Top New England Arts & Design - page 2

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.

Dive into America’s maritime history by securing your admission to Mystic Seaport ahead of time. Spend the day in a recreated 1870s seafaring village, climb aboard historic tall ships, and enjoy full access to the sprawling 19-acre (7.7-ha) campus and three tall ships. Parking onsite is included for convenience.

- Explore 300 years of history through an award-winning exhibit and immersive audio guide. - Enjoy kid-friendly options like a fun family scavenger hunt. - Discover the secrets of the crypt, where 1,100 people were buried. - Find out the true story behind Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride and “two if by sea.” - See a newly revealed mural that had been hidden under layers of white paint since 1912. - Learn about the church’s Black and Indigenous history.

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

Step into a world of sweeping ocean views, architectural ambition, and high-society drama on this immersive self-guided audio tour along Newport’s legendary Cliff Walk. You’ll uncover the stories of a city where old money met new ambition—and where elegance masked scandal, rebellion, and reinvention. Journey through the heart of America’s Gilded Age. Discover how self-made tycoons and society queens used architecture to vie for dominance, and how the lives of servants, socialites, and outsiders influenced the creation of these incredible estates. This tour peels back the curtain on a world that is dazzling and deeply human, from behind-the-scenes secrets to forgotten voices. Move at your own pace as you take in breathtaking views while listening to richly narrated stories grounded in historical research and local insight. See Newport as you’ve never seen it before, whether you're a history lover, an architecture fan, or a curious wanderer.

Discover many of Providence’s top landmarks—and learn all about the city’s centuries of history—on this immersive walking tour. Pick between morning and afternoon departure times, and explore Rhode Island’s capital in the company of a local. You’ll see highlights like the Rhode Island State House, the first Baptist church in America, Providence City Hall, and much more—and will hear the stories behind the sights as you go.

Uncover Nantucket's rich history and charm on this self-guided audio tour. Using our app, you can explore at your own pace as you stroll down cobblestone-lined Main Street and learn about how Nantucket evolved from the worlds whaling capital to the tourist destination it is today. Admire meticulously preserved 18th-century homes, each whispering tales of the island's whaling past. Explore iconic landmarks like the Atheneum, the Hadwen House, and Straight Wharf, a bustling hub since the 17th century. All along the way, captivating stories, insights, and local recommendations bring Nantucket's vibrant heritage to life.

The Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston opened in 1925, and you can tour the historic venue with ease on this group tour. Go explore backstage and learn about the history of the theater over the last century. Spend time looking at the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame inside the theater.

Discover the vibrant history of Portland’s Old Port on this engaging walking tour. Wander through cobblestone alleys and merchant blocks rich with stories of sailors, reformers, and immigrants. Learn about the Portland Freedom Trail, which honors the city’s fight for freedom and civil rights. The tour showcases the Old Port’s architectural charm and its transformation from a bustling shipping hub to a cultural center. Experience the tales of resilience embedded in its streets, from the Great Fire of 1866 to the revitalization efforts of the 1970s. Join fellow history enthusiasts for a memorable journey through Portland’s past and present. — Explore the historic Old Port district, a cultural and commercial hub — Walk along the Portland Freedom Trail, learning about civil rights — Discover stories of resilience, fire, and maritime life — Ideal for history lovers and those curious about Portland's heritage

Discover the highlights of Cambridge’s Harvard Yard—without having to spend hours doing research—thanks to this fun and interactive self-guided exploration game. Smartphone access via an app means there’s no need to waste time picking up equipment, so you can play whenever suits your schedule. Places that feature on the route include Widener Library, Johnston Gate, Holden Chapel, and the Harvard Lampoon Building.

Get ready to visit one of the greatest vacation spots in the USA, a favorite among celebrities and even presidents! Martha’s Vineyard is home to stunning beaches and coastline, picturesque little towns, and plenty of fun—but this GPS-guided driving tour with walking portions will also dig beneath the beautiful surface and into the island’s surprising history. Learn about the Wampanoag, the origin of the Vineyard’s famous “gingerbread houses,” and the lost language invented by the island’s residents! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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.

