Massachusetts

✨ Things to Do

Massachusetts is a multi-faceted state. It is famous for its many historical, natural, coastal, and art-related activities:

• Go on a Tour of Museums – Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Museum of Science, and the Peabody Essex Museum.
• Learn About History – Massachusetts has a rich history. Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail is a popular site, along with churches, meeting houses, and burial sites.
• Root for the Red Sox – Cheer on the Red Sox at Fenway Park, America’s oldest major league baseball stadium. Then, enjoy food and drinks in the Back Bay Fens area.
• Relax at Cape Cod – Enjoy beautiful Cape Cod beaches. Walk or bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail with beautiful scenery of Cape Cod towns. 
• Visit the Spooky City of Salem – Explore all things witches, ghosts, and goblins, as well as the House of the Seven Gables.

👉 Read the full list of best things to do in Massachusetts.

🗺️ Where to Stay

Massachusetts is filled with amazing places to stay whether you’re visiting for sports, history, culture, or beach activities. These are the top areas:

• Boston – The perfect combination of old and new. Experience centuries-old neighborhoods, art, culture, history, and a breathtaking skyline. 
• Cambridge – Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are in Cambridge. It’s also home to student hangouts, art venues, and more. 
• Rockport – One of Massachusetts’ most eclectic towns. The seaside village has unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and magical views. 
• Nantucket – This remote island is a charming escape filled with maritime history, culture, and simply beautiful nature. 
• Plymouth – Famous for its premier living history experiences. See replicas of houses, farmyards, villages, and a replica Mayflower II. 

🛎️ Best Hotels

Massachusetts offers a wide range of accommodations. From wonderful B&Bs in restored homes to luxury hotels in the city—there are options for a variety of tastes and budgets.

• White Elephant Hotel – A luxury landmark hotel in Nantucket with recently updated suites and rooms. The building is gorgeous and overlooks the harbor. 
• The Archer Hotel – This boutique, business-friendly hotel is in a walkable town center in Burlington, surrounded by unique shops and restaurants. 
• The Verb – A boutique, music-themed hotel in Boston. The Verb is steps away from Fenway Park and offers a retro, rock & roll experience.
• Cape Cod Veranda – A family resort minutes away from the Barnstable Municipal Airport. There’s an outdoor pool, a shared lounge with continental breakfast, and more.
• Addison Choate – This boutique hotel offers visitors a coastal vibe with historic charm,  in the heart of Rockport.

🚗 Best Road Trips

You are in for a treat with a road trip in Massachusetts. Take a drive to cascading waterfalls or experience the breathtaking views of fall foliage in New England.

• Foliage Road Trip – Enjoy fall foliage along the Mohawk Trail. Start your trip at Appleton Farms, go through the town of Deerfield, and end at Savoy Mountain State Forest. 
• Christmas Lights Road Trip – Check out magical holiday lighting at Bright Nights Forest Park and then make your way to La Salette Festival of Lights. 
• Waterfalls Road Trip – Start at Doane Falls to tour Massachusetts’ best waterfalls. Take this 8-hour road trip in the springtime for heavy flowing waterfalls.
• Lighthouse Road Trip – Start your picturesque drive at Crane’s Beach and make your way down to Cape Cod. I recommend this road trip in the summer.
• Central Hills Loop – This underrated road trip features the most scenic spots in Massachusetts and takes you through a gorgeous line of fall foliage. 

⛱️ Best Beaches

Massachusetts is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Maine. Countless beaches line its long 200 miles of coastline. 

• Singing Beach – Singing Beach is south of Manchester-by-the-Sea and is calm, quiet, and features beautiful views. 
• South Beach – This endless stretch of beach near Martha’s Vineyard is known for its rough waves, perfect for boogie-boarding, surfing, and kitesurfing.
• Good Harbour Beach – A peaceful beach near Gloucester, perfect for paddling and searching for crabs and shells at low tide.
• Mayflower Beach – Along Cape Cod Bay, Mayflower Beach is home to calm waters, stunning views, and epic outdoor activities. 
• Crane Beach – A breathtaking beach with a pristine coastline, scenic trails, and a protected conservation area on Ipswich Bay.

