $17 adults, $8 children 6 through 12, $15 seniors, $15 students

The Freedom Trail lets you take an unforgettable walk through 400 years of history. This 2.5-mile stretch is Boston’s most popular tourist attraction. 

Visit historic neighborhoods and 16 important sites to the birth of American liberty. All the Freedom Trail sites are authentic. 

You’ll see historic buildings, famous churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, and a centuries-old marketplace. Learn about historic sites where Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and other Sons of Liberty spied on the Red Coats. 

The Mapparium Globe, Boston

This inside-out globe built in 1935 gives an interesting perspective of the world. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 450 – 7224 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily, 11 am – 5 pm Sundays | Entrance: $6 adults, Free under 17 

The Mapparium is an inside-out globe in Boston. It is made of stained glass, three stories tall, and dissected by a glass walkway.

See the world differently! Appreciate a view of the world from the very center of the globe. Sizes of locations and countries are suddenly unfamiliar to the eye. 

Stand at the center of the globe and listen to your voice in full 360-degree surround sound. The glass walls of the sphere don’t absorb sound waves. They reflect back at you. 

Adams National Historical Park

John Adams’ childhood home as well as his post-presidential farmstead. 

a living room filled with furniture and a large window

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 773 – 1177 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Monday to Wednesday (May 1 – Oct 31) | Entrance: $15 adults, $1 under 15

Inside Adams National Historical Park is the house and farm of John Adams, the USA’s second President and one of its Founding Fathers. 

Inside his first home, you can see the standing desk where a young Adams crafted his defense against the British soldiers. On his farmstead, you can see the chair a 90-year-old Adams sat in as he waved at the passing parade on July 4, 1826. 

This National Historical Park tells the story of John Adams’ remarkable life. He surrounded himself with family and books, on a farm of a patriot, in a country he helped create.  

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is home to a Green Sea Turtle that has been fascinating visitors since 1970. 

a man standing in front of a window looking at a penguin

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 973 – 5200 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm Saturday & Sunday | Entrance: $34 adults, $25 children, $32 students, $32 seniors, Free under 3

The New England Aquarium has been an iconic landmark of Boston’s waterfront for over half a century. The star of the show is a floor-to-ceiling, 40-foot-wide, 200,000-gallon saltwater tank. It houses about 1,000 marine animals. 

There is a cylinder walkway that wraps around that tank. Visitors are able to admire the animals from every angle no matter the depth. 

Life comes full circle when I see my daughter marveling at Myrtle the Turtle, the 90-year-old Green Sea Turtle, the same way I did as a child. 

Boston Common

Boston Common is 44 acres of greenery in the center of the city. 

a large group of people standing in the snow

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 635 – 4505 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11:30 pm Daily | Entrance: Free |

Boston Common offers something for everyone. There is ice skating in the winter, outdoor movies on summer nights, a seasonal carousel, and the first stop on the Freedom Trail. 

Boston Common is sometimes called the “People’s Park” because it has been the meeting spot for protests, rallies, and celebrations. 

When visiting the Common, I always head over to the Public Garden across Charles Street. The Public Garden is home to seasonal plants and my absolute favorite–swan boat rides on the lagoon. The Garden is well worth the visit.

Franklin Park Zoo

A Boston zoo that’s home to 72 acres of landscapes and countless animal exhibits.  

a large brown and white dog standing in front of a building

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 541-5466 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm weekday, 9 am – 6 pm Weekends | Entrance: $22 adults, $20 seniors, $15.35 children, Free under 2 (prices also vary per the time selected)

Franklin Park Zoo is nestled in the Boston neighborhood of Franklin Park. This is one of the best Massachusetts attractions for families. Here, you can escape the bustle of Boston and explore animal exhibits ranging from the Serengeti Crossing to the Tropical Forest exhibit, Children’s Zoo, and more. 

There’s also a large playground that’s great for kids. My daughter especially loves it and there’s a view of the zoo’s animal kingdom from here. Within the zoo, you will find a snack stand, two restaurants, and plenty of picnic tables. Stopping at these places is a great way to break up your zoo day and refuel. 

Be sure to check out Franklin Park Zoo’s Boston Lights Exhibit if you visit in the fall. This lantern experience is a seasonal event that illuminates all 72 acres of the zoo with unique lantern scenes. Reserve your tickets in advance as tickets sell quickly.

