15 Places To Visit In Massachusetts

Looking for the best places to visit in Massachusetts? These 15 Massachusetts destinations are local approved and definitely worth a visit.

Massachusetts is a tiny state packed with beauty, culture, and history. The quaint towns down the Cape, the outlandish accents in Boston, and folklore of the north shore is what comes to mind when I think of my home state.

After leaving Massachusetts and then coming back I realized how unique and special the place is. It is individual to the rest of the United States. With such a strong culture and strange, yet endearing attitude found in the locals - Massachusetts feels like it's own little country.

The towns in Massachusetts, don't feel like towns, they feel like little storybook villages. The coastline doesn't feel like those in Florida or California, the beaches are grey, but beautiful. There are so many beautiful and interesting places in Massachusetts. These are 15 of the very best places to visit in Massachusetts - by a local.

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1. Boston

Boston is the most visited place in Massachusetts! I feel like I don't need to tell you to visit Boston, but it definitely deserves a spot on our list. Boston is the hub of everything sports, food, culture, and history in Massachusetts. If you are currently planning a trip to Massachusetts you will most likely be flying into Boston - try to stay a couple of days. For more on what to do, where to stay, where to dine, and local tips checkout our Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts!

P.S. If you are looking for a holiday destination - Boston is one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts during Christmas!

Local Tip - Stay in the Beacon Hill Neighborhood (it's not as touristy as other areas & it's so beautiful)

2. Provincetown

Provincetown is a charming Cape Cod town known for its beautiful beaches, LGBTQ pride, and cool art scene. I have traveled all over the USA, and let my tell you there is no place like PTown. First of all, it is absolutely beautiful, especially during the summer. But it also has such a uniqueness to it - the free spirited vibe, the eclectic shops, the art! Provincetown is not only a must visit place in Massachusetts, but in all of the USA. For more on Provincetown (hotels, things to do, eateries, ect.) checkout our complete guide to PTown.

Provincetown is one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts in summer.

Provincetown Hidden Gem - If you love the outdoors and hiking be sure to check out The Dune Shacks Trail!

3. Manchester-By-The-Sea

Manchester-By-The-Sea is right where I grew up in the great state of Massachusetts. This quintessential New England beach town is so underrated and is definitely worth a visit. Manchester-By-The-Sea is a tiny town, but it is packed with beauty. Be sure to stop by Singing Beach and grab ice cream at Captain Dusty's. For more on what to do, where to stay, and the best restaurants read our quick guide to Manchester-By-The-Sea.

Before you visit, watch the film Manchester-By-The-Sea. It's really an amazing movie, but be warned - it's probably the saddest film I've ever seen.

4. Oak Bluffs

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Oak Bluffs is the gateway to the gorgeous island of Martha's Vineyard. This charming village is home to 'gingerbread' houses, cute cafes, cobblestone streets, and beautiful beaches - truly a dream. Oak Bluffs is my favorite village on Martha's Vineyard, but you can also visit the nearby Edgartown which is, just as amazing. Seriously, Oak Bluffs & Martha's Vineyard is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Massachusetts. For more on Martha's Vineyard read our travel guide here.

5. Newburyport

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Newburyport is definitely a Massachusetts hidden gem. I don't know why, but I've never seen other bloggers write about the charming seaside town - you can checkout our guide here. Newburyport is located in the northern eastern part of Massachusetts (right next to the New Hampshire border), Newburyport has an adorable downtown area with both boutiques and name brand shops, amazing restaurants, and picturque streets. You will also find easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in MA from Newburyport, like Plum Island (photo above). If you are looking for an off the beaten path Massachusetts destination consider visiting this charming seaside town!

6. Harwich

Harwich is a stunning and totally underrated town on Cape Cod. It is low-key, yet preppy. I spent my summers as a kid in Harwich and truly adore it. There is so much to do and the beaches are gorgeous. While in Harwich be sure to stop by Pleasant Road Beach and explore Harwich Port. For more on Harwich (things to do, hotels, beaches, where to dine, and local tips) read our Guide To Harwich here.

