Sailing off the Esplanade on the Charles River.

Massachusetts

New England's most populous state, Massachusetts packs in appealing variety, from the sandy beaches of Cape Cod to college towns of the Pioneer Valley to the woodsy hills of the Berkshires. The state's rich history oozes from almost every quarter: discover the shoreline in Plymouth, where the Pilgrims first settled in the New World; explore the battlefields in Lexington and Concord, where the first shots of the American Revolution rang out; and wander the cobbled streets and old ports of Salem, Nantucket and New Bedford, where whaling and merchant boats once docked.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

Museum of Science
Boston
The educational playground that is the Museum of Science has more than 600 interactive exhibits. Favorites include the world’s largest lightning-bolt…
Plimoth Plantation
South Shore
Three miles south of Plymouth center, Plimoth Plantation authentically re-creates the Pilgrims’ settlement in its primary exhibit, entitled 1627 English…
Punto Urban Art Museum
Massachusetts
If you walk south on Lafayette from Derby St, you'll find yourself on the other side of the tracks (or river, in this case). Welcome to El Punto, or ‘The…
Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod
Cape Cod National Seashore extends some 40 miles around the curve of the Outer Cape and encompasses the Atlantic shoreline from Orleans all the way to…
Institute of Contemporary Art
Boston
Boston has become a focal point for contemporary art in the 21st century, with the Institute of Contemporary Art leading the way. The building is a work…
Campgrounds & Tabernacle
Martha's Vineyard
Oak Bluffs started out in the mid-19th century as a summer retreat by a revivalist church, whose members enjoyed a day at the beach as much as a gospel…
Peabody Essex Museum
Massachusetts
All of the art, artifacts and curiosities that Salem merchants brought back from the Far East were the foundation for this museum. Founded in 1799, it is…
Nantucket Whaling Museum
Nantucket
One of the island's highlights, this evocative museum occupies an 1847 spermaceti (whale oil) candle factory and the excellent exhibits relive Nantucket's…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From cannoli in Boston to music in the Berkshires - with dunes, apple picking and whale watching in between – Massachusetts brims with exciting activities.

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Things to Know

A local's guide to everything you need to know before visiting Massachusetts.

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Money and Costs

Traveling on a budget? Here are practical tips on how to save money on your trip to Massachusetts.

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Best Road Trips

The best road trips in Massachusetts offer history, scenery, and some sublime cultural attractions.

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