These Are The 13 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Massachusetts This national park was the site of the opening battle of the Revolutionary War. The bike trails of Western Massachusetts are a hidden gem for cyclists of all abilities. They're understandably shy. Some you can drive to if your hiking shoes are gathering dust in the back of your closet. 10 Best Small Towns in Massachusetts Make it a priority to visit the Paper House, a home thats made from newspaper. It was once the site of a glacier-fed lake named Lake Hitchcock. The art collection includes works from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Botticelli. Initially started by the Shelburne Falls Area Women's Club, today it showcases a wide variety of flowers, plants, trees, and vines that are on display from early-April to late-October. You can even peek inside the traditional homes to see how they lived. Travel to Plum Island to discover the well-preserved landscape of the lovely Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The dunes occupy a large area of the Cape Cod National Seashore, but the landscape change appears otherworldly. Also, what about Mt Greylock? 20 Most Beautiful Places in Massachusetts to Visit Its an excellent place for people-watching, picnics, or catching an event like Shakespeare in the Park. massachusetts looks gorgeous. Popular ones include the Taylors Notch trail and the M&M trail up the ridge. If you can, join the crowds to watch an incredible MA sunset from atop the cliffs. A beautiful Victorian-era cemetery, complete with a miniature village. Visit The Berkshires | Official Guide to The Berkshires, MA 15 Amazing Waterfalls in Massachusetts - The - The Crazy Tourist Rockport, for example, is home to just 7,500 residents, and it looks as though its stepped out of an old-fashioned postcard. The coastal Provincetown dunes offer one of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. Then the Oxbow of the Connecticut and Mitchs Island come into view. Viewpoints are perfect for gaining a new perspective. Bash Bish Falls Located on the New York line in the southwestern corner of Massachusetts, Bash Bish Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the state. Located right at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, north-east of Boston, Rockport is a popular tourist spot. The basalt or traprock was mined starting at the turn of the century until the mountain was leveled. Outdoor Pro Tip: To really enjoy the beauty of birds, get yourself a good pair of binoculars and a trusty bird book. 9 Best Sites for Camping in Massachusetts. Youll see masterpieces from American, European, and Asian art. The Most Amazing Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts This spot by the windmill at Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich is ideal for a peaceful picnic and watching the clouds roll by. Board one of the ferries from the Boston Harbor to visit the Boston Harbor Islands. Any hike with a view and Im there! The Best Places to Elope in Massachusetts: Massachusetts Elopement What a lovely, green area. Minus the British soldiers. See 4 states at this viewpoint in Western Massachusetts, Accessibility of Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts, Wrap-up of Amazing Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts. Massachusetts has some of the wealthiest communities in New England. This is the place you come to clean your soul, relieve stress, and breathe air so fresh it leaves you energized. Visitors from all over the world come to stay in Room 9, which -- legend has it -- is haunted by the sister of the original innkeeper. The open field is a wonderful place to relaxa picnic table and chairs are provided. The 10 Best Things to Do in Western Massachusetts Guests arrived by taking the covered inclined tram from the Half Way House to the top. Of course, this is a top New England destination for tourists and residents alike, but you may also want to explore Western Massachusetts as well (or on a separate trip). I love rural New England! Cape Cod - one of the most stunning places to visit in the USA. What is the most beautiful small town in Massachusetts? Required fields are marked *. Alexandre Pierre/ Flickr Creative Commons. Beautiful Golf Courses to Play in Massachusetts - Read Travel Guides They say variety is the spice of life, and thats definitely something Massachusetts has in spades. People with mobility challenges can drive up to the viewpoint using the driveway to the Book and Plow farm at 425 South East Street. Shh, we think Western Mass is the best part of the state. The 15 most beautiful places in Massachusetts - masslive.com However, most people climb Goat Peak and enjoy the views from the lookout tower. Ahh love a good viewpoint! Youll immediately feel the tranquil atmosphere as you wander around the beautiful gardens. When planning a trip to Massachusetts, your first thought is likely to visit the city of Boston. The Berkshires Courtesy of DAC - Fotolia.com Located on the slopes of Green Mountain, the Berkshires is a quaint rural region in western Massachusetts, about 2.5 hours from Boston. The entire region is covered with rolling dunes so prepare to get very sandy. Another great destination for outdoor activities is the Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont. Hiking the 14-mile white trail segment of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail in Mt. Seasonal events include