Massachusetts Vacation Ideas
Massachusetts is located in a unique part of the country; there are many recreational activities to take part in all year long. Historically speaking there are countless attractions.
It's possible to embark on a whale-watching expedition, head out on a fishing charter or Kayak the shores one day, and trek through miles of winding mountains and trails the next.
Beaches
Massachusetts is a Bay State making beaches plentiful. In the Boston area, Revere Beach (America's first public beach) is easy to get to by train or car. North of Boston, Crane Beach is a great swimming beach.
If your heading south of Boston, Cape Cod is the place to go, bring your surfboard and hit the waves of Nauset Beach.
If water is the goal and you are heading to the west, Bell Pond in Worcester is a great freshwater swimming hole. If you are a history buff or literary coinsure then Walden Pond in Concord, where Henry David Thoreau once lived is a magical place for you to cool off in.
Camping
North, South, East and West Massachusetts has a great camping spot for you. Surround yourself with beautiful fall foliage in the Hoosac Mountain Range or see the dramatic 80-foot waterfall at Bash Bish Falls State Park in Western Massachusetts.
Drive down to the south to Horseneck Beach State Reservation, which spans almost 600 acres of barrier beach and salt marsh or check out Massasoit State Park in the south for a different kind of Massachusetts's beauty.
Head up north in Salisbury Beach State Reservation and camp on the beach or to the east and camping in sand dunes and pines at Dunes' Edge Campground in Cape Cod. You will find a variety of campsites to enjoy virtually everywhere in the state.
Massachusetts is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky. One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
State Parks
The Massachusetts park system is actually one of the largest state park systems in the country. With 450,000 acres of forests, parks, greenways and historical sites coupled with striking landscapes, seashores, lakes and ponds that change year round.
The state parks and forests of Massachusetts are something to be treasured. They truly are your reconnect with nature as you experience magnificent natural settings, hike, bike, rock climb, swim and fish through the 3,000 acres of dense forest in Harold Parker State Forest.
Myles Standish State Forest has 35 miles of equestrian trails.
There are freshwater ponds at Cape Cod's Nickerson State Park. Magnificent views at the peak of Mount Greylock Reservation are waiting to be photographed, as are the Scenic walking trails at Maudslay State Park.
Each park has a unique appeal.
Who among us can forget the History that Boston has provided us over the years?
The historic trails and forts in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area will give you a sense of what life was like for settlers and revolutionaries.
Fishing
In Massachusetts you'll find an extraordinary amount of great freshwater and saltwater fishing in all four seasons.
For freshwater fishing, you'll enjoy more than 500 lakes, ponds, rivers and streams stocked annually with trout, bass, herring, salmon and many other varieties.
If you're a saltwater angler, on the other hand, get ready for bluefish, tuna, cod, haddock, halibut and sea bass. Get onboard charter boats that leave from numerous Massachusetts ports in the Cape, the Islands region or up and down the coastlines.
Hiking
Massachusetts's trails and paths offer distinct flora, fauna and terrain to be explored.
If you want to put your trail leadership skills to the test then pack your map and compass and head west to the Appalachian Trail and Mt. Washington State Forest.
For a leisurely walk through the forest, Weir Hill Reservation, located in Greater Merrimack Valley, is ideal.
In the central part of the state in places such as Royalston Falls and the Swift River Reservation you'll find an abundance of picnicking areas and moderately difficult trails designed by Mother Nature just for you and your family.
Just remember to take care of your self and avoid dehydration and heatstroke.
Skiing
Heading west? try Canterbury Farm Cross Country Ski Area's 22 kilometers of cross-country skiing on groomed and tracked trails.
Prefer downhill action? Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Central Massachusetts features the highest mountain in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is the largest ski and snowboard resort in New England. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities will be happy to find a spot for them in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts is a great place for Family fun of all kinds. Year round adventure is waiting there.