55 Interesting Things to Do in Massachusetts | Top Activities & Attractions 

Massachusetts was one of the original 13 colonies that founded the United States. Known as the “Bay State,” there are loads of things to do in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts has a rich history, art, music, and a stunning, varied landscape. From some of the most beautiful cities in the US, like Boston, to idyllic beaches and picturesque villages, it has it all. 

55 Interesting Things to do in Massachusetts

Here are the top 55 things to do in Massachusetts. 

1. Cape Cod Beaches 

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a beautiful 64 km (40 miles) stretch of pristine sandy beaches and dunes along the east coast. Along with swimming and other watersports, you can partake in activities like bird-watching and exploring the many lighthouses dotted along the Cape Cod Seashore

The beaches along Cape Cod can often get crowded but you can opt for quieter beaches on the north shore along Route 6-A if that’s a concern. 

2. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary 

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is one of the world’s best whale-watching sites. It’s also one of the most biologically diverse marine environments and is filled with a wealth of sea life. 

Located in Massachusetts Bay, it was once a fishing ground that has been turned into a protected area. It spans 1355km (842 miles) and is an oceanic plateau in the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary is known to have identified 50 different humpback whales, many of which are females who bring their new calves into these protected areas to teach them how to hunt. 

There are also dolphins, seals, and other marine life among the whales. As far as things to do in Massachusetts go, a whale-watching tour here is worth it.

3. The Echo Bridge 

This stunning masonry arch bridge spans the Charles River between the town of Needham right up to Newton Upper Falls and Ellis Street in Newton. The Echo Bridge is worth visiting because it offers stunning views of the surrounding area, incredible architecture, and amazing acoustics.

The bridge is located in the Hemlock Gorge Reservation and was completed in 1877. At the time of its completion, it was America’s second-longest masonry arch. In 1980 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

4. Museum of Fine Arts 

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is one of the most well-known landmarks in the US. It has over 100 galleries, making it the 20th-largest art museum globally. 

It first opened in Copley Square back in 1870. At its time of opening, it only had 5,600 pieces of art. When it moved to Huntington Avenue in 1909, it had around 500 000 works on display. 

It holds over 8,181 paintings and over 450 000 other works of art. The museum is renowned for its vast collection of impressionist art pieces and Persian and Asian fine art pieces. It also holds artworks from ancient Egypt, the Middle East, and Greece. 

One of its most famous exhibits is the American Wing which was opened in 2010 and has a superb collection of decorative arts, folk art, and other pieces dating back to various eras of American history. 

5. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 

Isabella Stewart Gardner is said to be one of the revolutionary art collectors in Boston. She was born in New York in 1840, and in 1860 she married Jack Gardner before moving to his home city of Boston. 

After losing their son to pneumonia and discovering that she would no longer be able to have any more children, she fell into a deep depression. Hoping to help her recover, her husband took her to Northern Europe and Russia in 1867. This trip inspired her to start collecting art from the various locations she’d visit later, including Egypt, Venice, and more.

In 1899 she started constructing her museum to showcase her collection and personally arranged the items across three floors before opening in 1901. Over the next 20 years, she continued filling the museum with intriguing art pieces and organised concerts, lectures, and exhibitions. In 1919 she suffered from a stroke and eventually passed away in 1924.

Today the museum holds over 2,500 pieces of art, including pieces from Rembrandt and Vermeer. In 1990, two men pretending to be police officers pulled off one of the biggest heists of the century by stealing 13 works of art valued at over $500 million. 

6. The Minute Man National Historical Park 

If you’re a history boffin, you’ll enjoy the Minute Man National Historical Park. It commemorates the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War. 

Established in 1959, the park runs across 392 hectares (970 acres) of land and marks the route that British Troops would have taken at the beginning of the war. The Battle Road Trail spans 8km (5 miles) through the park and follows a portion of the original Battle Road. 

