Things to do & places to visit in Massachusetts, United States


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Massachusetts #11 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.47 based on 333.4k traveler reviews, of 2.973 attractions. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Friday, March 29, 2024, 8:26.

Top things to do (37)

Top destinations in Massachusetts 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

  1. 5.0 Museum of Fine Arts (8.257 reviews)
    - Great collection
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums
    Museum of Fine Arts image
    Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art. See more..
  2. 5.0 Witch City Walking Tours (4.339 reviews)
    - A Salem MUST Do!
    Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Night Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours
    Witch City Walking Tours image
    The Witch City Walking Tours exceeded our group’s expectations! Please request RYAN as your tour guide as he was well rehearsed, very much knowledgeable about the history of the city and various locations, and frequently checked the understanding/questions of his guests. His passion made the tour 100% more interesting and his punny dad jokes made for a fun time. The tour itself covered information in great detail regarding Salem Witch Trial info., individuals within history in relation to the hysteria, various standing locations, etc. 5 out of 5 stars very well earned! Would not recommend to those not able/fit to walk and stop without seating as it’s a quick moving tour, only stopping with enough time to discuss historical info./stories, and continue moving throughout the city on roughly a 1 mile walk. See more..
  3. 5.0 7 Seas Whale Watch (3.967 reviews)
    - Best Whale Watch!
    Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Dolphin & Whale Watching
    7 Seas Whale Watch image
    Fabulous! Clean comfortable boat that only allows space to150 people, but could easily accept 300. Naturalist was very knowledgeable and went through the entire boat to chat and answer any questions. Worth the drive to Gloucester as your boat ride to the sanctuary is shorter and viewing time is much longer than other companies. Staff is top notch, professional and the entire event ran like a well oiled machine. We took the morning trip and saw eight humpback whales and endless dolphins at close range. The boat is conducive for this. The whales/dolphins fed undaunted and seemingly unaware we were even there. Although never guaranteed, we were lucky enough to see one breach. It was a perfect trip! See more..
  4. 5.0 Boston Segway Tours (2.328 reviews)
    - Memorable Segway Tour!!!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM City Tours • Segway Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours
    Boston Segway Tours image
    This was our first time taking a segway tour of Boston, although we have been on 4 tours in other cities, this one was a great adventure through the streets and bike lanes. We felt very immersed in the city. We chose the 2 hour tour which we would recommend as it covers a wide view of the city. Thompson was our guide and he did a wonderful job guiding us safely through the city and shared his extensive knowledge of the various neighborhoods as well as the historical sights. He gave us breaks and stopped to take pictures. We were fortunate to be the only participants in our tour, so we had a very personal experience! We would definitely do another tour with Boston Segway Tours when visiting Boston! See more..
  5. 5.0 Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours of Salem (1.934 reviews)
    - Highly Recommend!
    Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Night Tours
    Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours of Salem image
    Our tour guide, Jeff, was great! The tour was two hours but his storytelling made time fly. You could tell he has a passion for the true history of the Salem Witch Trials and the city itself. We booked the 5pm tour which was perfect as the crowds on Essex were insane at this time so it gave us something to do while they died down a little bit. See more..
  6. 5.0 Spellbound Tours (1.862 reviews)
    - Michael, the guy with the cool cane and top hat.
    Ghost & Vampire Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Night Tours
    Spellbound Tours image
    Michael is an excellent guy. He has this voice that encapsulates you into the whole experience. Very informative. I especially liked the Houdini story. Would definitely go again. Even though the city is crowded, that’s to be expected, he was patient with waiting to let the others catch up. See more..
  7. 5.0 Crow Haven Corner (1.578 reviews)
    - Personalized Reading by Lorelei
    Speciality & Gift Shops
    Crow Haven Corner image
    I scheduled a reading with Lorelei because I know she puts her heart and soul into her readings. I’ve always had a positive experience and have known her for many years. There is no one like Laurie, she is so attentive. The energy behind each and every one of her readings is something special and something no other tarot reader has been able to make me experience. I highly recommend Laurie, she is naturally gifted and listens closely to her clients. It was a truly beautiful and magical experience today. She even lit a candle at the end of the reading for me. Thank you Lorelei for taking the time to make my reading so special. See more..
