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One of the most populous areas in the United States, Eastern Massachusetts is anchored by the city of Boston and home to some 4.5 million people. Comprised of five Massachusetts counties, visitors will discover many sites significant to the American Revolution, literature, and politics. Boston has been known as the "Cradle of Liberty" ever since patriots conspired to cast off the yoke of 18th-century Britain. Later, the broader region would become central to the abolitionist, temperance, and transcendentalist movements. In 2004, it was where same-sex marriage was first recognized in the U.S. Two political dynasties—Adams and Kennedy—hail from the area; each taking full advantage of its highly regarded academic institutions.
Along the mighty Merrimack river you'll find 19th-century industrial mill towns blended with modern suburbs, rural farms, and quaint orchards.
A charming collection of wealthy towns and fishing villages; this region's many beaches make it a notable summer destination.
As the name implies, this is a collection of commuter suburbs and superb historic attractions just west of Boston.
The most populated region in New England, this is the urbanized collection of towns that tightly surround the eponymous city.
A collection of forests, rural communities and bedroom suburbs on the way to Providence, Rhode Island.
Stretching south to the Cape, it's here where you'll find the "Irish Riviera"; a handful of beach communities nestled along the Atlantic.
Discover a deep history of whaling and fishing, Portuguese roots, agriculture, and a once powerful textile industry.
By car
For drivers, the primary east-west route is I-90.
By train
If you're arriving by "iron horse", Amtrak offers four routes that you may find interesting. The most popular are the Acela Express and Northeast Regional.
By bus
Just like everywhere else, Eastern Massachusetts has a network of buses that can get you where you want to go.
By ferry
There are a few ferries plying their trades between Boston and Provincetown, and another company connects Plymouth to P-town. They're all seasonal, so plan your boat ride for good weather.
By public transit
Many cities and towns in Eastern Massachusetts are connected to Boston by public transit, provided by eight separate carriers. Welcome to New England!
By bicycle
While it's not for everyone, Eastern Massachusetts can be a great place to explore by bike.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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A city of history and tradition, Boston offers a proud legacy of culture, education, and numerous sporting championships. The "shining city on a hill"s independent spirit has been displayed to the world ever since colonists were angry over a British tax on their beloved tea and dumped shiploads of it into the harbor in protest.
Brockton is the sixth largest city in Massachusetts with a population of 106,000 (2020). Self styled as the "City of Champions" thanks to its two hometown boxing heroes, and a thriving high school sports program.
In the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts, where the Taunton River empties into Mount Hope Bay, stands Fall River- the "Spindle City". Not to be overshadowed by nearby Boston and Providence, Fall River offers visitors unique attractions that are absent from its two larger neighbors.
Framingham is a suburban city in Greater Boston, Massachusetts, with a population of more than 72,000 (2020). This former blue-collar manufacturing town is now a sprawling western suburb of Boston, known for its high density of white-collar technology and business professionals, as well as an ethnically diverse population.
Lowell is a city in Massachusetts about 40 minutes northwest of Boston. With over 115,000 residents (2020), it's the fifth largest city in Massachusetts, and has an important historical background.
New Bedford is in Massachusetts on the southern coast. New Bedford's excellent harbor made it a natural fishing and whaling center.
Newburyport is a lovely coastal town in Massachusetts at the mouth of the Merrimack River. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful natural areas, water activities and fine dining.
Rockport is a town of 7,000 people (2020) in Massachusetts on Cape Ann. The town, once famous for granite production, got its start as an artist colony in the late 1800s.
A charming New England seaside destination, Salem offers visitors the requisite bevy of enthralling elements: a world-class museum, compelling oceanfront and maritime history, quirky shops and tempting restaurants. They're all here and vying for your attention.
Quincy is in Massachusetts. Quincy was the birthplace of presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
The Boston Harbor Islands are a group of thirty-four islands in Massachusetts that are a unit of the United States National Park System.
Brookline is a primarily residential, although fairly high density, suburb of Boston. It has several interesting neighborhoods to visit, and two National Historic Sites.
Cambridge is a city in Massachusetts, across the Charles River from Boston. It is renowned as the home of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both widely considered to be among the best universities in the world.
Maybe you’ve never heard of sleepy Concord Massachusetts population 18,000 (2020), but your life has certainly been impacted by it. This is where "the shot heard round the world" was fired in the spring of 1775, setting off a chain of events that would eventually lead to the creation of the United States.
Plymouth is on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Known as "America's Hometown," Plymouth is most famous for being the final landing place of the Pilgrims who arrived on board the Mayflower in 1620, after storms lead them away from their desired settlement, the Hudson River.
Saugus is a town in Greater Boston, Massachusetts, just north of the city. Its population is approximately 29,000 (2020), but despite its small size it has a long history lasting almost 400 years.
Gloucester is a city in Massachusetts. One of the country's oldest settlements, established in 1623, it serves as America's oldest seaport.
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