While the trail is mainly known as a significant battlefield, it also offers scenic beauty and serenity. Along the way, you’ll come across the North Bridge in Concord, where colonials fighting for freedom battled with British soldiers. 

To start your visit off, head over to the Battle Green in Lexington, where the first shots of the war were fired in 1775. You’ll also find a statue depicting a “Minuteman,” as in soldiers who had to be prepared for battle at a minute’s notice. 

7. Fenway Park

Whether you love baseball or not, a visit to Fenway Park, the iconic home of the Boston Red Sox, is an absolute must. Fenway Park is often referred to as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” and has welcomed fans to its grounds since 1912. 

It’s the oldest Major League Baseball stadium, and on its 100th anniversary in 2012, it was added to the U.S National Register of Historical Places. Despite mainly being a baseball stadium, it has played host to football matches, boxing bouts, and concerts.

On a tour of Fenway Park, you’ll get to hear about the wonderful history of this stadium and see some of its most notable features like the “Green Monster” field wall and Pesky’s Pole. 

8. Martha’s Vineyard 

Martha’s Vineyard is one of the most idyllic places you can visit in Massachusetts. It’s an island in the Cape Cod area and only accessible by ferry. It is the 57th largest island in the U.S and is a popular hangout for many celebrities.

The island comprises six small towns and has an endless list of activities. It’s famous for its gorgeous beaches, sand bluffs, watersports, and lighthouses. 

While here, be sure to check out Oak Bluffs, one of Martha’s Vineyards’ most intriguing attractions. They are a set of Victorian-style cottages that look like the gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel.

9. Aquinnah Cliffs 

The stunning Aquinnah Cliffs is one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most visited attractions. While it might be quite the trek to get to, the awe-inspiring views of nearby Elizabeth Islands and the Gay Head Lighthouse waiting for you make it worthwhile. 

Glaciers formed the clay cliffs millions of years ago and hardened over time. The result is an intricate mix of red and orange clay mixed with sand, with the outcome being a wonderful rainbow effect. 

You can explore many of the beach paths to see the cliffs up close and personal along the loose sand of Moshup Beach. Alternatively, you can take one of the upper trails which will take you directly to the cliffs. 

10. New England Aquarium 

Whether you’re visiting Massachusetts with kids or not, the New England Aquarium is worth checking out. It is located right along the Boston Waterfront, offering spectacular city views. 

The aquarium spans 6,967 square meters (75 000 square feet) and boasts over 550 species of marine fauna and more than 20 000 marine animals. It’s the largest aquarium in New England and welcomes around 1.3 million visitors annually. 

It has several exhibitions, but its most famous exhibition is the Giant Ocean Tank which spans over four stories. Other exhibits include the 757 082-litre (200 000 gallon) Caribbean coral reef exhibit that teems with more than 1000 animals.  

11. Bash Bish Falls 

If you’re looking to escape busy city life, Bash Falls is the perfect place. Located in the Bash Bish Falls State Park in southwestern Massachusetts, it’s one of the most beautiful places to see in the U.S.

The Bish Bash Falls is the highest waterfall in Massachusetts and comprises a series of 200 cascades. It falls 24 meters (80 feet) into a shallow creek and pool where most visitors enjoy a refreshing swim after a long hike. It also offers incredible views of the nearby Taconic Mountains State Park.

12. Bridge of Flowers

The Bridge of Flowers is certainly one of the most unique places in Massachusetts. The former trolley bridge is a local attraction connecting Shelburne and Buckland. 

The Shelburne Falls and Colrain Street Railway initially opened the bridge, which closed in 1927. After the company closed, a few community members decided to turn it into a beautiful landmark that everyone could enjoy. 

The bridge crosses the beautiful Deerfield River and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The Bridge of Flowers spans a length of 121 meters (400 feet) and a width of 5 meters (18 feet) and is covered with over 500 shrubs and flowers. 

