New England attractions

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Longfellow House is the former home of poet Henry W. Longfellow and served as headquarters to General George Washington during the Siege of Boston from 1775 to 1776. Visitors can wander the decorated halls of this Georgian mansion and learn about the dynamic Longfellow family.

It’s easy to spend an afternoon in Harvard Square, a popular gathering place and a hub for street performers thanks to a lively street scene and close proximity to Harvard University. Travelers will find plenty of local life in this Cambridge neighborhood, as well as restaurants, shopping, an old-school newsstand, and public-art installations.

Cambridge Common is a popular green space near Harvard Square where local recreational sports teams play, picnickers gather, and energetic kids run around. On the site where George Washington gathered troops during the Revolutionary War, the park contains historic cannons and plaques that commemorate some of the revolution’s major events.

This bronze statue, which stands at the center of Harvard Yard, is frequently visited by both travelers and prospective students, and it’s also been the target of dozens of pranks since its unveiling. Whether it’s covered in tar, paint, or some other substance, the John Harvard statue remains at the heart of the school named for him … even though the statue isn’t actually of him.

The expansive collection of the Harvard Museum of Natural History, located on the grounds of Harvard University, comes from the school’s major research museums. Visitors will find fabulous displays of fossils and dinosaurs, taxidermied animals from around the world, exquisite glass models of plants, and more at this family-friendly museum.

Kendall Square has served as a transit hub for travelers venturing between Boston and Cambridge for centuries: In 1793, it provided the first direct wagon route between these cities. Today tech firms and offshoots of nearby MIT call Kendall Square home, and travelers will find plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and shopping here.

Founded in 1971, the MIT Museum is home to a wide array of exhibits showcasing the intersection of science, technology, and art, from artificial intelligence and holography to robotics. The museum offers rotating exhibitions on STEAM-based topics, demonstrations by faculty and students, workshops, and hands-on activities.

Recognized as one of the oldest (and largest) natural history museums in the world, theYale Peabody Museum of Natural History is home to an impressive collection of dinosaurs, as well as permanent exhibits that showcase human evolution, Egyptian history, Native American artwork and a wide array of birds and mammals. Several labs and learning stations are connected to the building, which has been at its current location since 1925. Visitors say the vast museum is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon, or enjoy a hands-on learning experience with kids. And while the paleontology halls are truly remarkable, travelers agree the Mayan exhibits and life-size dioramas are pretty spectacular as well. Please note: The museum closed for renovations in June 2020. Construction is expected to last for three years.

Considered one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Boston, Louisburg Square in Beacon Hill consists of multi-million-dollar, 19th-century townhouses and a private park. The area was first settled back in the 1600s when Rev. William Blaxton moved to this part of Beacon Hill from Charlestown, where the Puritans had settled, to enjoy more peace.

Gain a new perspective on world geography at the Mapparium, the centerpiece of the How Do You See the World? experience at Boston’s Christian Science Plaza. Situated inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this 3-story stained-glass globe from 1935 features a footbridge that spans its hollow interior, allowing visitors to admire the pre–World War II world from the inside out. A 10-minute narration and exhibition of related artifacts and documents complete the experience.

See the home that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables, a highlight of historic Salem. Also known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, this former residence is one of the oldest surviving wooden mansions in New England, featuring a large collection of artifacts, photos, and rare books. Today, it’s part of a museum complex that comprises gardens, a sea wall, and several historic buildings, including the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace.

At the Salem Witch Museum, learn more about the tragic Salem witch trials of 1692 through a series of life-size stage sets and two distinct presentations. See and hear how neighbors turned against neighbors, and learn more about everyone involved. You’ll also get an overview of the evolving perception of witches throughout history, and learn how the term “witch-hunt” originated.

Separate the myths from the facts while learning all about the history of witchcraft through the ages, with a visit to the Salem Witch Village. Tours are led by practicing witches. The village also features an indoor maze and eclectic gift shop.

As a city perhaps best known for its 1692 witch trials, Salem has a dark history that dates back centuries. Visitors can unpack stories of this colonial era at the Salem Wax Museum. Encounter wax figures from Salem's past in this quaint museum, and check out a small exhibit on the history of Salem, its witch hunt, and maritime industry.

Opened in 1799—and then called the East India Marine Society—Salem's Peabody Essex Museum (PEM is one of the oldest continuously-operating museums in the US. The museum's sizable collection makes it one of the region's largest art institutions. Holdings include curios from mariners traveling the globe, plus historic homes and gardens.

