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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.

Related Guides
  1. Historic Acorn Street on Beacon Hill in dowtown Boston Massachusetts MA.
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    May 23, 2018 04:11 PM
     · 
    Alison Abbott
  2. Nantucket, Massachusetts/USA - August 9 2019: a row of eclectic stores can be found next to the harbor in Nantucket.
    Nantucket
    May 17, 2018 11:06 AM
  3. Tall grass and a sand road leading to the beach in Cape Cod
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Read Before You Go
New York City took first place again in 2022.
Cities We Love
America’s Best Cities of 2024
The numbers are in: New data reveals how U.S. cities stack up in Resonance’s annual list of the best in the country.
June 25, 2024 08:03 AM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
Maine is truly a four-season state, with each one offering new treasures and surprises. In summer, enjoy the coastline at Popham Beach, Higgins Beach, or even a <a href="https://www.afar.com/places/greenville-greenville-61131aa6-6637-43e3-9eec-ded2a5c1bf79" target="_blank">Moose Safari</a>. The leaves put on a show in the fall around the Bigelow Mountains and <a href="https://www.afar.com/places/acadia-national-park-maine" target="_blank">Acadia National Park</a>. Winter offers snow-covered ski trails at Sugarloaf, Sunday River, and Shawnee Peak. And spring brings new life blooming along the Appalachian Trail. From Portland's culinary sophistication to the rustic beauty of the Appalachian Trail’s “100 Mile Wilderness,” you can find what you’re looking for in Maine, at any time of year.
Where to Travel Next
A 93-Mile Trail and Hobbit Homes: New England’s Latest Reasons to Visit
June 24, 2024 08:47 PM
 · 
Miles Howard
Red and yellow fireworks over a city skyline at night
Holiday Travel
7 Festive Places to Visit for a July 4 Weekend Getaway
February 29, 2024 09:18 AM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
Cody's Warren Street at dusk, with several motorcycles; parked cars line sides of street
Where to Travel Next
The Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State
January 12, 2024 09:01 AM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
A stone staircase rising through the forest, surrounded by tree trunks and green plants, with a mountain lake in the distance
Hiking + Cycling
These 3 Long-Distance Scenic Trails Have Joined the National Park System
December 13, 2023 10:00 AM
 · 
Bailey Berg
Hotels
The pool at the Berkeley City Club has art deco tiling and a blue ceiling
Hotels
You Can Stay in These 6 City Club Hotels Even if You’re Not a Member
Architecture, history, and fitness star in these exclusive club hotels that let nonmembers check in.
April 15, 2025 11:17 AM
 · 
Pat Tompkins
The Newbury
Hotels We Love
The 10 Best Hotels in Boston
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.
July 05, 2024 08:13 PM
 · 
Laura Dannen Redman
A hotel lobby with boldly patterned wallpaper, potted trees, mirrors and artwork on the walls, and a patterned area rug
Hotels We Love
These Are the 15 Best Hotel Getaways in New England
New England is brimming with historic grande dames, design-minded boutique hotels, wellness retreats, and glamping getaways.
May 29, 2024 01:29 PM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
Exterior of Cape Cod rental home with white picket fence
U.S. Beaches
7 Airbnbs in Cape Cod to Book for a Coastal Getaway
Whether you’re searching for a five-bedroom house or a cozy beachfront cottage, this collection of highly vetted Airbnbs has something for every type of traveler.
April 25, 2024 08:48 AM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
Ellerman House offers unobstructed views of the ocean from most guest rooms.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 10 Best Hotels for Art Lovers
Hotels can introduce their guests to the creativity that surrounds them—and reveal canvases visitors may not otherwise see.
September 16, 2023 06:00 AM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
Open Sky in Utah is just a 20-minute drive from the entrance to Zion National Park.
Hotels
These Are the 6 Best Hotels for Watching the Perseid Meteor Shower
These are the best U.S. hotels for watching one of the most spectacular night-sky events of the year.
July 27, 2023 08:04 AM
 · 
Stephanie Vermillion
At Life House Hotels, You Feel Like You Belong
Hotels
At Life House Hotels, You Feel Like You Belong
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.