⛰️ Best Mountains

Western Massachusetts is full of incredible peaks, rolling hills and stunning mountain views. Here are my top picks for the best mountains in Massachusetts:

• Mount Greylock – The highest peak in Massachusetts. Visitors can drive to the summit and explore 70 miles of hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing trails. 
• The Berkshires – Highlights of this mountainous region include a section of the Appalachian Trail, Mohawk Trail State Forest, Mount Washington State Forest, and Bash-Bish Falls.
• Saddle Ball Mountain – The second highest mountain in Massachusetts. You can reach the summit of Saddle Ball Mountain by taking the Appalachian Trail. 
• Wachusett Mountain – Wachusett Mountain is over 2,000 feet above sea level and offers many recreational activities including skiing in the winter.

⛷️ Best Ski Resorts

Massachusetts is home to many winter sports destinations. These ski resorts make the perfect getaway from busy city life:

• Wachusett Mountain – A family-friendly ski resort that offers night skiing and two family trails. The resort hosts fun events like “Science on the Slopes.” 
• Jiminy Peak – New skiers will love this resort. Over half of Jiminy Peak’s trails are suited for beginners making it a great resort to learn. 
• Blue Hills – This ski resort is the closest to Boston and can be done as a day trip. There is a mix of beginner and advanced slopes. Night-skiing is also offered.
• Ski Butternut – The largest ski resort in Massachusetts with 12 miles of slopes, over 10 ski lifts, and a fantastic tubing course. 

🖼️ Best Museums

Massachusetts is home to some of the most beautiful museums, whatever the time of year may be. Here are my top picks:

• Boston Children’s Museum – Highlights of this educational kids museum include the Art Lab, Construction Zone, and the STEAM Lab. You can bring your own lunch here.
• Boston Museum of Fine Arts – One of the largest art museums in the world with over 100 galleries. Events like lectures, film viewings, and art classes are hosted here.
• Peabody Essex Museum – A Salem museum with works of art and culture from around the world including Native American artifacts and a Fashion + Design Gallery. 
• Museum of Science – This Boston museum has exhibits showcasing dinosaur fossils, human biology, and more. It’s perfect for all ages.
• The Harvard Museum of Natural Science – This museum is all about the natural world. Highlights include the Glass Flower exhibits and the Great Mammal Hall.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 🗣️ – Brush Up on Your Pronunciation – Some Massachusetts cities and towns are confusing to pronounce. Worcester is often mispronounced and should be pronounced “wuh-staa.”
• 🏨 – Book Your Hotel Early – Book accommodations early if you plan to visit in the summer, spring, and fall. Winter offers good hotel deals.
• 🅿️ – Parking in Boston – The “perfect parking spot” in Boston does not exist. Do not pass up on a parking spot.
• 📜 – Brush Up on Your History – Brush up on history while visiting Massachusetts. History is on every corner and will play a part in any visit.  
• 🌡️ – Always Check the Weather – The weather is unpredictable in Massachusetts. Carry an umbrella in the summer and keep gloves handy in the fall.

🧳 What to Pack

• 👟 – Comfortable Shoes – Massachusetts is pretty walkable. Pack comfortable walking or hiking shoes, whether in the city or in the countryside.
• 🧥 – Jackets – Pack layers—shirts, sweaters, jackets, vests—to be prepared for unpredictable weather
• 🎒 – Bag – Keep a bag or daypack handy so you can keep weather gear like an umbrella or gloves handy.
• ☀️ – Beach Things – Summer is a busy time in Massachusetts. Bring a swimsuit for beach days and plenty of sunblock. 
• ⚫ – Black Attire – Massachusetts locals dress conservatively. Black is the dominant clothing color. Other colors range in neutrals such as navy, taupe, and gray.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Population – 6.95 Million
• Capital – Boston
• Largest Metro Areas – Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell
• Time Zone – Eastern Time Zone
• Airports – Boston Logan International Airpoirt (BOS), Worcester Regional Airport (ORH), Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK), Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY), Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA)
• Colleges & Universities – Harvard University, Boston College, Northeastern University, MIT, Berklee College of Music
• Nickname – The Bay State, The Baked Bean State, The Codfish State, The Spirit of America
• Demonynm – Massachusetts, Baystater, or most popular Masshole
• USPS Abbreviation – MA
• Governor – Maura Healey (Democratic Party)
• Country – United States of America

💵 Costs & Budgeting

• MERIC Cost of Living State Rank – 50th most affordable 
• 3 Star Hotel Room – $120  -200+/night
• 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $120+/night
• Rental Car – $30/day
• Public Transit Ticket – $1.50-$2.50
• Take Out Meal for Two – $25-$35
• Sit Down Dinner for Two – $50+
• Draft Beer – $8