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.
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.
Summer is in full swing at the Lowell Folk Festival.
2023 Maasschusetts special events and festivals
Just up ahead, check out our 2023 Massachusetts travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.
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).
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 MASS: the Fig Newton
• Massachusetts knows what you like. It is the birthplace of Boston baked beans, the corn muffin, the chocolate chip cookie, Cape Cod potato chips, and Boston cream pie.
• The world's first Fig Newton cookies were produced by The Kennedy Biscuit Works (later Nabisco) in the town of Newton.
• 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 it 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.