  8. 5.0 The Clark Art Institute (1.434 reviews)
    - So Good, We Had To Visit Again
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums
    The Clark Art Institute image
    The Clark Art Institute is best known for its French Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, and especially Pierre-Auguste Renoir, with more than thirty paintings by the artist. The collection is also rich in American paintings by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, George Inness, Frederic Remington, and Mary Cassatt; Italian and Northern Renaissance masterpieces; portraits and landscapes by European masters; and an extraordinary collection of silver, porcelain, and furniture. An active program of special exhibitions brings great works of art from around the world to the museum. Designed by renowned Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, the recently opened Clark Center is the centerpiece of the Clark's campus. The center includes special exhibition galleries as well as retail and dining spaces. It overlooks a dramatic three-tiered reflecting pool, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces and creating a stunning visual connection to the woodland surroundings and other buildings located on the campus. This sweeping new landscape design transforms the Clark's 140-acre campus and underscores new sustainability initiatives. In 1950 the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute was founded as a permanent home for the private art collection of Sterling and Francine Clark. In 1955 Sterling-who was an avid horseman with strong family ties to Williamstown and Cooperstown, New York-and his wife Francine presided at the official opening of the museum, sharing their magnificent yet little-known collection with the world for the first time. Since the founding, the museum has gained international stature for the quality of its collection, innovative special exhibitions, and Research and Academic Program. See more..
  9. 5.0 Lizzie Borden House (1.341 reviews)
    - Great stay!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
    Lizzie Borden House image
    Come visit the location of one of America's most chilling unsolved murders. House tours are conducted every day of the week beginning at 10:30 am, with the last tour going in at 3:30 pm. For our more brave guests, we also rent rooms to stay overnight! Spend the night in America's most haunted B&B if you dare! See more..
  10. 4.5 Freedom Trail (17.7k reviews)
    - Amazing Boston Freedom Trail
    Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas
    Freedom Trail image
    Learn about early Boston and U.S. history on this 2.5-mile-long trail that passes through 16 historic locations. Look out for the brick markers—starting in downtown Boston, crossing through the North End, and finishing at the famous Bunker Hill Monument in neighboring Charlestown. You'll pass by notable stops like Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution frigate. You can embark on the Freedom Trail for free and at your own pace, but audio guides and guided tours are also available. The trail is lined with lots of cool cafes and restaurants for you to fuel up along the way. – Tripadvisor See more..
  11. 4.5 Fenway Park (17.1k reviews)
    - A must do for any baseball fan, but still great for non-fans as well.
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums
    Fenway Park image
    Hallowed ground to baseball fans, this century-old ballpark is the home field of the Boston Red Sox. Fans often flock to Fenway Park to catch a game over beer and hot dogs—the game season typically runs from April through October. You might want to stay till at least the eighth inning to sing “Sweet Caroline” with the crowd. The stadium is also home to the iconic Green Monster wall, a 37-foot-tall left-field wall. Apart from games, you can join a year-round guided tour of the stadium to learn about the history of the sport and the team, as well as get a behind-the-scenes peek into the locker room. – Tripadvisor See more..
  12. 4.5 Boston Public Garden (9.939 reviews)
    - Beautiful Manicured
    Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens
    Boston Public Garden image
    This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park, famous for its Swan Boats, has over 600 varieties of trees and an ever-changing array of flowers. It is America's first public garden. See more..
  13. 4.5 North End (7.225 reviews)
    - Definitely worth a visit
    Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods
    North End image
    Boston's Little Italy is the city’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its Italian restaurants and pastry shops, and centuries-old architecture. Stroll around this Italian American enclave to discover its narrow, cobbled alleys and iconic streets like Hanover Street. The best way to taste some of the fantastic food here is by joining a walking food tour. Or book yourself on a history tour to learn about the significance of landmarks like Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church. The North End is also part of the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that retraces the early history of the United States across 16 significant locations. – Tripadvisor See more..
