Overview
Looking for a holiday destination that has great weather, breathtaking coastline, scenic vineyards, gorgeous gardens, quaint fishing villages, wonderful wildlife, major sports, fascinating museums and music festivals? Well look no further as Massachusetts really has it all. Stretching from the forested Berkshire Hills in the west to the sandy dunes of Cape Cod in the east, this is a stunning state dotted with picturesque, picket fence villages, fantastic hiking paths and miles of scenic cycle trails.
In 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth Rock in present-day Massachusetts, laying the first foundations of the colony of New England. A century and a half later, the American Revolution sparked into life in this part of the continent and today fascinating historical legacies are found across the region.
Known as The Bay State, Massachusetts sits on the eastern seaboard of the USA, sandwiched by the New England states of Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire to the north and Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south. Boston, the state capital, is one of America's most vibrant and iconic water-front cities, with world class universities and historic sites, eclectic restaurants and great tax-free shopping.
Slow the pace down in the well-heeled area of the Berkshire Hills, which is home to internationally acclaimed arts festivals, the endless sun-honeyed beaches of Cape Cod and the chic island resorts of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Its beautiful shoreline is strewn with lighthouses and clapboard houses while the surrounding waters offer unparalleled opportunities to spot whales. It's a region of delightful country inns, boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts, particularly well suited to self-drive trips.
Things to do
Holidays
Browse our amazing range of holidays in Massachusetts
Popular Massachusetts holiday ideas
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Hilton Boston Back Bay
from £59
The Hilton Back Bay is a smart hotel located in the historic district of Back Bay, close to fantastic shopping and entertainment.
Rooms are...see more -
Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa
from £44
The Dan’l Webster Inn is a charming country house set in beautiful grounds in the heart of the village of Sandwich.
Rooms are traditional...see more -
Fairmont Copley Plaza
from £73
With typical Fairmont opulence, this grand hotel offers a real retreat from the bustle of downtown Boston.
The guestrooms are elegant and...see more -
John Carver Inn & Spa
from £36
The imposing entrance of the John Carver Inn welcomes you to a charming hotel with a fun indoor pool and a great location in downtown Plymouth.
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Loews Back Bay Hotel
from £83
Located in a grand and historic building, once home to the Boston Police, Loews Boston Hotel enjoys a convenient spot within walking distance of the city’s...see more
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Sheraton Boston
from £55
The Sheraton Boston is a grand hotel, ideally placed for shopping and close to local attractions.
Rooms are bright with a natural feel and...see more -
Shoreway Acres Inn
from £36
Shoreway Acres Inn is a pretty resort with a rich history dating back over 200 years, set in the heart of the charming town of Falmouth.
There...see more -
The Midtown Hotel
from £45
The Midtown Hotel is a classic hotel with good amenities and a great central location, close to the excellent shopping district of Back Bay.
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Westin Boston Waterfront
from £58
The Westin Boston Waterfront is a modern, stylish hotel with a convenient location just across the water from the international airport and within easy...see more
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New England Martha's Vineyard & The Southern Coast
from £449
This relaxing self drive along New England’s beautiful coastline to Cape Cod and on to Martha’s Vineyard is magical. Enjoy pristine sandy beaches, brightly...see more
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Six State Sampler
from £919
Scattered with picturesque villages and elegant towns, commanding mountain ranges and glacial lakes, the scenery of this remarkable area provides an astonishing...see more
Top tips
Top tips for visiting Massachusetts
1. Get walking
• Boston is a walking city: There's no need to hire a car, the T transport system is excellent and parking is extortionate.
2. Go shopping
• We all love to shop, and in Massachusetts there’s no tax on clothing purchases of $150 and under. If you spend over that amount, you only pay tax on the difference so a $200 purchase would mean you only pay tax on the $50 difference.
Top Tip 3
• Make the most of the opportunity to go whale watching (best dates between April - October)
3. Whale watch
• Make the most of the opportunity to go whale watching (best dates between April - October)
4. Take a tour
• Take a free public tour of the Boston Public Library, one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
5. Take the kids
• The Science Museum in Boston is a great place to take children for an afternoon
6. St. Patricks Day
• The St Patrick’s Day Parade is the USA’s longest running parade, established in 1737
Spring Weather
• There’s often still a nip in the air but springtime in Boston can be gorgeous, especially when the flowering bulbs of the Public Garden and other parks come into bloom.
Summer Weather
• Summer arrives early - around late May - with hot, sunny and sometimes humid weather right through until September
Autumn Weather
• Autumn is unsurprisingly the most popular season, when the climate is mild and temperate and fall colours hit their golden-hued peak.
Winter Weather
• Winter heralds a fabulous calendar of cultural events and the chance to ice skate. It does get cold and snowy in the winter, but the nearby ski resorts allow you to take advantage of those conditions.