13. Boston Harbour Islands National Recreation Area

The Boston Harbour Islands State Park is made up of 34 small islands located in the Boston Harbour. Each island has a unique history worth learning about. It’s the perfect place for a day trip without traveling too far. 

The islands are just a short ferry ride away and are an ideal getaway location. There are tons to do on the islands, including visiting various tidal pools, picnicking, fishing, and camping. 

One of the main points of interest in the park is the Harborwalk, an interactive walkway that connects visitors to beaches, cafes, hiking trails, and parks where you can sit back and relax. 

14. The Boston Common 

The Boston Common is a public park located in downtown Boston and it’s believed to be the oldest city park in the US. It is a stunning oasis in the middle of the city, created in 1634. 

Throughout the years, the Boston Common has been more than a park as it has acted as a place for many gatherings and protests. The earliest gathering was when the park served as an encampment for British soldiers in 1768. Other notable historical gatherings include anti-slavery meetings, civil rights marches, and anti-Vietnam War rallies. 

Today it’s one of the best places to visit in Boston for free. In summer, locals enjoy splashing about in the Frog Pond Spray Pool, while in winter, the frog pond turns into a massive ice-skating rink. 

15. Plimoth Plantation 

The Plimoth Plantation is a living history museum and provides insights into the lives of 16th and 17th-century pilgrims who settled in Massachusetts. In 1620, separatists from the Church of England landed in the area of Plymouth after failing to reach their destination of Virginia. 

They made Plymouth the first European settlement in New England. The Plimoth Plantation was established in 1947 by Henry Hornblower II, who was very interested in the history of Plymouth and the pilgrims.

Today the plantation showcases the lives of English settlers and the Wampanoag Native American people. The houses are incredibly realistic, complete with tools and other objects that you’d find in the area at that time. 

16. The Mapparium 

If you’re looking for one of the more quirky places to visit in Massachusetts, you must check out The Mapparium. It is the main exhibit at the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston. 

In the early 1930s, a portion of the library became the Christian Science Publishing Society headquarters. They commissioned architect Chester Lindsay Churchill to design a building that would compete with The New York Daily News building, famous for its spinning globe. 

The result of his efforts was the magnificent Mapparium, completed in 1935. The globe is completely made out of stained glass with a bisected glass walkway and offers a view of the world map without the . In the early days, it was lit up with thousands of lamps but today is lit up with LED lights. 

If you’d like to see a map of the world from a different perspective, then this is the place to be. The Mapparium provides a way of looking at the earth’s surface in completion and without the distortion that you would usually see on regular globes.

17. The Clark Art Institute 

If you’re an art lover, you’ll enjoy a trip to the Clark Art Institute. It is an art museum and a research institution for higher education and is the only institution in the world of its kind. 

The museum was created by founders Francine and Sterling Clark with collections of their personal art. They have a few exhibitions on show, including the American Decorative Art Galleries and the Manton Collection of British Art.

You’ll find all sorts of art from the Renaissance period to French Impressionists. You’ll also find drawings, sculptures, photographs, oil sketches, and much more on display. 

18. The Museum of Russian Icons

It may come as a surprise that the world’s biggest collection of Russian icons and artifacts outside of Russia is actually in the US. The Museum of Russian Icons is home to over 1,000 Russian pieces that date back to the 15th century. 

The museum opened in 2006 and is the private collection of Gordon B. Lankton, who first travelled to Russia in 1989 and started collecting various Russian icons. Enjoy some Russian snacks, chocolates, and drinks in the tea room between your exploration. 

19. Bodega 

When most people think of a bodega, they think of an ordinary convenience store where you’ll find snacks, non-perishable items, and other household basics. From the outside, Bodega looks like any other convenience store with nothing special to offer. 

However, Bodega is a high-end fashion store that is carefully hidden behind a secret door of a normal corner store. You’ll find an old Snapple machine where you can slide the door and be transported into one of Boston’s coolest shops. Here, you’ll find sneakers and cool streetwear from local and high-end brands. 

20. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Museum 

The MIT Museum, belonging to one of America’s most prestigious universities, is a state-of-the-art center dedicated to all things technology.

Its most popular exhibition is its Nautical Collection which has over 25 000 objects and records of nautical equipment used over various centuries. Some of its other exhibitions include an impressive holography collection. 

Amongst other things, there are also photography, science and architecture exhibitions. You’ll also get to learn about the wonderful history of MIT at this museum. 

21. Boston Museum of Science 

The Boston Museum of Science is one of the most innovative museums in America, with ever-changing exhibitions, IMAX films, planetarium shows, and over 700 interactive exhibits. 

The museum covers various subjects, including science, maths, and technology. Their exhibits range from the newly instituted Project Vaccine, which helps kids and adults learn about the purpose of vaccines.It also has information on the people behind the creation of vaccines, helping to break down any misinformation. 

The Boston Museum of Science also has a massive indoor zoo and butterfly garden. 

22. Singing Beach 

If you’re looking for a scenic place to hang out, check out the Singing Beach on the North Shore. As you walk on the sand you’ll hear it creating squeaky noises that eventually turns into a sort of melody with every step—hence the name. 

Scientists believe that this results from something called shear, when sand grains rub against each other to form different sounds. Even if you don’t enjoy going to the beach, Singing Beach is worth checking out while in Massachusetts. 

23. Historic Deerfield

One area worth visiting is the Historic Deerfield Area, home to the Deerfield town established in the early 1600s. Historic Deerfield is dedicated to preserving the heritage and preservation of Deerfield and the Connecticut River Valley. 

Deerfield has an expansive collection of carefully preserved colonial and federal homes. Along with various homes, you’ll also find museums and programs that give visitors a glimpse of some of New England’s historic villages and countryside. 

The museums, houses, and galleries have a collection of more than 27 000 objects made from the late 1600s to the early 1900s. You’ll find everything from quilts to crafts and cooking utensils.

24. The Freedom Trail

One of the main attractions in Boston is the Freedom Trail, which spans from the Navy Yard in Charlestown right into the Boston Common. It highlights key areas of Boston and Massachusetts’s rich and colorful history. 

The Freedom Trail is a 5km (3 miles) trail containing some of America’s most important historical locations. The trail features 16 monuments and other sites, including museums, ships, and churches. 

25. The Norman Rockwell Museum 

Norman Rockwell is an American painter and illustrator renowned for his characterization of American life. This museum was opened in 1969 and has the world’s largest collection of this famous artist’s pieces. Inside, you’ll find nearly 1,000 original paintings drawn by Norman himself.

Additionally, you’ll get to discover the life story of Norman, his contributions to pop culture, and his impact on social commentary. Some paintings here include the Saturday Evening Post covers and the Four Freedoms. 

26. Faneuil Hall 

Faneuil Hall is one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in Boston. Built in 1742, it was given to the city as a gift by Peter Faneuil and served as a market hall. It was also used as a venue for public meetings, especially by colonists protesting British rule. 

During the 19th century, it was used for anti-slavery meetings, rallies, and speeches. Today it serves as a multipurpose space, with the top floor housing the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Museum. 

The lower floors of Faneuil Hall remain true to their roots and hosts the Faneuil Marketplace where you’ll find food stalls, pushcarts, shops, and more. 

27. The Peabody Essex Museum 

The Peabody Essex Museum was one of the first museums in America dedicated to collecting cultural and artistic artifacts from around the world. It was opened in 1799 and helped promote art and culture in America. 

This museum is known for many things, including having one of the largest collections of Asian art throughout different periods of history. Featuring 22 buildings, it houses over 1.3 million pieces of art including historical and cultural art from America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania and maritime artefacts.

28. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum 

Many people are familiar with the events of the Boston Tea Party. It was a huge event in the city that shaped the course of American history in the fight for independence from Britain.

