26 Exciting Things to Do in Massachusetts in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

I had ambitiously put 26 items on my 2026 list and hoped to accomplish gorgeous hikes, try out great eats, travel to new destinations, and revisit some of my all-time favorite places this year. There is so much to discover in Massachusetts, and I'm excited to start by checking these 26 incredible local activities off my list. From coastal getaways, historic celebrations, winter adventures, and fall festivals, the Bay State offers unforgettable experiences in every season. Keep reading!

1. Try the Sport of Snowshoeing – Hancock

Getting more exercise has been a goal on my New Year's resolution list forever, and this year I am making it happen. It's never too late to start, so what better time to start than the present? I've always wanted to try snowshoeing, and, luckily, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock has miles of family-friendly snowshoe trails for me to explore. This will be the first thing I do once fall turns to winter and the first snow of the season falls.

2. Go on an Owl Prowl – Hingham

I've always been fascinated by owls and have been looking forward to viewing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Before winter's end, I'm heading to Hingham for a guided evening hike at the gorgeous World's End Property in hopes of catching a glimpse of these feathered friends up close. But if I miss this program, other programs are hosted by The Trustees.

3. Revisit Snow Tubing – Great Barrington

Several years ago, my family and I spent the day snow tubing at the Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center in Great Barrington. We had so much fun racing each other down the snowy mountain that I'm repeating this cold-weather activity for 2026. Hopefully, the Rustic Modern Retreat Airbnb we stayed at will also be available for our tubing weekend. This local rental is incredible!

4. Dine In The Dark – Somerville

To keep life interesting, I always try at least one or two new, unique experiences each year. While I tend to be a picky eater, I am putting my reservations aside and planning to blindly jump into the "dining in the dark" craze. As I fumble to find my cutlery and consume three mystery courses without making a hot mess of myself, I am sure to have an unforgettable experience.

5. Visit an Ice Cream Museum – Boston

Boston's most delicious museum is now open in the bustling Seaport District. I recently had a chance to visit and can tell you this place is so much fun. I can't wait to bring the kids to the brand-new Boston Museum of Ice Cream to enjoy the interactive exhibits, games, and, of course, lots and lots of frozen treats.

6. Smash Away the Winter Blues – Avon

By the end of a long winter, I find myself sick of the cold and in dire need of a cathartic release. This year, I plan to let off that pent-up energy with a visit to the Just Smash It rage room in Avon, where I will smash bottles, electronics, and other breakables until my arms grow tired and my soul is refreshed. Plus, it will be a whole lot of fun!

7. Eat at a Historic Restaurant – New Marlborough

I love dining in a place rich in history and great eats. In the past few years, I've dragged my family to endless historic restaurants and pubs, but there are still so many more we haven't visited. This year, I have my sights set on the fine dining restaurant at The Old Inn on the Green in the quaint town of New Marlborough. This building dates back to the 1700s and was once a mail stop. If the timing is right, I may even turn my dining adventure into a weekend getaway by booking an overnight at the beautiful inn.

8. Celebrate Patriots Day – Concord

The town of Concord, Massachusetts, is a history lover's dream come true. What better time to visit than Patriots' Day 2026, the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution? The town will celebrate with special events all year, including an epic parade and celebration in April. If you missed the parade in 2025, don't worry, there's always next year!

9. Take a Bird-Watching Day Trip – Wellfleet

I've come to really enjoy watching my feathered friends visit my small backyard feeder, and I'd love to see more local birds. This year, I plan to head down the Cape to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Over 300 bird species have been spotted in this gorgeous natural area, which may be one of the best places to go birdwatching in Massachusetts.

10. Spend the Weekend on a Local Island – Salem

I was able to visit beautiful Baker's Island in Salem and finally cross this item off my bucket list in 2025. In 2026, I plan to expand on this spectacular experience and book an overnight stay on the island. I'm not sure if I will camp under the stars or rent out the lightkeeper's house, but I'm sure to have an incredible stay either way.

11. Experience the Magic of Dr. Seuss – Springfield

As the holiday season wraps up, I have the Grinch and other favorite Dr. Seuss characters on the brain. I've always wanted to visit the museum dedicated to my favorite childhood author, and this is the year to make it happen. With lots of games, interactive exhibits, and a whimsical sculpture garden, a trip to The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield will have me rhyming for days.

12. Hike a Top Massachusetts Trail – Mount Washington

I recently checked my annual hiking log, and unfortunately, it fell a little short of my anticipated yearly goal. Luckily, it's a new year and a great time to start over. I'm making hiking a priority in 2026 and adding the Bash Bish Falls Trail to my list. This breathtaking trail to the state's tallest waterfall is one of the most beautiful and best hikes in Massachusetts.

13. Spend the Weekend on Nantucket – Nantucket

I've lived in New England for almost my whole life and somehow never made it to Nantucket. Last year, I read several books about this beautiful island, and now I am extra inspired to visit. With gorgeous beaches, historical sites, and stunning hotels like The Brant, Nantucket is a local paradise and a hidden gem in Massachusetts.

