Art, colonial history & pride, music, beautiful coastlines, peaceful islands, and bustling urban life, everything comes as a package when you visit Massachusetts. There are numerous destinations to explore in Massachusetts which were discovered during the early days of America. It is one of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States. Massachusetts has played a crucial role in America’s fight for independence. Every corner of the state is filled with remnants of the past. Massachusetts is an ideal place to visit with friends and family, leaving behind unforgettable memories. It is regarded as one of the top places to reside in the United States of America.
10 Destinations To Explore In Massachusetts
Here are some of the places you must not miss when planning a trip to the United States of America. Check out a few of them below.
1. Berkshire
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Berkshire is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Boston and is located in the western part of Massachusetts. The town rests on the slopes of a verdant mountain, offering enchanting sights such as waterfalls and other natural beauties. It is a place where nature and the arts harmonize. Berkshire is one of the most stunning hilly regions in Massachusetts and also boasts the largest waterfalls in the state. Couples can enjoy hill climbing, creating unforgettable experiences. The region also offers numerous hiking trails.
How to get there: You can reach Massachusetts from Boston or New York City airports. There are several roads connecting Berkshire to Boston. You can also opt for an Amtrak train ticket.
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2. Plum Island
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Plum Island is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Several spots on Plum Island offer fantastic bird-watching opportunities. It serves as a breeding ground for various bird species that migrate there during specific seasons of the year. Plum Island is connected to the mainland via a bridge from Newburyport. The place derives its name from the plums that naturally grow there. There are plenty of hotels that offer great accommodation at affordable rates, allowing you to fully indulge in the beauty of nature during your stay.
How to arrive: One can arrive at Plum Island mostly via road. There is also a charter that operates between Ocean Avenue in the mainland and the island. The prices are not excessively high.
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3. Northampton
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If you are a history enthusiast and you are very progressive by principles, then you must include Northampton on your itinerary while you are visiting Massachusetts. The place is renowned for the numerous colleges in the area. One of the state’s oldest women’s college is situated in Northampton. There is a lively student-teacher atmosphere in the place. There are many places where one can hike for a very long time. Despite being located in the central part of the state, the place is filled with abundant green spaces.
How to arrive: The airports at Boston and Rhode Islands are approximately 90 miles away from Northampton. Therefore, one can hire a taxi or rent a vehicle and reach Northampton. Amtrak operates trains from South Station in Boston to Springfield station in Northampton.
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4. Nantucket Island
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Nantucket Island is one of the top destinations to visit in Massachusetts and a place that holds a significant position in the history of the United States of America. This is the place where Native Americans migrated after the Europeans settled in their lands. Today, Nantucket Island has very high property value. There are many historic mansions and approximately 11,000 people reside on the island year-round. There are numerous harbors, cliffs, beaches, historic lighthouses, and gardens. It is so peaceful that one can find serenity and tranquility there. Many artists and those in the creative industry frequently visit this place. Numerous art festivals are held throughout the year.
How to arrive: No bridge connects Nantucket to the mainland. Therefore, one cannot reach Nantucket by road. One can reach Nantucket Island either by sea or by air. One should arrive at a Massachusetts airport, then take a ferry ride to reach the island that takes approximately 2 hours.
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5. New Bedford
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New Bedford is one of the top ten cities in Massachusetts. It is also referred to as the whaling city since it served as a whaling hub during the 19th century throughout the World wars. Whaling is regarded as a ceremonial practice in numerous parts of the world and the museum situated in New Bedford is dedicated to whale enthusiasts, showcasing numerous whale skeletons. Aside from its association with whaling, the location is also home to an important chapel, adding a touch of spirituality to the area. Several places in the district provide significant insights into the history of the United States of America. New Bedford is also renowned for its firefighting equipment.
How to arrive: It only takes about an hour to travel from Boston to New Bedford by road. There are buses available every four hours daily between Boston and New Bedford. International flights operate from Boston airport.
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6. Martha’s Vineyard
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The region of New England is one of the oldest areas in the United States of America since it was established during the early days of its founding. Martha’s Vineyard is situated in the New England region. It is visited by many people during the summer season. This location has been featured in numerous films, including Jaws in 1974. Many famous individuals choose to spend their vacations in Martha’s Vineyard due to its picturesque surroundings. If you are a passionate enthusiast of aquatic sports, it is essential to not overlook visiting Martha’s Vineyard. The hills of Martha’s Vineyard offer a splendid view of the cityscape. The beaches in Martha’s Vineyard are ideal for swimming.
How to arrive: One can arrive at Martha’s Vineyard by taking a ferry service from Cape Cod. This is the sole means of reaching Martha’s Vineyard from other cities in Massachusetts.
