Residents of Greater Boston love it precisely because nature is never far from the city. Within city limits or a short ride beyond will deliver stunning variety. In a short 20 minutes, you can travel from seashore to see forests that inspired Henry David Thoreau and generations of nature lovers. The varying seasons deliver a dizzying array of colors, from fall to spring to summer. Inspired by nature, government and academic institutions have created destinations to explore by foot, by bike, by boat or by car.
Fall Foliage
Come October, the historic suburbs of Greater Boston fire into a spectacle equal to the displays found further north. And for those more urbanly inclined, few things beat the splendor of walking the tree-lined streets of Cambridge or Boston.
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Scenic Wonders
Boston's Harbor Islands, designated a national park, are testament to the revitalization of Boston Harbor. Seals and fishing are back, and federal and state improvements to facilities make these once underappreciated islands an amazing story of environmental recovery and discovery. And The Summer Shack manages the food concessions on Spectacle and Georges Islands.
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Museums & Zoos
The Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo are some of the nation's oldest, freshened by entirely new approaches to educating visitors about animals both local and exotic.
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Nature Centers
Milton's Blue Hill Observatory is a great way to spend the day hiking and discovering. By winter, a popular ski hill and home to weather observation stations, it's a family-friendly way to learn more about the plants and animals that call this area home year-round.
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Featured Cities
- Cambridge:
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Get a taste of Ivy League life in the home of Harvard and MIT. And don't forget to take in the sunset along the Charles River in Harvard Square.
Find: Lodging | Attractions - Brookline:
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The shops and restaurants around Coolidge Corner are a great place to spend an afternoon, and you'll be just a short walk from the birthplace of John F. Kennedy.
Find: Lodging | Attractions - Quincy:
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Alive with modern and historical delights, Quincy is a great place to dine by the water, and get a glimpse into the fascinating life of John Adams at the Adams National Historic Site.
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Featured Attractions
- Museum of Fine Arts
Sargent's murals. Wonders of Asian art. And traveling exhibitions of some of the world's most famous works. Find it all at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and stop by the museum café for an elegant lunch. Learn more>>
- Kennedy Library and Museum
Arguably our nation's finest Presidential Library, and the very best source for all things Camelot. It's a short T ride to a museum that's thoroughly educational - and inspirational. Learn more>>
- Children's Museum
Finally, a museum where you're encouraged to touch the exhibits. The Children's Museum offers fun and education for all ages. Learn more>>
Map of the Regions in Massachusetts
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- Where to Go
- Things to Do
Getting to the shops is easy - you can take the MBTA, rent a Zipcar, or even take the bus from various Boston hotels to Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. Don't miss Boston's world famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Essex's charming antique stores, and Yankee Candle's flagship store in South Deerfield.
- Plan Your Trip
- 50 Under $50
- Getting Around
State and regional resources, including air, land, and water transportation; Boston public transit info; detailed info on travel to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island
