Massachusetts

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Sailing off the Esplanade on the Charles River.

Why visit 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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Great Granite State Road Trip: New Hampshire in 7 Days

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Top places to visit in Massachusetts

Discover the best attractions in Massachusetts from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

Massachusetts travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next 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.

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Things to Know

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

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Free Things to Do

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

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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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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 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.

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