Top Things to do in Massachusetts
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Things to do in Massachusetts, United States: The Best Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Massachusetts, United States including Museum of Fine Arts, Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, New Bedford Whaling Museum, The Jenney, Lizzie Borden House, Pilgrim Hall Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum, Heritage Museums & Gardens, Emily Dickinson Museum.
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1. Museum of Fine Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,156 reviews
Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art.
Reviewed By Laura843 - Boston, United States
Some suggested ideas for planning your trip: • Weekends: Try and go as close to opening time as possible on Saturday and Sunday [10am.] There are less crowds early in the day on weekends • Limit What You See: Plan to take in a limited number sections of the museum if possible. It's a lot easier to remember/savor what you've seen if you don't overwhelm yourself. You can preplan your route by looking at the museum floorplans & exhibitions online. • Audio Tours or Guided Tours: Try to add on an audio tour, or tour an exhibit with a guide who knows more about the artwork. Learning about the people who made that art, how they made it and the time period that the art was created is fun! Check the website mfa.org Programs>Gallery Activities & Tours for the schedule • Eat at the New American Cafe: Although it's pricey, and has a limited menu, the food is nice with fresh ingredients...and it's a great way to sit down for a bit and savor the museum experience while sitting in the cavernous open-spaced courtyard next to the new New American wing of the museum. • John Singer Sargent Murals in the Rotunda & Grand Staircase: Although technically part of the building, and not an exhibit... There are some beautiful murals painted in the ceiling and surrounding area of the Rotunda painted by John Singer Sargent on canvas, and then adhered to the walls. See the photo I posted below. • Parking: It's not easy or inexpensive to park in this neighborhood... if you can take the "T" it's just a short walk to the MFA from the Museum stop on the "E" Heath Street MBTA's Green Line. • Discounts: This can be an expensive trip... kids between 7 and 17 are admitted free after 3pm on weekdays, and some of the combo tickets for Boston include MFA admission. The museum occasionally does free days... check the website... but be forewarned they can be crowded. Many universities have institutional memberships so a current student ID is useful!
2. Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 240 reviews
Also called the Beauport Sleeper-McCann House, this fantasy mansion of more than 40 rooms is perched on the rocks overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
Reviewed By george4880 - Bradford, United States
Very interesting house. Room after room kept the way Sleeper designed it. Lots of his collections and recycled floors and walls etc. With Covid only four people to a tour which was great. Unfortunately the gardens were neglected due to the museum not being allowed to open. Great view of the water.
3. New Bedford Whaling Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 819 reviews
The largest museum in America devoted to human interaction with whales in the world's oceans, the history of whaling and its impact, and the history of Southcoast Massachusetts, the Whaling Museum houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts relating to whaling during the age of sail, socioeconomic history of the region, whale ecology, marine mammal conservation, and ocean health. Visitors can marvel at massive whale skeletons, board the world's largest ship model - the Lagoda - see an exhibit about the world's longest painting, and explore hands-on learning activities in the Casa dos Botes Discovery Center. The Whaling Museum is a compelling destination that inspires all visitors to reflect on the complex issues that shaped the past, remain critical today, and inform a sustainable future.
Reviewed By 219tiffanyv - Boston, United States
I took my 3 & 9 year old for the day and there was so much to see and learn. I hadn't been here since I was a kid and was surprised at how many more exhibits and rooms there were. You could easily spend the day here. If you have a Sails library card, you can even get a discount. There's a discovery center where the kids can play and use their imagination with the different maritime activities. They also have an observation deck that overlooks the New Bedford waterfront with amazing views of the fishing boats. On the way out you can check out the gift shop. We purchased shark teeth and mini sea shells!
4. The Jenney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 499 reviews
Historic Plymouth Tours and Educational Programs. Your journey into history begins here. Discover Plymouth's History - a Walking Tour: Hear about the people, places, and events that shaped the beginning of our country as you walk through the historic district of Plymouth. Forefathers Monument Tour - This hidden gem is the largest free standing solid granite monument in our country. The faith of the Pilgrims will become real to you as you learn what each of the five statues represents. Business Not as Usual - Pilgrim Economics and Conversations with a Pilgrim: Our guides help visitors learn all aspects of the Pilgrim family including economics, education, government, and faith. All tours require a reservation. Visit our website for tour times and information. Open seasonally.
Reviewed By E9625YOjonathanm - Tuxedo Park, United States
If one didn't know better, it would be easy to believe that Leo Martin was the 103rd Mayflower pilgrim (or perhaps the 105th depending on how you count, but let Leo explain that to you himself). It was a true pleasure to spend time with someone so dedicated to helping us truly understand what we thought we already knew. The museum itself has an abundance of simple, well-presented information. It is not an exhibit of artifacts, but one focusing on the ideals and principles that helps puts the events of 1620 and beyond in perspective. Although it is possible to visit the Jenney Museum without taking advantage of one of the excellent tours, my wife and I highly recommend the Plymouth walking tour which covered a remarkable amount of ground in a little over an hour. Stops included Town Brook, Brewster Gardens, Leyden Street, Burial Hill, and of course, the Rock in all its glory (again I encourage you to experience Leo's commentary for yourself). Leo's presentation was a near-perfect combination of fact, philosophy, anecdotes, and witty commentary. At the conclusion I felt that I didn't just know about the Mayflower pilgrims, but that I knew the Mayflower pilgrims. This was truly the highlight of our visit to Plymouth!
