43 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts (for first timers)

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

There are so many unique and fun things to do in Massachusetts. I’m here to help you discover it all as someone who grew up in Massachusetts and is still a local today. 

This list incorporates my lifetime of experiences exploring all across the state. I’ve included popular Massachusetts attractions and sites, plus a few hidden gems and unique personal favorites.

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

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43 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts

Fenway Park

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

📍 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 the Boston Red Sox history.

I highly suggest you make the pilgrimage to Fenway Park if you can make it for a game during the season. I always enjoy the ambiance. I promise you — it’s one of the most memorable things to do in Massachusetts, no matter how the team plays!

Boston Tea Party Ships

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

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

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 you visit 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.

Salem Witch Museum

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (978) 744-1692 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Daily | Entrance: $19 Adults, $16 Children, $17.50 Seniors | 👉 Book This 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.

The Berkshires

This mountainous region promises plenty of outdoor adventures.

📍 Google Maps

The Berkshires are located in the western region 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. 

Check out Meg’s guide to her favorite towns & hotels to stay in the Berkshires to start planning your trip.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 523 – 1300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 7 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the most popular attractions in Massachusetts. It offers a mix of shops, restaurants, pubs, and street performers. It’s located in the heart of historic Boston. 

Faneuil Hall is made up of four historic buildings on a cobblestone plaza. Head to Quincy Market and explore all of the food stalls inside! This marketplace is the perfect destination for shopping and entertainment, and it’s a social hub for people to gather, relax, and have fun.

Boston Children’s Museum

This interactive museum embraces the power of play in children. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 426-6500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Wed-Mon, 9 am – 3 pm Tue | Entrance: $24 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 place for kids aged two to ten. 

All exhibits within the museum are designed to encourage children to explore. Kids love the hands-on, engaging exhibits. 

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.

Boston Public Library

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 536-5400 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Mon-Thu, 9 am – 5 pm Fri & Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

The Boston Public Library welcomes more than 2.2 million visitors every year. This place is high on my list of the best things to do in Boston. 

The library has a vast collection of over 1.2 million rare books and documents. These are displayed on a rotational basis. 

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-style courtyard.

Deer Island

Stroll 60 acres on the shoreline path of Deer Island. 

📍 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 Boston.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 566-1401 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed & Fri, 11 am – 9 pm Thu, 10 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Tue | Entrance: $22 Adults, $20 Seniors, $15 Students, Free Under 18

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a treasure. The museum displays the collection of Isabella Stewart Gardner, who was an American patron of the arts. 

The building and collection reflect Stewart Gardner’s thirst for travel and bohemian lifestyle. Stewart Gardner herself meticulously arranged the collection of more than 18,000 pieces of fine art, books, manuscripts, and historic objects from around the world. There is a majestic courtyard surrounded by plants, masterpieces, and architectural elements as well. 

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.

Cape Cod National Seashore

44,000 acres of untouched Massachusetts coastline. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (508) 255-3421 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: $15-$25 Standard Pass | 👉 Book a Guided Hiking Tour

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a sanctuary for 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 crisscross the park. Fun things to do at Cape Cod National Seashore include swimming, self-guided bike rides, and guided hiking tours.

📚 Related Reading: Best Places to Stay in Cape Cod, Top 28 Things to Do in Cape Cod

Massachusetts Sites & Attractions

Freedom Trail

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

📍 Google Maps | Website | Guided Tour Times Vary | Entrance: $17 Adults, $8 Children 6-12, $15 Seniors & 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.

USS Constitution

Visit the oldest warship afloat at this free museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 426-1812 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: Free (Donations Encouraged)

The USS Constitution is a free museum located in Charlestown, Massachusetts. It is the very last stop of the Freedom Trail in the Navy Yard.

History buffs and families get to peek into the day in the life of a sailor 200 years back! Visitors can tour the oldest warship afloat. Learn about the USS Constitution from staffed USN Personnel. They are friendly, informative, and offer plenty of hands-on experiences.

Boston Common

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

📍 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. 

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.

New England Aquarium

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 973-5206 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: $39 Adults, $30 Children, $37 Students & 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. 

Adams National Historical Park

This National Historical Park tells the story of John Adams’ remarkable life.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 773-1177 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon & Tue | Entrance: $15 Adults, $1 Under Age 15 | Closed During the Winter Season

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. 