Best thing to do in Harwich - Explore + shop around the charming Harwich Port

7. Salem

Salem is one the most popular places to visit in Massachusetts outside of Boston, and for good reason. While, honestly, I do think that Salem is a bit overrated, it is still super cool to see. They fully embody the whole Salem witch trial thing and it is truly an amazing town to see (especially over Halloween) - definitely of the best places to visit in Massachusetts during October. If you are planning to day a day trip to Salem from Boston consider booking this tour.

Best thing to do in Salem - I know this is basic, but my favorite thing to do in Salem is definitely visiting the Salem Witch Museum.

8. Rockport

Rockport is an adorable little coastal town located in the beautiful Cape Ann (just north of Salem). Home to that New England coastal aesthetic, Rockport is so underrated. The beach town is home to adorable boutiques, cool hidden walkways, and a stunning rocky coastline. Rockport is definitely a summer kind of place, but it is kind of tragically beautiful in the winter - if that makes sense. Anyway, if you want a guided tour of Cape Ann + Rockport, checkout this tour.

Best thing to do in Rockport - Explore the historic district + Front Beach

9. Nantucket

Nantucket is the kind of place that actually feels like a dream. The beaches, cottages, seafood shacks, and whole vibe make Nantucket a must visit destination in Massachusetts. I feel like I don't need to convince you to visit - like who doesn't want to go to Nantucket? For more travel tips on Nantucket read our travel guide here.

Hidden gem in Nantucket - Walk down Orange Street

10. Cambridge

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I contemplated putting Cambridge on this list because I always just thought of it as an extension of Boston (it is located just across the Charles River from Boston). Either way Cambridge is definitely a great place to visit in Massachusetts. Cambridge is home to the great Harvard University, MIT, and some other college that isn't as cool. The place is full of geniuses. But, it is also full of adorable bookstores, coffee shops, and charming streets. For more on Cambridge read our travel guide here!

Hidden gem in Cambridge, MA - L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop

11. Chatham

Chatham fully embodies everything that Cape Cod is - hydrangea flowers, quaint cottages, adorable ice cream shops, preppy boutiques, and golden beaches. While in Chatham be sure to explore the cute downtown area, spot sharks on Monomoy Island, try surfing at Nauset Beach, and go for brunch at the Chatham Bars Inn. For more on Chatham read our complete travel guide here.

12. Winchester

Here is another Massachusetts hidden gem. Winchester is the quintessential New England town located just 15 minutes outside of Boston - it makes for a great day trip. While in Winchester be sure to walk around the adorable downtown area, go for a walk in the Fells, and get coffee at the Fuller Cup.

13. Brewster

I know, another Cape Cod town - but seriously no trip to Massachusetts is complete without visiting the Cape. Brewster is probably the most laid back town on the Cape. Home to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, beautiful beaches, and amazing seafood joints. What I love about Brewser is that the beaches are shark free as the beaches are a part of Cape Cod Bay. The shark thing gets sketchy on the outer Cape - some people feel fine about swimming with sharks, but if you are like me this matters a lot. For more on Brewster (things to do, places to stay, best coffee shop, ect.) read this guide.

Best things to do in Brewster, MA - Snowy Owl Coffee + Cape Cod Rail Trail

14. Leonx

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I am not as familiar with western Massachusetts, but I did visit the charming town of Lenox while exploreing the Berkshires a few years ago and thought it was adorable! Lenox is seriously out of a storybook (the charming downtown, hiking areas, parks, ect.). It is a great place to visit in Massachusetts during the fall.

15. Ipswich

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Another hidden gem! I had a friend growing up who lived in Ipswich and I remember visiting and thinking it was the cutest little town ever. Located right by the beach, Ipswich is home to picturque streets, cute cafes, Irish pubs, and lovely beaches. Also, the Saoirse Ronan film, Little Women was filmed, mostly, in Ipswich - you can even visit the house (Castle Hill at the Crane Estate).