100 Things To Do in MA

2. Six Flags New England — Agawam

No trip to the Bay State is complete without the biggest amusement park—and the biggest water park—in Massachusetts!

3. Museum of Science — Boston

More than a museum, Boston’s Museum of Science (complete with life-size T. Rex) is a fun destination for the whole family.

4. Edaville Family Theme Park —Carver

The rides at Edaville Family Theme Park are perfect for smaller kids, and riding the Edaville Railroad is a rite of passage for Massachusetts kids!

5. Great Wolf Lodge — Fitchburg

The largest indoor water park in Mass. is a must-visit on a Bay State bucket list.

6. Boston Children’s Museum — South Boston

Equal parts museum and family fun spot, America’s second-oldest children’s museum has been welcoming youngsters to Southie for generations.

7. Whydah Pirate Museum —West Yarmouth

Cape Cod’s interactive pirate museum will have timbers shivering all the way down to Davey Jones’ locker.

8. Franklin Park Zoo — Boston

Boston’s Zoo sits right in the heart of the city, and Massachusetts families have enjoyed this attractions since it opened in 1912.

9. Basketball Hall of Fame — Springfield

Learn about the origins and history of basketball (which was invented in Springfield, Masachusetts) while checking out cool memorabilia!

10. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum — Boston

This Boston Harbor attraction lets families throw “tea” into the harbor, just like the Revolutionaries did.

11. Southwick’s Zoo — Mendon

New England’s largest zoo is in southern Massachusetts, and visiting the 900 animals here is well worth the trip!

Massachusetts offers four seasons of family fun and some really cool outdoor activities!

100 Things to Do in Massachusetts – Outdoor Activities

12.  Cape Cod National Sea Shore — Lower Cape

Roughly forty miles of sun-strewn beaches and waterfront habitats have been a national refuge since JFK protected them in 1961.

13. Berkshires — Western Massachusetts

The Berkshires offer leaf-peeping in the Fall, skiing in the Winter, hiking in the Spring and Summer, and the highest point in the state at Mount Greylock!

14. Wachusett Mountain — Princeton

Only an hour outside of Boston, Wachusett Mountain has two dozen trails of skiing in the Winter, as well as fairs and festivals all year long.

15. Myles Standish State Forest — Carver & Plymouth

Myles Standish State Forest has 26 square miles of trails, ponds, and wildlife—and brave souls can take a guided “haunted hike” through these woods.

16. Martha’s Vineyard 

Visitors flock to Martha’s Vineyard from all corners of the country (even from the White House) for this top vacation spot in Massachusetts.

17. Johnny Appleseed Trail – Leominster

Johnny Appleseed (real name: John Chapman) was born in Leominster, MA, and the visitor’s center features a massive statue of his favorite fruit!

18. Blue Hills Reservation – Milton

Just outside of Boston, the Blue Hills Reservation has hiking, snow-shoeing, skiing, fabulous views of Boston, and even a trailside museum.

19. Nantucket 

From its Native roots, to its whaling history, Nantucket offers so much besides a spectacular vacation spot.

20. Walden Pond — Concord

Walden Pond has been synonymous with nature ever since Henry David Thoreau wrote his classic Walden. Though fairly small, the pond offers big fun and plenty of history.

21. Arnold Arboretum — Jamaica Plain

The oldest public arboretum in the United States, Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum has over 280 acres of botanical beauty.

22. King Phillip’s Cave — Norton

Local legend holds that this cave was used by Wampanoag Chief Metacomet (also known as Phillip) during the conflict known as King Phillip’s War.

23. Boston Harbor Islands — Boston

One of the top things to do in Massachusetts, visiting the Harbor Islands (and 200-year-old Fort Warren) lets visitors explore history and nature via the sea.

24. Heritage Museum and Gardens — Sandwich

Where else can you find botanical gardens, a hand-carved (working) carousel, President Taft’s car, and ziplines? Only in Massachusetts!

25. Mohawk Trail State Forest  — Charlemont

The Mohawk Trail was an indigenous route long before European settlers came to Massachusetts. Today, there are acres of woods and trails to explore.