Old State House

Tour this historic building in Boston that houses artifacts from the Revolutionary War. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 720-1713 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily, until 6 pm Fridays | Entrance: $15 Adults, $13 Seniors, $13 Students, $8 Children 

The Old State House is the oldest surviving building in the city of Boston. It houses artifacts from the Revolutionary War, such as battle ammunition and salvaged tea from the Boston Tea Party.

Roam through historic period rooms filled with multi-sensory exhibits. You can explore the exhibits leisurely at your own pace or take a guided tour. The guided tours are led by Revolutionary characters dressed in full costume.

Paul Revere House

Visit the historic home of Paul Revere, Revolutionary icon.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 523-2338 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:15 pm daily | Entrance: $6 Adults, $5.50 Students & Seniors, $1 Children Ages 5-17

The Paul Revere House is the historic home of the Revolutionary figure, Paul Revere. The small home is located in the North End neighborhood of Boston.

The museum is a quick 20-minute visit. But it’s packed with history, artifacts, and informational cards. You can tour the main floor of the home. It displays a replica of the kitchen and other living areas that are found in the basement.

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 Mon – Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: $6 Adults, Free Under 17 

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

See the world differently! Appreciate a view of the globe from the very center. The 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.

Franklin Park Zoo

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 541-5466 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, 6 pm – 10:30 pm Daily (Varies by Season) | Entrance: $21.95 Adults, $19.75 Seniors, $17.75 Children, Free Under 2 (Prices Can Vary Per Time Slot)

Franklin Park Zoo is nestled in Boston’s 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. 

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 Lights Exhibit tickets in advance as tickets sell quickly.

Massachusetts Museums & Culture

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 267-9300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun, 10 am – 10 pm Thu-Fri, Closed Tue | Entrance: $27 Adults, $10 Ages 7-17, Free Under 6 | 👉 Book Your Tickets Here

Growing up, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts always felt larger than life for me. I remember feeling so small in comparison to its grandeur. 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 lifetime. You can see his work hanging in the European wing.

Peabody Essex Museum

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (978) 745-9500 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Thu-Mon, Closed Tue & Wed | Entrance: $25 Adults, $23 Seniors, $15 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. 

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.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (978) 283-2080 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 3:30 pm Daily | Entrance: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, $10 Ages 5-12, Free Under 4 (Weekend Rates are Higher)

John Hays Hammond Jr. was a resourceful man and an 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.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 495-3045 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $15 Adults, $13 Seniors, $10 Non-Harvard Students, $10 Ages 3-18, Free Under 3

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a short eight-minute walk from the Harvard Square T Station in Cambridge. 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! Then, find your birthstone in the renovated mineral gallery.

Clark Art Institute

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (413) 458-2303 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sun, Closed on Mon (September – June), 10 am – 5 pm Daily (July & August) | 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. 

Some exhibits 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, have a picnic by its reflecting pool. Or you can 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. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 733-1830 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Wed-Mon, Closed Tue | Entrance: $30 Adults, $28 Seniors, $15 Students, $15 Ages 4-17, 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 worth a spot on your bucket list of things to see in Massachusetts.

👉 Pro Tip: You can save a few dollars on tickets by purchasing them online ahead of time!

Nantucket Whaling Museum

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (508) 228-1894 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $25 Adults, $23 Seniors, $10 Ages 6-17, 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. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 723-2500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tue-Sun | Entrance: $33 Adults, $29 Seniors, $28 Ages 3-11, 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. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 478-3100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun, 10 am – 9 pm Thu & Fri, Closed Mon | Entrance: $20 Adults, $17 Seniors, 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. And enjoy viewing the sculptures, paintings, and photographs housed inside the ICA. There are plenty of opportunities to soak in the harbor view during your visit to the museum.

Museum of African American History

This museum honors Boston’s African American Community in the city’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 725-0022 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tue-Sun | Entrance: $15 Adults, $8 Seniors, $8  for Ages 5-17, Free for Children Under 4

The Museum of African American History honors the heritage of the African American community in Boston. 

Two buildings make up this museum. The first building is the Abiel Smith School. It houses permanent and rotating exhibits that are on display. The second building is the African Meeting House. It is the oldest Black Church still standing in the country.

Museum guides are National Park Service Rangers! They take you on a tour of what life was like for the African American Community in the early years of Boston.

Norman Rockwell Museum

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (413) 298-4100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Thu-Tue, Closed Wed | Entrance: $25 Adults, $23 Seniors, $10 Students, 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. 

