The Ultimate Massachusetts Family Vacation: Kid-Friendly History, Coastal Adventures & New England Charm
Arrive in Boston & Explore the Freedom Trail
Fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
Top Things to Do in Boston
- Walk the Freedom TrailVisit 16 historic sites, including Paul Revere's House, Faneuil Hall, and the Old North Church.
- Tour Fenway ParkHome of the Boston Red Sox (or catch a game if in season!).
- Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & MuseumAn interactive look at the Revolution.
- Dinner at Legal Sea Foods or Union Oyster HouseTry New England clam chowder & lobster roll.
Overnight in Boston.
Cambridge & Harvard, Boston's Waterfront
Explore more of Boston & the historic town of Cambridge.
Top Things to Do
- Walk Through Harvard UniversityVisit Harvard Yard & Harvard Square.
- Explore the Boston Harborwalk & Take a Boston Harbor Cruise.
- Dine at Neptune OysterOne of the best seafood spots in the city.
- Walk Across the Charles River EsplanadeBeautiful views at sunset.
Overnight in Boston.
Plymouth - Where America Began
Drive from Boston to Plymouth (45 minutes).
Top Things to Do in Plymouth
- See the Mayflower IIA full-scale replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims.
- Visit Plimoth Patuxet MuseumsA living history museum recreating the 17th-century colony.
- Walk Along Plymouth Harbor & See Plymouth Rock.
- Try Seafood at Wood's Seafood or East Bay Grille.
Overnight in Plymouth or Cape Cod.
Cape Cod - Beaches & Lighthouses
Drive from Plymouth to Cape Cod (1 hour).
Top Things to Do in Cape Cod
- Relax on Nauset Beach or Race Point Beach.
- Explore Chatham's Quaint Downtown & Chatham Lighthouse.
- Bike Along the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
- Go Whale Watching in Provincetown (Seasonal: April-October).
Overnight in Provincetown or Chatham.
Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket Island
Take the Ferry from Cape Cod to Either Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket (1 hour).
Top Things to Do in Martha's Vineyard
- Visit Oak Bluffs & See the Gingerbread Cottages.
- Bike to Edgartown & South Beach.
- Eat Fresh Lobster at Larsen's Fish Market in Menemsha.
Top Things to Do in Nantucket
- Relax at Cisco Beach.
- Visit the Whaling Museum.
- Bike the Scenic Sconset Bluff Walk.
Return to Cape Cod & Drive to Boston (2 hours).
Overnight in Boston.
The Berkshires - Mountains & Small Towns
Drive from Boston to The Berkshires (2.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in The Berkshires
- Hike Monument Mountain or Bash Bish Falls State Park.
- Visit The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.
- Enjoy Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard.
- Explore the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown.
Overnight in The Berkshires.
Return to Boston & Depart
Drive from The Berkshires to Boston (2.5 hours).
Optional Stops Along the Way
- Visit Walden Pond in ConcordWhere Henry David Thoreau lived.
- Explore Lexington & ConcordKey sites of the American Revolution.
Fly out of Boston (BOS).
Ready to plan your Massachusetts trip?
Dave will build a custom itinerary and find the best options for your budget and travel style.
Tell Me About Your TripHeader photo: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.