People have come to Massachusetts to see whales since Herman Melville’s day!

100 Things to Do in Massachusetts – Experiences

26. Boston Duck Tours — Boston

Visitors to Massachusetts have long decided between land and water, but Boston Duck Tours let them have both!

27. Sunset on the Atlantic — Lower Cape 

Provincetown and the nearby communities on the tip of Cape Cod are among the few places on the mainland East Coast with an oceanic sunset!

28. Whale Watching — Boston

Take to the high seas for a grand Massachusetts tradition, with a whale watching excursion that leaves right from the heart of Boston!

29. Cape Cod Baseball — Multiple towns

Over 1,000 Cape Cod League players have made it to the majors, but families can see them for free at summer games up and down the Cape.

30. Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell —Esplanade, Boston

Seeing the Boston Pops perform the 1812 Overture is a must-see, must-hear Massachusetts experience.

31. Boston Ballet’s the Nutcracker —Theater District, Boston

Christmas in the Bay State isn’t complete without a chance to see a classic performance by this world-class ballet company.

32. Codzilla — Boston

Speeding through Boston Harbor at over 40 mph has to land on a thrill-seeker’s Massachusetts bucket list!

33. Swan Boats — Boston

A leisurely ride on the Swan Boats in Boston Public Garden has been a tradition since 1877.

Massachusetts loves honoring the working folks that made the state such a great place.

Ultimate Massachusetts Bucket List – Sights and Landmarks

34. Freedom Trail — Boston

Famous for historical sights, Boston brings the history of the American Revolution together on a self-guided tour of iconic landmarks from the War of Independence.

35. Battle Green — Lexington

A must-visit site on any Massachusetts bucket list, Lexington’s Battle Green is where the “shot heard round the world” was fired.

36. Minute Man National Historic Park — Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington

The five-mile Battle Road recreates aspects of colonial life and commemorates the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

37. Fenway Park — Boston

America’s most beloved ballpark is also the oldest and smallest in the country—perfect for a game, or a tour.

38. Harvard Square — Cambridge

Home to the oldest college in America, as well as plenty of sights, shops, restaurants, and more, Harvard Square draws visitors from near and far.

39. Bearskin Neck — Rockport

This strip of land jutting off of Cape Ann brings togethe art galleries, food, boutiques, and amazing views of the ocean.

40. The Ducklings — Boston Public Garden

The Make Way for Ducklings statues in Boston have delighted generations of children, so much so, they have a special Duckling Day just for them!

41. Fisherman’s Memorial — Gloucester

Gloucester was made famous by The Perfect Storm, but locals have long admired the working-class heroes of America’s oldest seaport.

42. USS Constitution — Charlestown

On a bucket list full of “America’s oldest,” few are as striking—or downright cool—as Old Ironsides, the oldest ship in the navy.

43. Castle Hill — Ipswich

This 60,000 square foot mansion has been featured in Hollywood films like the Witches of Eastwick, but locals flock here for activities and fun things to do all year long.

44. Plymouth Rock & Mayflower II – Plymouth

The Pilgrims came seeking religious freedom in a new world. Whether they actually landed on the rock is far less important than the moment it symbolizes.

45. Paul Revere House —North End

Tucked in amidst the bistros and pastry shops, this oldest of Boston homes is a must-visit on a tour of the top sights in Massachusetts.

46. Bunker Hill — Charlestown

The imposing Bunker Hill Memorial is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Massachusetts.

47. Castle Island — South Boston

Okay, technically a peninsula, Castle Island is home to Fort Independence (with seasonal tours), beaches, and year-round activities.

48. Hammond Castle — Gloucester

This museum looks like something right out of medieval Europe, and it hosts fun events like Halloween activities and even a Renaissance Fair.

49. Patriot Place — Foxborough

Whether it’s catching a game at Gillette, re-living championshiop glory at the Patriots Hall of Fame, or maybe just getting in some shopping, this spot has dominated Route 1 for decades.

50. Pilgrim Monument — Provincetown

Before landing in Plymouth, the Pilgrims made a pit-stop in P-town to sign the Mayflower Compact. The event is commemorated by the world’s tallest all-granite structure.

