bigtravelbuzzMassachusetts is a state located in the northeastern region of the United States. It is known for its rich history, beautiful coastline, and vibrant cities. Here are some highlights of what you can do and see in Massachusetts:
Boston: The capital and largest city in Massachusetts, Boston is a vibrant city with a rich history. Visit the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long trail that takes you through 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the USS Constitution Museum. Be sure to try some fresh seafood at one of the city’s many seafood restaurants.
Cape Cod: This beautiful peninsula is a popular summer destination known for its beaches, charming towns, and picturesque lighthouses. Take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, two nearby islands known for their beaches and quaint towns.
Salem: Known for its infamous witch trials in the late 1600s, Salem is a popular destination for history buffs and those interested in the occult. Visit the Salem Witch Museum or take a ghost tour to learn more about the town’s dark history.
The Berkshires: Located in western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are a beautiful region known for their natural beauty, charming towns, and cultural attractions. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum or the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, or go hiking in one of the area’s many state parks.
Harvard University: Located in Cambridge, just across the river from Boston, Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Take a walking tour of the campus or visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
Plymouth: This coastal town is known for its role in the early history of the United States. Visit the Plymouth Rock, a boulder that marks the spot where the Pilgrims are said to have landed in 1620, or the Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum that recreates life in Plymouth in the 17th century.
Whale watching: Take a whale watching tour off the coast of Massachusetts to see humpback, finback, and minke whales in their natural habitat.
These are just a few of the many things you can do and see in Massachusetts. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state.
Places to Visit in Massachusetts
There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit in Massachusetts. Here are some suggestions:
Boston: This historic city is full of charm and character, with its cobblestone streets, Revolutionary War-era landmarks, and world-renowned museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Cape Cod: This scenic peninsula is famous for its beaches, lighthouses, and quaint villages. Visitors can take a ferry to the nearby islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, or explore the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Salem: Known for its infamous witch trials, Salem is also home to historic landmarks like the House of Seven Gables and the Peabody Essex Museum.
Berkshire Mountains: This beautiful region is known for its rolling hills, charming towns, and world-class cultural attractions like Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Martha’s Vineyard: This picturesque island is a popular summer destination for its stunning beaches, scenic bike trails, and charming towns like Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Concord: This historic town was the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War, and is home to the Minute Man National Historical Park and the Walden Pond State Reservation.
Plymouth: This coastal town is known for its role in the Pilgrims’ landing in 1620, and is home to the iconic Plymouth Rock and the Plimoth Plantation living history museum.
Harvard University: Located in Cambridge, Harvard is one of the world’s most prestigious universities, and visitors can explore its beautiful campus and museums.
The Mohawk Trail: This scenic drive through the Berkshire Mountains offers stunning views of fall foliage, charming small towns, and outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and skiing.
Provincetown: This bohemian town at the tip of Cape Cod is known for its thriving arts scene, LGBTQ+ community, and beautiful beaches.
Best Time To Visit Massachusetts
The best time to visit Massachusetts depends on what activities and attractions you are interested in.
If you are interested in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and enjoying the beaches, the best time to visit Massachusetts is from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s (Fahrenheit). The fall season, from late September to November, is also a popular time to visit for its stunning foliage and seasonal activities like apple picking and visiting pumpkin patches.
If you are interested in experiencing the history and culture of Massachusetts, the best time to visit is in the spring and fall, when the crowds are smaller and the weather is mild. The summer months, from June to August, are peak tourist season and can be quite crowded in popular areas like Boston and Cape Cod.
Overall, Massachusetts is a year-round destination with something to offer visitors in every season.
Things to Do in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a wide variety of things to do, from exploring historic sites to enjoying outdoor activities. Here are some suggestions:
Explore Boston: Walk the Freedom Trail, visit the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and take a stroll through the beautiful Boston Common.
Visit the Salem Witch Museum: Learn about the infamous witch trials of 1692 and explore Salem’s rich history.
Enjoy the Beaches: Massachusetts is home to beautiful beaches like Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, and Plum Island.
