21 top things to do in Massachusetts

18.12.2024 - 15:03 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 17, 2024 • 13 min read

Whether you want to gain a new perspective on American history, explore unusual art venues or eat your weight in cannolis, Massachusetts is ready for you. From the bustling energy of Boston to the quaint charm of its coastal and mountain towns, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. 

The Bay State is home to iconic landmarks like Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail, as well the stunning beaches of Cape Cod and the tree-blanketed Berkshires. Whether you’re looking to dive deep into history, enjoy the great outdoors or uncover the state’s whimsical side, here are 21 fun things to do in Massachusetts.

Boston, the most-visited city in Massachusetts, has no shortage of things to do. If you had to pick just one, though, how about reliving a famous moment in history? It’s a fun way to dive into the city’s rich past. The renowned Boston Tea Party helped pave the way to the American Revolutionary War – and nothing showcases this history quite like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This in-person, interactive must-visit historical site allows visitors to adopt a historic persona, engage in heated debates and shout “Huzzah!” as they join the Sons of Liberty in storming ships and hoisting crates of tea overboard.

Set in 26 buildings on 19 acres, this extraordinary contemporary-art museum occupies the former site of the Sprague Electric Company in the Berkshires town of North Adams. The sprawling post-industrial campus has brick facades, football field-sized rooms, open-air courtyards, hidden passageways, covered viaducts and other nooks and crannies.

And every one of them is filled with art – bold, bizarre, eyebrow-raising, head-scratching, mind-boggling art, all frequently refreshed via rotating exhibitions. For a brilliant immersive experience, walk through Sol LeWitt’s Wall Drawing Retrospective, which occupies nearly one acre of wall space all by itself.

The North End is a little slice of the old country in the heart of Boston. Dining out in the North End is a delightful and delicious experience – only most restaurants don’t serve dessert.

That’s because they can’t top the sweets on offer at local bakeries. Light and crispy on the outside, sweet and creamy on the inside, cannolis are sheer perfection in a pastry – and a North End specialty.

Where’s the best place to go for cannoli in the North End? The famous Italian bakeries are on Hanover St, though Bova’s Bakery on Salem St serves equally scrumptious cannolis without the mile-long lines.

The best time to visit Massachusetts

There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing a majestic whale launch its massive body out of the water or flip its tail as if saying hello. These types of sightings are (almost) guaranteed on a cruise to the