List of Commonwealth Attractions

1. National Land
2. State Land
3. Private Attractions
4. Shopping Centers

I. National Land

National Seashore

• Cape Cod National Seashore
  This national treasure protects over 40 miles of pristine sandy beaches, marshes, ponds, and upland landscapes along the Atlantic-facing shore of Cape Cod. It is a mosaic of natural beauty and quintessential New England scenery, dotted with lighthouses and historic villages.
  • Location: 99 Marconi Site Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667 (Headquarters)
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/caco
  • Phone: (508) 255-3421
  • Visitor Interests: Swimming and sunbathing at renowned beaches like Coast Guard Beach and Race Point Beach, biking on scenic paved trails, visiting historic lighthouses, hiking through diverse ecosystems, ranger-led programs.

National Historical Parks

• Boston National Historical Park
  This park is a collection of historic sites that showcase Boston's pivotal role in the American Revolution. Many of these sites are connected by the famous Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking path through the heart of the city.
  • Location: Sites located throughout downtown Boston. Visitor Center at Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Sq, Boston, MA 02109
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/bost
  • Phone: (617) 242-5642
  • Visitor Interests: Walking the Freedom Trail, visiting sites like the Old North Church and Paul Revere House, touring the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"), exploring the Charlestown Navy Yard and Bunker Hill Monument.
• Lowell National Historical Park
  This park preserves and interprets the story of the American Industrial Revolution in the planned factory city of Lowell. Visitors can explore the massive 19th-century mills, walk along the network of canals, and learn about the lives of the "Mill Girls" who powered the factories.
  • Location: 246 Market St, Lowell, MA 01852 (Visitor Center)
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/lowe
  • Phone: (978) 970-5000
  • Visitor Interests: Taking a trolley and canal boat tour, exploring the Boott Cotton Mills Museum with its working weave room, visiting the Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit, walking the historic canal ways.
• Minute Man National Historical Park
  This park commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. It preserves the historic landscape along the "Battle Road" between Lexington and Concord, where colonial militia first fought the British Redcoats.
  • Location: 3113 Marrett Rd, Lexington, MA 02421
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/mima
  • Phone: (978) 369-6993
  • Visitor Interests: Walking the Battle Road Trail, visiting the North Bridge in Concord where the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired, exploring Hartwell Tavern, ranger-led battle demonstrations (seasonal).
• New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
  This park preserves the heritage of New Bedford, one of the world's most important whaling ports in the 19th century. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings tell the story of the city's maritime history, economic prosperity, and diverse culture.
  • Location: 33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740 (Visitor Center)
  • Nearest Major City: Providence, RI
  • Website: nps.gov/nebe
  • Phone: (508) 996-4095
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the historic downtown, visiting the New Bedford Whaling Museum (a park partner), seeing the Seamen's Bethel, learning about Frederick Douglass's time in the city.

National Historic Sites

• Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
  This site preserves the home and office of the founder of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. From this office, Olmsted and his firm designed countless iconic parks and landscapes across the nation, including Central Park and the U.S. Capitol grounds.
  • Location: 99 Warren St, Brookline, MA 02445
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/frla
  • Phone: (617) 566-1689
  • Visitor Interests: Taking a guided tour of the historic design office, viewing original landscape plans and drawings, exploring the landscaped grounds.
• John F. Kennedy National Historic Site
  This site preserves the birthplace and boyhood home of the 35th U.S. President. The modest house in Brookline offers a glimpse into the early family life that shaped John F. Kennedy.
  • Location: 83 Beals St, Brookline, MA 02446
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/jofi
  • Phone: (617) 566-7937
  • Visitor Interests: Taking a ranger-led tour of the restored home, listening to audio recordings of Rose Kennedy's remembrances, exploring the surrounding neighborhood.
• Longfellow House – Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
  This remarkable house served as General George Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston and was later the longtime home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The house and its collections offer a unique look at American history and literature.
  • Location: 105 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/long
  • Phone: (617) 876-4491
  • Visitor Interests: Touring the historic house with its original furnishings, exploring the beautiful colonial revival garden, learning about Washington's and Longfellow's time here.
• Salem Maritime National Historic Site
  As the first National Historic Site in the United States, this park preserves the waterfront of Salem, which was a major center for global trade in the early American republic. It tells the stories of the sailors, merchants, and privateers who built the nation's economy.
  • Location: 160 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970 (Visitor Center)
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/sama
  • Phone: (978) 740-1650
  • Visitor Interests: Touring the historic Derby House and Custom House, visiting the tall ship Friendship of Salem (when in port), walking along the historic wharf.
• Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
  This site reconstructs the first integrated iron works in North America, which operated in the 1640s. It is a testament to the early colonists' ambition and the beginnings of the American iron and steel industry.
  • Location: 244 Central St, Saugus, MA 01906
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: nps.gov/sair
  • Phone: (781) 233-0050
  • Visitor Interests: Seeing the reconstructed blast furnace, forge, and slitting mill; watching blacksmithing demonstrations; exploring the 17th-century Iron Works House.

