Great Things to Do in MA
Great Things To Do - South of Boston MA Region
Little could the Pilgrims have known when they landed here what great family activities might arise here for your family vacation. Learn about the Pilgrims’ lives at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and on board the Mayflower II. Comfortable lodgings, ocean beaches, whale watches, delicious seafood, fairs, festivals, and pleasures of every kind for every age are here. Battleship Cove has the world’s largest collection of U.S. naval ships. And the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford, MA offers dynamic entertainment year-round.
Our picks
Plymouth, MA
See Plymouth
4 North Street 508-747-0100Whatever you love to do on vacation, Plymouth can provide it — and so much more
(To find more great things to do while visiting Plymouth County, MA, see our Destination Plymouth page.)
What do you like to do on vacation? Steep yourself in a region’s history, enjoy the great outdoors, relax by the water, do something you can’t do anywhere else? A vacation in Plymouth checks all those boxes and more! Go on board the Mayflower II, see Plymouth Rock and the interactive villages and homesites at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Or plunk your umbrella down on one of many picturesque beaches. Go on a pirate cruise, or a whale-watch. Take a fast ferry to Provincetown or tour the harbor on a paddlewheel boat. Enjoy the rides at Edaville Family Theme Park, go fishing, walk on the harbor’s breakwater jetty, go hiking, take a ghost tour at night, go sea kayaking or, in the winter, ice skating or cross-country skiing. Please visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.
Plymouth, MA
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
137 Warren Avenue 508-746-1622We Have a History Full of Exceptional Experiences and Thought-Stirring Conversations!
Looking for an unforgettable experience in America’s Hometown? A visit to Plimoth Patuxet offers something for everyone! Here you will discover the legacies of our ancestors, Indigenous and immigrant alike. From the Historic Patuxet Homesite and 17th-Century English Village to our downtown locations, Mayflower II and the Plimoth Grist Mill, inspiring journeys to the past begin here. Take a break from exploring the Museum to peruse historically inspired goods in our Museum Shops, indulge in tasty snacks and dishes at Plentiful Café, or catch a film at Plimoth Cinema—there are endless possibilities to discover! Named the Best Open-Air Museum in the USA in 2024, 2025, and 2026 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Plymouth, MA
Sip at 1620 Wine Bar
The Shoppes at Village Landing - 170 Water StreetCalling all craft cocktail connoisseurs and wine aficionados!
Sip at 1620 Wine Bar in Plymouth, MA is your go-to spot for relaxed vibes and unforgettable flavors. This cozy, speakeasy-like lounge offers a delightful blend of award-winning wines and custom-crafted cocktails, each created by their bow-tie wearing, expert mixologists. Sip’s food menu is a playground for your taste buds, featuring small plates like chicken parm sliders, braised short ribs, and the ever-popular Lobster Rangoon. Whether you're in the mood for a self-guided wine tasting, bespoke cocktails, or live music, Sip has it all. Enjoy live performances from local musicians every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Exclusively 21+, this charming venue ensures an adults-only experience. And if you’re coming with a group of six or more, be sure to snag a reservation.
Duxbury, MA
Art Complex Museum
189 Alden Street 781-934-6634From Galleries to Gardens, Find Beauty at Every Turn
The Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, MA, is a must-visit for families who love art, history, and hands-on experiences. The museum offers 10 shows each year with a mix of contemporary and traditional art – think: American paintings, Works on Paper, Shaker furniture, Asian art, and more. Visits are always fresh and engaging.
Outside, a tranquil sculpture garden invites kids to wander and discover art in nature. The museum also hosts family-friendly programs, art workshops, and community events that encourage creativity and exploration. With free admission and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an inspiring destination where families can connect with culture and each other.
Admission: FREE
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford Food Tours
198-108 Potomska St,Bites & Stories: A Food Lover’s Tour of New Bedford
Dive into New Bedford’s rich history and vibrant culture on a guided food tour, led by passionate local guides! Stroll the historic cobblestone streets as your expert host shares captivating stories, art, and the city’s deep maritime heritage—the perfect blend of walking and savoring.
Your ticket is all-inclusive, covering every delicious bite and restaurant gratuity. You'll sample curated tastes that reflect the entire South Coast’s diverse culinary influences, from authentic Portuguese pastries and hearty Cape Verdean dishes to classic New England flavors, visiting both celebrated spots and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. Come hungry and leave with a full belly and the inside scoop on this coastal treasure!
Quincy, MA
Discover Quincy
City of Quincy Welcome Center - 1259 Hancock Street 617-471-1700From bikers and beach-lovers to shoppers and skiers, everyone has a great time in this welcoming city
Hikers, bikers, history-lovers, shoppers, foodies, beach-goers: What do they all have in common? A great time in Quincy! As the City of Presidents, Quincy offers visitors many ways to celebrate the country’s heritage, including the homes and birthplaces of John, Abigail and John Quincy Adams and the Stone Library, the nation’s first presidential library. The Presidents Trail takes you past homes of the Quincy, Adams and Hancock families, through neighborhoods with fabulous ethnic cuisine, and into the downtown shopping and dining area. Or, head to one of several inviting beaches, go hiking or biking or golfing, enjoy local theater and the symphony, take a harbor cruise, catch a rugby or soccer game. In the winter, go skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating in the public rink.
Natick, MA
Broadmoor Offers Broad Variety
508-655-2296Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary on Eliot Street in Natick offers nine miles of walking trails through a variety of field, woodland, and wetland habitats. A quarter-mile, accessible trail and boardwalk along the bank of Indian Brook and over the marsh offers great opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and sketching. To enjoy this site in the winter, bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis. Stroll along the edge of Indian Brook, which flows into the Charles River at the sanctuary, and look for wood ducks and signs of beavers and otters from the 110-foot-long bridge.
Hingham, MA
Out in the Woods, in Sight of Boston
For a romantic walk in a leafy woods, visit World’s End in Hingham, a nature preserve tucked into the end of a curve of shoreline that sweeps southeast from Boston. Rolling hills and rocky shorelines offer views of the Boston skyline, while tree-lined carriage paths make delightful walking trails. The 251-acre landscape includes rocky shores, broad hillsides, and open fields bracketed by woodlands. The property is ideal for walking, picnicking, jogging, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. It is managed by the admirable Trustees of the Reservations, and open to the public for walking year-round.