a Spooky Safari at the Zoo for Halloween and Zoo Night at Bright Lights leading up to the holidays. Wow, you can tell how much you love this area. I havent been up there in a few years but it is an amazing viewpoint. For more information on hiking or driving up Mount Sugarloaf, refer to this post for all the details. Boston is much too large to experience it all in one day, so I'll let you in on a tip: the Boston Harbor is a must-see. Theodor Geiselaka Dr. Seusswas a Springfield resident, and this place is an interactive celebration of his iconic children's books. Six Flags New England is the region's largest and most popular amusement park, and it's the oldest under the Six Flags name. Boston is much too large to experience it all in one day, so Ill let you in on a tip: the Boston Harbor is a must-see. Parking fees are waived for anyone with a handicapped, Purple Heart, or disabled veteran license plate or placard. Take a harbor cruise to view the magical skyline of Boston Harbour, undeniably one of the most beautiful places in MA. It's recommended that you get yours in advance given that this has become quite the popular attraction for those visiting the Springfield area. Its a scenic coastal town that keeps visitors coming back. An otherworldly expanse of glittering sand dunes as far as the eye can see. UMASS occupies real estate in front of the Holyoke Range with the library tower dominating. The area is home to many rare and unique flowers. While in the area, visit Washington State Park or cross the border into New York's Taconic State Park. What are the most beautiful lakes in Massachusetts? Here is a view of the eastern end of the Holyoke Range and the Pelham Hills. The Cape Cod National Seashore was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and includes areas of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans and Chatham. If rows upon glorious rows of Victorian brownstone structures are your thing, this Boston neighborhood will be heaven on earth. It was called Ktsi Amiskw or the Great Beaver. Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. Get Your Outdoor Adventuring in at the Mount Greylock State Reservation, Take Photos at the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Thomas H. Mitchell / 500px / Getty Images, Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox / Getty Images, Indulge in the Ultimate Spa Weekend at Canyon Ranch Lenox, Get Nostalgic at the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, Go Skiing, Mountain Bike Riding, or White Water Rafting at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort, See a Concert at the Tanglewood Music Center, Visit The Zoo in Forest Park & Educational Center, The Zoo in Forest Park & Educational Center, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Bridge of Flowers was created from an unused trolley bridge in 1929 and now draws thousands of visitors each year. Along Cape Cod's Outer Beach you will find forty miles of beautiful sandy beaches, marshes, wild cranberry bogs and ponds. The top of Mount Holyoke will give you a glimpse at 4 New England states on a clear day. While Massachusetts may be best known for its historical landmarks, delicious seafood, and plethora of top-tier universities, it's also quite a diverse and beautiful state for outdoor activities. Dont tell the people of Boston (-; I love epic views and these are fantastic. Beautiful Towns to Visit in Massachusetts The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Related Post -> Best Hikes in the Holyoke Range. This area looks beautiful. All of those viewpoints are so amazing! It consists of 34 islands in total, with 13 of them designated as a state park. All rights reserved (About Us). The small town of Rockport is the perfect escape from nearby Boston. While you can explore science and history to your heart's content, we're also particularly partial to The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum for its ability to turn us all back into wide-eyed children again for a few hours. Cummings are some. This beautiful Massachusetts town is a popular film shoot site, and now you can say youve visited it! Travel to scenic Western Massachusetts to appreciate the Bay States natural beauty. There is a lot to see and do in Massachusetts that allows you to appreciate its beauty. The full hike can typically be completed in around 7.5 hours. This list runs down just. Seriously, the detail is out of this world. Ive been an outdoor adventure leader and educator for almost a half-century. Best Towns in the Berkshires, Massachusetts - Adventurous Kate - The Visitors can climb to the top of the cliffs to enjoy one of the best views Massachusetts offers, with sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby landmarks like the Gay Head Lighthouse. This beautiful Boston park was built in 1964, making it the oldest public park in the US and one of the most beautiful places in MA. Today, the former battleground is a collection of beautifully maintained grounds gracing both sides of the Concord river. March Cataract Falls. Theres nothing like stumbling across a beautiful sight and being truly awestruck. The 12 Best Things to Do in Springfield, Massachusetts, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Massachusetts, The Best Places to See Fall Colors Near Boston, The Top 10 East Coast Winter Destinations, Best Fall Foliage Drives in the New England States, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in