Here Are 14 Unique Day Trips In Massachusetts That Are An Absolute Must-Do

1. Get cultured at Mass MoCA in North Adams.

Flickr/MOTT

87 Marshall St, North Adams, MA 01247, USA

Flickr/Jin Suk

No, this isn’t a gigantic coffee shop. Mass MoCA is the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in America. What does this mean? It’s a great place for the whole family to enjoy awesome music, film, dance, theater, and cool art installations. Even if you don’t think you’re the art museum type, this place will change your mind. Visiting Mass MoCA in North Adams is one of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts. Address: 87 Marshall Street, North Adams.

2. Go for a sleigh (or carriage) ride at the Salem Cross Inn.

260 W Main St, West Brookfield, MA 01585, USA

Flickr/MOTT

What better way to get in the spirit of the winter season than an old-fashioned sleigh ride? Hop into the back of this wooden sleigh and take in the beauty of the Salem Cross Inn’s 600 acres of tranquil New England countryside. Warm up back inside their 1705 farmhouse with colonial treats like fresh apple pie, cider, and slow-roasted meat. They also offer carriage rides during the warmer months. A trip to Salem Cross Inn is one of the best day trips in Massachusetts at any time of year. Address: 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield.

3. Get wild at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon.

2 Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756, USA

Flickr/MOTT

Head to the Blackstone River Valley for a combination of beautiful New England countryside and exotic wildlife. Spread over 200 acres, Southwick’s Zoo is home to a dizzying array of awesome animals like chimpanzees, camels, giraffes, tigers, lions, mandrill monkeys, and so many more. There are even endangered species to visit such as white rhinos. When you’re done communing with your wild side, head over to the Mendon Twin Drive-In for a retro movie experience (in season). Southwick’s Zoo is one of the most family-friendly day trips in Massachusetts. Address: 2 Southwick Street, Mendon.

4. Taste the best beer and food on a Boston Brew Tour by City Brew Tours.

Boston, MA, USA

City Brew Tours/Facebook

Sample some of the best beer and grub the city has to offer on this all-inclusive brew tour. You’ll be taken to breweries like Harpoon Brewery, Sam Adams, and Cambridge Brewing Company. Along the way, you’ll be treated to awesome food from local restaurants. To book your tour, visit the City Brew Tours website.

5. Experience the drama of Bancroft Tower in Worcester.

Bancroft Tower, Worcester, MA 01609, USA

Flickr/Troy B Thompson

Looking to add a bit of dramatic flair to your day? Head to this miniature feudal castle in Worcester. It’s located in Salisbury Park and was built in 1900 by Stephen Salisbury III in honor of his friend, George Bancroft. You couldn’t ask for a better place to build snowmen, have a picnic, or just relax. In addition, did you know there are several other hidden castles in Massachusetts? If you don’t want to drive to Bancroft Castle, there may be another closer to home.

6. Smell the roses at the Smith College greenhouses.

The Botanic Garden of Smith College, 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA 01063, USA

Flickr/Putneypics

Escape the chill of the New England winter or a rainy day at the fantastic, flowering greenhouses of Smith College. Best of all, these greenhouses are open and blooming all winter! A trip here is one of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts. To learn more, visit the Smith College website. Address: 16 College Lane, Northampton.

7. Explore Beartown State Forest in Monterey.

69 Blue Hill Rd, Monterey, MA 01245, USA

Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

This place offers over 12,000 acres of pristine wilderness for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and even snowmobiling. You might even catch a glimpse of some native animals, such as deer, fisher cats, bobcats, and rare birds. Also check out Benedict Pond, a beautiful secluded pond in Massachusetts.

8. Visit Jiminy Peak for skiing or snowboarding in winter and the Alpine Slide in the summer.

37 Corey Rd, Hancock, MA 01237, USA

Flickr/Paul Brady

Jiminy Peak is one of the best places to ski in the state. It’s also one of the best places to watch your friends and family ski while you curl up by the fire with a steaming mug and a good book. There’s something for everyone at this resort no matter the time of year. In the warmer months, try out the Alpine Super Slide, have fun at the Aerial Adventure Park, or even go mountain biking! Address: 37 Corey Rd, Hancock.

9. Head to Provincetown (AKA P-town) for day of art, shopping, dining, and fun.

Flickr/MOTT

Provincetown, MA, USA

Flickr/MOTT

There’s plenty to do in Provincetown especially in the cooler months when the summer crowds have vanished. Go shopping in the zany and beautiful downtown, pick up bagfuls of tasty saltwater taffy, explore the docks, and check out some of the most popular restaurants and bars (read: The Lobster Pot) without having to wait in crazy summer lines. However, the town really comes to live in the summer. Provincetown is also one of the best getaway spots in Massachusetts.

10. Explore your local winery…no, really.

Flickr/MOTT

You might not think of Massachusetts as a wine country but we actually have dozens of amazing vineyards and wineries just waiting to fill your glass. Although exploring your local vineyard is a great summer activity, many wineries also offer events and activities for the cooler months as well. Just take a look at Truro Vineyards or Hardwicks Vineyard & Winery.

11. Conquer the globe at The Mapparium in Boston.

The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Flickr/Smart Destinations

This three-story globe is made completely out of stained glass and has a 30-foot-long view bridge running through it. It’s a stunning fusion of art and education, which means that even those who already know their geography will have a great time visiting. The Mapparium is one of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts. Address: The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston.

12. Relax by Gunn Brook Falls in Sunderland.

Gunn Brook, Sunderland, MA 01375, USA

Tom Walsh/Wikimedia Commons

The cascading waters of Gunn Brook Falls plummet just over 35 feet through beautiful ferns, moss, and forest. Best of all, reaching these falls requires almost no hiking. Head to Gunn Cross Road in Sunderland from Chard Pond. Continue for about 0.2 miles until you see a small parking area to the right. The falls are just downstream of the road on the right. Visiting a waterfall is one of the best day trips in Massachusetts you can take.

13. Kayak on Quaboag Pond in Brookfield.

Quaboag Pond, Massachusetts, USA

Flickr/MOTT

No matter what the season, kayaking on this tranquil pond will bring a touch of peace and beauty to your day. It’s an especially lovely place to paddle at sunset, so plan accordingly. Learn more about Quaboag Pond on Mass.gov.

14. Pick your own sweet treats at a local orchard.

Flickr/MOTT

Go fruit of veggie-picking at one of our state’s gorgeous orchards. You’re sure to leave with a full belly and plenty of happy memories. Of course, make sure your local farm has pick-your-own offerings that are in season. Picking your own fruit and veggies (and even flowers) at a farm is one of the most memorable day trips in Massachusetts.