Hyannis, Cape Cod, in the summer.
From cultural and educational to outdoor and family-friendly, Massachusetts offers a wealth of free things to do any time of year. But the short New England summers are often the best time to experience them all. Here are 10 of our favorite free things to do in the Bay State this summer:
#1: Hike the Berkshires
Massachusetts may not offer the tallest or most dramatic peaks in the country, but the Berkshires are a unique outdoor destination in their own right. If you’re into “peak bagging,” Mount Greylock offers excellent day hiking opportunity to the state’s highest point at 3,491 feet. For travelers who prefer more leisurely pursuits, the auto road to the summit is open May through November.
#2: Stroll Around Boston
The best way to see and experience any destination is almost always on foot. Boston’s HarborWalk showcases some of the city’s best neighborhoods, including East Boston, Charlestown, North End, Downtown, South Boston and Dorchester. It’s an ideal way to while away an afternoon and see the city like a local.
Night at Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts.
#3: Drive the New England Coast
Few U.S. destinations are as iconic as coastal New England. From Maine to Massachusetts to Connecticut, the region’s shores offer stunning lighthouses, dramatic beach cliffs, and the country’s quaintest, most historic towns. Allow a full day to explore the entire area by car. Of course, if you’d rather let someone else handle the driving, check out a guided coastal tour of New England. Leave the car at the hotel and cruise some of the best sites in the region via luxury, air-conditioned motor coach.
#4: Tour the Wine Trail
Wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New England. But Massachusetts has its fair share of vineyards and winemakers. The Coastal Wine Trail passport is a great place to start planning your journey as it lists some of the best winemakers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Call ahead to find out which ones offer free tours and tastings.
#5: … Or Take a Brewery Tour
Boston is home to Sam Adams Brewery — one of the largest microbreweries in the country. Harpoon Brewing, Trillium Brewing, and Watch City Brewing Company all offer free tours and tastings around the Greater Boston area. For those looking for a sudsy day trip, the Massachusetts Craft Brewers Passport Program is a great place to plan your trip to the nearly 50 breweries throughout the state.
Race Point Beach in Cape Cod.
#6: Day Trip to Provincetown
It’s wild, eclectic, and unlike anywhere else in Massachusetts. Provincetown has been a hub of the state’s artistic and gay communities for decades. Just a two-hour drive from Boston, the town offers more than a day’s worth of exploring for shopping, gallery visits, and some of the best seafood restaurants in New England. Be sure to check out Race Point Beach which is arguably the best, most scenic stretch of sand in the entire state.
#7: Visit the Hatch Shell
Boston’s Hatch Shell has been a hub of the city’s entertainment scene for 75 years. In that time, it’s hosted some of the world’s biggest, most well known musicians and performers. Throughout the year, the venue offers dozens of free concert and movie opportunities. Check their latest schedule for the Friday Night Flicks series which screens family-friendly movies every summer.
Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts.
#8: Track Wildlife and Bird Watch in a National Park
Massachusetts is home to some of the region’s best national parks. Visitors can hike, bike, or simply hunt for wildlife along the Appalachian Scenic Trail, Blackstone River Valley, or Boston Harbor Islands. The National Park Service offers maps to help plan your trip to any of the state’s 16 National Parks.
#9: Free Shakespeare on the Common
Boston Common is a worthy stop for any Massachusetts traveler. Since 1996, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company has been performing “Free Shakespeare on the Common” with some of the playwright’s most famous works. From Othello, to Comedy of Errors, to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it’s a unique cultural experience from some of the city’s best performers.
Gay Head Light in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
#10: Take the Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard
For decades, Martha’s Vineyard has been a vacation playground for the country’s elite, from politicians to celebrities. It’s impossible to see everything the island has to offer in a single day, but it’s well worth it to try. Take a leisurely stroll along South Beach — arguably the island’s most beautiful and well-preserved stretch of sand. Lighthouses are an icon of coastal living and the island’s Edgartown Lighthouse is one of the area’s most historic and fascinating. Travelers with children will also love the 19th century Flying Horses Carousel which is officially the country’s oldest platform carouse.
- Contributed by Mike Richard
10 Free Things to Do in Massachusetts This Summer from Boston Things to Do