5 cities to visit in Massachusetts
Don't let its size deceive you. Though Massachusetts is small, it's brimming with possibilities. From Plymouth Rock to Nantucket's beaches, there's no lack of things to experience and explore in this state. Start your visit with one of these cities and see what Massachusetts has to offer.
Nantucket
Nantucket's charming island location makes it feel like you're a world away. With 80 miles of beaches to explore, you can fill an entire vacation here with sun and sand. Over 30 miles of easy bike trails let you traverse the island in relaxing, open-air style. Hiking, birding, boating, and whale watching are popular picks. Hit the links at the picturesque Miacomet Golf Course, or peek into history at the Nantucket Whaling Museum or the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum.
Salem
Salem offers dozens of attractions that let you explore its past, from the Cry Innocent reenactment of the Bridget Bishop witchcraft trial to chilling night tours that highlight its purported hauntings. The Seven Gables is part of a Historic Landmark District that includes over 2 acres of preserved 17th- and 18th-century homes and gardens. The Friendship of Salem, a mercantile ship that sailed from 1797 to 1812, is at dry dock just waiting for your visit. Whether you're intrigued by tales of witchcraft or you seek seafaring adventure, this destination won't disappoint.
Cambridge
Home to Harvard University and MIT, this is an undisputedly academic town and heaven for museum lovers. Book a hotel in Cambridge, and you'll be just steps from the Harvard Museum of Natural History, Harvard Art Museum, MIT Museum, Semitic Museum, and Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Don't forget to get some fresh air during your stay with a stroll through Harvard Yard or the 8.5 acres of North Point Park.
Gloucester
Gloucester is home to the oldest working art colony in the country. Visit the galleries, boutiques, and restaurants of Rocky Neck for a peek at some fascinating local pieces. Gloucester is home to three picturesque lighthouses from the 1800s and offers a stunning view of the 1789 Thatcher's Island Twin Lighthouses in nearby Rockport. Shop the historic downtown city streets for one-of-a-kind finds, or indulge your inner foodie with decadent waterfront dining. Savor the slow pace of life in Gloucester.
Plymouth
History buffs will delight in the rich landscape of attractions in Plymouth. The Plimoth Plantation is a fascinating, family-friendly pick that brings it all to life with a recreated 17th-century English village, Wampanoag Homesite, and a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower. The Grist Mill is a working recreation of a 1636 mill. The Nye Barn maintains heritage livestock breeds representative of the types of animals found in Plymouth Colony. Include Plymouth Rock and Burial Hill in your visit for a comprehensive look at the nation's earliest settlement days.
Whether you want to spend your days at the seashore or immersed in art galleries, Massachusetts has the vacation for you. Pick your destination and start planning an unforgettable escape to one of the state's many beautiful cities.