5. Lizzie Borden House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,079 reviews
Reviewed By 152acaciaw
Our family is visiting the area from Las Vegas and we are a bunch of true crime lovers so we just had to go to the Lizzie Borden house! The tour exceeded our expectations! Our tour guide, Sue, was so awesome! You could tell she truly enjoyed what she does! She had such a cool enthusiasm and all of the small details made the tour truly special! She gave a great narration and then let us tour the rooms after each section. We are definitely going to come again for the nighttime tour to hear all of her paranormal stories!! Definitely worth the visit! Hope they open Maplecroft by the next time we return! Thank you, Sue!!
6. Pilgrim Hall Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
America's oldest public museum is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of both Native American and Pilgrim artifacts.
Reviewed By Stoneforest88 - Boston, United States
We visited this museum in nov 2018. It is a great museum to visit with lots of information about plymouth and pilgrims and puritans who initially landed in plymouth in 1620.....definitely worth the visit!
7. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,261 reviews
At the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, you can be a part of the famous event that forever changed the course of American History! It’s more than a stroll through historic artifacts – it’s an adventure! Located on the Congress Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, this floating museum is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Live actors, high-tech, interactive exhibits, authentically restored tea ships and the stirring, multi-sensory documentary “Let it Begin Here,” are just a taste of what you’ll see, hear and feel. Meet the colonists, explore the ships and dump tea overboard just as the Sons of Liberty did on that fateful night of December 16, 1773. Stop in at Abigail’s Tea Room for teatime and visit the Gift Shop for special souvenirs. It’s educational, entertaining and enlightening — an experience not to be missed by adults and children of all ages. Your tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum will last approximately one hour and will take you through a variety of displays that are interconnected. The tour is designed to give you the opportunity to participate, explore and learn about the people, events and consequences that led up to the American Revolution in the order in which they actually occurred more than 230 years ago.
Reviewed By GingerH0 - Boston, United States
The Boston Tea Party excursion is a wonderful, interactive journey through one of the most important times in our nation’s history. Talented actors/actresses recreate the important scenes leading up to the Boston Tea Party including the famous Town Hall Meeting where Samuel Adams leads the citizens to rally against England. Participants feel a part of the rebellion by voicing shouts of “here, here!” For raucous agreement and “hissssss” for disagreement! You can even have a speaking role if you wish! After the town hall meeting, participants are then led to the boats where they can participate in “throwing the tea overboard.” While the first half of the tour includes many fun and interesting tidbits about his rebellion, it ends with an short film about the Battle of Lexington and the importance of the Tea Party as a catalyst for our nation’s freedom! Fun for kids and adults!
8. Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,469 reviews
This monument commemorates the Pilgrim's first landing in Provincetown (not Plymouth), where they conceived, wrote and committed to the Mayflower Compact - the foundational document for the democracy America enjoys today. The Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the U.S. rising 353 feet above sea level, and at the top, visitors are provided the most spectacular view of Cape Cod.In addition to the MOnument, the Provincetown Museum presents the unique cultural heritage of this historic town with special exhibitions and permanent displays.The Monument and Museum has ample parking, is open daily from APril 1st through November 30, and NEW this year - a food concession call the "Shallop Cafe" where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking Provincetown and the Bay.
Reviewed By sls8806 - Sugar Land, United States
Taking the route of the Pilgrims landing all starts here. The museum is well set up and sets the story with artifacts, and timeline and explanation of the first landing. Step outside and walk to the monument. If you are in better physical health to climb the steps to the very top, you will get a breathtaking 360 degree view and a sticker at the end of the adventure! The day we went there were gale force wind warnings and rain. It really brought home what those early settlers went through and how brave they truly were!
9. Heritage Museums & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 913 reviews
You can enjoy more than 70 acres of gardens after visiting the art and history museums at the Heritage. Please note we will be opening for the 2019 season on Saturday, April 27th
Reviewed By mystery1reader - Boston, United States
Check out the great sundial made by a Mass man —Jim MOSS Historical notes to surprise and inform through out the relaxing paths 2020 detailed toy game - many Massachusetts produced games — Milton Bradley was a prince of a man Helpful friendly staff And !! There are regular small trams to take rides all around The antique cars are top notch Very well taken care paths with splendid variety of flowers ???? I Great place Reminds me of DC S gardens in upper Georgetown Or our ARBORETUM IN JAMAICA PLAIN
10. Emily Dickinson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Open for tours from March to mid-December, the birthplace of Emily Dickinson is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By NIcoleLarry - Greenwich, United States
Although the house museum is currently closed due to Covid, when things return to normal, this is an important stop for anyone planning to attend performances at Tanglewood, Jacobs Pillow or the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Conveniently close to these Berkshire cultural destinations, an afternoon spent at the home of America’s most famous woman poet, is a fabulous way to celebrate the talent of the woman who penned lines like “ There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away” and “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody too? Then there’s a pair of us - don’t tell”. If you have somehow missed the magic of her words or forgotten them, what an introduction. The docents are professional and full of Emily Dickinson trivia. You’ll love your afternoon acquainting or reacquainting yourself with this revolutionary poets life and work. Allow two hours. We stayed across the street at the charming and very affordable Amherst Inn, but if you’re looking for fancier accommodations, the Inn at Boltwood is a block away ( the former Lord Jeff).
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