Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Massachusetts with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Massachusetts sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Massachusetts that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Massachusetts whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
New Bedford Whaling Museum
New Bedford, MA
The Museum’s 107-year history reveals an intimate relationship with the communities it serves. Motivated by civic pride and a desire to preserve the artifacts and narratives of the region, the museum was founded by the children of the progenitors of the American whaling industry. The Old Dartmouth Historical Society was established “to create and foster an interest in the history of Old Dartmouth (now the City of New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven and Westport, MA). This area incorporates more than 185 square miles with a population exceeding 180,000. Today, members hail from many more communities.
Plimoth Plantation
Plymouth, MA
Plimoth Plantation provides an engaging and experiential outdoor and indoor learning environment on its main campus and at the State Pier on Plymouth’s waterfront. Their permanent exhibits tell the complex and interwoven stories of two distinct cultures – English and Native. The main exhibits are enhanced with an exciting menu of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th-century.
Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Hampden, MA
Fans of Thornton W. Burgess are no strangers to the setting at Laughing Brook. The children’s author wove his tales around the wild animals that live here. The landscape has changed since Burgess called this land home. The “laughing” brook has at times become a roaring river depositing sand used later by turtles, and strong winds have downed trees leaving behind new shelters for salamanders.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Springfield, MA
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is home to more than three hundred inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Hundreds of the museums interactive exhibits share the spotlight with skills challenges, live clinics, and shooting contests.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston, MA
Springfield Museums
Springfield, MA
Cape Cod Maritime Museum
Hyannis, MA
The Cape Cod Maritime Museum is a non-profit based in Hyannis, Massachusetts. They are Cape Cod’s first museum dedicated to maritime culture. Their mission includes preserving the rich seafaring traditions for which Cape Cod and the Islands are famous. The Museum stands as a year-round asset to the village’s waterfront, and attracts visitors from the immediate community, the state, New England, as well as from nations throughout the world.
Museum of Science
Boston, MA
With daily live presentations, over 700 interactive exhibits, and a steady rotation of Planetarium, IMAX®, and 3-D Digital Cinema shows, there’s always something new going on at the Museum of Science, Boston.
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot
Hyannis, MA
It offers narrated Shoreline Excursion Trains, Yankee Clipper Brunch Trains, Cape Cod Dinner Trains and various special events. Departing regularly from Hyannis, with select additional departures from Buzzards Bay, the Cape Cod Central Railroad is a popular tourist attraction. Guests depart the mid-Cape in Hyannis, travel through West Barnstable and Sandwich and down to the Cape Cod Canal. On the way, they travel through sand dunes and salt marshes, see glimpses of the bay and have the opportunity to enjoy parts of Cape Cod that are only accessible by rail.
Zion Union Heritage Museum, Inc.
Hyannis, MA
The Zion Union Heritage Museum, Inc. mission is to create a museum that celebrates the African-American and Cape Verdean population as well as other ethnic and demographic diversity of the Town of Barnstable and Cape Cod.