Massachusetts Museums & Culture

Massachusetts has some of the best museums and exhibits to see. Below are some of my favorites and most visited museums in Massachusetts: 

Peabody Essex Museum

The oldest continuously operating museum in the United States is located in Salem.

a large building with a clock on the front of it

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (978) 745 – 9500| Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Thursday through Monday, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday | Entrance: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $12 students, Free under 16

Peabody Essex Museum is one of Salem’s highlights. Established in 1799, the museum has hosted some of the country’s most important collections of American and Asian art. Today, it is one of the country’s largest art museums, in terms of endowment and gallery space. 

Culture buffs, art lovers, and history enthusiasts will find something to admire here. The museum’s spacious design creates an atmosphere that is serene and never stuffy.

Its rich collection honors visual traditions and connections to real people or places. This museum demands multiple visits. 

Hammond Castle Museum

A medieval-style castle, complete with a drawbridge, sits on a hill in Gloucester.

a large stone building with a clock on it

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (978) 283 – 2080 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Daily | Entrance: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 ages 5 to 12, Free under 4

John Hays Hammond Jr. was a resourceful man and inventor. Between 1926 and 1929, he built his New England home – a medieval-style castle. 

The house sits on a hill in Gloucester, Massachusetts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Hammond’s home features a Renaissance dining room, library, war room, secret passageways, and even an indoor pool with “weather control” systems.

Today, the museum displays Hammond’s inventions and an immense collection of antiques. Also featured is a skull, supposedly of a sailor who sailed with Christopher Columbus. 

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

This museum is top of the list in Boston’s art scene. 

a man standing in front of a door in front of a building

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 267 – 9300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun, 10 am – 10 pm Thurs & Fri, Closed Tues | Entrance: $27 adults, $10 ages 7 to 17, Free under 6

Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts always felt larger than life for me. I remember feeling so small in comparison to its grandeur when I visited as a kid. The museum still feels majestic now, when I return as an adult. 

The Museum of Fine Arts is home to more than 500,000 works of art. No matter your interests, you can find something that resonates with you. Bostonians are proud of its collections, exhibitions, and programming – from courses to film festivals. 

Check out the gallery devoted to my favorite impressionist artist, Claude Monet. The Museum collected works of the artist during his own lifetime. You can see his work hanging in the European wing. 

Harvard Museum of Natural History

The university’s most-visited museum and a popular destination for global travelers. 

a large brick building with a clock on it

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 495 – 3045 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $15 adults, $13 seniors, $10 non-Harvard students, $10 ages 3 to 18, Free under 3

The Harvard Museum of Natural Science is a short eight-minute walk from the Harvard Square T Station. The 150-year-old brick building houses the university’s research. All exhibits are drawn from the collection of Harvard University. 

Explore the dinosaur fossils in the paleontology gallery. You will see the first triceratops skull ever discovered! Find your birthstone in the renovated mineral gallery. Visit the new exhibit – Swimming with Sharks, where you can learn about the biology and behavior of sharks. 

Clark Art Institute

The Clark is a world-class art museum and research center located in the Berkshires. 

a building with a water fountain in front of it

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (413) 458 – 2303 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Monday | Entrance: $20 adults, Free under 21

The Clark Art Institute offers diverse and ever-changing exhibits. It provides something for everyone with its wide range of world-class displays. 

There are exhibits that feature collections of European and American paintings. They range from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Observe masterpieces and other unique forms of art. 

You’ll find plenty of picnic tables outside of the museum. After your visit, picnic by its reflecting pool. Enjoy a scenic stroll through the nature trails on campus outside of the Clark. 

Old Sturbridge Village

The biggest outdoor history museum that has preserved the rich history of life in the 1800s. 

two horses pulling a carriage down a street

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 733 – 1830 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance: $30 adults, $28 seniors, $15 students, $15 ages 4 to 17, Free under 3

Old Sturbridge Village embodies immersive education. As soon as you step foot on the property, you are transported back in time. 

The village is home to historian guides. They work the farms, run the trade shops, tend the homes, and bring history to life. 

Every day, there are interesting demonstrations that entertain and educate. The living history museum is popular with families and history buffs alike. Old Sturbridge Village is definitely worth a spot on your bucket list of things to see in Massachusetts. 

Nantucket Whaling Museum

A history museum memorializing Nantucket’s past as the global capital of whaling. 

people standing in front of a building

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (508) 228 – 1894 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $5 ages 6 to 17, Free under 6

At the Nantucket Whaling Museum, you’ll learn that Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The museum’s Whale Hunt presentation details Nantucket’s history in the industry.

