What locals say you have to do if you’re visiting Massachusetts for the first time
With droves of international visitors expected to come to our fair region this summer for the World Cup and MA250, we asked our readers what's the one thing not to miss.
Spoiler: almost everyone recommended more than one thing. That's because Massachusetts residents know there's a lot that makes our state special.
Bostonians take the city’s nickname “Hub of the Universe" seriously — even if some chide us for that pride. Because there’s more to our city than the mobster movies and Dunkin' commercials would suggest.
From the classics to local favorites, here’s what they picked.
The Seashore
Massachusetts has a broad reputation for its smarts and sports. But locals know the state's seashore is also worth boasting about. And there are plenty of spots to check out and explore.
Boston Harbor Islands
Closest to Boston — technically part of Boston — are the Boston Harbor Islands. They are perfect for a half or full day outing.
Made up of more than 30 islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands are rich in history — from Native American artifacts, to forts from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. You’ll find everything from historic lighthouses, to hiking trails and spots for swimming.
- “My go-to for anyone on a nice day, take the ferry to Georges Island,” said Bill Flanagan. “You get a feel for Boston from the sea and then, get a good seat for return, you'll see Boston rise up in front of you.” For kids, there’s “room to run, underground lairs to explore, boats to watch,” added Abigail Gabrielse.
North Shore
Towns like Gloucester, Rockport, Marblehead and Salem serve up a “quintessential New England experience,” said Nick Gianetti. Explore the small art galleries, get fresh seafood and enjoy a day on the beach.
- Janine Pacheco recommends driving the scenic route along Route 127 to get there. (There's also an MBTA commuter rail line.)
- There are lighthouses (or light stations) to tour on Rockport's Thatcher and Straitsmouth islands, recommends Jaqi Gerstner.
- If you head to Salem, Gerstner suggested stopping by the House of Seven Gables then Notch Brewing, which has a harbor-side patio, for a refreshing craft beer. Pacheco said to head to Salem Willows to get food at the Clam Shack, popcorn at E.W. Hobb, some ice cream, and play at the arcades or the beach.
- The North Shore is where you're going to want to eat some of our region's renowned seafood, especially fried clams and lobster rolls. Pacheco recommends Farnham's Clams in Essex.
A whale of a time
Speaking of our ocean view, some readers enthusiastically said whale watching off the Massachusetts coast only compares to California. (You could see humpbacks, finbacks, minkes and the endangered North Atlantic right whale.)
- Skott Daltonic said Massachusetts is “one of the best places on earth” to see whales.
History
Many of our readers said no trip to Boston is complete without walking the Freedom Trail. A 2.5-mile brick red line guides visitors through 16 sites that show Boston's pivotal role in the American Revolution.
- “Yes, it can be corny, but the history is real and tangible,” said Mark Lyons.
- Carol Patey specifically called out the Paul Revere House on the trail. “He was an important person in his era and a reminder of the risks that courageous colonists took,” she said.
- On the last leg of the Freedom Trail in Charlestown, you’ll get to see Boston from the water. Visitors can board the USS Constitution, or Old Ironsides. Eileen Sullivan recommends the museum there, as well.
Not to be overlooked, a few readers pointed out the pivotal history that happened in nearby Lexington and Concord.
- Minute Man National Historic Park offers a tour of the land where the first battles of the American Revolution were fought. “It’s the place where the U.S. started,” wrote Sandra Narinian. She recommends the Liberty Ride Trolley Tour in Lexington. “The tour makes history interesting, surprising and very human,” Narinian said. Bonus: You could take your picture with guides dressed up in Colonial garb.
Hit up a museum
- The Museum of African American History, which has two locations in Boston and Nantucket, explores the region's abolitionist history and preserves the sites and contributions African Americans made to the country. The museum "gives a voice to those we have read about!" said Lloyd Sheldon Johnson. "Imagine being in a room where Frederick Douglass spoke! This is awesome history that we can touch!"
- "The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a museum unlike any other for lovers of beauty," said Gabrielse. The collector and patron opened her home to the public in 1903, and it's remained as she left it for over a century. That is, except for the 13 pieces of art that were stolen in a yet-to-be-solved heist in 1990.
- Inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library sits a massive stained-glass globe — big enough to walk through. Primrose Boynton called it a “beautiful experience of light and sound, and a great way to consider international perspective.” Createdin 1935, Jim Frances added that it gives visitors a chance to explore the geopolitical borders before World War II.
- On a rainy day, many readers mentioned the Museum of Science or Boston Children's Museum. "This is one of the best children's museums in the country," said Trevour Smith. Joel Segel said if you want a museum for kiddos that's a little more of an "off-the-beaten-path gem" and don't mind a drive, head to the Discovery Museum in Acton.
- Smith suggested the New England Aquarium (which pairs perfectly with the aforementioned whale watch, since the boat leaves from the same pier). "The aquarium has a massive, four-story ocean tank and a penguin colony that kids go crazy for," he wrote.
Public spaces
- Boston Common and Public Garden: "To say you've visited Boston, you must visit the Common and Public Garden. There's history mixed with current people to watch," wrote Gabrielse. Both green spaces claim being a first — the first public park, and first public botanical garden in the U.S., respectively.
- While you're at the Public Garden, readers say you have to be a true tourist and take our historic swan boats out for a spin.
Eat up
You probably already know that we’re going to recommend getting a bowl of clam chowder and a lobster roll. But we’re going to say it anyway.
- It may be summer, but a bowl of clam chowder is still going to be on the menu many places. “It doesn't get more Massachusetts than that!” said Peter H Van Demark.
- As for a lobster roll, “whether you get it warm and buttered up or cold and creamy, there's nothing like it outside of the U.S.,” said Tran. Smith recommended James Hook & Co. in Boston.
- Readers also suggest heading to the North End, Boston's "Little Italy." "Have a massive pasta dinner with some good wine, and then participate in the ultimate local rivalry: grabbing dessert at Mike's Pastry vs. Modern Pastry,” said Smith.
- While on Salem Street, stop at Polcari's, a "dry goods" store in the North End. "You can still buy corn meal from the barrel and spices by the ounce," Patey writes. "And yes, they do sell coffee of all sorts. Straight out of the Old World."
- Grab a hot dog or lobster roll (on a split-top bun) at Sullivan's on Castle Island, recommends Smith. The family-owned institution in South Boston is an essential Boston stop while walking along the harbor or exploring the fort on Castle Island (which is a small peninsula that juts off South Boston).
- The Boston area has an “elite craft beer scene,” Smith added. He suggests starting at Trillium Brewing in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood for their hazy IPAs, then going to the Harpoon Brewery Beer Hall in the Seaport for a beer and a pretzel.
Play ball
Boston loves its sports teams. If you’re lucky enough to get tickets to the World Cup matches, you’ll be at "Boston Stadium," which is Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution, when the World Cup isn't in town. The once and future stars of the National Football League (American football) play there, and you’ll probably spot a statue of the GOAT (aka the now-retired Tom Brady).
- The top sports recommendation from our readers was to visit historic Fenway Park. Kristine Strand said visitors have to experience the iconic ballpark of the classic American pastime. Gianetti called Fenway the “crown jewel” of the “jewelbox ballparks” (those built around the turn of the 20th century). Catch a game, or even take a tour of the grounds. After your tour, swing by Bleacher Bar on Landsdowne Street for "an unbelievable view of the ballpark," said Foley.
- Have you heard of candlepin bowling? It's bowling, but with smaller balls and it was first created in Worcester. "Nothing more Massachusetts than candlepin bowling where it was developed in the 1800s and lives on in the 21st century," said Donna Abelli. Abelli said candlepin bowling was always top of the list with family and friends. Bonus: It's not weather dependent.
The real local experience
If you want to skip the traditional tourist stuff and spend a weekend the way locals do, here's what our readers recommend:
- "Go on a thrifting hunt at the Garment District. My friends love rummaging through their 'by the pound' section and then heading upstairs to shop for vintage items," said Tran.
- "Wally's Lounge for the music of both young and old," Lyons wrote. The legendary jazz club has been open to students and local musicians to hone their craft since 1947.
But perhaps the most Massachusetts experience you could have is getting a taste of the local snark.
- If you’re from New York, reader Glenn Mulno said you “should visit the Patriots Hall of Fame and admire all the trophies.” Another reader suggested wearing a Yankees hat.
- You could also have yourself a quintessential newcomer experience (read calamitous): a good ole fashioned storrowing. You can’t fit a U-Haul under the footbridges over Storrow Drive. Don Jackson jokingly suggested you try it, and “you’ll see beautiful scenery and find out just how patient and friendly the locals can be.”
- Jojo Olson, had just two words: “cop slide.” (Confused? Watch the viral 2023 video of a Boston police officer flying down the slide at City Hall Plaza Playground.)
