Chewy Massachusetts is home to gorgeous beaches, quaint fishing towns, bustling cities and historic sites. The state is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the country and around the world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most notable places to visit in Massachusetts–including Martha’s Vineyard, Salem, Plymouth and Cape Cod; as well as Boston itself.
Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard, one of the popular places to visit in Massachusetts, is New England’s largest island and a well-known summer destination for the wealthy, including various celebrities who own homes there. Martha’s Vineyard was the setting for the movie Jaws in 1974, and also appears in two of its sequels. Located 7 miles (11 km) off Cape Cod, the island can be reached by boat or air and boasts great beaches for swimming or surfing, stunning views of the Atlantic from cliffs on the island, an outdoor sanctuary and several iconic lighthouses, including Edgartown.
Salem
Salem, another one of the top places to visit in Massachusetts, is known for its famous witch trials during the Puritan era and is a popular Halloween destination for those who aren’t afraid of ghosts and goblins. Haunted happenings occur all over Salem during Halloween, but visitors can learn about witches at a museum dedicated to them year-round. Salem was also the setting for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables, which is a historic house worth visiting. The Clam fest, which celebrates the bivalve, occurs each September, and art shows and theatrical performances are popular events throughout the year.
Plymouth
Plymouth, a must-visit place in Massachusetts, is where it all started in 1620. Visitors can transport themselves back in time at Plymouth Plantation, a living history museum that shows how the Pilgrims lived in 1627. A tour of Mayflower II, a replica of the boat that brought the Pilgrims to the New World, is another option. Plymouth Rock, the site where the Pilgrims supposedly stepped ashore, is visited by an estimated one million visitors a year. Visitors can also visit a cranberry farm, historic homes, or play a round of golf on over twelve courses.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod, another one of the famous places to visit in Massachusetts, is an arm-shaped peninsula located on the easternmost part of the state. It has become one of the most popular destinations in Massachusetts during the summer. Lighthouses, cranberry bogs, swimming beaches, and hiking and biking trails dot the Cape Cod National Seashore. The popular resort town of Provincetown, at the very tip of the peninsula, is the site of the first landing of the Pilgrims. While Cape Cod is known for its artist colonies and quaint towns, its town of Hyannis, part of the cape’s largest town of Barnstable, put the cape on the map because it is the summer home of the Kennedy family. It is also a great jumping off point to reach Massachusetts’ outer islands.
Boston
Boston, a top place to visit in Massachusetts, is rich in history and offers many attractions for visitors. From being one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1630, to hosting the world’s most famous tea “party,” Boston’s involvement in the American Revolution can be explored by walking the Freedom Trail. However, the capital city of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England is much more than just history. With successful professional sports teams and the Boston Pops Orchestra, the largest city in Massachusetts offers plenty of cultural activities and fine dining options. Whether visiting Paul Revere’s home or Fenway Park, this eastern city by the bay has a lot to offer.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or just looking for a fun and exciting vacation, Massachusetts has something to offer for everyone. Whether you choose to visit Salem’s spooky and intriguing witch city or Plymouth’s charming historic district, there’s no shortage of memorable places to visit in Massachusetts. So pack your bags and get ready for a trip filled with adventure and excitement!
