Massachusetts, meaning ‘the place with hills’ in the Native American language, is a state on the eastern coast of USA. It is most popular for being one of the first places where European colonists landed in America in 1620. The famous town of Plymouth is situated in Massachusetts, and a recreation of the original colony can now be visited at the site. Boston, one of the biggest cities in the US is the capital and is the location of major tourist attractions in the state. Historical attractions like Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Minute Man National Historical Park, the Freedom Trail, craft breweries, outstanding restaurants, and entertainment venues are located in Boston. A visit to the attractions of Cape Cod or the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard is also recommended. And do not miss out on visiting the Harvard and MIT campus, along with a trip to the infamous city of Salem. If all this information has you confused, do not worry! Just arm yourself with our list of things to do in Massachusetts, USA, to have the best trip.
1. Browse through the shops at Newbury Street in Boston
Get a taste of Boston with a shopping spree at the mile-long (less than 2 km) Newbury Street that is lined choc-a-bloc with local shops, eclectic boutiques, and retail outlets of the biggest brands. This 19th-century street has eight blocks of brownstone buildings housing hundreds of shops and restaurants. From high-street fashion to luxury goods to art galleries and everything else in between, a visit to Newbury Street is a must for all tourists and locals.
Newbury Street
Address: Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts
Website: Newbury Street
2. Explore Martha's Vineyard at leisure (from USD 119.0)
Enjoy a leisurely day trip with Viator to the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard, a true Massachusetts gem! On this roundtrip journey from Boston, take in the views of Vineyard Sound as you sail aboard a ferry from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard. Thereafter, enjoy a relaxing time as you stroll, shop, eat, and explore the various attractions of Martha’s Vineyard. After a full six hours of exploration, head back to the ferry, and then onto your hotel back in Boston, all-inclusive on this fantastic day trip.
Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option
Duration: 12 hours
3. Climb the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown
Constructed to commemorate the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in Provincetown, a visit to the historic Pilgrim Monument is a must for all visitors to Massachusetts. The 252-foot (76 metres) towers was opened to the public in 1910 and climbing up the stairs to the top of the monument is one of the must-do things here. Visitors can learn about the history of the place at the museum situated at the base of the monument and also take in spectacular views of the cape and surrounding area from the top of the tower.
Pilgrim Monument
Address: 1 High Pole Hill Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Website: Pilgrim Monument
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 14 USD
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4. Step inside Old Granary, the resting place of several notable Revolutionary War-era patriots (from USD 47.0)
Aboard this evening Boston Ghosts and Gravestones trolley tour, experience the thrills and chills of stepping inside two of the oldest burial grounds in Boston. The tour includes a stop at the Old Granary, which is the resting place of several notable Revolutionary War-era patriots like Robert Treat Paine, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. On this two-hour-long tour, learn about the interesting history of Boston’s darkest places as you are accompanied by your host who will be dressed as a 17th-century gravedigger.
Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour
Duration: 2 hours
5. Explore landmarks like Marriott's Custom House, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and more (from USD 131.0)
On this half-day North End to the Freedom Trail walking tour, get to try delicious food with a side of history. While meandering through landmarks like Marriott’s Custom House, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market, Old State House, Old North Church & Historic Site, etc., learn about the fascinating facts of American Revolution history from your knowledgeable guide. The tour also includes stops for yummy local food at a historic Italian neighbourhood and also sampling some refreshing local beer.
Boston: North End to Freedom Trail - Food & History Walking Tour
Duration: 5 hours
6. Visit Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum (from USD 35.0)
Take a trip back in time to the most significant event in American Revolutionary history, the Boston Tea Party, with this hour-long tour of Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. At the museum, take a look at restored tea ships, interactive exhibits, historical artefacts, and more. On the guided tour, visitors also get to learn about the people and events that led up to the American Revolution. Combining the latest technology with historical artefacts, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum provides an unforgettable visitor experience.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission
Duration: 1 hour
7. Try the famous pizza at Regina Pizzeria (from USD 49.0)
Indulge yourself in a two-hour-long walking food tour that takes you to some of the best pizzerias in Boston. Visit Boston’s oldest pizzeria, Regina Pizzeria, and dig into a slice or two of their famous pizzas. This pizza tour also offers some interesting history lessons as you walk along the North End part of the Freedom Trail, sampling pizzas from two more historic pizza places. Your friendly guide will also point out the famous landmarks like Old North Church, Paul Revere House, and more along the way.
Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
8. Check out the old buildings at Harvard Yard and Harvard Square (from USD 23.0)
Visit one of the most famous and the oldest universities in the US, Harvard University, on this 70-minute guided walking tour. Begin your tour at Harvard Yard and Harvard Square where many old and magnificent buildings still stand tall. Get an inside account from current Harvard students and learn fascinating facts about the area. Thereafter, proceed to undertake a tour of the Harvard campus and learn about the school’s illustrious past. Learn about the famous personalities that walked its halls and take pictures with the John Harvard Statue, one of the top three most photographed statues in the United States.