National Wildlife Refuge

• Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
  Located on Plum Island, this refuge provides crucial coastal habitat for migratory birds. Its salt marshes, sandy beaches, and dunes attract an incredible diversity of birdlife, making it one of the premier birdwatching destinations in the Northeast.
  • Location: 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/parker-river
  • Phone: (978) 465-5753
  • Visitor Interests: Premier birdwatching, walking the boardwalks and observation towers, surf fishing, hiking the trails, enjoying the pristine beach.

Back to top

II. State Land

Top Ten Most Visited State Parks & Forests

• Walden Pond State Reservation
  Internationally famous as the former home of writer and transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau, this reservation protects the scenic pond that inspired his classic work, "Walden." It is a revered destination for its literary history and natural beauty.
  • Location: 915 Walden St, Concord, MA 01742
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/walden-pond-state-reservation
  • Phone: (978) 369-3254
  • Visitor Interests: Swimming and canoeing in the deep glacial kettle-hole pond, hiking the trails around the pond, visiting the replica of Thoreau's one-room cabin, exploring the visitor center exhibits.
• Mount Greylock State Reservation
  At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts, offering spectacular panoramic views that can stretch for up to 90 miles. The summit features the iconic Veterans War Memorial Tower and the historic Bascom Lodge.
  • Location: 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237
  • Nearest Major City: Pittsfield
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/mount-greylock-state-reservation
  • Phone: (413) 499-4262
  • Visitor Interests: Driving or hiking to the summit, climbing the Veterans War Memorial Tower for 360-degree views, hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail, staying at Bascom Lodge.
• Myles Standish State Forest
  The largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts, this forest is a vast expanse of pine barrens, kettle ponds, and wetlands. It offers a wide array of recreational activities in a rustic setting.
  • Location: 194 Cranberry Rd, Carver, MA 02330
  • Nearest Major City: Plymouth
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/myles-standish-state-forest
  • Phone: (508) 866-2526
  • Visitor Interests: Camping at one of the five campgrounds, swimming and fishing in the numerous kettle ponds, hiking, biking on paved trails, horseback riding.
• Salisbury Beach State Reservation
  Stretching for nearly four miles along the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the state's most popular beaches. It offers excellent swimming, boating, and camping facilities, with views of the Merrimack River estuary.
  • Location: 1 State Reservation Rd, Salisbury, MA 01952
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/salisbury-beach-state-reservation
  • Phone: (978) 462-4481
  • Visitor Interests: Swimming and sunbathing, camping at the large oceanfront campground, boating and fishing, wildlife viewing in the salt marsh.
• Nickerson State Park
  Located on Cape Cod, Nickerson is known for its beautiful kettle ponds nestled among wooded hills. It offers a different Cape Cod experience, focused on freshwater recreation in a forest setting.
  • Location: 3488 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631
  • Nearest Major City: Hyannis
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/nickerson-state-park
  • Phone: (508) 896-3491
  • Visitor Interests: Swimming, canoeing, and fishing in the clear kettle ponds; biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail which runs through the park; extensive camping opportunities.
• Wompatuck State Park
  A popular destination just south of Boston, this park offers a large campground and miles of paved and unpaved trails on the site of a former naval ammunition depot.
  • Location: 204 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/wompatuck-state-park
  • Phone: (617) 895-8245
  • Visitor Interests: Camping, biking on 12 miles of paved trails, hiking and mountain biking, fishing in the Cohasset Reservoir.
• Halibut Point State Park
  Located on the rugged coast of Cape Ann, this park offers stunning ocean views from a former granite quarry. The trails wind around the water-filled quarry and along the rocky shoreline.
  • Location: 4 Gott Ave, Rockport, MA 01966
  • Nearest Major City: Gloucester
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park
  • Phone: (978) 546-2997
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking, exploring the tide pools along the rocky coast, birdwatching, touring the historic quarry buildings.
• Mount Tom State Reservation
  Rising steeply from the Connecticut River Valley, Mount Tom is a long, narrow trap-rock ridge offering dramatic cliffs and scenic views. It's a popular spot for hiking and hawk watching during the fall migration.
  • Location: 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040
  • Nearest Major City: Springfield
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/mount-tom-state-reservation
  • Phone: (413) 534-1186
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking on 22 miles of trails, hawk watching from scenic overlooks, visiting the stone lookout tower.
• Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
  This unique geological feature is a quarter-mile-long chasm of granite bedrock where visitors can hike and scramble through a maze of boulders and rock formations.
  • Location: 198 Purgatory Rd, Sutton, MA 01590
  • Nearest Major City: Worcester
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/purgatory-chasm-state-reservation
  • Phone: (508) 234-3733
  • Visitor Interests: Rock scrambling and hiking through the chasm, picnicking, playground for children.
• Nantasket Beach Reservation
  One of the busiest beaches in the Greater Boston area, Nantasket offers a classic New England beach experience with fine light gray sand, a promenade, and nearby attractions.
  • Location: 212 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA 02045
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: mass.gov/locations/nantasket-beach-reservation
  • Phone: (781) 925-1777
  • Visitor Interests: Swimming and sunbathing, walking the promenade, visiting the historic Paragon Carousel, concerts and events.