Step back in time and relive the event at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. The museum is a multi-sensory experience complete with replicas of full-scale 18th century ships, interactive displays, historical interpreters, and other artifacts. 

After watching the reenactment, you’ll see the Robinson Tea Chest, the only surviving item from the event. You’ll also get to throw tea overboard into the harbor, just like in 1773. After all this fun, you can enjoy some tea and treats that would have been transported back in the early 1700s at Abigail’s Tea Room. 

29. Boston Children’s Museum 

Boston is filled with a ton of great places to visit, but if you’re looking for a place that is specifically dedicated to children, then head over to the Boston Children’s Museum. 

It was founded in 1913 specifically for the education of children by the Science Teachers Bureau. It is the world’s second-oldest children’s museum and one of the most influential museums in the world. 

Kids and adults will not get bored easily here, as the museum has an engaging line-up of activities that allows kids to learn and explore through curiosity and play. The main themes of the museum focus on science, culture, art, health, fitness, and environmental awareness.

There are over 50 000 items on display, including a replica of a Japanese townhouse from Kyoto. 

30. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden 

The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is a wonderful sculpture garden that honors the life and work of legendary author Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, in his hometown of Springfield.

The sculpture garden is certainly one of Massachusetts’ more whimsical attractions, and kids and big kids alike will enjoy it. It was created in 1996 by his stepdaughter and sculptor Lark Grey Dimond-Cates.

The garden features bronze statues of some of Dr. Seuss’ famous characters like The Cat in The Hat and The Lorax. 

31. The House of the Seven Gables 

The House of the Seven Gables is a Gothic novel written in 1851 by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The book is based on an actual house located in Salem Harbour, Massachusetts, which is believed to have been built in 1668. 

The novel explores the themes of romance, guilt, atonement and witchcraft. It follows the journey of one New England family and their ancestral home. The house was later purchased by philanthropist Caroline Emmerton who purchased the mansion in 1908 and fully restored it. 

There are daily tours of the house that delve into the history of it, some history of Salem as well as the life story of Hawthorne. 

32. Old Sturbridge Village 

Stepping back in time again, a visit to the Old Sturbridge Village will transport you to the life of rural New Englanders from the late 1790s to the early 1830s. The Old Sturbridge Village is the biggest outdoor history museum in the northeast. 

There are more than 40 historic houses across 80 hectares (200 acres) of land waiting to be explored. There are also tradeshops, meeting houses, a store, a bank, water-powered mills, a farm and a school that give a glimpse of the lives of early New Englanders.

33. Tanglewood

Tanglewood is Massachusetts’ premier entertainment location. It’s the host venue of many music festivals, hosting up to 350 000 people with each activity. It is located in Lenox, and was once a family-run estate which was gifted to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 

The Boston Symphony Orchestra is usually the main act here, accompanied by the angelic voices of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Throughout the summer, various concerts are held with genres ranging from jazz to classical. 

34. The Witch House of Salem

Salem is a coastal city with a somewhat troubled history. The city is synonymous with the Salem Witch Trials of the late 1690s and the Witch House of Salem. The Witch House of Salem wasn’t always known by this name. 

It used to be the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who convicted people accused of witchcraft in Salem and the surrounding communities. Tours of the house provide insight into the life of Judge Corwin, his family and the 20 people who were tried and executed. 

While this might be a bit spooky for some, it is an essential part of Salem’s history and gives visitors a great understanding of America’s colonial history. 

35. Adams National Historical Park 

The Adams National Historical Park in Quincy was the home of two of America’s earliest presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. The park has eleven buildings and tells the story of five generations of the Adams family. 

The park served as a home for various presidents, first ladies, historians, writers and envoys of the Adams family until 1927. One of the most notable buildings is the Stone Library, which was built in 1870 to house the books of President John Quincy Adams, containing 14 000 books in 12 languages. 