Discover the 467-foot sperm whale skeleton inside the museum. It washed ashore in 1998. Look through the museum’s collection of scrimshaw art. Whalers created these carved pieces out of spare whale bones and teeth to pass the time while they were out at sea. 

Before you leave, head up to the rooftop deck for incredible views of the harbor. The roof is completely accessible and a hit among visitors. 

👉 Read Next: Best Places to Travel in Massachusetts

Boston Museum of Science

This institution is one of the world’s biggest science museums. 

a window in a room with a painting on the wall
a red and white fire hydrant sitting on top of a pole

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 723 – 2500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $29 adults, $25 seniors, $24 ages 3 to 11, Free under 3 |

Science Park is home to a cherished Boston museum. The Boston Museum of Science spans the length of the Charles River. It connects East Cambridge to Boston’s West End. 

The Boston Museum of Science has 700 exhibits. The museum has three levels. The three floors include a planetarium, a butterfly garden, hands-on activities, an IMAX theater, and more. 

It’s a great destination for families and school students. My daughter’s favorite is the T-Rex model on display found in the lower level.

Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

Locally known as the ICA, this museum sits on the edge of the harbor in the Seaport District. 

a painting of a painting of a man on a wall

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 478 – 3100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tues, Wed, Sat & Sun, 10 am – 9 pm Thurs & Fri, Closed Mon | Entrance: $20 adults, $17 seniors, $15 students, Free under 18

The Institute of Contemporary Art (“ICA”) in Boston sits in a contemporary building designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The ICA is home to a provocative collection of contemporary art. 

Examine the thought-provoking architecture from the outside. Enjoy viewing the sculptures, paintings, and photographs in the ICA’s collection. There are plenty of opportunities to soak in the harbor view during your visit to the museum.

Norman Rockwell Museum

A Stockbridge art museum that focuses on the illustrations and impact of American artist Norman Rockwell. 

a red brick building with a tree in front of it

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (413) 298-4100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 10 am – 5pm Weekends, Closed on Wed | Entrance: $25 adults, $23 seniors, $10 students, $20 MA teachers, Free under 18

The Norman Rockwell Museum is an art museum located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It is the town that American artist Norman Rockwell called home during the last 25 years of his life.

The Norman Rockwell Museum features a handful of exhibits that display Rockwell’s work. Exhibits include a permanent collection of paintings and illustrations that highlight working Americans, covers for the magazine, The Saturday Evening Post, and more. 

On the museum’s campus, you will also find Norman Rockwell’s studio, as well as a museum store and cafe. I recommend the cafe for its beautiful terrace and scenic dining. 

Hidden Gems in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has plenty of hidden gems that would not typically make the top list of things to do. Here are some of my favorite local spots and hidden gems around Massachusetts: 

Brattle Book Shop, Boston

This is one of America’s oldest and largest used bookstores located in Boston. 

a street filled with lots of shops and people

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 542 – 0210 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday, Closed Sunday

Brattle Bookshop is located close to Boston Common in the downtown district. It’s hard not to miss its iconic large pencil plastered on the exterior. 

The bookstore has three levels of general books and rare books alike. On nice days, the alleyway next to the store is filled with sale book displays. You are sure to find a treasure in one of the hundreds of bookshelves. 

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Escape the city noise and walk the expansive trails of this 281-acre preserve. 

a field with trees and a sky background

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 524 – 1718 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Boston’s Emerald Necklace Guided Bicycle Tour

The Arnold Arboretum is run by Harvard University and located in Jamaica Plain. It is a living museum dedicated to the study of plants.

There are biking and walking trails that zigzag through more than 16,000 plants. There is a feast for the eyes at every turn with plants and trees. 

There is no such thing as a bad view inside the arboretum. My favorite view is that of the city at the top of Peters Hill, the highest point in the Emerald Necklace. 

Bridge of Flowers

Bridge of Flowers makes a great stop on any trip to Western Massachusetts. 

a river filled with lots of trees next to a bridge

📍 Google Maps | Website | Open 24 Hours

The Bridge of Flowers is a main draw to Shelburne Falls, a quaint village. It is a great place for a little stroll in the Spring, as the bridge is in full bloom.

It takes about ten minutes to walk to the end of the bridge and back–depending on how slowly you stroll. The flowers are stunning and there are excellent views of the river. 

Grab lunch at The West End Pub located at the end of the bridge. 