Back to top

III. Private Attractions

Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquariums

• New England Aquarium
  A global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation, the New England Aquarium on Boston's waterfront is home to thousands of aquatic animals. Its central feature is the giant, four-story Caribbean reef tank.
  • Location: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: neaq.org
  • Phone: (617) 973-5200
  • Visitor Interests: The Giant Ocean Tank, the penguin colony, the Simons Theatre, whale watching tours (seasonal), touching sharks and rays at the touch tank.
• Franklin Park Zoo
  Located in Boston's historic Franklin Park, this 72-acre zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. It features several major exhibit areas, including a tropical forest and an outback trail.
  • Location: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo
  • Phone: (617) 541-5466
  • Visitor Interests: The Tropical Forest with gorillas and lemurs, the Australian Outback Trail with kangaroos and emus, the children's zoo, seasonal attractions like the lantern festival.
• Tower Hill Botanic Garden
  A stunning year-round botanic garden in Boylston, featuring formal and naturalistic gardens, conserved woodlands, and spectacular views of the Wachusett Reservoir.
  • Location: 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505
  • Nearest Major City: Worcester
  • Website: towerhillbg.org
  • Phone: (508) 869-6111
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the themed gardens and conservatories, walking the trails, seasonal events like the winter light display ("Night Lights"), educational programs.

Major Museums

• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
  One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses a collection of nearly 500,000 works of art. Its holdings are especially strong in American art, Egyptian artifacts, and Impressionist paintings.
  • Location: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: mfa.org
  • Phone: (617) 267-9300
  • Visitor Interests: The Art of the Americas Wing, the renowned collection of works by Monet, Egyptian mummies and artifacts, special exhibitions.
• Museum of Science
  Situated on the Charles River, Boston's Museum of Science is a landmark institution featuring over 700 interactive exhibits. It is dedicated to making science and technology accessible and fun for all ages.
  • Location: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: mos.org
  • Phone: (617) 723-2500
  • Visitor Interests: The Theater of Electricity with its massive Van de Graaff generator, the Butterfly Garden, the Mugar Omni Theater, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, numerous hands-on exhibits.
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  Designed in the style of a 15th-century Venetian palace, this unique museum houses an eclectic and world-class collection of art arranged by its founder. The museum is as famous for its stunning architecture and courtyard garden as it is for the infamous 1990 art heist.
  • Location: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: gardnermuseum.org
  • Phone: (617) 566-1401
  • Visitor Interests: The magnificent courtyard, the diverse art collection, the modern wing designed by Renzo Piano, learning about the unsolved art theft.
• Plimoth Patuxet Museums
  A world-class living history museum, Plimoth Patuxet tells the intertwined stories of the English colonists and the native Wampanoag people in the 17th century. It features meticulously recreated historical settings and engaging costumed interpreters.
  • Location: 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360
  • Nearest Major City: Plymouth
  • Website: plimoth.org
  • Phone: (508) 746-1622
  • Visitor Interests: The Historic Patuxet Homesite, the 17th-Century English Village, the Mayflower II (a full-scale replica ship), the Plimoth Grist Mill.
• Clark Art Institute
  Located in the beautiful Berkshires, the Clark is a renowned art museum and research center. It is particularly known for its exceptional collection of French Impressionist and Old Master paintings set against a stunning rural and architectural backdrop.
  • Location: 225 South St, Williamstown, MA 01267
  • Nearest Major City: Pittsfield
  • Website: clarkart.edu
  • Phone: (413) 458-2303
  • Visitor Interests: The impressive collection of Impressionist art, special exhibitions, the modern architecture of the Clark Center, walking the trails on the 140-acre campus.