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7. Salem
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If you are an individual who eagerly awaits Halloween each year, then when planning a trip to the United States, visiting Salem in Massachusetts is a must. Salem served as the location for witchcraft trials during the time when the Puritans had control. One can experience eerie occurrences throughout the year when visiting Salem during those days. However, if one wishes to gain insight into the happenings of witchcraft, a visit to the Witchcraft Museum in Salem is recommended. The place is also renowned for its artistic and cultural atmosphere.
How to arrive: The most convenient way to reach Salem from Boston is by road or commuter rail. One can reach Boston airport and then travel to Salem by train or by renting a vehicle.
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8. Cape Cod
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Cape Cod is a peninsula situated in the eastern region of Massachusetts. This is the place where the pilgrims settled when they were unable to establish a settlement near the Hudson River in New York. It witnesses a high influx of visitors during the summer season. It serves as the connecting point to reach the islands that are scattered across Massachusetts. There are several historical sites on Cape Cod that originate from the 17th century. Princetown, located at the tip of the peninsula, is the place where the European pilgrims first landed. Barnstable has become a popular tourist destination as it is home to one of the residences of the Kennedy family. Cape Cod also boasts numerous cranberry fields and beaches that are suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
How to arrive: Cape Cod can be reached from Boston International airport. There are no trains that link Boston and Cape Cod. One can also reach Cape Cod by car. However, it is preferable to take a ferry trip as it allows for a significant reduction in travel time compared to going by road.
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9. Boston
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Being the capital city of Massachusetts, this place is the residence of a variety of historical landmarks. From making a mark in history by hosting the Boston Tea Party that acted as the catalyst for the American Revolution to becoming one of the most financially productive cities in the USA, Boston has made significant progress. If you have an appreciation for the arts and music, you should definitely visit this city. The region is also known as Beantown since beans were slowly cooked in molasses and served as a breakfast dish. If you want to experience an authentic taste of cooked beans, then you must try it out while you are in Boston.
How to arrive: Boston has one of the largest airports in the United States of America. It serves both international and domestic flights. To travel around Boston, you can either book a taxi or take train journeys.
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10. Plymouth
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Plymouth is the location where the pilgrims first landed in 1620 when they migrated to the USA in search of religious freedom. The place has been preserved without any alterations to safeguard the history of the USA. Visitors can also explore the Mayflower, which was used to transport people across the Atlantic. Plymouth is one of the earliest settlements in the USA. Additionally, there are a few golf courses in Plymouth, making it a unique destination.
How to arrive: You can reach Plymouth by taking a taxi or renting a vehicle in the USA. Trains operate every three hours from Boston to Plymouth. One option is to fly into Boston airport and then travel to Plymouth.
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Therefore, there are numerous reasons why individuals should visit Massachusetts at least once in their lifetime. One can organize a family vacation here as there are numerous places to explore in Massachusetts. The location is designed to accommodate and satisfy the preferences of every family member. Due to the well-established connections of the state, it becomes an unmissable destination in the USA. So, without any further delay, plan your journey to the USA and seize the opportunity to discover all these places.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Explore in Massachusetts
What are the top destinations to visit in Massachusetts during the summer?
If you are planning a trip in the summer season, some of the top destinations to visit in Massachusetts will be Boston, Cape Cod, Harvard University, Gay Head in Martha’s Vineyard, Salem and Cape Ann.
What are the best spots to visit in Massachusetts?
Some of the finest spots to visit in Massachusetts regardless of the season are Norman Rockwell Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, the Old Sturbridge Village, and Hancock Shaker Village.
What items should one bring when visiting Massachusetts?
One needs to bring a pair of quality shoes for exploring Massachusetts. When visiting Massachusetts in winter, it is recommended to bring warm clothing and boots.
Which is the optimal time to visit Massachusetts?
The optimal time to visit Massachusetts is during the months between June and October. It is not advisable to visit Massachusetts during the summer as the hotel rates are very expensive.
Are there affordable accommodations in Massachusetts?
There are accommodations of all types in Massachusetts that cater to every budget. One can choose to stay at specific hotels based on their financial capacity.
Can all the attractions in Massachusetts be visited in one day?
If you do not plan to visit the surrounding islands of Massachusetts, then you can explore Massachusetts in one day. However, if you wish to include the islands in your itinerary, you will need at least 3 days.
Can one drive around Boston with an international driver’s license?
Yes, one can drive around Boston with an international driver’s license. One must have a national driver’s license along with an international driving permit card.
Are there great resorts around the islands in Massachusetts?
Yes, there are numerous excellent resorts around the islands of Massachusetts with beautiful beach views. One can book these hotels well in advance to enjoy a delightful stay at these resorts.
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