Explore Boston’s Mafia past and learn the story behind North End’s immigrants with this interactive outdoor exploration game. Taking the role of an investigative reporter, solve a series of challenges on your phone that will lead you around the neighborhood, including to Rose Kennedy Rose Garden, North Street Park, North Square, and hidden gems.

Discover Boston’s North End—one of the city's most historic neighborhoods, and now home to its Little Italy—on a photography walking tour designed for small groups. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, and visit many iconic Freedom Trail sights in one trip, including Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church, and hidden gems off the beaten path. Bring your camera for expert photography tips, perfect for all skill levels.

Go beyond the sights of Portland, Maine and take a day trip to Salem, Massachusetts. The town of Salem is known for its famous witch trials that took place in 1692. Learn about the history of Salem on a guided tour through the town and see several landmarks including the Salem Witch Museum, the memorial, and Phillips House. On your way to Salem, stop in Kennebunkport to explore the historic village.

Explore elegant neighborhoods, historic streets, and American landmarks on a Boston walking tour from the Back Bay to Beacon Hill and downtown portions of the Freedom Trail. Learn about Boston’s history and culture as you stroll brownstone-lined avenues and walk the shady paths of the Boston Public Garden. Step into Boston’s Revolutionary history in the churches, cemeteries, and battlegrounds of the American struggle for independence.

Explore Boston’s musical history while guided by a local musician on this small-group tour, discovering facts about the city’s past and present music scene that most guidebooks miss. Visit several of Boston’s most influential venues and hear about the legendary artists who have played some of their largest gigs in the city.

Take a boat tour along the Providence waterways to discover 300 years of architectural history. Led by the Providence Preservation Society, uncover the city's stories, sight lines, and subtle details. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, witness historic Providence from the best vantage point in town. Passengers must be at least 10 years old to join this tour.

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.

Calling all nature lovers and art aficionados, the Joy Ride E-Bike Tour combines the natural beauty of spruce forests meeting the Atlantic Ocean’s rocky coastline with the art inspired by it. Our first stop will be Villard Studios where Kim and Philippe Villard's woodblock prints brought the beauty of the Boothbay Peninsula into the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), NY. We’ll ride through quaint neighborhoods along the Linekin Bay coastline, along an old Indian trail skirting a hidden pond, and enjoy stunning views of Boothbay Harbor’s working waterfront. A feast for all five senses!

Journey through Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll past with a local musician. See where iconic artists like Pixies, Joan Baez, and the Cars lived, recorded and performed. Dig for vinyl at a local record store, explore Harvard Square’s folk roots, and end with a pint at an Irish pub.

This small-group tour stands out by offering an intimate, authentic experience, allowing guests to connect more deeply with Boston’s local stories. With a focus on personal attention, our passionate local guides share not just historical facts but real, untold stories of the city, making each stop feel unique. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, giving you the chance to ask questions, interact, and truly immerse yourself in the heart of Boston’s history. It’s more than just a tour—it’s a genuine journey through the city’s past, told by the people who live it.

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.

Hear the true stories that inspired the HBO show The Gilded Age on a self-guided walking tour down Bellevue Avenue, from Rough Point Mansion to The Breakers on Ochre Point Avenue. Along the way, I’ll share the juicy details behind Newport’s palatial ”summer cottages” as you gaze at their impressive designs. You’ll find out about the owners of these homes, many of them New York’s most elite families including the Vanderbilts and Astors. I’ll also introduce you to the architects who designed them and the staff that kept these homes running despite harsh working conditions and low pay. You’ll hear about the impact that the sinking of Titanic had on the owners of the Miramar Mansion, and how it took 36 staff members to look after Mable House, a holiday home used for only eight weeks of the year. This hour-long stroll takes you behind the scenes to discover the personalities that built today’s Newport.