Quick Summary:

  • What makes Massachusetts a great family destination?
    • Massachusetts is known for its abundance of things to see and do with the whole family.
  • What are some must-visit places in Massachusetts?
    • Visit the famous Nantucket Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Cape Cod which are like their own hidden worlds, complete with picturesque lighthouses and excellent beaches.
  • What else does Massachusetts offer to travelers?
    • Western Massachusetts offers stunning fall foliage and many unique museums. There’s also music at Springfield's Symphony Hall and hoops at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
  • Which college towns can be visited in Massachusetts?
    • Massachusetts has some of the world’s most idyllic college towns like Northampton and Amherst.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Norman Rockwell Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Norman Rockwell Museum | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Norman Rockwell Museum

2. Peabody Essex Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Peabody Essex Museum | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Peabody Essex Museum

3. Old Sturbridge Village

Old Sturbridge Village | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Old Sturbridge Village

4. Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield

Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Courtesy of sphraner - Fotolia.com

5. The Clark Art Institute

Category: Museums & Culture
The Clark Art Institute | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© The Clark Art Institute

6. The House of the Seven Gables, Salem

The House of the Seven Gables, Salem | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© The House of the Seven Gables

7. New Bedford Whaling Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
New Bedford Whaling Museum | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© New Bedford Whaling Museum

8. Fenway Park

Category: Activities
Fenway Park | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Courtesy of viva la penler - Fotolia.com

9. Boston Public Garden

Category: Activities
Boston Public Garden | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

10. Tanglewood

Tanglewood | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Tanglewood

11. Museum of Fine Arts

Category: Museums & Culture
Museum of Fine Arts | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Museum of Fine Arts

12. Whaling Museum, Nantucket

Category: Museums & Culture
Whaling Museum, Nantucket | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Whaling Museum

13. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Boston

Category: Museums & Culture
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Boston | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

14. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

15. Herrell's

Herrell's | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Herrell's

16. Lizzie Borden House and Breakfast Museum

Category: Food & Drink
Lizzie Borden House and Breakfast Museum | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Lizzie Borden House and Breakfast Museum

17. The Printing Office of Edes & Gill

The Printing Office of Edes & Gill | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© The Printing Office of Edes & Gill

18. Adams National Historical Park

Category: Activities
Adams National Historical Park | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Firma V - Fotolia.com

19. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Category: Attractions
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Courtesy of malkovkosta - Fotolia.com

20. Jenney Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Jenney Museum | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Jenney Museum

21. MIT Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
MIT Museum | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© MIT Museum

22. The Museum of Russian Icons

Category: Museums & Culture
The Museum of Russian Icons | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© The Museum of Russian Icons

23. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch

Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch

24. AHA! New Bedford

AHA! New Bedford | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© AHA! New Bedford

25. Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Category: Shopping
Faneuil Hall Marketplace | Things to Do in Massachusetts
© Courtesy of david9039 - Fotolia.com

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