Massachusetts - 90 Great Things to Do in Massachusetts in Greater Boston and Cambridge

400 Years of Boston History
on Display Via Walk to the Sea

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Boston is now home to a great, free activity that is ideal for families and people who love history, urban architecture, and the outdoors. The new Walk to the Sea is a self-guided trail that encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Beginning at the State House on Beacon Hill, overlooking Boston's ancient Common, the Walk passes among historic landmarks and skyscrapers. The walk from summit to sea, spanning one mile and descending a hundred feet, brings Boston history to life. Large panels are situated along the walking trail to guide and educate walkers.

Adams, Samuel = Great Beer

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Here’s what you might not know: Samuel Adams (1722-1802), cousin to John Adams, was a Bostonian, statesman, patriot, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Here’s what you know: some people Boston make a fine beer named in honor of Sam. If you are connoisseur of fine beers and great cities, make a visit to the Sam Adams Brewery on Germania Street in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston. Taste the special malts used to brew Samuel Adams beers and smell the Hallertau and Tettnang hops. The brewery conducts tours and tastings daily except Sundays, and also has a neat gift shop. Open year-round. Phone: 617-368-5256

American History on Display
From Many Diverse Angles

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The National Heritage Museum at Marrett Road in Lexington is an American history museum founded and supported by 32 degree Scottish Rite Freemasons. A visit to the National Heritage Museum is truly an experience in the American spirit. The exhibitions tell thrilling stories of patriotism, adventure, invention, community and dissent -- all aspects of how we as a people have worked, and played, struggled and achieved. For instance, some current exhibits describe illustrated American sheet music, teenage hoboes in the Great Depression, American decorative arts, the enchanted clocks of Gelrge McFadden, art and folk heritage in Massachusetts. Phone: 781-861-6559.

Astonishing Nature Lessons

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There is always something interesting to see and learn at the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Oxford Street in Cambridge. Classes and lectures for kids and adults on many fascinating subjects – from the source for our food to nature drawing -- are ongoing. Permanent exhibits include the Great Mammal Hall, Evolution, Arthropods: Creatures that Rule, The Glass Flowers, The Zoological Galleries, the Mineralogical and Geological Gallery. Phone: 617-495-3045

Autos, Old, Older, Beautiful and Historic

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Larz Anderson Auto Museum at 15 Newton Street in Brookline celebrates the American automobile’s contribution to the international motoring community. At age 75, the museum calls itself the home of America’s oldest car collection. The exhibit features a look back at the last 80 years, highlighting some of Detroit’s most elegant designs and amazing technological breakthroughs. Cadillac, Nash, Studebaker, Buick, design sketches, period fashion provided by Lasell College, and design concepts will shape a journey through almost a century of style and innovation from some of America’s premier automotive manufacturers. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday. Phone: 617-522-6547.

Blaschka Glass Models Charm With Compact Artistry

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One of the most famous treasures of the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Oxford Street in Cambridge is the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, the “glass flowers." This unique collection of over 4,000 models was created by the glass artisan Leopold Blaschka and his son, Rudolph. The commission began in 1886 because the founder of the Botanical Museum, wanted life-like representatives of the plant kingdom for teaching botany. At the time only crude papier-maché or wax models were available. The parts were shaped after the glass was softened by heat. Some models were blown. Colored glass was used for many, and others were cold painted with a thin wash of colored ground glass or metal oxides. Phone: 617-495-3045.

Boston From the Sidewalk

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Boston calls itself the birthplace of the American Revolution, and you are likely to agree after taking an information-packed stroll with Boston CityWalks, a walking tour that shows off the old and contemporary beauties of this world-class city. The tour takes in some of the Freedom Trail, visits Beacon Hill, and then moves on to the Public Garden to enjoy the Swan Boats. Admire the beauty and elegance of Copley Square. Enjoy Back Bay, its fine restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions. From there, walkers may choose to have lunch on Newbury Street, shop in Copley Place and Prudential center, or visit a fine museum. Walks are held daily, year-round Call to confirm. Phone: 866-939-2557.