MIT Museum

This museum celebrates the history of science, technology, and innovation.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 253-5927 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, $10 Ages 5-18, Free Under 4

The MIT Museum is a vibrant museum for all ages located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The whole family can explore the evolution of science and technology through hands-on experiences.

There are a variety of exhibits that cover engineering, science, and technology. All exhibits are interactive with robotic displays, virtual reality experiences, and coding activities.

Hidden Gems in Massachusetts

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

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

📍 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 is located in the Boston neighborhood of 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 line at the top of Peters Hill, the highest point in the Emerald Necklace.

Wolf Hollow

Witness the social dynamics of wolves up close and personal at this sanctuary.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (978) 356-0216 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm Sat & Sun

Wolf Hollow is a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts. This wolf sanctuary is located in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and offers a safe and natural habitat for the wolves.

The staff at Wolf Hollow is amazing! They provide guided tours that are informative and interactive. They aim to educate the public on wolves and break negative stigmas.

My daughter and I learned all about wolf behavior, their roles in ecosystems, and the conservation challenges they face. Wolf Hollow is my favorite place to visit in Ipswich.

Tougas Family Farm

This large farm offers plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (508) 393-6406 | Website | Hours: Vary per Season | 👉 Check Out Their Activities and Events

Tougas Family Farm has lots to see and do for the entire family. The large farm is located in Northborough, Massachusetts. The property has farm animals, a market, a restaurant, and a playground for kids. 

There are lots of activities at this farm from June to October. Every season features different produce for picking, so there is always an excuse to come back. This includes apples, pumpkins, berries, cherries, and peaches. 

My family and I visit Tougas Family Farm every fall to pick apples and pumpkins. We can leisurely walk to the apple orchard, take a tractor, eat apple cider donuts, and feed the farm animals. 

Tougas Family Farm is very busy on the weekends. You’ll find plenty of free parking and restroom facilities on the property. Happy picking!

Brattle Book Shop, Boston

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 542-0210 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun

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.

Beacon Hill Books and Cafe

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (617) 945-4713 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm Tue – Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mon

Skip the line at Tatte (one of Boston’s popular coffee shops). 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.  

👉 Read Next: Best Places to Stay in Boston

Cider Hill Farm

This farm celebrates spring with a Tulip Fest for all to attend. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (978) 388-5525 |  Website | 👉 Check Out Their Events Calendar

Cider Hill Farm celebrates the start of spring with a full-fledged Tulip Fest. Located in Amesbury, Massachusetts, all are invited to attend the fest, which is complete with live music, food, drinks, and an open atmosphere. 

My daughter and I come to the large farm each spring to pick our tulips. There are a variety of tulips to choose from. 

Cider Hill Farm has a lot to offer. After enjoying the fest, my daughter and I always stop by the market for baked goods to enjoy on our ride home. They include jams, donuts, and whoopie pies. 

Our tulips last over two weeks in a vase of water. We plant the bulbs in our garden and watch our tulips bloom every spring.

Bridge of Flowers

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

📍 Google Maps | Website | Open 24 Hours

The Bridge of Flowers is the main draw of 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. 

Beaches in Massachusetts

Revere Beach

Grab your towel and sunscreen and head to Revere 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. 

South Beach

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

📍 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.

South Beach is a popular beach near Martha’s Vineyard. It features a long stretch of sand and rough waves. This beach is perfect for water activities such as surfing, kite surfing, and boogie boarding.

Mayflower Beach

Savor the calm waters of this beach in Cape Cod.

📍 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.

Mayflower Beach is a favorite in Cape Cod Bay. It has delicious calm waters and stunning views. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here.

Good Harbor Beach

This peaceful Gloucester beach offers a lot to do by the sea or along the shore. 

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Whale Watching Tour

Gloucester is a tiny coastal city and fishing harbor. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and offers plenty to do by the sea or on the shore. 

Good Harbor Beach is a peaceful beach located near Gloucester. There are plenty of activities to enjoy on the water or by the water. My daughter and I love to search for crabs and shells during low tide. 

Crane Beach

This breathtaking Ipswich beach features a pristine coastline.

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Ipswich is a coastal town known for its natural beauty. There are plenty of opportunities to take in the salty air while participating in outdoor activities.

Crane Beach features a pristine coastline along Ipswich Bay. It is a protected conservation area with many scenic trails to enjoy. Crane Beach is a popular destination during the summer.

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Thanks for reading! I hope you found my guide helpful and that it’s 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.