MAIN Travel USA Massachusetts

Together with its scenic wonders, and deep historical associations, (did we mention they invented Nabisco cookies!?) Massachusetts is a prime year-round travel destination.

Beginning with Boston on the east coast, a tour of the Bay State brings up the natural beauty of nearby Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, while to its western reaches in winter world class Massachusetts ski resorts beckon in the Berkshire Mountains.

In the fall, Massachuseets fall foliage is some of New England's best.

Family-friendly Boston

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.

Major tourist attractions in Massachusetts include historic Boston (left), spectacular summer
scenery in Cape Cod (middle), and world-class skiing in the Berkshire Mountains (right).

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.

Summer is in full swing at the Lowell Folk Festival.

2024 Maasschusetts special events and festivals

Just up ahead, check out our 2024 Massachusetts travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.

Happy travels!

April 15, 2024 -- Boston Marathon Boston - Join the thousands who come out to cheer the world's top runners in the marathon race that started them all.

May 12, 2024 -- Duckling Day Boston - Another one-of-a-kind happening every Mother's Day in Boston's Public Garden as kids and toddlers come in duck costumes to enjoy  magicians and street performers, interactive circus games, live music, and more.  You'll quiack up.

May 24 - May 26, 2024 -- Boston Calling Music Fest Alliston - More than 50 performances across 4 outdoor stages, great food, a 100-foot Ferris wheel, art installations, and lots more is in store at the Harvard Athletic Complex.

July 26 - July 28, 2024 -- Lowell Folk Festival Lowell - There;s a whole weekend of music, food and folk art & crafts at this mid-summer fling that attracts more that 100,000 visitors during its three-day run.

August 10, 2024 -- Gloucester Blues Festival Gloucester - Along with food and craft vendors, check out non-stop blues performances along the shore at Stage Fort Park.

September 13 - September 29, 2024 -- Big E Eastern States Fair Springfield - Carnival rides, concert performances, deep fried fair food, along with animals and oversized produce at Farm-a-Rama!

also see -> Massachusetts Beach Guide   |   Massacusetts Fall Foliage Guide

Christmas in Massachusetts

Summer in Old Cape Cod

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.

DID YOU KNOW? Massachusetts Travel Fun Facts

Invented in Newton: the Fig Newton

• The world's first Fig Newton cookies were produced by The Kennedy Biscuit Works (later Nabisco) in the town of Newton.

• Massachusetts is also the birthplace of Boston baked beans, the corn muffin, the chocolate chip cookie, Cape Cod potato chips, and Boston cream pie.

• When you stroll through Boston Common know that you are walking through America's first public park, established in 1634.

• The house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The House of the Seven Gables" - built in 1668 - still stands in Salem where visitors can wander through on a public tour.

More information about Massachusetts travel & tourism around the Web:

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.