Harvard University Campus Walking Tour from Cambridge
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
9. Find over 200 varieties of beer at The Ginger Man in Boston
Pick your poison and come visit us! #thegingerman #boston #mondayfunday
Posted by The Ginger Man - Boston on Monday, 4 September 2017
At the two-storeyed The Ginger Man bar in Boston, take a sip of over 200 varieties of beer on tap, cans, and in bottles. This Boston institution boasts of a mind-boggling variety of craft beer that is served in a beautiful setting in the financial district. The Ginger Man also offers scrumptious bar food like fries, wings, sandwiches, sliders, and other delectable fare. Wines and spirits are available, too. With so many options to choose from, it can get quite confusing to make a choice. But the friendly and knowledgeable bartenders at The Ginger Man will surely help you out in choosing the right drinks and food.
The Ginger Man
Address: 148 State St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Website: The Ginger Man
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 12am; Fri: 11:30am - 2am; Sat: 1pm - 2am; Sun: 1pm - 12am
10. Visit several Boston TV and movie locations at Boston Common and Beacon Hill (from USD 36.0)
For all movie buffs visiting Boston, a walking tour of the famous Boston filming locations is a must! On this walking tour of Boston Common and Beacon Hill, check out 30 famous filming locations like the park bench from Goodwill Hunting, the bar from Cheers, and many others. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who is also a local actor. Click pictures, learn awesome facts, and enjoy a fun film walking tour in Boston!
Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
11. Tempt your taste buds at Max Brenner chocolate bar in Boston
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy tucking into delicious chocolate-based creations at a unique bar in Boston, Max Brenner chocolate bar. At this fun and casual bar, chocolate is featured everywhere - on the menu, in the decor, and in the music, too! Tempt you taste buds with delectable chocolate cocktails like White Chocolate Russian, ‘Max’ hatten, or Iconic Chocolate Martini, or indulge in perfect dessert creations like waffles, fondues, milkshakes, signature hot chocolates, crepes, and more! A range of savoury salads, mains, and brunch items are also available.
Max Brenner
Address: 745 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Website: Max Brenner
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri: 11am - 1am; Sat: 9am - 1am: Sun: 9am - 11pm
12. Relax and unwind at Minute Man National Historical Park
Steeped in the history of the American Revolutionary War, Minute Man National Historical Park is also the perfect place to relax and unwind in the lap of nature. The beautifully preserved park has many walking trails and paths, including the 5-mile (8 km) long Battle Road Trail that passes a number of historic sites and buildings and traverses forests, farming fields, and wetlands. Visitors can go cycling, walking, kayaking, or just spend time relaxing and unwinding on the grounds of Minute Man National Historical Park. Do note that while there is no fee required to enter the park, some attractions do ask a small fee.
Minute Man National Historical Park
Address: 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA 01742, USA
Website: Minute Man National Historical Park
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
13. Shop for quirky things at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
At the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, enjoy a shopping experience like no other! At this shopping area, visitors can choose from dozens of shops, kiosks, and carts selling everything from sports memorabilia to art to apparel. As you browse through the wares on display at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, keep an eye out for eclectic things like quirky printed apparel, funky hats, unique glassware, bizarre light fixtures, and more!
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Address: 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Website: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
14. Browse through an amazing collection of Asian art at Peabody Essex Museum
Peabody Essex Museum is well-known for its extensive collection of Asian art, one of the biggest ones in the US. In its permanent collection are significant pieces of Asian Export Art like early blue-and-white porcelain, an ivory-inlaid writing desk, Queen Victoria’s embroidered Chinese shawl, etc. Besides these, in the museum’s Chinese Art, Indian Art, Japanese Art, Korean Art, and other such Asian art sections, visitors can admire beautiful period paintings, calligraphy, textiles, ceramics, artefacts, and other valuable objects.
Peabody Essex Museum
Address: 161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Website: Peabody Essex Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 15 USD
15. Try some barbecue platters at B.T.'s Smokehouse
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tuck into some lip-smacking barbecue grub at the famous B.T.’s Smokehouse in a fun and casual, steakhouse-style atmosphere. Guests can enjoy delicious meat offerings including their famous barbecued platters made from fine quality meats that have been dry rubbed and slow smoked for up to 14 hours with local apple and hickory woods. Try their Pig Trip Platter consisting of pulled pork, brisket, beef rib, cornbread, and fixins, or go for the Whole Hog, which has pint pork and brisket, rack of spares, wings, fixins, and cornbread.