  14. 4.5 Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (6.597 reviews) from $32.00
    - I solemnly swear that I was not there.
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Ships • History Museums
    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum image
    The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a history lesson you won’t forget. Relive the event that started the American Revolution with historical interpreters, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replicas of 18th-century sailing vessels. Join a town meeting, hang out with talking portraits, and take part in the tradition of tossing tea into the harbor. Then, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in Abigail’s Tea Room or visit the gift shop for some souvenirs. Entry to the museum is on a first come, first-served basis, so join the line early. – Tripadvisor See more..
  15. 4.5 Boston Common (6.505 reviews)
    - So Much History!
    Spent 2-3 hours Parks
    Boston Common image
    Whether it's a summer picnic in the grass or winter ice-skating on Frog Pond, Boston's oldest public park is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city. See more..
  16. 4.5 Boston Public Library (4.069 reviews)
    - Gorgeous building
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries
    Boston Public Library image
    The main branch of the Boston Public Library opened in 1852 as the first free, publicly-funded municipal library in America. The library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses over 20 million items. Enjoy a free tour of the building to learn about its history and marvel at the treasured artworks and architecture that spans three centuries. After that, sit back for a cup of tea in one the library’s tea lounges. When you're done, go shopping or check out the restaurants in Back Bay, the busy district where the library is located. – Tripadvisor See more..
  17. 4.5 John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library (3.974 reviews)
    - A Must-see Museum when visiting Boston
    Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Libraries • History Museums
    John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library image
    Relive the Kennedy era in this dynamic combination museum and library, where your visit starts with a short film and then leaves you on your own to explore a series of fascinating exhibits, including the Kennedy-Nixon debate, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program, 1960s campaign paraphernalia and displays about Jacqueline and other Kennedy family members. The striking, I.M. Pei-designed building overlooks the water and the Boston skyline. See more..
  18. 4.5 USS Constitution Museum (3.644 reviews)
    - Fun Piece of History
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    USS Constitution Museum image
    At the USS Constitution Museum you don't just learn about history, you EXPERIENCE it! Furl a a sail, fire a cannon, and scrub the decks to learn what life was like at sea over 200 years ago. Located across from the ship in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard. The Museum is private non-profit Museum and is operated separately from USS Constitution (the Ship). See more..
  19. 4.5 Quincy Market (3.606 reviews)
    - Foodies Paradise…history meets sustinence
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas • Shopping Malls
    Quincy Market image
    This historic Boston market has been around since 1826, and today has over a hundred pushcarts, shops, restaurants, and food court stops. Across the three market buildings (Quincy Market, South Market and North Market), you can find interesting coffees, artisanal bread, fresh seafood and of course, the Boston favorites: lobster rolls, clam chowder and Boston cream pie. Learn more about its history on a free guided tour by the city, or along with other historic sites in Boston on a walking tour. Located along the Freedom Trail, make a stop on the way to the New England Aquarium, Beacon Hill, and the Museum of Fine Arts. – Tripadvisor See more..
  20. 4.5 Museum of Science (3.339 reviews)
    - As good as I remembered
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums
    Museum of Science image
    The Museum of Science features over 700 interactive and informative exhibits centering around math, engineering, biodiversity, and more. Watch educational shows and live presentations at the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and cool 4D movies at the Mugar Omni Theater, the only domed IMAX screen in New England. Tickets to the museum include access to films and planetarium shows at a discounted rate. The museum is the departure point of the Boston Duck Tour—combine your museum visit with a cruise along the Charles River to enjoy the city’s best sights. – Tripadvisor See more..
  21. 4.5 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (3.245 reviews)
    - A must when visiting Boston
    Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Art Museums
    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum image
    A Venetian palace in the middle of Boston, Gardner's home is now a museum displaying her impressive, eclectic collection of European, American and Asian art, including sculpture, paintings, furniture, ceramics and textiles. Visitors can stroll or rest in a spectacular skylit courtyard filled with plants and flowers. See more..
