Tired of the same old weekend plans? Sick of fighting for elbow room at the more high-profile tourist attractions? Have you heard of these 12 hidden gems in Massachusetts? They’re definitely worthy of a visit and maybe even a coveted spot on your bucket list.

1. The Mapparium, Boston
Flickr/Smart Destinations
Built in 1935, the Mapparium is a three-story-tall globe made of stained glass with a 30-foot-long viewing bridge running through it. Take a stroll through this spectacular work of art. Learn more about the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library. (Be sure to check out the website before heading over to ensure that it is currently open.)
2. White Hut, West Springfield
Flickr/Toni Brugués
Good food and quick service have made this restaurant a Springfield staple for decades. It temporarily shut down for a brief time in 2020 but came back stronger than ever as a food truck. Stop by to see what makes it so special. Okay, I'll give you a hint: the award-winning burgers definitely help. Check out the official website for White Hut.
3. The Brattle Bookshop, Boston
Flickr/MOTT
Flickr/MOTT
Browse through old favorites and modern classics in this three-story book shop. The bookstore holds distinction as one of the oldest "antiquarian" book shops in the United States. It originally opened in 1825. Check out the website of Brattle Book Shop.
4. Bancroft Tower Castle, Worcester
Flickr/Troy B. Thompson
Bancroft Tower Castle was built in 1900 by Stephen Salisbury III to honor George Bancroft, who was born at the site in 1800 and later became Secretary of the United States Navy. Bancroft Tower is 56 feet tall. It's perfect for a picnic or a dramatic reenactment of a Game of Thrones episode. Learn more about Bancroft Tower Castle.
5. The Warren Anatomical Museum, Boston
Yelp/Ami M.
Yelp/Tom J.
Yelp/Tom J.
Here's one for the lovers of oddball destinations. The Warren Anatomical Museum is an extension of the Harvard Medical Library and will give you a crash course in medical anomalies and the occasionally bizarre history of medicine. Check out the official website of The Warren Anatomical Museum. (Be sure to check current hours before heading over.)
6. Robbins Farm Park, Arlington
Robbins Family Park
Flickr/Elaine Ashton
Perfect for the kids and former kids. The biggest draw? A giant set of slides set into the hillside. You can either take the stairs down to the playground or ride down on your bum. Find more information on Robbins Farm Park.

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7. Castle Hill at the Crane Estate, Ipswich
Flickr/MOTT
Flickr/Henry Zbyszynski
You have to check out this dramatic estate that is straight out of Downton Abbey. From ruins to sweeping lawns that lead down to the seaside, you'll walk away with a camera roll full of gorgeous shots. Check out the official website of Castle Hill at the Crane Estate.
8. Stockbridge General Store, Stockbridge
Flickr/tommytex2001
Pop in for a small slice of classic small town New England charm. Norman Rockwell loved this place and so will you.
9. Hammond Castle, Gloucester
Flickr/Petra Gregorová
flickr/Rachel C. Photography
Completed in 1929, this is a gigantic Renaissance-style castle that was actually a wedding present from John Hays Hammond Jr. to his beloved. Today, the castle is a museum showcasing the late Mr. Hammond's huge collection of Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. Take a self-guided tour through the library, the war room, the kitchens, the Natalie Hays Hammond exhibit room, servants quarters, as well as several smaller rooms and passageways including a secret passageway. Visit the official website for Hammond Castle Museum.
10. Santarella Gingerbread House, Tyringham
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Santarella Gingerbread House,
Santarella Gingerbread House,
Santarella’s whimsical buildings were lovingly crafted by the artist Henry Hudson Kitson to bring his favorite storybook fantasies to life. Chances are you'll feel as though you've stepped straight onto the pages of a classic fairy tale. Learn more at the official website of Santarella.
11. Gunn Brook Falls, Sunderland
Flickr/MOTT
This gorgeous hidden waterfall looks as pretty as a painting. The water flows down the rocky steps in a fluid ribbon of white spray. Definitely a must-see.
12. Mytoi Japanese Gardens, Chappaquiddick
Flickr/MOTT
This is an incredible Japanese garden on Martha's Vineyard. The preserve includes a small pond and island, non-native and native flowers and plants, footpaths leading past a birch walk and stone garden, and a trail winding toward Poucha Pond and the salt marsh. Check out the official website of Mytoi Gardens.

Of course we haven’t included every amazing secret spot. What are your favorite hidden gems in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments! You’ll definitely also want to check out these seven hidden beaches in Massachusetts.

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Beth Price-Williams | July 25, 2020

What are the best little known beaches in Massachusetts?

A beach visit is fun all year around, although it’s even more fun in the summer when we can go for a dip in the water. Some of the best little known beaches in Massachusetts are often known locally but not far beyond that. Onset Beach in Wareham, for example, is a small but cozy beach that boasts calm and clear water. You can even rent a kayak or a paddleboard for a day on the water. Just south of Boston, Carson Beach is also a small and little known beach that’s well worth a visit on a summer day.

Which hidden gems in Massachusetts should I visit?

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Massachusetts, have you ever considered visiting one of the many castles in the state? Bancroft Castle in Worcester, for example, is a must-see in Massachusetts. Explore around the remains of the castle. If it’s been too long since you’ve pampered yourself, check into the Blantrye, in Lennox, a castle that’s been transformed into a luxury hotel and spa. Another hidden gem promises sensational sunsets. Stroll down the Bass Hole Boardwalk, tucked on Gray’s Beach in Yarmouth. You’ll be treated to stunning views all year around, but the views are definitely extra-special during sunset.

What underrated places in Massachusetts should I visit?

Hikers will absolutely love the five-mile Douglas Forest Wallis Pond Loop Trail, an underrated hike that meanders through the lush forest. The predominately flat trail appeals hikers of all ages and skill levels – even your furry, four-legged friends. For an unforgettable day trip, plan a visit to Chatham, an underrated beach town in Massachusetts. Start your visit seaside, where you just might be lucky enough to catch sight of a whale. Be sure to also try the seafood at one of its charming restaurants.

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200 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
280 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089, USA
9 West St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
26 Massachusetts Ave, Worcester, MA 01602, USA
10 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
61 Eastern Ave, Arlington, MA 02476, USA
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
40 Main St, Stockbridge, MA 01262, USA
80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
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Mount Toby State Forest, Mt Toby State Forest, Sunderland, MA 01375, USA
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