Butterflies at the Museum

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Experience a living exhibit filled with blooming plants and free-flying butterflies in the Butterfly Garden at the Museum of Science at 1 Science Park in Boston. Many wonderful species can be seen up close in a warm, quiet environment. Entrance to the Butterfly Garden is limited to a certain number of people at one time to allow all visitors to enjoy the space comfortably. Open year-round. Phone: 617-723-2500.

Charming Shops and Delicious Food

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Perhaps the most distinct feature of Boston’s Porter Square is the 46-foot stainless steel windmill-like sculpture entitled "Gift of the Wind,” but there’s more to do here than simply enjoy the public art. Get your nerd on and check out the independently owned Porter Square Books or get in touch with your crunchy side and head to Greenward where you’ll find eco-friendly treasures like hand-made jewelry and stationary made from recycled paper. If shopping makes you hungry, choose from Chinese, Salvadoran, Thai, Cambodian, or good old American cuisine at one of Porter Square’s many restaurants before trying out your new set list at the Lizard Lounge’s weekly open-mic night.

“Thoreau” Yourself into Nature

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Walden Pond State Reservation, located in Concord , was home of the famous author Henry David Thoreau as well as his muse for the book “Walden.” Park interpreters provide tours and educational programs, amongst the area of 2680 acres that surrounds the pond. Now part of the Massachusetts Forests and Parks, Walden Pond is a host to hikers, swimmers, and nature enthusiasts all year round. Offering nature experiences year-round, Walden Pond is a must visit. Phone: 978-369-3254.

Eagle-Eye View of Boston

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The Blue Hills Reservation, off Hillside Street in Milton, covers 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham and Milton to Randolph, provides a green oasis in an urban environment. From the rocky summit of Great Blue Hill visitors can see the entire Boston metropolitan area. The Blue Hills Trailside Museum presents replicas of natural habitats, displays about Native Americans, and live animal exhibits. Phone: 617-698-1802.

Fair Trade Art Store Offers
Beautiful Furnishings for Less

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Visit the Ten Thousand Villages store at 226 Harvard Street in Brookline to browse and purchase beautiful folk art, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry, wall hangings and wall art, pillows, rugs, mirrors, vases, incense, candleholders, and furniture handmade by artists in developing parts of the world. Each product reflects the traditions and cultures of its maker. Enjoy the international music, smell the aroma of gourmet coffee, and taste the luxuriously rich chocolate. Your fair trade purchase of handmade jewelry, home decor and gifts helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Phone: 617-277-7700.

Four Generations of American Leadership

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Adams National Historical Park in Quincy tells the story of four generations of the Adams family (from 1720 to 1927). The park has several sites: the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, the second and sixth presidents of the United States; Peacefield, including the “Old House,” home to four generations of the Adams family; and the Stone Library, which contains more than 14,000 volumes. Open to the public April through November. Phone: 617-770-1175.

Fresh Farm Products
Just a Step Out of the City

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Lexington Farmers Market on Woburn Street and Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington offers an outdoor shopping opportunity on Tuesdays from 2 to 6:30 p.m. In addition to the fresh produce you expect to find at a farmers market, Lexington offers herbs, flowers, herb-based products, meat, sheep’s milk, fresh fish, bakery produces and more and more. Occasional talks – from instance on the topic of raising chickens or ducks in your back yard– are offered. Even if you don’t have a shopping list or menu in mind, drop in for the sights and smells. You will end up taking away something delicious

From Russia With Love

Russian food, with its hearty root vegetables, is just the thing to get anyone through a New England winter. Where in the Boston area can you find the best Russian borsch, pirozhki, and caviar? What is the Russian way to drink tea and vodka? Let the Brookline Food Tour “From Russia with Love” answer those questions on this 3-hour walking tour. Taste authentic Russian specialties; learn how to make traditional Russian dishes and find out the unique Russian ingredients that can spark up your everyday meals. Visit treasured Russian food stores and restaurants: Russian Village, Babushka Deli, and Vernissage; discover “hidden” Russian food in The Fireplace and Athan’s; and enjoy interesting personal stories about their owners. Phone: 617-821-7667.

