These are the best places to travel this summer

Massachusetts

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Sailing off the Esplanade on the Charles River.

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Massachusetts

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

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.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Museum of Science

    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…

  • Boy watching sea turtle in aquarium

    New England Aquarium

    Boston

    Teeming with sea creatures of all sizes, shapes and colors, this giant fishbowl is the centerpiece of downtown Boston's waterfront. There are countless…

  • Colonial homes and garden

    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…

  • Boston, MA - 9/11/20: A welcome arch of butterflies and flowers made of traditional Chinese lanterns, spans the entry of the Franklin Park zoo for Boston Lights; Shutterstock ID 1824698471; your: Claire Naylor; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: Boston POIs

    Franklin Park Zoo

    Boston

    Tucked into Franklin Park, the zoo features a half-dozen different habitats, as well as special exhibits devoted to birds and butterflies. The highlight…

  • Dune's edge, pitch pine, Marconi beach, wellfleet, Cape Cod national seashore.

    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…

  • 500px Photo ID: 101923015 -

    Old North Church

    Boston

    Longfellow’s poem 'Paul Revere’s Ride' has immortalized this graceful church. It was here, on the night of April 18, 1775, that the sexton hung two…

  • 500px Photo ID: 14084519 -

    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…

  • Peabody Essex Museum

    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…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

There's more to historic Salem than witch trials. Plan your visit with this guide to the best things to do in this New England town.

Read article

Best Places to Visit

From Cape Cod’s glorious dunes and Cambridge’s tasty food scene to the spooky witches of Salem, here are the best places to visit in Massachusetts.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

Massachusetts is a year-round destination that's worth a visit in any season. Here are the best times to come for fall colors, beaches, festivals and fun.

Read article

Things to Know

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

Read article

Free Things to Do

Massachusetts has countless free places to visit and things to do, including museums, historic sites, lighthouses and scenic natural areas.

Read article

Money and Costs

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

Read article

Best Road Trips

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

Read article

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Massachusetts