New England, The Best Snow Tubing Spots in New England, 12 Best Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska, July in New England: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See. Its an excellent place for people-watching, picnics, or catching an event like Shakespeare in the Park. It is by far my favorite. I love your photos, they make it even more enticing to go! Its full of historic buildings, and youll feel smarter just by walking around the campus. There are sporting facilities like a baseball field, tennis court, and ice-skating rink. 2. . OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The largest inland body of water in Massachusetts, the Quabbin Reservoir boasts walking and biking paths, as well as magnificent views from the New Salem and Enfield lookouts. The Amherst College Sanctuary trails will bring you out to Tuttle Hill. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I would love to go back and explore more! These might be the cutest homes you've ever laid eyes on. It consists of 34 islands in total, with 13 of them designated as a, 10 Must-Visit Restaurants for the Best Lobster Rolls in Boston. The spectacular falls plummet 80 feet. But perhaps the best view of the three-span "cantilever arch" bridge is from below. Button. From Point Lookout, a vantage point on Mount Warner, the Connecticut River, and the whole Pocumtuck ridge come into view. They are identified from afar by the numerous radio and TV antennas on top. Plimoth Plantation is a living museum experience that immerses you into the pilgrims lifestyle. Nice roundup of scenic places. Visitors can sometimes see hundreds of hawks riding the thermal updrafts over the mountain. 1. A trip to Europe not in the cards this season? New England has plenty of beautiful waterfalls to check out, but Bash Bish Falls consistently ranks as one of the most stunning. No matter the season, you'll instantly fall in love with the scenery of the rolling hills, farmlands, lakes and rivers. So many hikes too. Located between the scenic farm towns of Shelburne and Buckland, this historic village is home to the Bridge of Flowers and Glacial Potholes. It is the tallest waterfall in MA, with a nearly 60-ft drop. Whether you prefer man-made or natural beauty, these are 20 of the most beautiful places in Massachusetts. I was also going to mention Mt Craig as being overlooked. 1. I really need to take a road trip through New Englandespecially in the fall. However, the Native American name for the mountain system may be more appropriate. Plimoth Plantation is an impressive attraction that recreates the Native and Pilgrim villages as they were during the 17th Century. Yeees! Historically and aesthetically, it is few among the most beautiful places in MA for art-lovers. Visit the post for more. Dont forget to check out the restored Mayflower ship located just a few minutes away, also in the town of Plymouth. The Connecticut River Valley has a fascinating geologic history. The highlight of the trail is the sensational views from the summit. Local mountains you can see are Mount Sugarloaf, Mount Toby, and Mount Warner in the foreground. Its hard to say which is more impressive the Venetian mansion-style architecture or the famous paintings hanging inside it. How many of these jaw-dropping spots have you been to? The tiny mountain packs a wallop for activities other than peak viewing. And Im not sure if it is still open to public, but on Mohawk Trail there is a fire tower that if I recall correctly, gives you view of CT, NY, VT, and NH. What's interesting is how the residents of this town, Amherst, so rarely travel over the Coolidge Bridge, and vice versa. She loves exploring the city as well as other destinations in New England and across the globe. Check beforehand about what is open. Whether youre checking out the historic Fort Warren on Georges Island, hiking the coastal trails on Moon Island, or checking out the iconic Graves Lighthouse, theres something to do for everyone. 25+ Best Wedding Venues in Massachusetts, MA (2023) - Find the right The Bare Mountain hike starts across from the Notch Visitors Center and follows the white-blazed M & M trail to the top. Take a scenic boat tour into the bay and keep your camera ready to snap photos of these majestic marine creatures. Likewise, tourist resorts were built on other neighboring New England peaks, but the restored Summit House is the only one remaining in the area. Ive never been, but its on my list. The hotel is luxurious with elegant rooms and common spaces. The ski hills of Vermont are visible to the north. Carve out plenty of time to explore the more than 13 miles of trails that wind through Brooks Woodland Preserve. Massachusetts may be one of the smallest states in the country, with most of its population centered around the capital, but the Bay State is home to a disproportionate share of beautiful places that span well beyond Boston.From the numerous beaches lining the bays of the more bustling east to the mountains and valleys anchored by the Connecticut river in the rural west, New England history . Katy Cirrone is travel writer based in Boston, Massachusetts. 