Massachusetts

From the historic streets of Boston to the serene shores of Cape Cod, travelers come to Massachusetts for a variety of experiences. Among them: learning about the state’s colonial history, eating iconic New England dishes like clam chowder and lobster rolls, exploring charming coastal towns, and indulging in the vibrant arts and culture scene.

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Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Massachusetts.

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READ BEFORE YOU GO
HOTELS
From Victorian London to Boston and Pasadena, Langham hotels continue to define timeless elegance and modern hospitality.
Recover the Scandinavian way at Prospect in the Berkshires, through nature, clean air, and multiple sauna sessions.
Architecture, history, and fitness star in these exclusive club hotels that let nonmembers check in.
Whether you want to stay in a historic neighborhood, on the water, or in the middle of Red Sox Nation, Boston’s hotel scene delivers.
New England is brimming with historic grande dames, design-minded boutique hotels, wellness retreats, and glamping getaways.
Hotels can introduce their guests to the creativity that surrounds them—and reveal canvases visitors may not otherwise see.
These are the best U.S. hotels for watching one of the most spectacular night-sky events of the year.
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
The first transatlantic JetBlue flights from JFK to Heathrow are finally operating.
Change a good family vacation into a really awesome one by staying at a place where kids get to do the coolest things.
The luxury camping outfitter, which offers tents and pod suites in addition to Airstreams, opened its first East Coast location on April 1, 2021.
Travel has become less convivial during COVID, but the boutique hotel line has created a safe space for strangers to rediscover the lost art of socializing.
Boston deserves far more attention for its food scene than the city usually gets. From reinvented lobster rolls and other fresh seafood to small plates put out by James Beard-award winning chefs, there’s a near-dizzying selection of good eats to choose from. You’ll want to add extra days to your trip as you start to wend your way through menu options featuring coastal Italian food, clam chowder and raw bars, dry-aged steaks, wood-grilled pizzas, upscale tinned fish (yes, really), and so much more.
Although Boston is one of America’s oldest cities, it has made huge strides towards a sustainable future. For travelers who like to get outdoors, you’ll find a city that prides itself with parks and green spaces. The Kennedy Green-way, Freedom Trail, and Harborwalk provide miles of trails to take you through Boston’s neighborhoods. The city has plenty of park space to hang out in too, including America’s first public park.
This former whaling capital loves a party and many Nantucket restaurants put as much thought into their cocktail and wine menus as they do into their food. There are also plenty of places to kick back with just a casual drink or two. The local brewery and distillery adds to the island vibe and flavors.
Nantucket is a perennial favorite summer destination, with Atlantic Ocean beaches, picturesque harbors, and iconic lighthouses. Accommodations on the island range from cozy bed-and-breakfast rooms to marina-side cottages to penthouse loft apartments. Water views and beach shuttles are in-demand amenities, and most hotels can arrange boat rides and lobster bakes for a quintessential New England vacation.
On a perfect spring day, Boston turns into a giant walking tour. The city’s top attractions tend to spill over from one to the other, inviting visitors to just keep going. On other days? Well, luckily there’s the T. For one of America’s most celebrated walking tours, walk the Freedom Trail, which takes you to 16 sites central to American history, including the Massachusetts State House and the Paul Revere House and so much more. Here are some of the best things to do in Boston.