March 09, 2021 05:19 PM
 · 
Laura Dannen Redman
How Wilco’s Bassist and His Friends Turned a Berkshires Motel Into Tourists, a Dream Summer Getaway
Hotels
How Wilco’s Bassist and His Friends Turned a Berkshires Motel Into Tourists, a Dream Summer Getaway
What once was a one-star hotel in North Adams, Massachusetts, is now an eco-friendly lodge with a James Beard Award–winning chef where everyone is welcome.
July 18, 2018 12:17 PM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
The Check In: New and Restored Hotels Raising the Roof(tops)
Hotels
The Check In: New and Restored Hotels Raising the Roof(tops)
These top-level properties are the places to stay.
May 06, 2016 02:45 PM
 · 
Nicoletta Richardson
The Restaurant That's Helping Transform Massachusetts' South Coast
Hotels
The Restaurant That’s Helping Transform Massachusetts’ South Coast
Fall is one of the best times to visit this stunning part of the Bay State.
October 29, 2015 04:29 PM
 · 
Leah Mennies
boston.png
Hotels
How to See the Boston Marathon Like a Pro (According to a Hotel Concierge)
How to See the Boston Marathon Like a Pro (According to a Hotel Concierge)
April 15, 2015 11:38 AM
 · 
Jen Murphy
Resources to help plan your trip
Festivals + Events
9 Destinations Around the World That Go All Out for St. Patrick’s Day
Ireland isn’t the only place that gets its green on—pack your bags (with leprechaun gear) for these global destinations, too.
March 13, 2023 09:15 PM
 · 
Dana Brindle
Festivals + Events
3 “Ideas” Festivals That Will Melt Your Brain This Summer
In a good way.
May 24, 2022 08:17 PM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
Air Travel News
JetBlue’s First London Flights From NYC Take Off
The first transatlantic JetBlue flights from JFK to Heathrow are finally operating.
August 11, 2021 08:37 PM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
Family Travel
Hotels With Truly Genius Kids’ Amenities
Change a good family vacation into a really awesome one by staying at a place where kids get to do the coolest things.
July 28, 2021 11:45 AM
 · 
Ann Shields
Outdoor Adventure
AutoCamp’s Airstream-Fueled Version of Glamping Is Now Open on Cape Cod
The luxury camping outfitter, which offers tents and pod suites in addition to Airstreams, opened its first East Coast location on April 1, 2021.
April 01, 2021 03:20 PM
 · 
Maggie Fuller
The Best of Cape Ann
Head about an hour north of Boston to take in the best of the seafaring towns of Cape Ann. Made famous by The Perfect Storm, you’ll find fresh seafood and a vibrant artist community, along with a lot of New England charm surrounded by the deep blue sea.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Abbott
A Guide to the Cambridge Area
Right across the Charles River, you’ll find the city of Cambridge. Academics rub elbows with students and artists in the most culturally active section of Boston. Coffee culture and the locavore movement occupy much restaurant real estate and night life is centered around the club scene with many choices for live music in this Cambridge area guide.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Abbott
The Berkshires: Massachusetts Getaway
West of Boston lies the Berkshires. Antique shopping, hiking, and strong dance, music and arts programs will have you wanting to spend more than a weekend on a getaway in this rural neck of the Massachusetts woods. This Berkshire guide will take you to a college town, a revived mill town filled with art and a spa location to recharge and renew.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Abbott
A Guide to Boston’s Green Spaces
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.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Abbott
The Perfect Day in Boston
A one-day trip to Boston is just enough time to start digging deep into history with a walk along the cobblestone streets of the Freedom Trail, and a visit to the always-enchanting Isabella Steward Gardener Museum. Don’t worry: we’ll send you off for some great food and drinks too.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
What to Do on Nantucket
Nantucket is known as an exclusive vacation destination, and it’s easy to just sink into a beach chair and relax. But there are plenty of other activities to keep both adults and children busy, from biking and hiking to exploring lighthouses and wandering through the charming town.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Abbott
Where to Drink on Nantucket
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.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Abbott
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