15 Best Lakes in Massachusetts - The Crazy Tourist Boston has several world-class museums, but none quite as beautiful as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Seniors can also get a reduced fee lifetime parking pass ahead of time to visit Massachusetts state parks. Bartholomews Cobble is known for its flora diversity. The waterfall plunges 80 feet, running through rocky terrain from Bash Bish Brook. Find out about trailheads, local biker accommodations, and bike gear. Serene mountain vistas, lush forests, and clear blue lakes define the Berkshire landscape, an idyllic setting for your next family vacation, romantic escape, or weekend with friends. Long Mountain and Mount Norwottuck with Rattlesnake Knob sandwiched between are enticing hiking destinations seen from this viewpoint. The peak is crowned by a 93-foot tall Massachusetts War Memorial Tower, which offers spectacular views of the five surrounding states. This place can deliver a dose of Old World elegance and drama that will have you wondering why they didn't check your passport at the door. The highest point in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock is located in the northwestern corner of the state in the town of Adams. Ride the best rail trails and mountain bike trails in Western Massachusetts. Get more stories delivered right to your email. It is decorated with various flowers, such as bulbs, perennials, and dahlias. 8 Beautiful Places in Massachusetts Beyond Boston Summit House The mountaintop hotel was built in stages in the 1800s. The Berkshires [SEE MAP] Massachusetts Travel & Tourism / Flickr Nature and the arts exist compatibly in the Berkshires, a hilly area in western Massachusetts. Add The 20 Most Beautiful Places In Massachusetts To Your Bucket List You wont be by yourself climbing Bare Mountain on a nice weather weekend. Many visitors will recognize the famous Motif No. Landscape painter Thomas Cole captured a thunderstorm moving toward the Oxbow in his famous masterpiece painted from Mount Holyoke. Although they used to be used for swimming, the potholes were closed to the public in 2002 but can still be admired from above. On it, you will find colorful varieties of flowers, vines and shrubs from April to October. You can go for a leisure stroll on the Boston Harborwalk, where youll have scenic views of Massachusetts Bay and the endless ship masts docked in the harbor. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Hiking is one of the favorite activities in the Berkshires, best places in MA to see the colorful fall foliage, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, 30 Most Charming Small Towns in New England, Hidden Gems in New England: 15 Secret Places to Visit, 10 Breathtaking Swimming Holes in Massachusetts, 13 Incredible Antique Stores in Massachusetts: Antiquing MA, owner and editor of New England With Love. The Connecticut River separates the peaks of the Mount Tom Range from the rest of the Holyoke Range. Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusett. Massachusetts native. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The loaf of brown sugar that graced the dinner table of colonists was the origin of the English name. Autumn is a beautiful time to visit; the Berkshires is one of the best places in MA to see the colorful fall foliage. 1. They are even more spectacular in real-time. You can access the trail by parking at the Notch Visitor Center (1500 West St., Amherst). Therefore, the view of one of these artistic mazes alone is worth the trip up the South Sugarloaf. Go for a scenic Massachusetts hike along the sandy beach trails or boardwalk swamp trails. In addition, fossil footprints of dinosaurs are found in many places in the valley. On a clear day, it's possible to see 90 miles from its 3,492-foot summit. This stunning expanse of white sands and shimmering beach grass is crowned by a lighthouse that's straight out of a postcard. The spring features the flora at full bloom, where the entire space is filled with colors and a pleasant aroma. If youre up for a real adventure in Massachusetts, hike up Monument Mountain in Great Barrington. Some of the finest and most unique museums in the country are located right here in Western Mass. You dont have to spend a fortune when starting out. Since not everyone can hike to these high places, I provide accessibility information about the viewpoints listed here. Visit Notchview, Stump Sprouts, Canterbury Farm ski centers. With its charming small towns and villages, rolling green fields, fertile farms, and lively art scene, the area is a popular tourist destination. Plus, you can be at the top with less than a 5-minute walk. Its 44,600 acres encompass marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Thank you for supporting my blog. Sometimes you just need to go high up and look around you. On this site, Amy aims to share her love of New England and help you to have the best possible adventures! The entrance to the Mount Pollux Conservation Area is located on South East Street in S. Amherst. Onota Lake The 2.5 square kilometre Onota Lake is known for its summer mansions that were built in the 19th and 20th centuries. The town also has the oldest gay bar in the United States and holds many LGBTQ events. What used to be a Native American trade route has become one of Massachusetts most scenic drives. Massachusetts has so many beautiful places to elope that offer ocean views, rocky cliffs, foliage views, city skylines, and waterfalls. Dont forget to check out these 12 unimaginably beautiful places in Massachusetts. Across the street below the hydroelectric dam on the Deerfield River are more than 50 colorful glacial potholes. Here are my favorite places for a scenic view in Western Massachusetts. Named for one of the twin stars in the Gemini constellation, therefore, it makes sense that Mount Pollux is the perfect viewpoint in Western Massachusetts for having a clear view of the night sky. Harvard University was established in 1636, making it the oldest university in the US. Western Mass. I may make a small commission from them, at no extra cost to you. I recommend Celestron binoculars. 