I never expected Massachusetts to knock me off my feet, but standing on the cliffs of Martha’s Vineyard and watching the waves crash against those red clay bluffs changed my mind real quick. This state somehow packs more variety into its borders than places three times its size. From moody beaches to fall foliage that looks fake, it’s ridiculous.
From wandering through the impossibly charming streets of Nantucket to watching the sunrise paint the lighthouse at Cape Cod golden orange, I’ve found some of the most beautiful places in Massachusetts that made me completely rethink New England. These 12 spots will show you exactly why this state deserves way more than just a quick Boston stopover!
Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts
Looking for the coolest things to do in Massachusetts? Take in the breathtaking views at Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook, explore the scenic beauty of Cape Cod National Seashore, and admire outdoor art at DeCordova Sculpture Park. Discover the rugged coastline and granite quarries of Halibut Point State Park. Whether you’re interested in nature, art, or coastal landscapes, here are the top attractions to visit in Massachusetts.
1. Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook
Aquinnah Cliffs on Martha’s Vineyard are honestly way more dramatic than you’d expect from New England. These multicolored clay cliffs change colors throughout the day – from deep red at sunrise to golden orange at sunset. I spent hours just watching the light shift across those ancient layers. The wooden staircase down to Moshup Beach is pretty steep, but the purple-tinted sand at the bottom is unlike anything I’ve seen on the East Coast.
Ferry logistics are actually easier now than they used to be. The Steamship Authority runs year-round service from Woods Hole for $10.50 one-way ($21 round-trip), while Hy-Line Cruises offers faster service from Hyannis for $44 one-way during peak season. Parking at Aquinnah costs $30 but it’s totally worth it – arrive by 10:30am on summer weekends or you’ll be waiting. The Gay Head Lighthouse next to the overlook gives you that perfect postcard shot, and honestly, sunset here rivals anywhere in the world. Food trucks serve decent lobster rolls, but bring water since it gets crazy windy up there.
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2. Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore protects 40 miles of some of the most pristine beaches you’ll find anywhere. I’ve been coming here for years and it never gets old – Race Point Beach in Provincetown is where you can actually spot whales from shore, while Marconi Beach has these towering dunes that make you feel tiny. The Province Lands Bike Trail is a killer 5.5-mile loop that’ll test your legs, but the dune views are insane.
Current parking fees run $25 per vehicle from May 1 to September 30, with the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham open daily 9am-4:30pm year-round. Massachusetts residents with state park passes and Trustees members get in free. Highland Light in Truro is worth the climb – 69 steps up for views that stretch to Maine on clear days. I always tell people to bring layers since the ocean breeze can be brutal even in summer, and don’t underestimate how much the salt air will drain you.
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3. DeCordova Sculpture Park
DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln is where art meets nature in the most unexpected ways. These massive sculptures scattered across 30 acres change completely with the seasons – I’ve photographed the same piece in spring blooms and fall foliage and they look like totally different artworks. Kids absolutely love running between the interactive pieces while adults get lost in the details.
The museum building is currently closed for renovations, but the sculpture park, café, and retail store remain open with admission at $14 for adults and $12 for seniors. It’s free for Trustees members, Lincoln residents, and anyone with EBT/WIC cards. The rooftop terrace usually offers killer views of Flint’s Pond, and their guided tours actually teach you things you’d never notice on your own. Pro tip: the café runs Monday-Friday 9am-3pm, weekends 11am-4pm, so plan lunch accordingly. October visits are magical when the sculptures frame fall foliage perfectly.
4. Halibut Point State Park
Halibut Point State Park in Rockport gives you Maine-level dramatic coastline without the drive to Maine. This old granite quarry turned into one of the most spectacular coastal walks in Massachusetts. The Babson Farm Quarry is now filled with crystal-clear water that goes down 150 feet – no swimming allowed, but the views are incredible.
Parking costs $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for out-of-state visitors from 8am-5:30pm, May 24 through October 13. The lot fills up quickly and closes for 2-hour periods when full, so arrive early or risk waiting. I always check out the tide pools during low tide – you’ll find sea stars, hermit crabs, and anemones hiding in the granite crevices. The visitor center features renovated exhibits about the granite industry and World War II history. On clear days, you can actually see Mount Agamenticus in Maine 40 miles away. The Atlantic Path trail connects to other Rockport coastal walks if you want to make a day of it.
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5. Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Harbor Islands are honestly the best-kept secret for escaping the city without actually leaving Boston. Georges Island has Fort Warren, this massive Civil War fortress where you can explore underground chambers and hear ghost stories about the “Lady in Black.” Spectacle Island has the cleanest swimming beaches in Boston Harbor and gives you 360-degree skyline views.
Ferry tickets from Long Wharf North cost around $30-40 for adults, with Massachusetts residents getting $10 off on weekdays. Library cardholders can get 50% off tickets for up to four people, and EBT/WIC participants pay just $4. Camping on Peddocks Island runs $8/night for Massachusetts residents ($20 for non-residents), with new yurts available for $55/$140 respectively. The inter-island shuttle lets you hop between Georges, Spectacle, and Peddocks during summer. I love that you can actually camp overnight and watch both sunset and sunrise over Boston Harbor – it’s like being on vacation 20 minutes from downtown.
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6. Menemsha Hills
Menemsha Hills on Martha’s Vineyard shows you the island’s wild side that most tourists never see. This Trustees property offers some of the best hiking on the island, with trails winding through oak forests before opening up to incredible ocean vistas. The climb to Prospect Hill is moderate but rewards you with views across Vineyard Sound to the Elizabeth Islands.
