Massachusetts
New England's most populous state, Massachusetts packs in appealing variety, from the sandy beaches of Cape Cod to college towns of the Pioneer Valley to the woodsy hills of the Berkshires. The state's rich history oozes from almost every quarter: discover the shoreline in Plymouth, where the Pilgrims first settled in the New World; explore the battlefields in Lexington and Concord, where the first shots of the American Revolution rang out; and wander the cobbled streets and old ports of Salem, Nantucket and New Bedford, where whaling and merchant boats once docked.
Sailing off the Esplanade on the Charles River.
- Brekke Fletcher|Apr 1, 2026Martha's Vineyard vs Nantucket: which dreamy Massachusetts island is better?
- Mara Vorhees|Nov 18, 202520 top things to do in Massachusetts
- John Garry|Dec 2, 2024The 14 best things to do in quirky, joyous Provincetown
- Mara Vorhees|Sep 19, 202410 of the best things to do in Salem, Massachusetts
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Top places to visit in Massachusetts
Discover the best attractions in Massachusetts from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
Travel Guides
Massachusetts travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Best Things to Do
There's more to historic Salem than witch trials. Plan your visit with this guide to the best things to do in this New England town.
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Things to Know
A local's guide to everything you need to know before visiting Massachusetts.
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Free Things to Do
Massachusetts has countless free places to visit and things to do, including museums, historic sites, lighthouses and scenic natural areas.
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Best Road Trips
The best road trips in Massachusetts offer history, scenery, and some sublime cultural attractions.
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Money and Costs
Traveling on a budget? Here are practical tips on how to save money on your trip to Massachusetts.
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Best Places to Visit
From Cape Cod’s glorious dunes and Cambridge’s tasty food scene to the spooky witches of Salem, here are the best places to visit in Massachusetts.
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