Map Of Eastern Massachusetts

KeyPoints Eastern MA KeyPoint Report Preview

Introduction

Eastern Massachusetts is a region that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and beautiful beaches. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, there is something for everyone in Eastern Massachusetts. In this travel guide, we will take you through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in this region.

Top Attractions

Boston Common and Public Garden

Boston Common and Public Garden are two of the most popular attractions in Eastern Massachusetts. Boston Common is a 50-acre park that dates back to 1634 and is the oldest public park in the country. The Public Garden, located adjacent to Boston Common, is a 24-acre park that is known for its beautiful flowers, swan boats, and iconic statues. Visitors can take a stroll through the parks, have a picnic, or even take a swan boat ride.

Fenway Park

Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox and is one of the oldest baseball parks in the country. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium, visit the Red Sox Hall of Fame, and even catch a game during the baseball season.

Hidden Gems

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

The Arnold Arboretum is a hidden gem that is located in Jamaica Plain. It is a 281-acre park that is home to over 15,000 plants from around the world. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the park on their own.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a hidden gem that is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. It is a museum that is housed in a beautiful Venetian-style palace and is home to an impressive collection of European, Asian, and American art. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the museum on their own.

Food Scene

Lobster Rolls

Lobster rolls are a must-try when visiting Eastern Massachusetts. Some of the best places to try lobster rolls include Neptune Oyster in Boston, The Lobster Pool in Rockport, and Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery.

Boston Cream Pie

Boston Cream Pie is a dessert that was invented in Boston and is a must-try when visiting Eastern Massachusetts. Some of the best places to try Boston Cream Pie include Parker’s Restaurant in Boston, Mike’s Pastry in Boston’s North End, and Modern Pastry in Boston’s North End.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Museum Days

Many of the museums in Eastern Massachusetts offer free admission on certain days of the week. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston offers free admission on Wednesdays after 4 pm, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston offers free admission on Thursdays from 5-9 pm, and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem offers free admission on the first Friday of every month.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Eastern Massachusetts on a budget. The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile walking tour that takes visitors through 16 historical sites and is free to walk. The Black Heritage Trail in Boston is a 1.6-mile walking tour that takes visitors through 14 historical sites and is also free to walk.

Outdoor Adventures

The Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a 40-mile stretch of beach that is located on the outer edge of Cape Cod. Visitors can swim, surf, hike, and even camp in the park.

Mount Greylock State Reservation

Mount Greylock State Reservation is a 12,500-acre park that is located in the Berkshires. It is home to Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, and offers visitors hiking trails, scenic vistas, and even camping.

Family-Friendly Activities

The New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction that is located in Boston. It is home to over 20,000 animals from around the world and offers visitors the opportunity to touch stingrays, see sharks up close, and even watch a sea lion show.

Canobie Lake Park

Canobie Lake Park is a family-friendly amusement park that is located in Salem, New Hampshire. It is home to over 85 rides, games, and attractions and offers visitors a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a memorial that is located in Salem. It is dedicated to the 20 innocent people who were executed during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 and offers visitors a chance to reflect on this dark period in American history.

The Old Burying Point Cemetery

The Old Burying Point Cemetery is a cemetery that is located in Salem. It is the oldest cemetery in the city and is home to the graves of many famous people, including Judge John Hathorne, who presided over the Salem Witch Trials.

Natural Wonders

The Quabbin Reservoir

The Quabbin Reservoir is a 412-billion-gallon reservoir that is located in central Massachusetts. It is home to many species of fish and wildlife and offers visitors the opportunity to hike, fish, and even camp in the park.

The Middlesex Fells Reservation

The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a 2,575-acre park that is located just outside of Boston. It is home to many hiking trails, scenic vistas, and even offers visitors the opportunity to go horseback riding.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Lansdowne Pub

The Lansdowne Pub is a popular Irish pub that is located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. It offers visitors live music, traditional Irish food, and a wide selection of beers on tap.

The House of Blues

The House of Blues is a music venue that is located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. It offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in music and has a full bar and restaurant on site.

Local Markets

The Boston Public Market

The Boston Public Market is a year-round indoor market that is located in Boston. It is home to over 35 vendors that sell fresh produce, meat, cheese, and even homemade pasta.

The Salem Farmers’ Market

The Salem Farmers’ Market is a seasonal outdoor market that is located in Salem. It is open on Thursdays from June through October and is home to over 35 vendors that sell fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Beaches and Mountains

Good Harbor Beach

Good Harbor Beach is a beautiful beach that is located in Gloucester. It is known for its soft white sand and clear blue water and offers visitors the opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and even go whale watching.

Mount Monadnock

Mount Monadnock is a mountain that is located in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. It is a popular hiking destination and offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Cultural Immersion

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is a museum that is located in Boston. It is home to over 450,000 works of art from around the world and offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the most famous pieces of art in history.

The Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum is a museum that is located in Salem. It is home to over 1.8 million pieces of art and artifacts from around the world and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different countries and civilizations.

Art and Music Scene

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is not only a museum, but it is also a hub for the art and music scene in Boston. It hosts concerts, lectures, and even film screenings throughout the year.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra

The Boston Symphony Orchestra is a world-renowned orchestra that is located in Boston. It offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the greatest musicians in the world perform in one of the country’s most beautiful concert halls.