36. Brattle Book Shop 

The cute antiquarian Brattle Bookshop sits in downtown Boston near the Boston Common and in-between red brick buildings. It opened in 1825 and has been selling used books, postcards and maps.

It has over 250 000 books of different genres, all spread out across three floors—which you can read from the cool outdoor area.

37. The Harvard Square and Art Museums

While Harvard University itself is quite a standout attraction, its surroundings and museums are slightly more impressive. 

There are a ton of cool and quirky cafés, restaurants, shops and bookstores all around the square. When you’re done hanging out there, you can check out the three Harvard Art Museums. 

The Fogg Art Museum focuses on Italian Renaissance art, while the Busch-Reisinger Museum specializes in European Impressionist Art. The Arthur M. Sackler Museum on the other hand focuses on antiquities from around the world.

38. Harvard Museum of Natural History

If art isn’t something you’re interested in, then check out the Harvard Museum of Natural History. It’s a compilation of three institutions, the Mineralogical and Geological Museum, the Museum of Comparative Zoology and Harvard Herbaria. 

Harvard has over 21 million different specimens in its research programmes and 12 000 of them can be viewed at its Museum of Natural History. These include 3000 types of flowers, and even the skeleton of a dodo bird. 

39. Museum of Modern Renaissance 

The Museum of Modern Renaissance is located in Somerville on an unassuming residential street. Once a masonic lodge, it was turned into what Russian artists Nicholas Shaplyko and Ekaterina Sorokina call a “Temple of Art.”

It was renovated in 2002 and is enchanting, filled with all kinds of art. One theme that you’ll find quite prevalent is something that resident artists refer to as “Mystical Realism.” 

40. Salem’s Historic Houses 

As mentioned before, Salem is a historic city formerly known as the China Port of Salem. It has a varied history, which makes it one of the more interesting places in Massachusetts. 

It is filled with a variety of homes ranging from different periods of New England’s history. It also includes the Salem Maritime Historic Site and Gardner-Pingree House. You’ll see a variety of building styles, and crafts carefully preserved over the centuries. 

41. Hammond Castle Museum 

Once the home of Thomas Edison’s protégé, John Hays Hammond Jr, the Hammond Castle Museum celebrates this resourceful inventor. He is widely credited for being a pioneer of FM radio. 

In total, he has over 437 inventions and more than 800 patents. In 1926 he began building his castle home for his family. The museum today celebrates his life and legacy. Some highlights include a war room, indoor pool, library and Renaissance dining room. 

42. Nantucket Whaling Museum 

The building that now makes up the Nantucket Whaling Museum played an essential role during the whaling era and also served as a candle factory that dates back to the early 1920s. 

It was fully restored in 2005 and now has 11 galleries and exhibits that feature a large number of artefacts and serves as a center of education for whaling endeavors in Nantucket. 

Its main attraction is the enormous skeleton of a sperm whale that spans 14 metres (46 feet) and hangs from the museum’s ceiling. 

43. Lizzie Borden House 

If you’re a fan of horrors, then you’ll enjoy the Lizzie Borden House. Situated in Massachusetts Fall River, it used to be the home of Abby and Andrew Borden, their children, and stepchildren including Lizzie. 

The couple were found dead, believed to have been murdered with a hatchet. The main suspect was Lizzie, but there was never enough to convict her. The house today is a recreation of the crime scene waiting to be solved. 

44. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery 

Salem is not short of interesting things to do, and Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery is definitely one of them. Inside you’ll find a movie monster museum with more than 50 characters from horror flicks. 

The gallery is the private collection of James Lurgio’s memorabilia and artefacts. You’ll find life-size replicas of horror movie characters made from resin, latex and silicone. 

45. Danvers State Hospital 

Batman fans might recognise the Danvers State Hospital as the Arkham Asylum in the Batman movies. The hospital was originally opened in 1878 for patients suffering from mental health issues.