Amusement & Water Parks

• Six Flags New England
  The largest theme park and water park in New England, this complex in Agawam offers a huge variety of thrill rides, roller coasters, family attractions, and the integrated Hurricane Harbor water park.
  • Location: 1623 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001
  • Nearest Major City: Springfield
  • Website: sixflags.com/newengland
  • Phone: (413) 786-9300
  • Visitor Interests: A large collection of DC Comics-themed roller coasters, thrill rides, live shows, Hurricane Harbor water park.

Historic Site

• Old Sturbridge Village
  The largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, Old Sturbridge Village depicts life in a rural New England town from the 1790s to the 1830s. Visitors can explore more than 40 original buildings and interact with costumed historians.
  • Location: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566
  • Nearest Major City: Worcester
  • Website: osv.org
  • Phone: (800) 733-1830
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the historic village, watching craft demonstrations (blacksmithing, pottery, etc.), interacting with costumed interpreters, taking a horse-drawn wagon ride.

Back to top

IV. Major Shopping Centers

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  A historic and vibrant shopping center in the heart of downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall is composed of four historic buildings: Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market. It features a mix of shops, restaurants, and lively street performers.
  • Location: 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: faneuilhallmarketplace.com
  • Phone: (617) 523-1300
  • Visitor Interests: The Quincy Market Colonnade with its international food vendors, unique shops and pushcarts, street performers, historic atmosphere.
• Newbury Street
  One of Boston's most charming and famous shopping areas, this eight-block street in the Back Bay is lined with historic brownstones housing a mix of high-end boutiques, art galleries, salons, and trendy restaurants.
  • Location: Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: N/A
  • Phone: N/A
  • Visitor Interests: High-fashion and luxury brand shopping, exploring art galleries, dining at sidewalk cafes, enjoying the historic architecture.
• Prudential Center
  An upscale shopping mall in Boston's Back Bay, the Prudential Center features a wide selection of retailers and is directly connected to Copley Place via a skybridge. It also offers access to the View Boston observation deck for panoramic city views.
  • Location: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: prudentialcenter.com
  • Phone: (617) 236-3100
  • Visitor Interests: A variety of upscale shops, numerous dining options including a large food court, visiting the View Boston observation deck.
• Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
  The largest outlet mall in New England, this outdoor shopping center offers significant savings on a huge variety of designer and brand-name merchandise. It is a major destination for bargain hunters from across the region.
  • Location: 1 Outlet Blvd, Wrentham, MA 02093
  • Nearest Major City: Boston/Providence, RI
  • Website: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/wrentham-village
  • Phone: (508) 384-0600
  • Visitor Interests: Outlet shopping for over 170 designer and brand-name stores, a large food court, finding deals on luxury goods.
• Natick Mall
  An upscale, two-level indoor shopping mall located west of Boston, the Natick Mall is known for its high-end anchor stores and luxury retailers, making it one of the premier shopping destinations in the Metrowest region.
  • Location: 1245 Worcester St, Natick, MA 01760
  • Nearest Major City: Boston
  • Website: natickmall.com
  • Phone: (508) 655-4000
  • Visitor Interests: Luxury retailers like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, a wide selection of other popular stores, numerous dining options.

Back to top