History fans can follow in the footsteps of the British troops along the scenic Battle Road Trail, located near Concord, Massachusetts. This is the actual route soldiers retreated along after the battles at Lexington and Concord. Hike the trail to learn about colonial revolutionaries and the origins of the American Revolutionary War.

Once a popular gathering place for locals and travelers, Buckman Tavern was where the Lexington Minutemen waited for the British troops in the early hours of April 19, 1775, just before the first battle of the Revolutionary War took place outside Lexington Commons. Today, the restored tavern is a National Historic Landmark and museum.

The cornerstone of Concord’s historic attractions, The Old Manse was the town’s political and social center throughout the 19th century, in addition to serving as a home for literary greats. Preserved as a National Historic Landmark, the structure was originally built in 1770 for Rev. William Emerson, and stands adjacent to Concord’s Old North Bridge, where the American Revolutionary War started in 1775.

Detailing the long history of glassmaking in Sandwich, Massachusetts, the Sandwich Glass Museum allows visitors to explore locally made glass on display and see artisans blowing glass by hand in the workshop. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in glassmaking or the town’s history.

The JFK Museum in Hyannis offers a fascinating insight into the life of America’s 35th president. Dedicated to preserving the legacy of John F. Kennedy, who spent many summers on Cape Cod, the museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Kennedy: the man and the president.

This compact wedge of marshland, beach grass, and beach swings out into Buzzards Bay, and its nature trails offer a quiet haven even when the rest of Cape Cod is chockablock with visitors. At its tip is “The Knob,” a promontory that, on a clear day, has views stretching to New Bedford, the Elizabeth Islands, and the Cape Cod Canal.

The LEGO® Discovery Center Boston turns the popular building blocks into a life-size playground. Perfect for families with young children, the themed destination is dedicated to the colorful blocks and features rides, attractions, and hands-on experiences including the chance to build a LEGO® car or a spaceship. There's also the DUPLO® park, which was developed specifically for visitors under the age of 5.

The Atlantic Ocean has played a major role in Cape Cod’s history since 1639, and that history is on full display here at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, which explores the peninsula’s unique maritime heritage. Rotating exhibits cover topics ranging from archival histories of Cape Cod’s whaling and fishing industries, lighthouse and boat design, nautical art, and even a scrimshaw collection.

An inlet on Maine’s southern coast, Casco Bay is a rich maritime area spotted with lighthouses, historic forts, and seven small islands. Calm conditions make Casco Bay an ideal spot for boating, sailing, and kayaking, while the islands each have their own unique communities to explore.

Stretching for several miles along Portland’s East End, this scenic trail connects the city’s cobblestoned Old Port with Fort Allen Park, East End Beach, and beyond. Along the way, sweeping views of Casco Bay and its islands provide a picturesque backdrop for joggers, cyclists, and picnickers enjoying this easy-to-access greenway.

With granite walls that appear to rise straight up from the surface of Portland Harbor, this abandoned military fort was built on a small island during the Civil War. Only accessible by boat, today it’s a reminder of Maine's military past and a curiosity for passing harbor cruises or intrepid kayakers.

New England Distilling, known for its rye whiskey, bourbon, gin, and rum, was founded in 2012, but the owner’s family has roots in the business going as far back as the 1850s, having produced spirits under different labels until the 1950s. The Portland-based distillery pays homage to this history by using a combination of traditional equipment and modern gear, and offers tours and tastings.

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is dedicated to the 20 men and women tried and executed for practicing witchcraft in this colonial Massachusetts town in the late 17th century. A reminder of Salem’s darkest chapter, the open-air site is stark yet moving. The memorial’s entrance is engraved with statements of innocence from the accused, and its benches—protruding from three rough granite walls—are marked with the names and execution dates of each victim.

Tombstones from the 17th century draw visitors to Salem into the Old Burying Point, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery. This is the final resting place of victims of the infamous Salem witch trials, in addition to other historical figures, including judges from the Salem witch trials, former governors, and even a pilgrim from the Mayflower. This cemetery is a popular stop on spooky nighttime tours of Salem.

Visitors seeking an introduction to Salem’s quaint waterfront will often find themselves in Pickering Wharf, an area brimming with shops, restaurants, and cafés lining the harbor. This historic seaport is a pleasant place for a stroll and a browse, with many shops featuring unique arts and crafts. It’s also a destination for fresh seafood; many restaurants take pride in serving fresh seafood from local waters.