14. Take a Trip to Adams National Historical Park – Quincy

I'm hoping that summer 2026 will lead me to add another stamp to my National Park Passport book. This year, I'm purchasing an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Lands pass and using it to gain admission to the Adams National Historic Park in Quincy. This fascinating historic site was the birthplace of two United States presidents.

15. Visit a House Made of Paper – Rockport

Visiting the highly unusual Paper House in Rockport has been on my bucket list since I first read about this unique building in an old Only In Your State article – The Paper House In Massachusetts Just Might Be The Strangest Roadside Attraction Yet. In 2026, I am venturing up the coast and paying a visit to this hidden gem of a place made almost entirely of paper. This roadside attraction is bound to be one of my most peculiar visits.

16. Eat Lunch at the Black Dog – Vineyard Haven

It's hard to believe I've lived in Massachusetts for decades and have never visited the iconic Black Dog Tavern. 2026 is the year to head to the Vineyard to enjoy a fantastic meal and purchase some obligatory Black Dog apparel.

17. Catch a Show at Indian Ranch – Webster

I got back into the live music scene in 2025, hoping this streak continues into the new year. I've read a lot about the fantastic shows at Indian Ranch, but I haven't had a chance to catch one yet. This year, I'm hoping that one of my favorite bands plays at the ranch and I finally get to visit Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg and eat at the delicious Samuel Slater's Restaurant.

18. Sleep in a Treehouse – Otis

I've always believed that excellent accommodations can be the focus of a fantastic getaway, and the more interesting the better, in my book. This quirky Mid-Century Glass Octagon Airbnb in Otis has been on my radar for years. I can't wait to gaze at the stars from the home's floor-to-ceiling windows and sip a delicious cocktail while hanging out with friends on the gorgeous deck.

19. Eat Some Fluff – Somerville

Yep, Somerville made my list again. This time, I will be returning for the What The Fluff festival, which takes place every September. Fluff was invented right here in Somerville, and 2026 marks the festival's 20th year. What The Fluff is one of the best fall festivals in Massachusetts, featuring music, crafts, and lots of sticky goodness for the whole family to enjoy.

20. Go Ghost Hunting at Lizzie Borden's House – Fall River

A few years back, my husband and I stayed at the Lizzie Borden House, one of the most notorious places in Massachusetts, for our anniversary – yes, I know that sounds strange. While we were there, several other guests took part in a ghost-hunting adventure in the home. This year, I plan to return to the haunted B&B and join in on the paranormal fun.

21. Visit a Cranberry Bog – Middleboro

I've been to many a pumpkin patch and apple orchard in my day, but I've yet to visit a cranberry bog. The crisp autumn air will have me heading to Benson’s Pond in Middleboro for an epic Cranberry Bog Discovery Tour, where I will learn all about the art of cranberry cultivation.

22. Stop and Enjoy the Foliage – Princeton

Autumn in my hometown of Salem is so busy that I often forget to stop and enjoy the colorful scenery that blankets our beautiful state this time of year. This fall, I'm plugging "Wachusett Mountain State Reservation" into my AllTrails+ app and setting out to see gorgeous seasonal hues from atop this scenic mountain.

23. Do Yoga with Goats – Georgetown

Yoga is one of my favorite new hobbies, but thus far I've only taken classes with humans. This year, I plan to up my yoga game and take a baby goat yoga class at Great Rock Farm's Goats To Go in Georgetown. I'm hoping to get some good goat cuddles in between yoga poses. Wouldn't that be sweet?

24. Ice Skate on Frog Pond – Boston

There are several iconic local things everyone must do at least once in a lifetime, and ice skating on Frog Pond in Boston Common is one of them. The experience is especially magical during the holidays when the nearby Boston Christmas tree is on display. It's one of the best attractions in Boston.

25. Explore the Trustees’ Crane Estate – Ipswich

In 2026, I intend to accomplish my desire to visit the Crane Estate, as I have always admired photos of the Trustees’ Crane Estate. Imagine wandering through manicured gardens, viewing sweeping oceans, and walking miles of trails in person. Well, this feels incredible and out of this world, so I can't miss it on my 2026 bucket list.

With its grand mansion, the Crane Estate at Castle Hill is undoubtedly one of the most scenic historical properties in Massachusetts.

26. View Festive Holiday Lights – Canton

I intend to complete my 2026 bucket list by taking part in one of my favorite holiday traditions, visiting a festive light display. It always puts me in the holiday spirit. I've previously visited the Trustees' wonderful Winter Lights display in Stockbridge, and I'm sure their Canton display is equally amazing.

Have you crossed anything off your 2026 Massachusetts travel bucket list? What spots do you still intend to visit this year? Only In Your State will feature tons of incredible local travel recommendations throughout the year, so be sure to check back often to find out about the best things to do in Massachusetts.

And when ready to turn your Massachusetts bucket list into a real trip, here is our itinerary planner you can use to map your stops, build a personalized route, and make the most of your adventure in the Bay State. Cheers to a fun and adventurous rest of 2026!