Cape Cod
The restored mill on the edge of Shawme Pond dates to 1654 and has centuries-old gears that still grind cornmeal (available to buy). Bring your camera –…
Must-see attractions in Massachusetts
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
The 50-acre Boston Common is the country’s oldest public park. If you have any doubt, refer to the plaque emblazoned with the words of the treaty between…
Cape Cod
Before you jump on that ferry, take a walk through the harborside HyArts District, which includes the Guyer Barn community art space and neighboring…
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum
The Berkshires
This museum of railroad lore is set up in Lenox's 1903 vintage railroad station. Its model-railroad display is a favorite with kids, as is the chance to…
Martha's Vineyard
Just south of the ferry terminal, a narrow strip of sandy beach runs unbroken for several miles, beginning with Oak Bluffs Town Beach. It's backed by the…
Cape Cod
An eminently browseable gallery showing works from locally and nationally known artists working in various media, plus a gift shop of stylish, quirky…
Cape Cod
For the warmer waters of Nantucket Sound, the long and sandy Hardings Beach is the prize. It's a good family option, and there are lifeguards, restrooms…
Nantucket
You'll find some of the most consistently surfable waves at Cisco Beach, at the end of Hummock Pond Rd. The on-site Nantucket Island Surf School can…
Back Bay
Inside the Gothic digs of the Church of the Covenant, Gallery Naga exhibits contemporary painters, featuring many highly regarded local and regional…
Nantucket
Surfside Beach, 3 miles from Nantucket Town at the end of Surfside Rd, is a top draw with the college and 20-something set. It has full facilities,…
South Shore
'The other rock' is an ancient landmark where Wampanoag travelers would place branches and stones as offerings in exchange for safe travels. It's about 6…
Wellfleet Historical Society Museum
Cape Cod
This museum harbors a fascinating mishmash of odds and ends, from a vintage bank-teller cage to Native American artifacts.
Martha's Vineyard
Take a nostalgic ride on this National Historic Landmark, which has been captivating kids of all ages since 1876. It's the USA's oldest continuously…
Nantucket
Jetties Beach, 1 mile northwest of town via N Beach St, is the best all-round beach close to town. It's well equipped with changing rooms, a skateboard…
Cape Cod
Adjacent to the Cape Cod Highland Light, this museum focuses on Truro's farming and maritime past. It's packed with all sorts of vintage goodies, from…
Cape Cod
While visiting Nauset Light Beach, don't miss this curious trio of 19th-century lighthouses – they were saved from an eroding sea cliff and moved to a…
Cape Cod
The small Woods Hole Science Aquarium has little flash and dazzle, but it does have unusual sea-life specimens, local fish and the Homarus americanus (aka…
Cape Cod
A Zen-like gallery with museum-quality contemporary art over two floors. On most Saturday evenings in July and August, the gallery hosts artists'…
Martha's Vineyard
Master glassblowers turn sand into colorful creations at the Martha's Vineyard Glassworks. If you can stand the heat, you can watch them work their magic…
Martha's Vineyard
Although it has a bit of a stuffy blue-blood air to it, Granary Gallery is a great place to see a wide range of work by local artists. The space is huge…
Cape Cod
Eastham’s landmark windmill is the oldest structure in town, although it was actually built in Plymouth (MA) in 1680. It sits in a pretty park by the side…
Cape Cod
Train buffs won't want to miss the 1910 caboose and assorted memorabilia at Chatham's original 1887 railroad depot. The Victorian building is an…
Martha's Vineyard
A mile south of the Oak Bluffs Town Beach is this popular spot, which has calm waters suitable for kids. The Edgarton-side portion of the beach is also…
Boston's Western Suburbs
Two miles south of Lowell center, Kerouac is buried in the Sampas family plot at Edson Cemetery. His grave remains a pilgrimage site for devotees who were…
Boston's Western Suburbs
Recently celebrating its centenary, this long-standing art center hosts free exhibitions, artist talks and other events. Stop by to see what Concord's…
Nantucket
Right in town, Children's Beach is heaven for young kids, with gentle water, a fun playground and picnic facilities. It's along S Beach St at the north…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
This massive monument is dedicated to the namesake soldiers and sailors who died in the Civil War. The four bronze statues represent Peace, History, the…
Pioneer Valley
At the summit of Mt Holyoke, a former hotel dating from 1861 is now a museum and visitor center. Old photographs show Summit House as it was in its heyday…
South Shore
A half-mile east of Town Brook, this is one of the few remaining 17th-century structures in Plymouth. Furnished with early-American artifacts, it's open…
Cape Cod
Surf Drive Beach, on Surf Dr within walking distance of Main St, has full facilities and a straight-on view of Martha's Vineyard. Parking costs $15 in…
Cape Cod
The light, the beaches and the sights of the Cape act as an artist's muse – you can see some of the inspired works of local artists at this classy gallery.
Martha's Vineyard
It's not a long climb to the top, but the Edgartown Lighthouse does have a pretty spectacular panoramic view of the town harbor and Chappaquiddick.
Boston
Designed as the North End neighborhood's 'front yard,' this wide lawn is perfect for picnics, while kiddies can cool off in the Canal Fountain.
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
Paying tribute to the five victims of the Boston Massacre, this 25ft memorial replicates Paul Revere’s famous engraving of the tragic event.
Cape Cod
Oyster Pond Beach, on a calm inlet, is small but the swimming is good and parking is free (but fills up quickly). It's a popular family spot.
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
At the main (Arlington St) entrance to the Public Garden, visitors are met by a statue of George Washington mounted nobly on his horse.
Nantucket
About 1 mile east of Surfside Beach is Nobadeer Beach, below the flight path of the airport. It attracts surfers and a beach-party crowd.
Streetcar Suburbs
Part of the Emerald Necklace, Olmsted Park features a paved path that hugs the banks of Leverett Pond and Ward's Pond in Jamaica Plain.
Cape Cod
Suitably close to Hyannis Harbor, this museum explores the Cape's seafaring connections, especially the local boat-building tradition.
Massachusetts
The Phillips House displays the family furnishings of a Salem sea captain, including a collection of antique carriages and cars.
