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With a major role in establishing the new nation - since the first wave of Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620 - it could be said that Massachusetts is where American began.

A century later, Massachusetts became a hotbed of colonial revolt against unfair taxation by the British, leading to the famous Boston Tea Party in 1773.

The colony was also to later initiate the official start of the Revolutionary War, when Minute Men opened fire on British troops at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

Throughout the 1800's, Massachusetts became a leader in manufacturing, shipping and commercial fishing as well as producing some of the country's greatest writers and intellects.

Together with its scenic wonders, and literary and historical associations, today Massachusetts is a prime tourist destination beginning with Boston on the east coast, the natural beauty of nearby Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, and to its western reaches world class Massachusetts ski resorts in the Berkshire Mountains, along with quaint bed & breakfast inns located throughout the state.

Kid-friendly Boston & Cape Cod

Get immediately acquainted with Boston aboard the classic 80-minute Boston Duck Tour, an amphibious World War II craft that hits all the major historical attractions, followed by an exciting plunge into the Charles River.

With younger kids and toddlers in tow, also don't miss a visit to the Children's Museum for a fun afternoon of hands-on educational projects and play activities. For kids of all ages, a trip to Boston's New England Aquarium features eye-popping exhibits, hands-on activity areas, and the region's largest IMAX theater. You can also sign up on line for sponsored whale watching tours here.

South of Boston follow the crowds to Cape Cod. It remains New England's summer mecca with miles of sand dunes and beaches with Skaket Beach in Orleans among the most family-friendly of them - featuring gentle waves and picnic areas for dining al fresco amid 360-degree views of the bay side of the Cape.

For more fun in the sun, bike rentals are available throughout the Cape. For beginners and especially for families with younger kids, a bicycle tour of the Cape Cod Canal Bike Trail, features a wide (and mostly flat) path which runs for approximately 7 - 8 miles between the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges.

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism - The official site featuring seasonal events, news and updates, guides to the top attractions throughout the state, hotels, restaurants, bed & breakfasts, featured tours, maps & directions.

MassHome Directory of Massachusetts Tourism Web Sites - One-stop browsing for links to tourist attractions in cities, towns & villages including parks & state forest areas, historic places, Boston, the Freedom Trail, weather info, travel tours.

Virtual Cape Cod - An online tour of major attractions in towns up and down the cape including top attractions, beaches, hotels & restaurants searchable by keyword or browseable via a clickable map.

Hidden Hills of Western Massachusetts - See the state taking the back roads - to antique shops, quaint restaurants, bed & breakfasts, hotels, scenic wonders and more with facts, information, maps and directions.

The Berkshire Web - Check out the entire region via keyword or clickable map with guides to art & culture, restaurants, hotels, bed & breakfast inns, local attractions, museums and historic sites, nightlife and entertainment.

Salem, Massachusetts - Legendary site of the infamous 17th century witch hunts and now a major tourist spot with recreated villages and guided tours, and more on the town's rich history as a whaling village, plus nearby attractions, hotels & restaurants, maps and directions, photos and online fun stuff for the kids.