From Wall Art to Bed Pillows Fair Trade Store
Offers Unique Decorating Options

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Visit the Ten Thousand Villages store at 694 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge to browse and purchase beautiful folk art, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry, wall hangings and wall art, pillows, rugs, mirrors, vases, incense, candleholders, and furniture handmade by artists in developing parts of the world. Each product reflects the traditions and cultures of its maker. Enjoy the international music, smell the aroma of gourmet coffee, and taste the luxuriously rich chocolate. Your fair trade purchase of handmade jewelry, home decor and gifts helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Phone: 617-876-2414.

Hug a Tree

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In the Jamaica Plain section of Boston lies an oasis of meadows, forest, ponds, and wildlife. It’s the Arnold Arboretum, where you can find thousands of different varieties of plants, hiking and biking trails, and world-renowned horticultural collections surrounded by 15,000 gorgeous trees. The extensive bonsai collection, a cultivated herbarium, majestic snow-covered cedars and pines in the winter, and nearly 200 different varieties of fragrant blooming lilacs in May, are just a few of the reasons to spend a day here any time of the year. Phone: 617-524-1718‎.

It's a Seal's Life

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The New England Aquarium on Central Wharf in Boston is now home to a new Marine Mammal Center. The naturally lit, open-air exhibit gives visitors a front-row seat to see Northern fur seals in action. The exhibit features interactive panels that let you touch fur seal teeth and see an underwater image the same way a seal does. The entire experience centers on the expanded Northern fur seal pool, where you can witness these graceful animals in action. The new enclosure gives these sleek animals plenty of room to gallop and swim and offers a shallow pool for midsummer lounging and speedy surface skimming. Thanks to the tiered seating, seal fans can get a good view of all these behaviors. Arf! Phone: 617-973-5200.

Just for the Record…

Your iPod might be able to store thousands of songs and fit in your pocket, but it will never be as cool as a real-life record. Every collector will tell you that music sounds better on vinyl, and there is no better place to find it than in Boston’s independent record stores. Browse the bins at Looney Tunes Records on Boylston Street, or at the legendary In Your Ear, just a block away from Harvard Square. Make a day of it and check out Nuggets in Kenmore Square or venture out to Cambridge and sift through the new and used vinyl at Cheapo Records, Twisted Village, and Stereo Jack’s.

Salsa on Sundays

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Every Sunday night from 8 p.m. to midnight, The Beehive, a bistro on Tremont Street in Boston’s South End, hosts a night of Latin music and dance. With rhythmic sounds of the Latin music and dance group, Cincoson, guests can listen to the beats or dance the night away. It is a south-of-the-border vacation in the heart of South Boston. Take your dancing shoes and a hot date for some fun and hot music, on from your seat or on your feet. Phone: 617-423-0069

Shopping Like Nowhere Else

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Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay is a shopping esplanade laced with charm because of the fine merchandise and the beauty of the architecture. For eight blocks, Victorian and other 19th-century styled houses spill shops and cafes onto the sidewalk. Brand-name boutiques, clothing and antique stores jostle closely with sidewalk eateries and strolling sightseers.

Warm is Good, Too

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Looking to shake off the winter cold? How about a trip to the tropics? The Tropical Forest at Franklin Park Zoo on Franklin Park Road in Boston is kept at a balmy 72 degrees year-round. This building is home to western lowland gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, mandrills, a pygmy hippopotamus, free-flight birds and more. Both adults and kids are fascinated by these foreign creatures. Also story times and a biofacts are offered weekend in January and February. Phone: 617-541-5466.

Wilderness on Boston’s Edge

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Fells is an old Saxon word for rocky, hilly land, and the Middlesex Fells Reservation, on South Border Road in the town of Stoneham, near Boston, shows how correct that name is. This 2,060-acre landscape of rocky hills, meadows, wetlands, forests, ponds, and panoramic vistas covers parts of Medford, Winchester, Stoneham, Melrose and Malden. Walkers on the quiet hiking trails may forget how close they are to Boston. Phone: 781-662-2340