Massachusetts is known as the perfect tourist spot all year round. Visitors from all over the world come to the Bay State to enjoy the coastline and tour historic sites.
Iconic areas in Massachusetts include Nantucket, Salem, Cape Cod, Boston and Martha’s Vineyard. Although the Freedom Trail, Harvard Square and the Mayflower Museum attract the most annual tourists.
The following places are less known, but will really make your trip a fantastic experience.
Brant Point Light Beach, Nantucket
Brant Point Light Beach in Nantucket is a coastal paradise that combines natural beauty with a twist history. This picturesque beach is located near the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse, making it a unique spot for visitors. You can walk along the sandy beaches, enjoy beautiful views of the lighthouse and even catch a glimpse of passing boats.
Bash Bish Waterfalls
Bash Bish Falls is a pet-friendly state park in Mount Washington. The scenic park includes the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts, with a drop of 80 feet. Many guests choose to park at nearby Taconic State Park and hike the 12-mile trail to the falls. Closer lots allow you to hike 0.5 to 2.5 miles to the falls. Fishing with a permit is allowed in the park.
New England Botanical Garden on Tower Hill
The New England Botanical Garden at Tower Hill is a fascinating horticultural paradise located in the heart of Massachusetts. Covering over acres of breathtaking landscapes, this botanical treasure showcases an impressive collection of plant species from the New England region and beyond. Visitors are treated to enchanting gardens, serene water features and picturesque vistas that provide a sense of tranquility and wonder.
Forest Hills Cemetery
History buffs will enjoy a visit to Boston’s Forest Hills Cemetery. The enormous cemetery covers over 250 hectares and has an enchanting garden-like atmosphere. The cemetery was built in 1848 and contains dozens of unique sculptures, including miniature villages. Famous people buried in the cemetery include EE Cummings, Anne Sexton, William Dwight and Reggie Lewis.
The Ether Dome
One of Boston’s more unusual tourist attractions is the Ether Dome, found at Massachusetts General Hospital. The Ether Dome was the birthplace of modern anesthesia when Dr. William TG Morton performed the first public operation using airwaves. Until 1868, doctors performed more than 8,000 operations in the dome. Today, the Ether Dome functions as an amphitheater and a small museum.
Natural Bridge State Park
If you want to travel back in time, head to Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams. The park is home to the only white marble arch in North America, with scientists dating the structure forming into an arch 13,000 years old when the glacial ice melted. An artificial marble dam and marble quarry are also available for an on-site tour.
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg
With a name like Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, it’s no surprise that the Webster Recreation Area also runs along the shorter Lake Webster. The lake has a surface area of 1,442 hectares, just above the border with Connecticut. The location is perfect for those looking for a serene place to boat, swim or relax on the coast. Webster Lake was formed during the Ice Age and is the largest natural lake in the state. The lake also has the longest place name in the United States.
The Dr. Seuss Museum
Theodore Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, has a special museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, the author’s birthplace. The interactive museum has exhibitions over two floors and is curated by direct descendants of the beloved children’s book author. The first floor has fully bilingual exhibitions that inspire storytelling, rhyming and creativity. The second floor is a reconstruction of Dr.’s writing studio and living room. Seuss. Visitors can also view artifacts, including original artwork and letters.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a cultural gem that enchants visitors with its unique and eclectic collection. Founded in 1903 by renowned art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner, the museum displays an exquisite range of art from different periods and styles from around the world. Housed in a beautiful Venetian-inspired palace, the museum’s enchanting courtyard, galleries and hidden corners create an intimate and immersive atmosphere. The collection includes masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Titian, in addition to rare manuscripts and beautiful decorative arts. A visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is an unparalleled journey through the world of art, history and the fascinating life of its visionary founder.
Glacial potholes
Another destination formed as a result of the Ice Age is the Glacial Potholes at Shelburne Falls along the Deerfield River. The holes were formed when glaciers retreated from the area more than 14,000 years ago. There are more than fifty holes spread across the riverbed, each measuring between 15 and 12 meters in size. Visitors do not have direct access to the pits, but can view them at the end of Deerfield Avenue.
Danvers Hospital for the Criminally Insane
The Danvers Hospital for the Criminally Insane once spanned more than 500 acres and was built in 1874 to provide long-term residential treatment for those suffering from mental illness. Although the hospital has attracted tourists due to a dark history with questionable treatments such as lobotomies and shock therapy, many also come to see its incredible architecture. Noted Massachusetts architect Thomas S. Kirkbrid designed the main building, which has a distinctly Victorian Gothic style.