Visit the Museums: Massachusetts is home to world-class museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
Take a Scenic Drive: The Mohawk Trail and Route 6A offer stunning views of Massachusetts’ beautiful countryside.
Go Whale Watching: Massachusetts offers some of the best whale watching in the world, with tours departing from Boston, Cape Cod, and Gloucester.
Explore the Berkshires: This beautiful region is home to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as beautiful hiking trails and quaint towns.
Visit Plymouth: Explore the historic town of Plymouth and see Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, and the Plimoth Plantation.
Enjoy Fall Foliage: Massachusetts is known for its stunning fall foliage, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful colors on scenic drives and hikes.
Go Skiing: Massachusetts is home to several ski resorts, including Wachusett Mountain, Jiminy Peak, and Berkshire East.
How to get around in Massachusetts
There are several ways to get around Massachusetts, depending on where you are and what your needs are. Here are some options:
Car: Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Massachusetts, especially if you want to explore the state’s rural areas and scenic drives. Major car rental companies have locations in Boston and other cities, and there are plenty of highways and roads to navigate.
Public Transportation: Massachusetts has a good public transportation system, including the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority), which operates buses, subways, and commuter rail lines in the Boston area. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) operates buses in the western part of the state.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis are available in most cities in Massachusetts, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate statewide.
Biking: Massachusetts is a bike-friendly state, with plenty of bike trails and bike lanes in cities like Boston and Cambridge. Biking is a great way to explore the state’s urban and rural areas.
Walking: Many cities and towns in Massachusetts are pedestrian-friendly, especially in historic areas like Boston and Salem. Walking is a great way to explore the state’s architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Overall, Massachusetts has a variety of transportation options to fit any budget and need, making it easy to get around and explore all the state has to offer.
Where to eat in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is known for its delicious seafood, clam chowder, and baked beans, among other regional specialties. Here are some suggestions for where to eat in Massachusetts:
Neptune Oyster: Located in Boston’s North End, Neptune Oyster is known for its delicious seafood, especially its lobster rolls and oysters.
Legal Sea Foods: With locations throughout the state, Legal Sea Foods is a popular spot for seafood lovers. Try their clam chowder or lobster dishes.
The Publick House: This Boston restaurant offers a selection of craft beers and a menu of pub-style food, including burgers and mac and cheese.
The Hangar: Located in Amherst, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
The Black Sheep: Located in Cambridge, The Black Sheep serves a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including hummus, falafel, and shawarma.
Sichuan Gourmet: This restaurant in Framingham serves authentic Sichuan cuisine, including spicy noodle dishes and dumplings.
Woodman’s of Essex: Located in Essex, Woodman’s is known for its fried clams and other seafood dishes.
Red Lentil: This vegan restaurant in Watertown offers a variety of plant-based dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and bowls.
Craigie on Main: This Cambridge restaurant serves a menu of French-inspired dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients.
Oleana: Located in Cambridge, Oleana offers a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including meze plates and grilled meats and fish.
Famous street stalls in Massachusetts
Here are some famous street stalls in Massachusetts:
Boston Chowda Co: This street stall in Boston is famous for its award-winning clam chowder, lobster rolls, and other seafood dishes.
Bon Me: Bon Me is a Vietnamese-inspired street stall that serves fresh and healthy sandwiches, rice bowls, and noodle salads.
The Chicken & Rice Guys: This popular food truck offers delicious Middle Eastern-style rice plates with chicken or tofu, topped with their famous white sauce.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese: Roxy’s Grilled Cheese is a beloved Boston food truck that serves up delicious and creative grilled cheese sandwiches, made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Cookie Monstah: For those with a sweet tooth, Cookie Monstah is a must-visit food truck. Their warm, fresh-baked cookies are a local favorite.
Mei Mei Street Kitchen: This street stall in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood serves up delicious Chinese-American fusion dishes, such as scallion pancake sandwiches and dumplings.
The Bacon Truck: As the name suggests, The Bacon Truck is all about bacon. They serve up creative and delicious bacon-based dishes, like the “Ultimate BLT” and bacon mac and cheese.
