Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth. - Henry David Thoreau. Address: 9 West St, Boston, MA 02111, United States. The Museum of Modern Renaissance is situated in Massachusetts Somerville, on a humble residential street. With all of that history, the Boston Common was deemed important to be enhanced and preserved in 1970 by the Friends of the Public Garden. The Bridge of Flowers is one of the most unique and one-of-a-kind places to go in Massachusetts. 5. Maura Healey, via Twitter. A hotel also waits at the summit of Mount Greylock, made by the Civilian Conservation Corps. John Hays Hammond, Jr. built his medieval-style castle between the years 1926 and 1929 to serve both as his home and as a home for his collection of Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. The surrounding museums, which include a museum dedicated to Dr. Seuss, provide additional enjoyment for guests. Do note that the political boundaries are a little out of date, though, as the Mapparium was finished in 1935! The result is a mix of orange and red clay merging with sand that produces a stunning rainbow effect. Closer to Boston, the lively and historic city of Portsmouth is just across the border in New Hampshire. Offering gorgeous views of the surrounding area, including five states that flank this one, youll have your breath taken away by the panoramic scenery. The Massachusetts capital is home to one-of-a-kind and must-do activities for every. Address: 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103, United States. It stands out among Massachusetts Kirkbride asylums designed and built during the 1800s as it willfully avoided the imposing and intimidating atmosphere and went instead for a welcoming Cottage Plan. This huge event in Massachusetts changed the course of American history. Today, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is also famous for a different reason, too. It is home to the Boston Red Sox and was built in 1912. Oak Bluffs still has rows of little 19th-century "gingerbread" cottages from its days as a Methodist Camp meeting site, along with one of the oldest merry-go-rounds, the Flying Horses Carousel. The lowest two floors of the Brattle Book Shop are packed tightly with shelves of general use books. Today, those have been swapped with LEDs. Check out Visit Boston on Twitter. Located on the Charles River, the park has only been open for a few years but has already become a very popular spot. The Stellwagen Bank is ranked as one of the best whale-watching spots in the whole world. To one side is stately Beacon Hill; the Freedom Trail begins in the Common, the state house overlooks it. When planning a trip to Massachusetts, your first thought is likely to visit the city of Boston. See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Attraction. Three floors of entertaining exhibits can be found at the Boston Childrens Museum, which is aimed at kids up to the age of ten. If youre a fan of the author, the square and its statue are among the things to see to add to your list. Among the top 10 whale-watching sites in the world, the Stellwagen Bank has one of the world's most biologically productive ocean environments. View it all at once or search by categories like arts, food & drink, history or outdoors. Its designation is to mark the route that the British marched that would initiate the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Theres also a softer, kinder story to The House of the Seven Gables and how it became one of the most well-known local tourist attractions. Many locals even considered it gaudy, especially against the more natural, wild, and understated design of the parks of Olmsted. Plymouth Visitor Center at Route 3. A beautiful place to while away a quiet afternoon. Our state has a lot to offer both domestic and international visitors, including history, culture, cuisine and outdoor activities. It is neatly tucked away behind and past several more popular parks in the citys downtown area. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Museum on its top floor preserves paintings of battles, along with arms and uniforms. These imposing plumes emanated from the colossal smokestacks of Ulaanbaatar's coal-fired power plants, steadfastly churning electricity and heat to fuel Mongolia's central and district energy systems. Freedom Trail Samuel Adams Statue near Faneuil Hall on the Freedom Trail in Boston Some of Colonial America's most iconic landmarks mark Boston's three-mile Freedom Trail as it winds through the old city's narrow streets to connect 16 historic monuments and attractions. The cemetery is also the final resting ground of many interesting historical figures like Eugene ONeill, Anne Sexton, and E.E. Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Must see places. Fall River Heritage State Park Information Center Battleship Cove, 200 Davol St., Fall River; 508-675-5759 HA, R. Massachusetts Tourist Information Center (Closed) I-95 Northbound (btw. The Bridge of Flowers boasts a length of 400 feet and is covered in carefully planted flowers that bloom beautifully and constantly from April to October. It is also one of Americas only locations where the US Flag can fly for 24 hours a day, as authorized by Congress. At Battle Green in Lexington, where the very first shots were fired on April 19, 1775, stands another statue commemorating a Minuteman (they were called Minutemen because they were ready for battle at a minute's notice). Fenway Park is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic sports grounds in the United States. Among the most interesting of the attractions at the museum is a re-creation of a Wampanoag home site, where Native People explain all about how the Wampanoags ancestors lived. Plimoth Plantation is a living museum that aims to explore the lives of the Colonial Americans and there daily lives in what was the first New England settlement by Pilgrims in 1620. Stop at the Salt Pond or Provincetown Visitor Centers for maps, information, and passes. Spanning 970 acres, it was established in 1959 and is cared for by the National Park Service. Top 30 tourist attractions in Massachusetts. The Peabody Essex Museum explores the China Trade, its participants, and their homes in its extensive collections, which include an entire original 18th-century home from China's Huizhou region, reassembled here and open to visitors. The museum explores all areas of science and has over 700 permanent exhibitions. Ponyhenge is a small part of a large pasture located in the Massachusetts town of Lincoln. 6. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Based around the site of a former US Army base, Cape Wellfleet, the trail is home to a wide range of forest birds. Reenactments of the battles here and at North Bridge in Concord are held each year on the anniversary. Address: 73 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States. Massachusetts is a beautiful commonwealth and state. It opened in 1913 and was founded by the Science Teachers Bureau in order to promote the teaching of science and the fun exchange of ideas. Bostons Old State House is one of the oldest surviving public buildings in the United States. Without a doubt, its one of the best points of interest for art aficionados visiting Massachusetts. You may recognize some spots from films like Knives Out, Shutter Island, and The Box. The design choice behind these headstones in Bostons Old Burying Grounds stems back to Puritan times when settlers of this nature arrived in Boston in the early 1600s. Tanglewood is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year. You can step back into their world at the living history villages at Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly known as Plimoth Plantation). This winding three-mile trail in Boston is home to some of the most important historical sights in the United States. It was a self-sustaining community and institution and remained open all the way until 2003. Erected on Whitcomb Summit by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in 1923 honoring those who lost their lives in World War I. America's only natural white marble arch. It provides a way of looking at the Earths surface without the distortion you usually see on globes due to the spherical shape that shifts perspective. Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 30, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Spanning 275 acres, it is arranged to surround a lovely lake and is a calming mix of natural and man-made features. Sunday. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a collection of three different institutions merged into one huge facility, namely the Mineralogical and Geological Museum, the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Harvard Herbaria. The Boston Common was created in 1634 and has enjoyed a storied history. As one of the protected Massachusetts attractions, youre advised to abide by any rules in place at the Aquinnah Cliffs! It's one of the most endearing places to go in all of Salem. Tanglewood is a must visit destination for music lovers, especially in the summer months. 2014. The last private owner of the Wayside Inn was Henry Ford, who wanted to develop the site into a historically oriented village and museum. It is one of the top locations to view these masterpieces, boasting the worlds most iconic and biggest collection of its kind. Free Fun Fridays are designed to appeal to the whole family, and Saturday morning rehearsals are open to the public by reserved ticket. The festivals largest audience was collected the following year in 1937, leading to what is now considered the first-ever Tanglewood concert. The museum was opened in 1969 and has grown to showcase art from similar artists to Rockwell and his contemporaries. Faneuil Hall, built in 1742, was once a teeming marketplace on the waterfront for 18th-century traders. Spanning a whopping 75,000 square feet, it is a fun location boasting over 550 species of marine fauna totaling 20,000 individual animals. Its a many-faceted location, famous for everything from its roles in the temperance, abolitionist, and transcendentalist movements to its invention of sports like volleyball and basketball. The Northeast's premiere tree-to-tree adventure park set in a 1,400-acre forest preserve. Plimoth Patuxet Museums also explore the lives and culture of Native Americans at the Patuxet Homesite, a re-creation of a Wampanoag village, where you'll see dwellings, gardens, and artifacts. The theft is yet unsolved, remaining the biggest of its kind in history to go unanswered. No matter its iteration, though, it always offered lovely views. The Harvard Art Museums now combine three major