Top Things to do in Massachusetts
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Massachusetts, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Massachusetts, United States including Cape Cod National Seashore, Shining Sea Bikeway, Harvard University, Minuteman Trail Bikeway, Minute Man National Historical Park, Freedom Trail, Cape Cod Rail Trail, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob), Smith College Botanic Garden.
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1. Cape Cod National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 625 reviews
Over 40,000 beautiful acres of protected beach and dunes, stretching from Chatham to Provincetown.
Reviewed By StacyInDC2012 - Alexandria, United States
During our visit to Cape Cod National Seashore we enjoyed relaxing beach time at Marconi Beach, complete with several seal appearances just beyond the waves and then hiked in the white cedar swamp. The park wasn’t very crowded as we were there during the week just after Labor Day. Loved the visit and the fact that it gave us the opportunity to both be active and relax.
2. Shining Sea Bikeway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,029 reviews
Reviewed By MingO_11 - Boston, United States
This is arguably the most scenic bike trail in Cape Cod. It has almost everything Cape Cod bike trails have to offer: the marsh, the cranberry bog, picturesque cape towns, and of course the shining sea. A few tips: Near the Woods Hole terminus of the trail, there is a very good bakery called Pie in the Sky, which is a good stop to refuel. Also from there, the Nobska lighthouse is close by (~1 mile away), which also worth a side trip.
3. Harvard University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,134 reviews
Founded in 1636, Harvard is America's oldest institute of higher learning and one of the country's most prestigious universities. Among the illustrious alumni are civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, philosopher Henry David Thoreau, writer Gertrude Stein, composer Leonard Bernstein, cellist Yo Yo Ma and seven U.S. presidents.
Reviewed By vincentdE9094KZ - Dún Laoghaire, Ireland
The Harvard campus is a beautiful and historic place to experience calm, mature trees, and beautiful red brick buildings. If the Memorial hall is open it is worth going in.
4. Minuteman Trail Bikeway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
This 10-mile paved path covers part of the route of Paul Revere's midnight ride.
Reviewed By oldbiker52
The Minuteman rail trail runs from Bedford to Cambridge, Ma. 12 miles one way. It is a very well maintained trail rich in history. The trail runs along the side of Lexington green the site of the Revolutionary battle. Bedford, Arlington and Cambridge are also rich with history. There are two addition trails that start in Bedford. One of which leads to the Old North Bridge in Concord five miles away. Definitely worth the ride or hike.
5. Minute Man National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
The more than 900 acres of this national park run along the route of the battle of Lexington and Concord.
Reviewed By djanel2016 - Knoxville, United States
I would recommend starting your tour of the Minute Man National Historical park with a stop by the visitor center and watching their great multimedia presentation. They use a variety of methods to explain the Battles of Lexington and Concord. I have been to several national historical parks and this was, by far, the best multimedia presentation i have seen, both entertaining and educational. Make sure to go to the North Bridge visitors center as well,
6. Freedom Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,358 reviews
The red line on the sidewalk leads you on this 2.5-mile, self-guided tour of American Revolution sites. It starts at the Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and ends at the famed Bunker Hill Monument.
Reviewed By 434eileenb - Wheaton, United States
American history starts here- Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), Paul Revere's House, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Boston Tea Party Site, the Granary Burial ground, King's Chapel, Old Corner Book Store are all must see sites. The "Red" trail takes you to all these places and more. Very easy walking short segments of the trail. Everyone friendly and wearing masks. We started at Boston Common. Visitor center didnot have any free maps -the one they had was $3.00 and it was the same as we got at our hotel..so pick one up at your hotel if possible. They also had bathrooms. Parking is free on Sundays on the streets so get there early in the day We stopped at Faneuil Hall for lunch and shopping. Visitor center was closed (not sure if is opened at all) We drove over to USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). We found parking on the street. We didnot see any parking lots. Visitor center/museum was $10 per adult and worth visiting. The ship is free but they only allow 25 people at a time so go early in the day. Be prepared to stand in sun as they have limited shade and they do security and virus checks.
7. Cape Cod Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
This bike path runs 25 miles, from Dennis to Wellfleet.
Reviewed By O8419NOadamw
For a family of 5 it is a great mostly straight long mostly very flat bike trail through a forest. It is an easy ride and great for young riders as my nine year old was able to go 17 miles with relative ease. I could see some complaints as there are some riders who act like it's the tour de france racing through the trail with little regard to others while others could think it is mostly a boring forest scenery. We started in Brewster at the Ocean Edge and the scenery was much nicer west towards Dennis
8. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Birdwatchers flock to this Cape Cod wildlife habitat with a special emphasis on migratory birds.
Reviewed By kezd07 - Coventry, United Kingdom
We were so pleased to find this place, it was a total hidden gem. You can walk for miles when the tide is out and we saw so many different birds and even a seal out to sea. We came back a second time and sat on the beach for the day. You can’t swim here due to great whites in the area and there is a high volume of boat traffic but that didn’t bother us. We were happy to walk this beautiful beach, sunbath and paddle. Very beautiful!!!
9. Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Before you go.. there is very limited parking. Please try to walk or bike there for a visit. No large gatherings, events or functions are allowed on the Knob property. Nature trails run among the beach, rock and trees of this hidden shelter. Please leave the property as you found it. Dogs are allowed but only on leash. Please clean-up after your dog. This is a non-smoking property.
Reviewed By johnmN719YN - Mashpee, United States
You won't just discover this place. Even when you park, you will have to search for the path through the "tunnel" to entrance. A very unique vista of buzzard bay all year round.TAKE THE RIGHT ST THE FORK!
10. Smith College Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
There are ten different garden types and a greenhouse in this Botanic Garden.
Reviewed By olivias33 - Southampton, United States
This place is a really cool place. The suggested donation is $2 per person. They have There is meter parking on the street.There are about 4 different greenhouse. The door tells you if it is hot or cold. The plants and trees are spectacular. There is also an outside area that you can walk around.