👉 Read Next: Best Places to Stay in Boston

Food & Drink

Massachusetts has an ever-evolving food and drink scene. Here are some foodie-approved places to eat and drink: 

Beacon Hill Books and Cafe

Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is Boston’s newest hang-out spot for book-loving friends. 

a man sitting at a table in a restaurant

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 945  – 4713 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm Tuesday through Saturday, 12 pm  – 5 pm Sunday, Closed Monday

Skip the line at Tatte. Check out the adorable cafe of the newest independent bookstore at Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is a five-story literary experience. 

Visitors can enjoy a quick pastry and coffee on the back patio, or meet with a colleague during the afternoon English tea service. It can get quite busy so make a reservation for a seated lunch, or end your day with a glass of wine and snacks. 

After a bite, explore the painstakingly curated bookstore. It is overflowing with thoughtful design and detail in every charming nook and cranny for readers of all kinds. Each floor focuses on something different for all types of interests.  

Mariel

Mariel is a modern restaurant in Downtown Boston inspired by Havana nightlife. 

a neon sign hanging from the side of a building

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 333 – 8776 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 1 am Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 am – 2 am Friday and Saturday

Mariel is a Cuban restaurant in Downtown Boston that offers flaming cocktails and dramatic chandeliers. Mariel is a place to come drink, order bite-sized foods, and pretend you are in a nightclub in Havana. In fact, there is a nightclub downstairs. 

Almost everything on the menu is served small plate-style. You must order the excellent yuca cheese puffs or go for the chickpea fritters. 

Mariel also has a menu section devoted to Mojitos. It’s loaded with fresh mint and bright citrus without the sticky syrups. It might have been the best Mojito I have ever had. 

Whether you are looking to dance the night away, or in search of a well-made drink with friends, make a reservation at Mariel for a great evening out.

Beaches in Massachusetts

From famous summer hot spots to a conveniently close beach near Boston, these picks highlight the best beaches in Massachusetts:

Revere Beach

Grab your towel and sunscreen and head to Revere Beach. 

a statue of an elephant sitting on top of a beach

📍 Google Maps

Revere Beach lies five miles north of Boston. It is a beautiful beach that locals and tourists enjoy. 

Many people head to this beach in the summer months to sunbathe. Visitors love walking along Revere Boulevard, which is parallel to the beach and filled with restaurants.

Their biggest annual event is the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival. Over 1 million people travel to see the sand sculptures on display every August. They make this a family affair with food trucks, vendors, and even some amusement rides.

Martha’s Vineyard

Let your hair down for a long weekend in Martha’s Vineyard. 

a street filled with lots of colorful umbrellas

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Martha’s Vineyard Self-Driving Audio Tour

Martha’s Vineyard is a New England paradise featuring beautiful beaches and pristine woodlands. It’s a great destination for a family vacation or a romantic weekend getaway.

Take a tour of the five towns scattered across the island. Each one has its own set of unique characteristics. If you have the chance to visit each town, you will have a great sense of what Martha’s Vineyard has to offer. 

Cape Cod

40 miles of coast makes Cape Cod a tourist hotspot. 

a woman standing on a beach with a surfboard

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Cape Cod Self-Driving Audio Tour

Cape Cod is a New England gem where many tourists spend their summers. Quaint fishing villages, glorious lighthouses, and genteel towns – you will find that the Cape is multifaceted.

There are families seeking calm waters for their little ones to splash in. College students are looking to play hard during the day and let loose when the sun goes down. Cape Cod is a paradise for art lovers, whale watchers, and just about anyone. 

FAQs About What to Do in Massachusetts

What is Massachusetts’ number one tourist attraction? 

The number one tourist attraction in Massachusetts is the Freedom Trail. It is a unique collection of historic sites that tells the story of the American Revolution.

What is Massachusetts known for? 

Massachusetts is known for being a progressive state with the highest recorded “firsts” throughout history. It is also famous for its colonial history and role in the American Revolution.  

What are the best things to do in Massachusetts?

The best things to do in Massachusetts are to spend a day wandering through the buzzing Faneuil Hall Marketplace, cheer on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, and stroll through the city park of Boston Common.

What are the best things to do for free in Massachusetts? 

Massachusetts is full of captivating things to do for free, such as grabbing a book at the Boston Public Library, watching planes take flight at Deer Island, hitting up the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on the first Thursday of the month, and escaping the business of the city with a walk through the Arnold Arboretum.

***

Thanks for going through my list of suggested things to do in Massachusetts. I hope you found it helpful and something you can share with loved ones traveling to the Bay State.

Next up, check out my guide to the best day trips from Boston.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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