Getting to Martha’s Vineyard requires ferry service, with multiple options including the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole starting at $10.50 one-way. The trail down to the remote cobble beach is steep and can be slippery, so bring proper hiking shoes. I’ve seen ospreys fishing offshore and harbor seals popping up near the beach. This isn’t your typical Vineyard experience – it’s actually challenging terrain with elevation changes that’ll surprise you. Pack water and snacks since there are no facilities, and honestly, the quiet here is incredible compared to the busier parts of the island.
7. Mount Greylock State Reservation
Mount Greylock at 3,491 feet is Massachusetts‘ highest peak and totally lives up to the hype. The Veterans War Memorial Tower on the summit gives you views spanning five states on clear days. The summit road and Bascom Lodge reopen May 24, 2025, with new vehicle restrictions limiting access to vehicles under 22 feet in length.
The tower is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Indigenous Peoples Day, weather permitting. Bascom Lodge serves meals and offers overnight stays in rustic accommodations built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. I’ve stayed there twice and waking up above the clouds is surreal. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the summit, so you’ll meet through-hikers from all over. The Sperry Campground is currently closed for renovations, but Bascom Lodge accommodates up to 34 guests. October visits are spectacular for foliage, but book way ahead since it’s become incredibly popular.
8. Plimoth Plantation
Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth brings 1627 colonial life to reality in ways that honestly surprised me. The interpreters in the English Village don’t just wear period costumes – they actually speak in dialect and stay completely in character while demonstrating everything from blacksmithing to cooking over open fires. It’s weirdly immersive.
The Wampanoag Homesite provides crucial Native perspective that most historical sites skip entirely. Staff members demonstrate traditional skills like mishoon carving and share stories that completely change how you think about early colonial history. The Mayflower II replica shows just how cramped and terrifying that Atlantic crossing must have been. I spent about four hours seeing all three sites and came away with a totally different understanding of this period. November visits during Thanksgiving season are especially meaningful, though summer offers the most programming. The interpreters’ knowledge runs incredibly deep – ask them anything and prepare to be impressed.
9. Rockport
Rockport on Cape Ann has that quintessential New England coastal charm that actually lives up to the hype. Motif No. 1, the famous red fishing shack, really is America’s most-painted building – and honestly, I get why. It’s located on Bearskin Neck wharf and makes for incredible photos from multiple angles. Bearskin Neck itself is this narrow peninsula packed with galleries, gift shops, and seafood shacks in converted fish stores.
Parking is brutal – only 11 spots right at Bearskin Neck with strictly enforced meters, though you can park at the municipal lot for $15/day and take a free shuttle. Front Beach is surprisingly swimmable and literally steps from downtown, which is rare in New England. The Shalin Liu Performance Center hosts world-class music with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic. I always recommend combining Rockport with Halibut Point State Park just a few miles away. The Rockport Art Association & Museum and dozens of galleries make this a legitimate art destination, not just a tourist trap.
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10. Singing Beach
Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea actually does make music – the round quartz grains create this distinctive squeaking sound with every step. It’s not just a gimmick; the acoustics are real and pretty cool. The crescent-shaped beach stretches nearly half a mile between rocky outcroppings, with water that’s clearer than most New England beaches.
The beach is accessible by MBTA commuter rail from Boston, which is honestly the smartest way to go since parking is super limited during summer. The historic stone bathhouse from the 1920s provides changing facilities and seasonal snacks. Low tide reveals excellent tide pools around the rocky points where kids can find sea stars and hermit crabs. The elegant mansions on the surrounding bluffs create this old-money New England atmosphere that’s pretty impressive. I always combine visits with a walk through Manchester-by-the-Sea village – it’s got that perfect small-town coastal vibe without feeling too precious.
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11. Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston showcases 171 acres of perfectly timed botanical displays that honestly look too good to be real sometimes. The glass Orangeries are tropical escapes during winter months, filled with citrus trees and exotic blooms that transport you somewhere way warmer. The Secret Garden behind stone walls features fragrant herbs and medicinal plants.
Admission runs around $14 for adults with discounts for seniors and students, plus it’s free for various membership programs. The Garden Within Reach demonstrates accessible horticulture with raised beds and sensory elements. Eight miles of woodland trails extend into native Massachusetts forest where wildflowers bloom seasonally. From the summit, you get panoramic views to Mount Wachusett and Wachusett Reservoir. I always tell people to allow half a day minimum for the main gardens, or a full day if you want to explore the trails. Spring flowering trees and October foliage are peak times, but honestly, there’s something spectacular happening here every season.
12. White Cedar Swamp
White Cedar Swamp within Cape Cod National Seashore near Wellfleet creates this primeval cathedral that feels like stepping back thousands of years. The elevated boardwalk keeps you dry while winding through ancient cedars that filter sunlight into dramatic beams. It’s honestly one of the most peaceful places I’ve found on Cape Cod.
The 1.5-mile loop trail begins at the historic Marconi Station site before descending through pitch pines to the swamp. Cedar fragrance fills the cooler air while morning mist hovers above the wetland. I’ve spotted colorful warblers, shy box turtles, and all kinds of life hiding among the ferns. The contrast is incredible – you can combine this intimate forest experience with nearby Marconi Beach for panoramic Atlantic views and towering clay cliffs. Morning visits offer the best wildlife activity and atmospheric lighting. It’s the perfect escape from Cape Cod‘s busier beach scenes, showing you the peninsula’s environmental diversity in one easy hike.
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