1 -- the most painted building in the world -- while visiting Bearskin Neck, a stretch of old fishing shacks that has been turned into a tourist attraction. Plus, youre in Provincetown, which is full of fun things to do and yummy places to eat! 1. What do you think are the most beautiful places in Massachusetts? Forget a beach day; youll need a beach month. If you can get here during the autumn, you're guaranteed an all-you-can-gawk foliage buffet. What gorgeous viewpoints! For nature-lovers, it is one of the most beautiful places in MA and in the USA. Hiking is one of the favorite activities in the Berkshires. But even with the large summer crowds, the islands beauty still captivates visitors to make it a go-to destination. If youre a fan of the outdoors, youll genuinely enjoy nature walks at Bartholomews Cobble, near Sheffield, MA. It has everything from charming colonial-style towns like, 15 Dreamy VRBOs & Airbnbs in Martha's Vineyard to Book ASAP, You can spend a few hours wandering the multiple floors of this beautiful, 10 Best Photo Spots in Boston: Most Instagrammable Places, With over 100 acres of manicured garden landscape, you wont find another garden as big as the, The Heritage Museum and Gardens, located in, 15 Best Lakes in Massachusetts You Have To Visit(2023). My recommended bird book is the Peterson Guide to Birds of North America. The One Pristine Inland Beach In Massachusetts That Will Make You Swear Youre On The Coast, This Hidden Beach With A Playground And Tennis Courts In Massachusetts Is A Stellar Summer Adventure, Your Stomach Will Love You For Trying These 7 Epic Buffets In Massachusetts, You Can Hike With Goats At Goats To Go In Massachusetts, The 10 Secret Parks Of Massachusetts Youve Never Heard Of But Need To Visit, 10 Places In Massachusetts That Are Better Than Anywhere Else In The Country, Youll Want To Cross These 19 Amazing Bridges In Massachusetts, Here Are The 15 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Massachusetts, Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Tourism and Travel, 12 unimaginably beautiful places in Massachusetts, beautiful lakes right here in Massachusetts. Travel Guide to Central Massachusetts - Visit Massachusetts Travel, Tourism I actually grew up in New England but sadly havent explored Western MA too much. The clockwise panoramic view from the porch of the Summit House starts with Mt. Located just north of Amherst in the village of South Deerfield, Mount Sugarloaf offers stunning views of the Pioneer Valley. Its known as the best place to watch a sunset in Amherst. Well, there is beauty to be found year round in the Bay State, for sure! Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. During the summer months, you may even find a rope swing hanging underneath. Tickets are $13 for kids ages 3 to 7 and $25 for adults. One of the most beautiful places in MA to see natures largest mammal is at the, Best Whale Watching in Massachusetts: 12 Highly-Rated Tours, After youve explored the scenic town of Rockport, stop by the, 13 Things to Do in Wellfleet MA: A Cape Cod Getaway, 10 Must-See Wellfleet Beaches - Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Visitors may also bike, hunt and cross-country ski in designated areas. Learn more about me and the blog. I first saw it in 1983-84, before the outdoor temple area burned down. A hidden tresusure. These views look utterly spectacular . Its a popular photography spot or great for simply enjoying views of Deerfield River. The main entrance to the hiking trails is on Reservation Road off Route 5 in Easthampton. Outdoor adventures in Massachusetts dont take too much effort to find. Dance the night away inside the stunning ballroom with 150 guests. The rest of New England is definitely worth a visit. Visitors can also check out the Bascom Lodge, a hotel at the peak that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. A hidden Boston gem, the shimmering lake is especially popular during the summer. . Visit the, 10 Best Hotels on Nantucket: Where to Stay for a Nantucket Getaway, 15 Glorious Nantucket Airbnb and VRBO Rentals to Book in 2023, Chances are, youve probably already seen, Where to Stay in Rockport MA: The Best Rockport MA Hotels, 21 Best Day Trips from Boston: Road Trips to Take ASAP, The entire region is covered with rolling dunes so prepare to get very sandy. This Western Massachusetts wedding venue offers everything you need for a memorable celebration . Mount Holyoke A historic summit house, a historic view, and a historic river valley are some of the highlights of a visit to Mount Holyoke. You can take a whale-watching cruise or visit the Whaling Museum. The mountain is adjacent to Lake Warner, a great paddling pond mentioned here. A lone spreading oak marks the top giving plenty of space for open skies and panoramic views of the many mountain ranges surrounding it. The hike is my favorite of the climbs in the Holyoke Range. The Salamander Crossing Trail, a 2.2 mile loop around the whole property, starts at the Trustees of Reservations trailhead on Mt.