B.T.'s Smokehouse
Address: 392 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
Website: B.T.’s Smokehouse
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
16. Hang out with friends over some martinis at The Tunnel Bar
In Northampton, Massachusetts, enjoy a unique kind of bar experience at The Tunnel Bar. This 1896 tunnel was once used by travellers to board trains but it has now been converted into a one-of-a-kind lounge that is elegant and retains much of the original stone and brickwork. Enjoy their signature martinis, classic cocktails, spirits, wines and beers accompanied by scrumptious bar food. The Tunnel Bar is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening with friends.
The Tunnel Bar
Address: 125 Pleasant St A, Northampton, MA 01060, USA
Website: The Tunnel Bar
Opening hours: 5pm - 2am (daily)
17. Dance the night away at Venu Nightclub
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Dance all your worries away at the fabulous Venu Nightclub in Boston. At this 6,500 square foot (603.8 square meter) space, dance to foot-thumping music from the best DJs and enjoy the unparalleled customer service of the best nightclub in town. With a state-of-the-art sound system accompanied by a custom-designed lighting system, guests at Venu Nightclub are treated to a magical ultra-sensory experience on the dance floor. There’s no better place to dance the night away in Boston that at Venu Nightclub!
Venu Nightclub
Address: 100 Warrenton St, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Website: Venu Nightclub
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10pm - 2am (closed from Mon - Wed)
18. Relax your body and mind at Sedona Sun Day Spa
Treat yourself to some pampering and relaxation at the Sedona Sun Day Spa in Arlington, Massachusetts. The spa offers a variety of treatments like hot stone therapy, customised massage, Flaxx-C anti-ageing facial, Ultra Detox chemical peel, and more. Grooming services like waxing, threading, manicures, and pedicures are also available here. Pay a visit to Sedona Sun Day Spa to relax your body and mind in a professional and rejuvenating environment.
Sedona Sun Day Spa
Address: 1241 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476, USA
Website: Sedona Sun Day Spa
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: by appointment (closed from Sun - Tue)
19. Play golf at Blue Rock Golf Course
Posted by Blue Rock Golf Course on Tuesday, 6 August 2019
Open to the public as well as members, Blue Rock Golf Course is an excellent golf course that is suitable for all ages and abilities. This golf course has been featured in many leading golf magazines and digests and is a great place to tee off in Massachusetts. Blue Rock Golf Course is located in a forest setting and features four picturesque and challenging water holes, with their signature ninth hole – at 169 yards (154.5 meters) over water to a kidney-shaped green being named as one of ‘Cape Cod’s 18 Best.’
Blue Rock Golf Course
Address: 48 Todd Road, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Website: Blue Rock Golf Course
Opening hours: 6:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 35 USD
20. Knock down some pins at The Alley Bowl + BBQ
Bowling and Bbq!! Lunch Friday,Saturday, and Sunday!! Industry night Monday’s!!
Posted by Orleans Bowling Center on Friday, 26 October 2018
Have a fun time out with friends, family, or colleagues while knocking down some pins at The Alley Bowl + BBQ in Massachusetts. This revamped bowling alley has 12-candle pin bowling lanes with small balls that are easier for children and people with grasping difficulty to hold. Enjoy a game or two of bowling, and then tuck into some delicious barbecue grub from the adjoining house-smoked barbecue restaurant or enjoy drinks at the full bar.
The Alley Bowl + BBQ
Address: 191 MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653, USA
Website: The Alley Bowl + BBQ
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 11pm
21. Practice your shooting skills at Original Bob's Gun Shop and Shooting Range
Practice your shooting skills at one of the only public shooting ranges in Massachusetts, Original Bob’s Gun Shop and Shooting Range. Original Bob’s has been a reputed name in the gun business on the North Shore for several years and they even provide rental guns to LTC holders to try out at their range. For interested customers, there are several latest and classic guns to check out at their shop. They also have fun events like Rifle Nights, Shotgun Nights, and more that you can participate in.
Original Bob's Gun Shop and Shooting Range
Address: 90 Lafayette Rd, Salisbury, MA 01952, USA
Website: Original Bob’s Gun Shop and Shooting Range
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12pm - 7:30pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 18 USD
22. Find clues and solve puzzles at Escape the Room Boston
Posted by Escape the Room Boston on Tuesday, 10 April 2018
Do something different during your stay in Boston and visit an escape room with your friends or family. At Escape the Room Boston, choose from one of the many escape room experiences on offer, uncover clues, and solve mysteries and puzzles to escape from the room before the time is up. Perfect for a fun night out with friends or a competitive game with your extended family, a visit to Escape the Room Boston is fun for everybody!