During the 1930s, it became overcrowded with deteriorating conditions, leading to it having a gothic appearance. It was eventually shut down in 1992 and now hosts visits and tours sharing information about its history. 

46. Mount Greylock 

Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts, standing at 1,064 meters (3491 feet) and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. At the top you’ll also find the Massachusetts War Memorial Tower which honors the soldiers who died in WWI. 

47. Lexington Common National Historic Site 

Also known as the Battle Green, the Lexington Common National Historic Site is a historic landmark. According to George Washington’s diary, this was where the first blood was shed in 1775 in a battle by the Lexington Militia against the British troops. 

The site honours and remembers all those who lost their lives. There are a number of monuments located inside the Lexington Common National Historic Site, and it is a rather scenic area. 

48. James P. Kelleher Rose Garden 

James P. Kelleher Rose Garden is one of the most idyllic and relaxing places you’ll find in Boston. It was created in 1932 and was commissioned by Boston Mayor James Michael Curley. 

The garden boasts over 1,500 roses and has even won an award for excellence from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. It’s located near the iconic Fenway Park and is a great place to escape from busy city life. 

49. Time Out Market

The Time Out Market is one of Boston’s top food markets and it brings together people from all around the city to enjoy good food. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here. 

From seafood classics like lobster rolls to pizza, this market has got you covered. You can sit inside the cool industrial indoor space or chill by the outside patio and lawn. 

50. Edgar Allan Poe Square

Edgar Allan Poe was a loved author and poet born in Boston in 1809. He is best known for his short stories, poems, and mystery novels. His original home was sadly demolished as part of an urban development project. 

In 2009, a square was built with his name, and features a statue of him along with signs and symbols of his poetry. There’s also a house in the square that is dedicated to him.

51. Ponyhenge 

Another attraction worth visiting if you’ve got kids is Ponyhenge in Lincoln. It is a hidden gem located a few minutes away from Boston. It’s a piece of land open to the public filled with toy horses. 

No one knows how they got there exactly, but family and children are delighted nonetheless. Located along the picturesque Old Sudbury Road, they’re a collection of rocking horses, hobby horses and other horse figurines. 

52. Cape Cod Rail Trail 

For a scenic view of the Cape Cod area, follow the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This 35km (22 mile) path was once a booming railway. Today it’s a popular hiking trail from Wellfleet to Dennis which also welcomes joggers, cyclers, and the like 

No matter which way you decide to travel up the trail, you’ll be surrounded by great views, and lots of beach stops. 

53. The Museum of African American History 

Located on the North Side of Beacon Hill, the Museum of African American History is a must visit to get a glimpse of how African Americans lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum also highlights how African Americans helped shape the city into what it is today. 

From there you can take a self-guided walk or guided tour of the Black Heritage Trail where you’ll discover key highlights of the area like the first black church and public schools in Boston. 

54. Institute of Contemporary Art 

Opened in 2006 the ICA gives visitors a glimpse of the future of creativity. This cutting-edge state-of-the-art building is home to a series of thought-provoking exhibitions and galleries. 

Located near the Boston Harbour, the institute has exhibited the works of visionary artists like Virgil Abloh. Because the exhibits are temporary, there’s always something to look forward to. 

55. Copley Square 

Named after painter John Singleton Copley, Copley Square is a public square located in Boston’s Back Bay area. Before 1883 it was known as the Art Square as it is home to many cultural institutions. 

It has several interesting buildings like the Beaux-Arts Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel.

Final Thoughts on Top Activities and Attractions in Massachusetts 

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Massachusetts. There is something for everyone, from haunted houses in Salem to idyllic beaches and the iconic Fenway Park. The next time you’re in the Bay State why not add some of these attractions and activities to your bucket list?

I covered all of the costs involved in writing this post on things to do in Massachusetts. However, this article may contain affiliate links. This means if you click through on some of the links and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission.