11 Most Loved Tourist Attractions In Massachusetts
Massachusetts is one of New England’s proudest gems, brimming with ocean beauty, arts, scenic beaches, pretty islands, seafood, and fascinating cultures. History is also a draw to the Bay State, being one of the original 13 colonies, with the many museums in Boston preserving them. As nature, history, and other elements harmonize, the state becomes a touristy hot spot. From the oldest lighthouse in America to the sensational and historic witch trials of Salem, there are endless things to see, do, and learn. Without further ado, here are 11 tourist attractions that have, over time, become favorites for locals and visitors in the Bay State.
Boston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Boston
Massachusetts boasts a thriving musical scene, which is represented at the Symphony Hall in Boston, where the Boston Symphony Orchestra thrills music fans. The orchestra was founded in 1881 and has filled any musical void in the city of Boston through its various repertoires ranging from classical to contemporary pieces. Visiting the Symphony Hall and watching a performance by the orchestra is a must-visit for every music lover in Boston. Furthermore, in summer, the orchestra moves out of the city to its summer home - Tanglewood, nestled in the woods of the Berkshires region in the town of Lenox. Fans can always join this fine orchestra in their summer home to experience scintillating performances in a scenic and airy outdoor setting.
Boston Light, Little Brewster Island, Boston
There are over 45 lighthouses dotting the coastline of Massachusetts, and visitors are always welcome to marvel at the Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail. However, Boston Light on Little Brewster Island stands out for being the oldest lighthouse in the US that is still in use. This lighthouse was built in 1716 and has been a beacon on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, casting its light beams 27 miles into the waters. Visitors can tour this lighthouse to learn about its history and how it has been subject to many destructions and reconstructions. The tour may last for about two hours and promises to be insightful, inspiring, and exciting.
Adams National Historic Park, Quincy
The Adams National Historical Park in Quincy is the birthplace of two American Presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. President John Adams was born on this site in 1735 and became America’s second president. His son, President John Quincy Adams, was also born here in 1767 and served as the sixth president of the US. The park preserves their birth homes and a Stone Library, which includes the book collection of John Quincy Adams. In total, there are 11 structures on the site dedicated to the relics and history of the four generations of the Adams family. Guided tours are required to explore the birthplaces, including the United First Parish Church, where both presidents worshipped and were buried.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Lanesborough
The Mount Greylock State Reservation Area is a haven for hikers and mountain climbers while offering a unique diversion from the beach and ocean life Massachusetts is known for. The mountain is spectacular as it is the highest peak in the state at 3,491 feet. Hikers can ascend to the summit of this mountain to enjoy vantage views of the majestic scenery of rolling hills, lush valleys, forests, and small towns on the foothills below. The summit can be reached via a 16-mile paved Scenic Byway. Also at the summit is a magnificent War Memorial Tower with an observation deck to take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the scenery. Meanwhile, there are about 70 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in the area, including an 11.5-mile section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through it.
New England Aquarium, Boston
The New England Aquarium in Boston is an intriguing world of aquatic splendor, featuring exhibits that highlight the essence and details of marine life. The aquarium is one of the most loved and visited tourist attractions in Massachusetts, drawing over 1.3 million visitors. The main exhibit is the Giant Ocean Tank - the largest in the aquarium, holding 200,000 gallons of saltwater and featuring sea turtles, hundreds of tropical fishes, sharks, stingrays, and eels, among other creatures. Other exhibits in the aquarium include Marine Mammals, African Penguins, and four small galleries - Tropical, Temperate, Fresh Water, and Northern Waters Galleries. There is also a Whale Watch Show from April to October in partnership with Boston Harbor Cruises, while Simons Theatre does it for premium movie entertainment on screens that are up to five stories tall.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Salem
Salem is an interesting and historic small town in Massachusetts that rose to prominence for its witch trials between February 1692 and May 1693. During this period, over 200 people were accused of witchcraft; some were jailed and died in prison, one was tortured to death, and 19 were openly executed by hanging, raising widespread criticisms across the US. Today, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial in the town of Salem honors the lives lost during the unfortunate witch trials saga. The memorial features four-foot-high walls made of granite, with granite benches representing each of the accused. The name of the accused, execution style, and execution date are engraved on each granite bench. On the stone threshold of the memorial, there are chilling inscriptions from the accused, such as "God knows I'm innocent." A visit to this attraction is sure to get emotional.
Martha’s Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard is a worthy outdoor recreational alternative to Cape Cod National Seashore and sits on an island in the Atlantic Ocean seven miles south of the Seashore. The Vineyard incorporates six small towns and an expansive stretch of pristine sugar-white sand beaches for sunbathing, playing, picnicking, swimming, and promenading. The beaches also offer access to the ocean for water sports adventures and fishing activities. Furthermore, the island is home to lighthouses, sand bluffs, farmlands, and historic attractions. Oak Bluff is one of the towns on the island, renowned for its gingerbread cottage homes and the flying horse's carousel. Aquinnah, or Gay Head, spots one of the most visited overlooks on the island - the Aquinnah Cliffs, with views of Gay Head Lighthouse. Visitors can also stroll on the lower beach to see the Clay Cliffs properly or hike the upper trails to the clifftops to capture dreamy views of the ocean scenery.
Cape Cod National Seashore, East Ham and Provincetown
Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the outdoor highlights in Massachusetts boasting flawless, pristine natural beauty. Across its 40-mile stretch from Eastham to Provincetown, this eastern section of Cape Cod is sprinkled with scenic beaches and lighthouses. The beaches are playgrounds where tourists can sunbathe, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, fish, stroll, build sandcastles, and launch into the water for kayaking and surfing. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches in East Ham, while Herring Cove and Racepoint beaches are among the best in Provincetown. There are also walking and biking trails to explore its coastal dunes, woodlands, and salt marshes while spotting wildlife such as deer, coyotes, chipmunks, and squirrels. Some prominent hiking trails in the Seashore include the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp (1.2-mile loop), Nauset Marsh (1.3-mile loop), and Great Island (8.8 miles round trip).
Museum of Science, Boston
The Museum of Science in Boston is an iconic attraction for scientific fanatics, students, curious kids, and anyone who is intrigued by the world of science. It houses over 700 interactive exhibits cutting across varying aspects of science. From animal and space exhibits to the Arctic, AI, and Dinosaurs, every visitor is bound to be thrilled and inspired here. One of the museum’s highlight activities is the Lightning Show - an electricity exhibition using the world’s largest air-insulated Van de Graaff Generator and Tesla Coils. Also, one of its animal exhibits - Survival of the Slowest, stands out for featuring snakes, sloths, and other slow-paced animals in their unique world. Exhibits in the museum are constantly evolving, creating new twists and fascinations for every visitor and incorporating groundbreaking innovations in the world of science.
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
Norman Rockwell was one of America’s most acclaimed artists and was immensely loved for his incredible works. An entire museum is dedicated to this great artist in the Berkshires and houses the largest collection of his works globally. Norman moved to Stockbridge in 1953, at the peak of his painting career, and created his works in a renovated 1830s carriage barn studio. He devoted the last 25 years of his life to painting masterpieces and winning the hearts of art fans across the US. His paintings ranged from small-town gatherings to humor and scenes depicting the broader American setting. Some of his best works preserved at the museum include the Four Freedoms and Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas.
Freedom Trail, Boston
If there is only one attraction to explore in Massachusetts, then it should be the Freedom Trail in Boston. This 2.5-mile trail courses through the quaint streets of Boston, revealing some of the most iconic monuments and historic attractions in Colonial America. A walk through this trail feels like going back in time, and with many stops along the route, one could easily spend an entire day here without noticing. There are about 16 monumental and historic attractions on the trail for visitors to explore and either cringe or beam with smiles. Some of the notable attractions include the Old State House, the city’s oldest public building, built in 1713. It is also the site of the famous Boston Massacre, and tourists can explore the interior of this building. Others include North End, a renowned Italian neighborhood; Old North Church, the oldest in Boston; USS Constitution, the oldest warship in the US; and Massachusetts State House, the seat of government, built-in 1798.
The Bay State offers a cocktail of amazing experiences for visitors and stands as one of the touristy jewels in the US. A visit here is always an immersion into the glowing world of arts, the pathways of history, or the charming outdoors defined by mountains, beaches, bays, and magnificent shores. Some of its tourist attractions stand out as favorites, and for good reasons. They are either sensational and inspiring or educative and irresistibly beautiful. With many options available, every tourist is bound to have a good time in Massachusetts.