51. Adams National Historical Park — Quincy

This Massachusetts landmark (and museum, of course) is the family estate of two presidents.

52. Holocaust Memorial — Boston

Just outside Faneuil Hall, this striking steel and glass structure commemorates the victims of the Holocaust.

53. View Boston — Boston

Located at the top of the Prudential Tower, this observation deck has 360-degree views of Eastern Massachusetts.

54. Bridge of Flowers — Shelburne Falls

This former trolley bridge across the Deerfield River has been turned into a pedestrian bridge AND one of the most unique gardens on Earth.

55. Lizzie Borden House — Fall River

Lizzie Borden’s crime of the (19th) century still resonates; her house has since become a landmark and an inn, which is allegedly haunted.

Massachusetts celebrates the holidays in style, from First Night to the Fourth of July!

100 Things to Do in Massachusetts – Fairs, Festivals, and Holidays

56. First Night Boston — Boston

Massachusetts celebrates New Years in style with First Night Boston.

57. St. Patrick’s Day in Boston — Boston

They’re shipping up to Boston every March for one of the country’s most famous St. Patty’s celebrations.

58. Patriots’ Day — Boston

Commemorating the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Patriots’ Day is Massachusetts’ very distinct holiday held every April, complete with battle reenactments.

59. Boston Marathon — Boston & Beyond

Held every Patriots Day, America’s longest running (heh) marathon is honored with the earliest start time in baseball at Fenway Park.

60. Somerville’s Porchfest — Somerville

Musicians take to the stoops, playing funk, blues, gospel, and more as live musical performances take place on Somerville’s porches.

61. 4th of July in Boston — Boston

Boston puts on one heck of a fireworks display every Independence Day, and there are days of events leading up to it with the annual Harborfest. 

62. Lowell Folk Festival — Lowell

Every Summer, the Mill City hosts the longest-running (and second-largest) free folk festival in the country.

63. St. Anthony’s Feast — North End, Boston

In August, the North End parties in old-world style with St. Anthony’s Feast.

64. Riverfest Music Festival — Newburyport

The city of Newburyport swells with music lovers who attend this free festival every summer.

65. Big E — Springfield

Western Massachusetts is the home of the Big E, a multi-state fair that has rides, music, carnival games, and lots of family fun.

66. Topsfield Fair — Topsfield

America’s oldest county fair has been delighting visitors since 1818.

67. King Richard’s Faire — Carver

New England gets a taste of Jolly Olde England with Massachusetts’ beloved Renaissance fair.

68. Honk! — Somerville & Cambridge

This free 3-day festival gathers brass bands from around the world to fill the streets with music and fun!

69. Head of the Charles Regatta — Boston & Cambridge

America’s largest rowing race brings hundreds of thousands of spectators to the banks of the Charles River every autumn.

70. Apple Picking at Davis Farmland — Sterling 

Apple picking is a Fall tradition, and a trip to Davis Farmland delivers even more to do at this family fun center!

71. Halloween in Salem — Salem

Witch City puts on a show when October rolls around. The streets are brimming with ghosts, ghouls, and tourists looking for a public rest room.

72. America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration — Plymouth

If Halloween belongs to Salem, then Plymouth gets dibs on Thanksgiving, which it celebrates with parades and more.

73. Polar Express on Cape Cod Central Railroad — Buzzard’s Bay

The holidays on Cape Cod are extra special with this Christmas tradition.

Ultimate Massachusetts Bucket List – Museums

74. Mass MoCA — Norh Adams

With over a quarter-million square feet of exhibition space, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is a sight worth seeing, regardless of the masterpieces!

75. Museum of Fine Arts — Boston

Boston’s fine art museum has everything from Ancient Egyptian relics to Renaissance masters on display.

76. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum — Lincoln

This indoor and outdoor museum features works of art; some are interactive, while others are whimsical or even thought-provoking.

77. ICA —Seaport, Boston

The Seaport is home to some amazing contempoaray art at the ICA, and the building itself is a masterpiece, with spectacular views of Boston Harbor.

