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Affectionately known as “The Bay State” due to its coastal setting, Massachusetts is the most populous state in the New England region. Its iconic capital, Boston, boasts outstanding galleries and museums while the summer vacation peninsula of Cape Cod stretches to the south. Massachusetts is also home to the Pilgrim settlement of Plymouth, founded by passengers of the “Mayflower” in 1620, as well as spectacular areas of natural beauty such as the Berkshire Hills.

Things to do

Whether you want to experience the buzz of Boston or immerse yourself in the laid-back lifestyle of Cape Cod, Massachusetts always leaves a big impression.

Get cultured in Boston. Renowned for its prestigious universities and the role it played in the American Revolution, Boston is a lively city with charming public gardens. Explore the outstanding collection at the Museum of Fine Arts or delve into the past at the Boston Tea Party Ships before learning about the 35th president at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library.

Escape to the Berkshires. Dotted with rural villages and towns, the Berkshire Hills is a popular destination for city dwellers to experience the great outdoors. In the summer months, it’s a hub for hiking, horseback riding and golfing while in the winter months, it transforms into a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Visit Cape Cod. Hooking into the Gulf of Maine, Cape Cod is scattered with quaint villages, historic lighthouses and waterfront shacks serving freshly caught seafood. Discover the wild beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore and explore the Quaker-settled island of Nantucket before experiencing Provincetown’s thriving art and music scene.

Getting around

Boston Logan International Airport is the main gateway to eastern Massachusetts while Bradley International Airport is the easiest way of accessing western Massachusetts. Trains and buses connect cities across the state, with Boston also served by an efficient subway system. A number of “rail trails” traverse Massachusetts’ rural areas and are ideally explored by bike, while a portion of the Appalachian Trail also lies within the state.