Top Outdoor Destinations to Explore in Massachusetts

Boston Public Garden | Image credit: Sahaj Bedi

Massachusetts is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. From the craggy coastal settings of its eastern region to the thick forests and mountains in the west, Massachusetts has picturesque, postcard-worthy environments that attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the country.

With so much to see, exploring all that Massachusetts’s nature has to offer is a time-consuming proposal. However, if you want to prioritize some of its top options, we’ve got you covered with a look at some of the best outdoor destinations in the state.

Martha’s Vineyard | Image credit: Brie Odom-Mabey

Monument Mountain

Monument Mountain is a large quartz mountain surrounded by forest in the Berkshires. Exploring this scenic mountain is an excellent way to experience one of New England’s prettiest areas. There is a 3.8-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy incredible views of the Berkshire area’s lush forests. It is a moderately challenging hike, so prepare accordingly!

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod is a scenic peninsula along the coast and one of Massachusetts’s most famous areas. Cape Cod National Seashore is the highlight of this beautiful area. It is a scenic slice of coastal paradise with 40 miles of sandy beaches, wetlands, and ponds. The lighthouses and historical sites only add to the area’s charm. It is a destination for boating, fishing, and sunbathing on a warm summer day.

Cape Cod National Seashore | Image credit: Taylor Rooney

Cochituate State Park

Cochituate State Park is centered around Lake Cochituate, which is composed of three interconnecting ponds. The lake is a hub for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, and some popular water activities include tubing, water skiing, and canoeing. The park is also an excellent destination for hikers, with picturesque trails along the lake’s shore, and in the winter, the area is a must-see for cross-country skiers.

Boston Common

Boston Common is a scenic urban park that has played a major role in American history. It is the nation’s oldest park, founded nearly 400 years ago, and offers 50 acres of pleasantly landscaped parkland with trails and sports facilities. The adjacent Boston Public Garden is another scenic area worth visiting in Boston.

Boston Common | Image credit: Kelly Sikkema

Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Mount Holyoke Range State Park is a sprawling 3,000-acre park in the Pioneer Valley area near Amherst. This gorgeous natural area features a seven-mile mountain ridgeline and a diverse environment, including forests, wetlands, and streams. The park offers more than 30 miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking. In the winter, visitors snowmobile and cross-country ski on snow-covered terrain.

Menemsha Hills

Menemsha Hills is a gorgeous hiking area on Martha’s Vineyard. It offers picturesque coastal scenery with incredible vistas along Vineyard Sound. Menemsha Hills is one of the best hiking areas in one of the state’s prettiest locations, encompassing miles of trails along rocky bluffs overlooking the water. The top of the hilled area provides panoramic views and is a dream spot for a family photo or summer picnic surrounded by wildflowers. 

Martha’s Vineyard | Image credit: MV Vacation

Singing Beach

Singing Beach, located in Manchester-by-the-Sea, is a summer destination with soft sand shores, rocky areas along the water, a bathhouse, and a snack bar. The beach gets its name from the interesting sound made as visitors walk over the dry sand. It is popular among swimmers, sunbathers, and boating enthusiasts, and from October to April, dogs are allowed on the beach. 

Singing Beach | Image credit: Kelly Sikkema
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