7 Caves Near Boston That Are Like Entering Another World

This cave not only transports you to another world, but also to another place in time. King Philip’s War lasted from 1675 to 1676. It was the final big push by local tribes to evict English settlers in southern New England, led by Metacom, the Wampanoag, Nipmucks, Pocumtucks, and Narragansetts banded together to fight the colonists. Ultimately, the settlers won and Metacom was caught, then killed.

During the war, Metacom is thought to have hidden in a cave near Norton that is now called King Philip’s Cave. Formed by glaciers, the cave was carved during the Last Ice Age. It’s hard to spot – kind of the point – and not very big, but you can go inside.

So why is it called King Philip’s cave? Well, that’s the name the colonists used for Metacom.

The cave is on land owned by the Land Preservation Society. Members of the public can reach the cave from Stone Run Drive, close to Bay Road in Norton.

Do you know what a salt cave is and that we have an enchanting one in Massachusetts? Head down to Westport (about an hour or 62 miles from Boston) where you can enter the most relaxing type of cave on earth.

This man-made cave, inside the Four Elements Salon and Spa, is lined with pink Himalayan salt. Once settled in a zero-gravity lounger, you can test out the health benefits of salt therapy. This cozy yet soothing environment will definitely make you feel like you’ve entered another world. It's located at 632 State Road in Westport.

Let’s not forget that a trip south isn’t your only option when it comes to salt caves. Just across the border, there’s an equally beguiling New Hampshire salt cave. This is the perfect spot to visit in the depths of winter.

Snuggle up in a blanket in the middle of a cave made of 18 tons of Himalayan salt, then enjoy the warm glow of light playing on the pink walls. This salt cave is part of the Bien Soigne day spa. The spa is located roughly 45 minutes, or 33 miles, from Boston. Address: 350 North Broadway, Salem, New Hampshire.

Back outside, discover Pawtuckaway State Park. This green Mecca, located in New Hampshire, is filled with boulders. Where they lean against each other, they form caves. Roughly 33 caves are scattered throughout the park - try exploring the Boulder Trail. You’ll find Pawtuckaway State Park at 40 Pawtuckaway Road in Nottingham (69 miles from Boston).

It’s unclear who built the manmade stone chamber in Upton, but this underground space is the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in New England. In the shape of a dome with a 14-foot entrance tunnel, this stone cave is totally dark inside. The heritage park is located 37 miles from Boston, at 18 Elm Street in Upton.

Sometimes called the "potato cave," since people assumed it was built as a root cellar, the official name for this underground space is the Nashoba Brook Stone Chamber. This L-shaped chamber is part of Nashoba Brook Conservation Area. It's tucked into a hill and is accessed by a long entry passage. The chamber is near Mill Dam Road, 20 miles or around 30 minutes from Boston.

Back in Salem, New Hampshire, America’s Stonehenge consists of a warren of manmade stone chambers that were designed as an astronomical calendar. Explore them at your leisure, then hang out with the adorable alpacas that make their home here. You’ll find these underground chambers at 105 Haverhill Road in Salem.