collections, each of which formerly ranked as major U.S. art museums. The legend also says that her daughter, White Swan, threw herself from the falls when she was unable to conceive a child. These collections include ones on Natural History, Dolls and Dollhouses, Americana, Native American, Global Culture, and Japanese themes. The Boston Common along with the adjacent Public Garden paints a large swath of green in the very heart of the city. The Freedom Trail. Things to Do in Boston, MA - Boston Attractions Things to Do in Boston A history buff's playground, filled with museums and heritage tours. A popular location, more than one million people visit it every year. Its pretty easy to get up-close to the Aquinnah Cliffs. Inside, youll find a recreation of the crime scene, some dismal and bizarre memorabilia recreated from the night, and the rooms of Lizzie and her parents. Spanning 842 square miles, it was once a fishing ground and is now a protected area offering whale-watching tours in a highly diverse environment. The hall was built in 1740 and was home to a market and was used as a meeting point. 3rd Annual Culture Splash. Eventually, Isabella had filled warehouses with all sorts of objects from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and she built Fenway Court in order to house them. Connecticut. There is also an IMAX theater that features all sorts of nature-themed short films! Genres and cultures range from Maritime to Oceanic, from Native American to Asian, and from American to African. The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a marine sanctuary in Massachusetts Bay famous as a location for fun whale-watching. Four more world-class museums sit two blocks away on Oxford Street, Harvard's research collections displayed in the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, the Mineralogical Museum, the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Botanical Museum. The Harvard Square is a great place to experience student life with its many shops, ice cream vendors and bookshops. In 1990, two men pretending to be police officers successfully stole collectibles and art totaling over $500 million in value. The halls themselves are filled with food stalls, pushcarts, shops, restaurants, and cafs. 02 of 07 Day 2: Boston Getty Images Take the second day in the city to visit one or two of Boston's top museums. The macabre, unfair history of the Salem witch trials is very much a part of Massachusetts cultural backdrop. He served the Court of Oyer and Terminer. Dine in the Bullard Tavern. The aforementioned rooms are available to lodge in, too, though you must beware reports say the building, especially those rooms, is extremely haunted! Massachusetts, also known as The Bay State, The Old Colony State, The Puritan State and The Baked Bean State, has a lot to see and explore. He also filled the home with fun and eccentric items, like a church archway made from Mt. "The Vineyard" has six small towns, miles and miles of beaches, lighthouses, weathered shingle houses, sand bluffs, protected waters for kayaking, and a plenty of ocean for sailing. Explore Massachusetts | Explore Boston | Mass Tourism Things To Do Massachusetts Aquinnah Cliffs What is there to do in Massachusetts? Address: 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, United States. AAA . 5. The building also still serves its original purpose with a lively market on its ground floor, which is well worth exploring. Unique boutiques and antique shops are easy to spend hours exploring, while the living museum at Old Sturbridge Village is a must-visit too, where costumed guides give tourists a taste of life in the 19th century. It collects, preserves, and showcases many different items that are related to its titular university, providing education and historical tales of MIT and its role in modern development. Welcome to Massachusetts! Of course, this is a top New England destination for tourists and residents alike, but you may also want to explore Western Massachusetts as well (or on a separate trip). The impressive Caribbean reef hosts sharks and turtles while smaller creatures such as small crabs can be touched in the Edge of the Sea tank. The Medfield State Hospital was made up of 58 buildings made from brick throughout a big campus. Chatham and Orleans both have especially scenic white beaches on the Atlantic-facing shore. At the Museum of Fine Arts, youll find works from all sorts of eras, locations, and genres, ranging from modern contemporary art all the way back to ancient Egyptian works. Where does the name Bash Bish Falls come from? He named it Abbadia Mare and it looked out over the Atlantic Ocean, with a facade inspired by French chateaus and Gothic cathedrals. As one of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts has preserved more than its share of historic landmarks from as far back as pilgrim days. Other parts of the state, including the beautiful Berkshire hills to the west, are perfect destinations for weekend getaways. In a dig at conservative states, Massachusetts has launched a tourism ad campaign touting the state as . Its also one of the worlds most influential museums of its kind. Inhumane treatments began being used here. The Airport Rooms is our neighborhood cocktail lounge and restaurant for tasty suppers, natural wines, and stiff drinks.When the weather's nice, we'll seat outdoors and by our fire pits. The more than 2,500 works range from paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer to exquisite handmade lace and medieval furniture. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is renowned for its collections of Impressionist paintings; Asian and Persian fine arts; and works from ancient Greece, Egypt, and the Middle East. Outstanding views of scenery and wildlife. Opened in 1825, it has been selling used books ever since and offers over 250,000 books, prints, postcards, and maps from different eras and genres. Rockport is one of the most beautifully charming towns in the state of Massachusetts. Address: 13 Broad St, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States. Located right at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, north-east of Boston, Rockport is a popular tourist spot. The highest point of the Cobble which was created by geological upheavals provides amazing views across the Housatonic River Valley. The Visitors Centres nearby in Provincetown or Salt Pond offer all the information needed for a happy visit. The inn dates back 400 years and one of its key features is the ancient grist mill outside. Massachusetts is known as "The Bay State" because of its three large bays which dominate and shape the coastline. Rail-to-trail running 11.2 miles from Adams to Lanesborough. At first, Plimoth Plantations only things to see were a part of English cottages, but this has since grown. The Cape Cod Rail Trail, as its name suggests, follows the path of what was once a railway. Since its creation in 2009, Edgar Allan Poe Square has lived at Charles and Boylston streets intersection, been marked by a sign and a statue of Poe adorned with symbols from his poetry. It's a bird watcher's paradise; a haven for migrating birds and a breeding ground for shorebirds. The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, or Route 133, offers a picturesque road trip through charming towns and coastal beauty in Massachusetts. Be sure to visit the full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower, Mayflower II, fresh from a four-year restoration and birthed at Plymouth Pier, to learn about the historic voyage from costumed guides representing the passengers and crew. At the end of the walk is the Marconi Station Site, which provides a fantastic place to look out across the Atlantic Ocean, with unforgettable views and a perfect photo opportunity. Hampton Terrace Inn Centered around a palatial-inspired home, here you will encounter the thrilling glamour of the Gilded Age. Thankfully, the 1960s saw the introduction of community mental healthcare and alternative treatments that allowed the hospital to see less use. The multi-sensory experience at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum includes interactive displays, historical interpreters, interesting artifacts, and a proper reenactment of events. Address: 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, Massachusetts. TOURISTS is a hotel and riverside retreat inspired by the classic American roadside motor lodge, set on the banks of the Hoosic River in the Berkshires city of North Adams. Most famously, The Declaration of Independence was made from the balcony of Bostons Old State House. Stroll a 4-kilometer route through Boston's streets to see 16 sites related to the American Revolution, among them Boston Common, the Paul Revere House, USS Constitution historic warship, burying grounds, Old State House and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Looking for more thrill outside Massachusetts? Boston The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released its Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) to Fiscal Year 2028 (FY28) Capital Investment Plan (CIP), which invests more than $14 billion over five years to build a more affordable, competitive and equitable future for Massachusetts. Address: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, United States, Arturo de Frias Marques, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Houses are surprisingly realistic with heritage livestock, kitchen gardens, and old-fashioned objects. 3. Within the county is Plymouth, MA, the home of Plymouth Rock, a universal symbol of America. Address: Science Park, Boston, Massachusetts. Did you know that the worlds biggest collection of Russian icons outside of Russia is right in Massachusetts, right near the Central Park of Clinton? The oldest of Bostons Old Burying Grounds maintains a lot of the initial morbidity. It is carefully paved and travels 22 miles through multiple different towns in Massachusettss southeastern area, specifically in the mid-Cape region from Wellfleet to Dennis. Beacon Hill is a stunning little neighborhood in Boston located very close to the city center. It is a true hidden gem located on private property but open to the public for visits and consists of a strange collection of plastic and metal ponies, rocking horses that are broken and damaged, and all sorts of other horse toys and items. Gloucester is a rare gem that boasts two designated cultural districts, and in 2023 during our 400+ year, Culture Splash emerges for another summer celebrating our arts and culture communities. Just above downtown North Adams, with a legacy of outdoor fun - swim, boat, fish, bbq, playground.