Bonetown Burgers: Bonetown Burgers is a popular food truck that serves up juicy, flavorful burgers with creative toppings, like the “Bacon Jam Burger” and the “Pimento Cheese Burger.”
Where to stay in Massachusetts
Luxury accommodation
Massachusetts has many luxury accommodations to choose from, ranging from luxurious hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. Here are some options:
XV Beacon: This luxury boutique hotel in Boston is housed in a historic Beaux Arts building and features elegant rooms with marble bathrooms and high-end amenities.
The Four Seasons Hotel Boston: This iconic hotel in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood offers luxurious accommodations with stunning city views, an award-winning spa, and a world-class restaurant.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk: This 19th-century mansion turned luxury hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, offers opulent rooms with ocean views, fine dining, and easy access to the city’s historic attractions.
Blantyre: This romantic country house hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts, offers opulent rooms, a world-class spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The White Barn Inn: This charming inn in Kennebunk, Maine, offers luxurious rooms with fireplaces and Jacuzzis, a fine dining restaurant, and access to a private beach.
The Wauwinet: This elegant hotel in Nantucket offers luxurious rooms with ocean views, a private beach, and access to the island’s many charming boutiques and restaurants.
Chatham Bars Inn: This luxurious resort in Chatham, Massachusetts, offers spacious rooms and suites with ocean views, a world-class spa, and fine dining restaurants.
The Copley Square Hotel: This stylish boutique hotel in Boston’s historic Back Bay neighborhood offers luxurious rooms with city views, a rooftop bar, and easy access to the city’s many attractions.
Where to stay in Massachusetts
Budget accommodation
Massachusetts has plenty of budget accommodation options for travelers looking to save money on their trip. Here are some options:
HI Boston: This modern hostel in Boston’s Theater District offers affordable dormitory-style accommodations with free breakfast, a communal kitchen, and easy access to the city’s attractions.
Boston Fenway Inn: This budget-friendly hostel in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood offers private and dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, as well as free Wi-Fi and a communal kitchen.
Seaside Inn: This charming inn on Cape Cod offers budget-friendly rooms with private bathrooms, as well as easy access to the beach and local attractions.
Motel 6 Boston – Braintree: This budget motel in Braintree, Massachusetts, offers simple and clean rooms with free Wi-Fi and easy access to the highway and local attractions.
The Tern Inn: This affordable inn in Harwich, Massachusetts, offers clean and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, as well as a complimentary continental breakfast and easy access to the beach.
HI Martha’s Vineyard Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel on Martha’s Vineyard offers dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms, as well as a communal kitchen and easy access to local beaches and attractions.
1861 Inn: This cozy bed and breakfast in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, offers affordable rooms with private bathrooms and a complimentary breakfast, as well as easy access to local museums and attractions.
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites: This affordable hotel in Salem, Massachusetts, offers comfortable rooms with harbor views, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool, and easy access to local attractions.
Travel Tips Massachusetts
If you’re planning a trip to Massachusetts, here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Plan ahead: Massachusetts is a popular tourist destination, so it’s a good idea to book your accommodations and attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.
Consider a multi-day pass: Many of Massachusetts’ top attractions offer multi-day passes, which can save you money if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Dress for the weather: Massachusetts experiences four distinct seasons, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you pack and dress appropriately.
Take advantage of public transportation: Boston has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways, which can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city.
Explore beyond Boston: Massachusetts has many charming small towns and scenic destinations, such as Cape Cod and the Berkshires, that are worth visiting.
Try the local cuisine: Massachusetts is known for its seafood, as well as its clam chowder and lobster rolls. Be sure to try some of the local cuisine while you’re there.
Be mindful of history and culture: Massachusetts is rich in history and culture, so be respectful of the local traditions and landmarks, such as the Freedom Trail in Boston and the Salem Witch Museum.
Take advantage of free attractions: Massachusetts has many free attractions, such as the Boston Common and the USS Constitution Museum, which can be a great way to save money on your trip.