  22. 4.5 Harvard University (3.164 reviews)
    - Love it
    Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Universities & Schools
    Harvard University image
    Founded in 1636, Harvard is America's oldest institute of higher learning and one of the country's most prestigious universities. Among the illustrious alumni are civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, philosopher Henry David Thoreau, writer Gertrude Stein, composer Leonard Bernstein, cellist Yo Yo Ma and seven U.S. presidents. See more..
  23. 4.5 Old North Church & Historic Site (3.098 reviews)
    - One by land two by sea
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
    Old North Church & Historic Site image
    Built in 1723, Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and an icon of the American Revolution. Old North is famous for the events of April 18, 1775, when allies of Paul Revere secretly climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal that British forces were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land. This daring act ignited the Revolution. $5 admission includes a self-guided tour through the church, with staff available to answer questions. Visitors can also take add-on tours of the church's crypt, gallery, and bell ringing chamber for $5 each. Old North's beautiful campus is also home to two gift shops and the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, which offers free colonial printing demonstrations. See more..
  24. 4.5 The House of the Seven Gables (3.066 reviews)
    - Beautiful grounds and History
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
    The House of the Seven Gables image
    The House of the Seven Gables is open February through December, please visit 7gables.org for opening hours and days as they vary seasonally. Visitors will have the option to enjoy a grounds pass or a guided tour[link to: https://7gables.org/tickets]. Advance reservations are required for both of these experiences. PLEASE NOTE: The grounds pass does not include access to the interior of Turner-Ingersoll Mansion a.k.a The House of the Seven Gables. The only way to access the interior of the mansion is with a guided tour. Notes for your visit: Tickets are available on a rolling basis. We do not have release dates in advance. All purchases are non-refundable. Face masks are required for all visitors ONLY in the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors are required to comply with all site rules or will be asked to leave without a refund. The Museum Store will be open during operating days and hours. See more..
  25. 4.5 Plimoth Patuxet Museums (2.571 reviews) from $32.00
    - Don't miss this!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
    Plimoth Patuxet Museums image
    Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a internationally known living history museum located south of Boston in the picutresque seaside town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, known for telling America's Founding Story with accuracy and vibrancy. It's a journey 400 years back in time! Guests are living history at the museums three exhibit locations - - Plimoth Patuxet (Patuxet Homesite, 17th-Century English Village, Craft Center, Davis Gallery Exhibit featuring We Gather Together - 400th anniversary of Thanksgiving and History in a New Light: Illuminating the Archaeology of Historic Patuxet and Plymouth". - The Mayflower II (National Register of Historic Places) docked at Plymouth Harbor. Climb aboard and experience what the 1620 crossing was like for the Pilgrims, - and the Plimoth Grist Mill a working reproduction set in the original 1636 location. Spend all day exploring or choose to visit Plimoth Patuxet today and the Mayflower and the mill on your way back from Cape Cod & the Islands. See more..
  26. 4.5 New England Holocaust Memorial (2.546 reviews)
    - Very Interesting Memorial
    Monuments & Statues • History Museums
    New England Holocaust Memorial image
    The six glass towers of this striking memorial serve to represent the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, six main Nazi death camps and the candles on a menorah. See more..
  27. 4.5 Samuel Adams Brewery (2.528 reviews)
    - Got to be done...
    Friday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries
    Samuel Adams Brewery image
    Visit us at the Sam Adams Boston Brewery! Join one of our experiences to learn about the brew process of our R&D brewhouse or dive into exclusive barrel-aged beers paired with local cheese. Our Beer Garden and Taproom feature a constant rotation of limited-release beers and events like weekly trivia and live music. See more..
  28. 4.5 Norman Rockwell Museum (2.526 reviews)
    - A MUST SEE if you're in the area!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums
    Norman Rockwell Museum image
    Founded in 1969, this museum has the world's largest and most significant collection of Rockwell drawings and paintings. See more..
  29. 4.5 Newbury Street (2.498 reviews)
    - Old Boston street has new city vibe with eats, arts, and boutiques!
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    Newbury Street image
    Boston's chic shopping address mixes elegant boutiques with funky salons and trendy galleries. See more..
  30. 4.5 USS Constitution (2.403 reviews)
    - A great piece of history in Boston
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ships
    USS Constitution image
    Such a cool piece of history alive in Boston. The ship is huge and there are so many things to see on board. Even navy sailors are on board to answer questions. The boat is free and the museum has a suggested donation entrance fee of $10+. The museum was super interactive for children and even kept my 16 yr old brother entertained! Overall, so much information and a great part of history to learn about in Boston. See more..
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More Things to do in Massachusetts 130

  1. Points of Interest & Landmarks
  2. Architectural Buildings
  3. Churches & Cathedrals
  4. Historic Sites
  5. Ancient Ruins
  6. Art Museums
  7. Speciality Museums
  8. History Museums
  9. Religious Sites
  10. Castles
  11. Bridges
  12. Historic Walking Areas
  13. Gardens
  14. Mountains
  15. Marinas
  16. Piers & Boardwalks
  17. Waterfalls
  18. Wineries & Vineyards
  19. Nature & Wildlife Areas
  20. Cooking Classes
  21. Speciality & Gift Shops
  22. Safaris
  23. Private Tours
  24. Day Trips
  25. Taxis & Shuttles
  26. Health Clubs
  27. Scuba & Snorkelling
  28. Boat Tours
  29. Sightseeing Tours
  30. Horseback Riding Tours
  31. City Tours
  32. Lookouts
  33. Monuments & Statues
  34. Neighborhoods
  35. Bodies of Water
  36. Theaters
  37. Geologic Formations
  38. Beaches
  39. National Parks
  40. Ferries
  41. Hiking Trails
  42. Game & Entertainment Centers
  43. Biking Trails
  44. Scenic Walking Areas
  45. Escape Games
  46. Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
  47. Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
  48. Ranches
  49. Shopping Malls
  50. Water Parks
  51. Amusement & Theme Parks
  52. Observatories & Planetariums
  53. Children's Museums
  54. Public Transportation Systems
  55. Flea & Street Markets
  56. Visitor Centers
  57. Sports Camps & Clinics
  58. Breweries
  59. Lessons & Workshops
  60. Islands
  61. Bus Services
  62. Golf Courses
  63. Movie Theaters
  64. Art Galleries
  65. Antique Shops
  66. Educational sites
  67. Sports Complexes
  68. Government Buildings
  69. Theatre & Performances
  70. Aquariums
  71. Cemeteries
  72. Military Museums
  73. Forests
  74. Scenic Drives
  75. Science Museums
  76. Ski & Snowboard Areas
  77. Libraries
  78. Playgrounds
  79. Arenas & Stadiums
  80. Mysterious Sites
  81. Farmers Markets
  82. Natural History Museums
  83. Kayaking & Canoeing
  84. Bars & Clubs
  85. Fishing Charters & Tours
  86. Historical & Heritage Tours
  87. Lighthouses
  88. Distilleries
  89. Casinos
  90. Convention Centers
  91. Cultural Events
  92. Dance Clubs & Discos
  93. Beer Tastings & Tours
  94. Factory Tours
  95. Photography Tours
  96. Ghost & Vampire Tours
  97. Bar, Club & Pub Tours
  98. Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
  99. River Rafting & Tubing
  100. Dolphin & Whale Watching
  101. Helicopter Tours
  102. Air Tours
  103. State Parks
  104. Paint & Pottery Studios
  105. Universities & Schools
  106. Surfing & Windsurfing
  107. Gear Rentals
  108. Symphonies
  109. Skydiving
  110. Wine Bars
  111. Ski & Snow Tours
  112. Rail Services
  113. Shooting Ranges
  114. Auto Racing Tracks
  115. Department Stores
  116. Jogging Paths & Tracks
  117. Dinner Theaters
  118. Factory Outlets
  119. Cross-country Ski Areas
  120. Bowling Alleys
  121. Coffeehouses
  122. Yoga & Pilates
  123. Miniature Golf
  124. Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours
  125. Other Outdoor Activities
  126. Country & Western Bars
  127. Gay Bars
  128. Concerts
  129. Cigar Bars
  130. Comedy Clubs
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