78. Plimoth Patuxet Museums — Plymouth

Formerly called Plimoth Plantation, a visit here is a trip back to the earliest days of Pilgrim living, alonside recreations of Indigenous life.

79. Salem Witch Museum — Salem

The Salem Witch Trials have been a source of fascination for over 300 years, and this museum covers the true story of the trials and the victims.

80. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum —Dorchester

Occupying a stunning location on Columbia Point in Dorchester, the JFK Museum showcases the life and times of the 35th President.

81. Battleship Cove — Fall River

Explore five naval ships (and more) that span history from World War II to Vietnam at this Fall River landmark.

82. Dr. Seuss Museum —Springfield

Dr. Seuss remains one of the most beloved authors, and the museum in his home town of Springfield pays tribute to his wild imagination!

83. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — Boston

Almost as famous for the unsolved 1980s art heist as it is for the art inside, the Gardner is an enchanting replica of an Italian palazzo.

84. MIT Museum — Cambridge

STEM fans will flip for the robotics, holograms, lasers, and other tech at this museum dedicated to scientific and engineering innovation.

85. EcoTarium — Worcester

Worcester’s EcoTarium has the planets and dinosaurs (and even some live otters) that will satisfy those curious minds exploring Massachusetts.

86. Peabody Essex Museum — Salem

The Peabody Essex Museum is a side of Salem that gets overshadowed by Halloween fun, but the exhibits here, like the whaling artifacts and the authentic Chinese home, are really spectacular.

87. Old Sturbridge Village — Sturbridge

This recreation of a Massachusetts town from the 1830’s shows how hardy New Englanders lived in a simpler time.

88. Fruitlands Museum — Harvard

The 210 acres of the Fruitlands Museum has outdoor spaces for exploring nature, indoor exhibitions, Shaker artifacts, seasonal events, concerts, craft festivals, and more.

Belly up to the seafood, sweets and more delicious food that Massachusetts is famous for!

100 Things to Do in Massachusetts – Unforgettable Food

89. Woodman’s — Essex

Woodman’s of Essex created the fried clam as we know it over 100 years ago, and seafood fans still make the pilgrimage for these golden treats.

90. Regina Pizzeria —North End, Boston

This Boston favorite has been serving up brick-oven fired, thin-crust pizza for a century.

91. Santarpio’s Pizza — East Boston

Regina’s rival, Eastie’s classic pizza joint is also known for the steak tips and sausage.

92. Cannoli at Mike’s Pastry and the Modern — North End, Boston

Locals will argue over which Italian pastry shop is superior. Best to be diplomatic and try them both.

93. Clam Bake at the Barking Crab —Seaport, Boston

A clam bake is a Massachusetts tradition, and the Barking Crab serves it up on a Seaport patio.

94. Boston Cream Pie at Omni Parker House — Boston

Is it a pie or is it a cake? Doesn’t matter, because it’s delicious, especially at the Omni Parker House Hotel where it was invented over 150 years ago.

95. Richardson’s Ice Cream — Middleton

Besides all the fun to be had on this working farm, Richardson’s ice cream is delightful. So good, in fact, other ice cream stands stock it!

96. Legal Seafoods Clam Chowder —Multiple Locations

Famously, Legal Seafoods’ clam chowder is so good, it has been a staple at presidential inaugurations since Ronald Reagan’s in 1981.

97. Kelly’s Roast Beef — Revere 

There might be 15 locations now, but the original Revere Beach spot is a bucket list stop for the original roast beef sandwich.

98. Dunkin Donuts — Quincy

Few things are as stereotypically Massachusetts as Dunks. You’ve seen the commercials. The original Dunkin in Quincy, Massachusetts is a must-visit for the true devotees.

99. Marshmallow Fluff — Somerville 

Marshmallow fluff was invented in Somerville. You don’t have to go to Somerville to enjoy a fluffernutter, but the What the Fluff? Festival is the perfect time to enjoy a local slassic.

100. Blueberry Muffins — Jordan’s Avon

Don’t open til Christmas. When Jordan’s furniture acquired the recipe to the classic Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins for the holiday-themed Enchnated Village, the furniture giant revived a sweet treat that locals love.

All photos courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism