Top Massachusetts Arts & Design

Relive one of the most important events leading up to the American Revolution and learn about a side of the story most tourists miss on this guided tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Explore authentically restored tea ships with the help of a guide as you get their insights into this pivotal event, and throw some of your own tea into Boston Harbor. It's an ideal experience for American history buffs, tourists, and locals alike.

Journey into early American history at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, located near Boston in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Three outdoor exhibits reveal what daily life was like in the New England of the 1600s: Plimoth Patuxet, Mayflower II, and Plimoth Grist Mill. You can opt to visit one, two, or all three to learn about the Pilgrims and Native American Wampanoag in the colonial era.

Not many tours combine an exploration of art and architecture with chocolate tastings. On this small-group tour, head to Back Bay to explore the district’s diverse 19th and 20th-century architecture. Stop at several different chocolate vendors and bakeries, interspersed with visits to two different art galleries across the neighborhood, including one featuring 56 artists with ceramics, paintings, and mobiles.

Get the best chance of seeing whales off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, by booking this half-day whale-watch cruise. Your experienced captain and crew know the whales’ feeding and swimming patterns and keep close tabs on where they’re hanging out. Spread out on the deck of the boat and enjoy being out in the open air while you find whales, then get ready to snap photos of breaching, spouts, and tail slaps.

Thanks to its storied revolutionary past, Boston is home to some of the most significant historic buildings in the US. Learn facts about the nation’s history that most guidebooks miss, like details about the 1770 Boston Massacre, with this access pass for the Old State House, Old South Meeting House, and the new immersive Ruckus! show starting July 2.

Step into the magic of Hocus Pocus with our enchanting movie location tour in Salem — the very town where the Sanderson sisters ran amok! We’ll meet at 7 Church Street, right in front of the popular vegan restaurant, where your evening of spells, stories, and Salem history begins. Your licensed professional local tour guide will share behind-the-scenes secrets, filming facts, and plenty of fun movie trivia along the way. Our first stop is beautiful Salem Common, where Max and Allison share their charming flirtation scene. You’ll stand where the iconic moment took place. We see Old Town Hall, the unforgettable setting of the Halloween party. Your guide will share trivia about how it became one of the film’s most memorable scenes. Finally, we make our way to the stunning Ropes Mansion, famously known as Allison’s House. Guests will enjoy interactive trivia from Hocus Pocus, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of opportunities to relive their favorite moments from the film.

Discover how a small religious summer camp transformed into one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most popular island destinations on this walking tour through the town of Oak Bluffs. Starting in Ocean Park, you’ll follow the coast to Inkwell Beach before heading into the heart of the town. Along the way, you’ll hear its history and find out what makes this island paradise so alluring to everyone from the rich and famous, to curious Cape Cod vacationers that come for a day. Around Trinity Park, you’ll see Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, its cottage museum, and the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs which is a place of worship. After heading down Circuit Avenue, where I’ll show you the town’s famous Flying Horses Carousel, our tour will come to an end at the harbor. Whether you’re on the island for only a day, or calling Martha’s Vineyard home for the season, this tour is for anyone who wants to dig into Oak Bluffs’ past and enjoy its present.

Experience the best of New England’s marine wildlife on this guided whale-watching cruise around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Hop on a high-speed boat in Boston that gets to and from the whales in the least amount of time possible. Look out for humpback and fin whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins, with the help of a naturalist guide. The on-board galley offers food and beverages for purchase during the trip.

Embark on a privately guided journey through Truro’s soul, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. This tour weaves together three iconic Cape Cod landmarks: The Highland House Museum, Highland Links Golf Course, and the historic Highland Light. Begin at Highland Light, Cape Cod’s oldest lighthouse (1797). Ascend 69 steps to the lantern room for panoramic Atlantic Ocean views and hear the thrilling tale of its 1996 relocation. Next, step into the Highland House Museum, a 1907 farmhouse-turned-hotel-turned-cultural gem. Once a haven for literary giant Henry David Thoreau, who penned parts of Cape Cod here. Explore rooms inspired by Edward and Josephine Hopper’s artistry. Stroll along the Highland Links Golf Course, America’s first 9-hole links course. Nestled amid rolling dunes and windswept grasses. Available June-September only.

Step into the captivating realm of illusions, where reality is never exactly as it appears. Museum of Illusions is a one-of-a-kind, visual, sensory, and educational experience designed to engage your sense of wonder and challenge perceptions through the science behind optical illusions. We offer over 50 immersive, hands-on exhibits to explore. The illusion rooms, installations and holograms let you defy gravity, grow and shrink your body, walk into a life-size kaleidoscope, and play tricks on your senses at every turn. It’s a mind-bending journey that deceives the senses and reveals how the brain interprets reality.

The Sports Museum consists exhibits located throughout TD Garden, home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics, including Boston Bruins Heritage Hall. Our Museum Assistants will guide you through The Sports Museum, primarily located on the Premium Levels 5 & 6 of TD Garden. These spaces showcase the rich heritage of Boston sports and the influence athletics have had on the city’s social history and evolution. During this 60-minute guided tour, guests can expect to enjoy: - Exhibits highlighting the Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, and more - Boston Bruins Heritage Hall, celebrating Bruins legends, championships, and history - Sculptures of Larry Bird, Ted Williams, Bobby Orr, Carl Yastrzemski, and Harry Agganis - An exclusive championship ring display, sponsored by Jostens - Views into TD Garden, bringing guests up close to the championship banners of the Bruins and Celtics* *Views into the arena are subject to restrictions based on venue activity. Photo restrictions may apply.

Take a cruise along the Charles River for a chance to see some of Boston’s most beautiful historic and contemporary architecture. Pass important landmarks such as Marriott’s Custom House, the Prudential Building, and the Hancock tower and listen to live commentary onboard about the history, architecture, and design of these buildings.

Discover the stories of merchants and mansions in Salem, Massachusetts with this architecture-themed walking tour. Meet your guide for a stroll through the McIntire District and learn about more than three centuries of architectural history. Explore the cobblestone streets of Salem and see local landmarks including Witch House and Ropes Mansion. View more than two dozen sites throughout the tour.

Set sail on the historic Lobster Tales for a memorable evening on the "Sounds and Sunsets" cruise in Plymouth. Relish the picturesque sunset views while enjoying live music from top local artists. Sip on refreshing margaritas, cold beer, and champagne, accompanied by complimentary appetizers. Perfect for couples or friends looking to unwind, this 2-hour cruise is all about good vibes, great music, and stunning views. Celebrate summer nights on the water and create unforgettable memories with the sounds of Plymouth. - 2-hour sunset cruise with live music and scenic views - Complimentary appetizers and unlimited drinks included - Perfect for all ages, especially couples and friends - Departure from Plymouth, with a spacious sunset viewing area

Discover Boston’s thriving SoWa Art and Design District—and meet one of the city’s acclaimed local artists, Paul Pedulla—during this studio visit, talk, and neighborhood tour. Meet at Pedulla’s studio space; with a maximum of 10 attendees, this small-group tour provides an intimate way to learn about his work and about the Boston art scene. Following the tour and talk, you’ll receive a guide to SoWa’s other highlights, and can continue exploring independently.

Experience the best of Nantucket with this 2-in-1 bundle — two complete self-guided tours available together at a discounted price. Begin your adventure with a walking tour through the heart of downtown Nantucket, learning about the whaling trade, and discovering landmarks like the Atheneum and Hadwen House. Next, embark on the Nantucket Coast to Coast drive or bike tour, stretching from Madaket to Sconset. Follow a scenic route past windswept beaches, historic lighthouses, and classic shingle cottages that reveal the island’s more tranquil side. Each tour is available separately, but when purchased together, they offer a flexible and memorable way to explore the entire island at a discounted rate. - Two complete self-guided tours at a discounted bundle price - Walking tour through downtown Nantucket’s historic sites - Scenic drive or bike tour from Madaket to Sconset - GPS-triggered audio works offline - Discover hidden gems and learn about the island’s maritime heritage

Experience Boston Harbor on a sunset cruise aboard a historic tall ship. Depart from Fan Pier Marina on the 67-foot Liberty Star enjoy views of the outer harbor, Fort Independence, East Boston, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and beyond. Relax and let the crew handle the sails or jump in the action and a grab a line on this fun and affordable outing.

See some of the top attractions in Boston from the waterfront on this narrated sightseeing cruise. Explore the world-famous Boston Harbor and see the city’s historic sites while listening to live commentary on board, from tales of the Revolutionary War to local legends. While you cruise, enjoy views of the city skyline as well as the Boston Harbor Islands, USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), and the Bunker Hill Monument.

As the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, five Boston landmarks have joined to create the BOSTON 250 PASS, providing access to five iconic museums and historic churches on a single ticket! This special offer grants discounted adult admission (ages 18+) to five must-see historic sites: Paul Revere House (1680), home of the famed silversmith; Old State House (1713), colonial capital of Massachusetts Bay; Old North Church (1723), Boston's oldest surviving church building; Old South Meeting House (1729), origin site of the Boston Tea Party; and King's Chapel (1754), home of Boston's first Anglican congregation. Museums are independently operated; visitor hours vary, so please confirm in advance! Pass valid for one week (7 days) following date selected. DO NOT PURCHASE if listed (discounts available): Children (0-17); U.S. Military; Groups of 10+ (reservation req'd); MA Teachers; MBTA Employees; WGBH, NEMA, AAM, ICOM Members; WIC & EBT Cardholders

Explore Boston’s must-see attractions in one tour. Walk along the picturesque streets of Beacon Hill, home to Acorn Street, the most photographed street in Boston. Discover the most scenic locations in the Boston Public Garden and Back Bay’s beautiful 19th-century residential neighborhood.

Discover pirate history in Salem, Massachusetts with a ticket to an interactive exhibition. Learn about the real-life stories of pirates as you explore the exhibit at your own pace. Listen to an audio guide as you see pirate treasure including coins and jewelry, retrieved from a shipwreck. Check out the discovery lab and immerse yourself in the history of pirates off the coast of Cape Cod.

Explore Boston’s top 3 attractions on a small-group walking tour in just two hours. A longtime local guide shares insightful historical commentary of the famous sites along the way as well as fun photo tips to help you capture memorable photos of your tour experience. Discover the history behind Back Bay’s diverse architectural landmarks in Copley Square. Enjoy a scenic stroll through the Boston Public Garden to see colorful flowerbeds and the famous Swan Boats. For the grand finale, we'll visit Beacon Hill’s Acorn Street, known as known the most photographed street in Boston. Designed for history buffs, urban explorers, smartphone users, and casual photographers, this guided walking tour blends engaging historical commentary with photo tips. It is not a technical photography class.

Experience Ruckus!, a bold new immersive show at the Old South Meeting House that surrounds you with dynamic sound, lighting, and projected animations of fiery revolutionaries, determined citizens, and some unlikely troublemakers whose courage shook these walls and sparked the American Revolution. This 25-minute show is designed for visitors of all ages as the ultimate starting point for exploring Boston's history. Guests should arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the selected showtime. Your ticket also includes admission to both the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House, where you can stand in the rooms where history unfolded, explore fascinating exhibits and artifacts, and continue your journey through the story of America’s founding. One ticket unlocks three unforgettable experiences in the heart of historic Boston. Revolutionary Spaces is a nonprofit organization. Every ticket purchase supports the preservation of these iconic national historic landmarks!