This College Town in Massachusetts Is a Charming Place to Visit in Fall

You don’t have to drive very far into Massachusetts to locate a lovely college town. The Bay State is home to more than 100 universities and colleges, and busy campuses can be found in every region of the state. Places such as Northampton and Amherst may be considered “quintessential New England college towns,” but the truth is, you will find a bustling student vibe almost anywhere you go. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the region, and when you do, I suggest making a stop in Cambridge, one of my favorite college towns. 

Picturesque Small Town Vibes in the City

Yes, I know that Cambridge doesn’t technically qualify as a “town,” but there is something about this urban area that is so quaint and charming, especially when the leaves start changing and the students head back to classes. While I did not attend school in Cambridge (my alma mater lies just across the river in Boston), I have always found the city to be enchanting.

Cambridge is home to some big-name universities such as Harvard and MIT, but there are actually over 60 schools within the city. The campuses are wonderful places for an autumn walk, but there is much more to explore throughout the city. Let me tell you about some of my favorite local spots.

Things to Do in Cambridge

Spend some time on the water

One of my favorite things to do in Cambridge is to spend an afternoon on the Charles River. It is an absolutely gorgeous place to experience the fall season. Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Paddle Boston in Kendall Square or take a fall foliage cruise along the river with the Charles River Boat Company. If you visit in October, you can watch the Head of the Charles, the world's largest three-day regatta.  

Visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History

One of the best hidden gems in Massachusetts is found right on the campus of Harvard University. The Harvard Museum of Natural History has a vast collection of minerals, gems, wildlife specimens, and fossils. But my favorite exhibit is the handmade glass flower and plant models. These stunning to-scale representations are so realistic that they will have you doing a double-take.

Spend Time in the Garment District

While there are lots of upscale stores across the river on Boston’s Newbury Street and in the posh Copley Place Mall, I prefer to shop like a college student on a budget and get my thrift on. And there is no better place to do so than Cambridge’s Garment District. This enormous store is packed with two floors of secondhand finds, costumes, and even some inexpensive brand-new merch. And if you don’t mind doing some digging, you should definitely check out the store’s shop by the pound section.

Make Sure to Explore Mount Auburn Cemetery

A visit to a cemetery may sound a little odd for a vacation itinerary, but Cambridge’s Mount Auburn Cemetery is one of Massachusetts’ best places to do some colorful leaf-peeping. The cemetery dates back to 1831 and is now a treasured National Historic Landmark. There are over 700 trees within the grounds, and their leaves explode with colorful hues in the autumn. Be sure to climb up Mount Auburn’s 62-foot Washington Tower for some amazing views. 

Where to Eat in Cambridge

Every college town has a few great bars, but Cambridge has one that will make you feel smarter the minute you step inside. The Miracle of Science, a unique science-themed bar and grill, has been a fixture in town since the ‘90s. The menu takes the form of the periodic table of elements, and offers a great selection of burgers, quesadillas, and other yummy pub fare.

Where to Stay in Cambridge

During a recent trip to Cambridge, I stayed at the Kendall Hotel in Kendall Square. This historic hotel (it was once a fire station) was the perfect launching spot for my family getaway. The hotel is within walking distance of the T, shops, restaurants, and the MIT campus. Comfortable bedding and a delicious complimentary breakfast made my stay an extraordinary one.

Do you have a favorite Massachusetts college town? Are you inspired to make a journey to Cambridge? If so, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. For even more information about Cambridge, please visit the Cambridge Office for Tourism website.