Escape the Room Boston
Address: 33 West St 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02111, USA
Website: Escape the Room Boston
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12pm - 10pm; Thu - Fri: 12pm - 11:20pm; Sat: 9am - 11pm; Sun: 9am - 11:30pm
Price: 30 USD
23. Learn more about the history of Fenway Park (from USD 33.0)
On this one-hour guided tour of the legendary Fenway Park, take a deep dive into the history of this beloved baseball stadium. Learn about the fascinating history of the stadium’s famous team, the Red Sox, and go back in time to know more about baseball legends like Babe Ruth, Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams, and more. Visitors also get the opportunity to view the extensive collection of Red Sox memorabilia, exhibits, photographs, and other artefacts at Fenway Park Living Museum.
Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark
Duration: 1 hour
24. Explore the famed MIT campus (from USD 22.0)
When in Cambridge, Massachusetts, enjoy an hour-long walking tour of the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus. On this student-led tour, enjoy learning about the interesting facts and history of the university including the famous inventors, scientists, and astronauts who studied there. Get a glimpse into the life on campus and visit campus landmarks like the Infinite Corridor, the Great Dome, Stata Center, etc.
Public MIT Campus Guided Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
25. Zip across the ocean on Codzilla (from USD 54.0)
Take a trip on the wild side and experience a thrill ride with Codzilla! Often described as a ‘water coaster’, Codzilla is a speed boat that takes you on an exciting ride across the Boston harbour. On this 40-minute ride, you will experience fast turns, swerves, and spins at about 40 miles (64 km) per hour, all to the accompaniment of loud music and roaring wind. By the end of the ride, you will be thoroughly drenched and exhilarated from your adventurous ride!
Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride
Duration: 40 minutes
26. Discover President Kennedy’s story at John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum (from USD 12.0)
At John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, take a peek into the life of one of America’s most iconic political figures, John F. Kennedy. The museum displays many photographs, videos, and memorabilia of the Kennedy family, including interactive exhibits related to President Kennedy. The museum displays focus on the Kennedys’ connection to, and their time spent in, Cape Cod.
John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum Admission
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
27. Hear intriguing stories about witches during a Salem ‘Witch City’ day trip (from USD 60.0)
Embark on an educational day trip from Boston to Marblehead and Salem in Massachusetts, stopping to see many historical landmarks and learn fascinating facts about the cities. A visit to Salem is one of the highlights of this day trip since it is the place of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692 where 20 people, mostly women, were executed for practising witchcraft. You can also visit the Salem Witch Museum on your own or stop at numerous other witch-themed attractions in Salem.
From Boston to Salem: Witch City Day Trip, with Guide
Duration: 7 hours
28. Take a tour of Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth (from USD 105.0)
Turn the pages of history back to the 17th century when the English colonists established the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. Plimoth Plantation is known as a living history museum where you can experience the life and times of colonial America, including interactions with costumed actors. At Plimoth Plantation, visitors get to see a replica of a 17th-century English village that has timber-framed houses, kitchen gardens, livestock, etc. A visit to Plymouth Rock, Cole Hill, recreated Wampanoag homesite, and other attractions are also included in this trip.
Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip with Plimoth Plantation & Plimoth Grist Mill
Duration: 8 hours
29. See a 105-minute performance at Charles Theater (from USD 65.0)
In Boston, do not miss out on enjoying an entertaining performance by the legendary Blue Man Group at the Charles Theater! Renowned the world over for their music, comedy, art, and special effects, the Blue Man Group is a family-friendly act that is complete value for money. Featuring different themes, this 105-minute performance is performed in Boston Theater District’s Charles Theater that has stadium-style seating and delivers a movie theatre-like experience.
Blue Man Group Boston Show Admission
30. Construct a LEGO building that can withstand an earthquake (from USD 25.0)
Enjoy some quality family time at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston in Somerville. At the venue, children and their parents can enjoy multiple attractions like going on a virtual tour of the LEGO Factory in Denmark, searching for Boston landmarks at Miniland, and partaking in thrilling rides like Merlin’s Apprentice, LEGO Racers, chariot ride through Kingdom Quest Laser Rider, and more. After enjoying these attractions, you can also try your hand at building the tallest tower from LEGO blocks that can withstand an earthquake at the Earthquake Tables. Many more such wonderful attractions await you at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center.
Boston LEGOLAND Discovery Center Admission Ticket
Duration: 3 hours
Amazing Massachusetts
Steeped in American Revolutionary history and surrounded by amazing natural beauty perfectly complemented by several modern attractions, Massachusetts is a destination in the USA that should be on every tourist’s radar. Whether you are into museums, historical monuments, or the latest restaurants and breweries, the state of Massachusetts has something to satisfy every visitor’s needs. So, before you take a trip to this awesome state, do remember to check out our list of the best things to do in Massachusetts, USA.
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