Massachusetts Things To Do

Hit 16 historical sites along the 2.5-mile red-brick Freedom Trail as it winds through several of the city’s must-see neighborhoods.

New in December 2006, the Institute of Contemporary Art was a welcome addition to South Boston’s waterfront. The museum is dedicated to all forms of contemporary art: dance, music, literature, and visual arts. Open Tues-Wed and Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Thurs-Fri 10am-9pm.

Well-regarded boat tours range from sightseeing to whale watching to lighthouse cruises.

This classic museum contains traditional galleries featuring European, Asian, African, and American art. An expansion, due to be completed in late 2010, will tack on galleries dedicated to contemporary and modern art. Open Mon-Tues and Sat-Sun 10am-4:45pm, Wed 10am-9:45pm.

View the collection of Isabella Stewart Gardner, who collected over 2,500 eclectic words of art, including sculptures, paintings, furniture, and rare books. When you are finished exploring the masterworks, duck outside to relax in the exquisite garden courtyard. Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm (last admission at 4:20pm).

The city has its fair share of churches, but none are considered as holy as the home of the beloved Boston Red Sox; tours are available.

With jellyfish, seal, and penguin exhibits, it's a great place to bring the kids; an IMAX theatre rotates educational movies about marine and animal life on a 65-foot-tall screen. In the winter, the aquarium is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. In the summer, the hours are as follows: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm.

Adding credibility to the island’s name, this winery – owned and operated by the Mathiesen family since 1971 – produces seven types of wines, including the more-than-worthy Chenin Blanc. After a free tour and tasting, pick up a bottle to bring home.

Dedicate an afternoon to trekking one of the six trails that thread this 250-acre sanctuary spanning woodlands, meadows, ponds, salt marshes, and barrier beaches. Keep an eye out for birds like ospreys, tree swallows, and wood ducks.

Still in operation after 150 years, the scrupulously maintained Gay Head Lighthouse is a national landmark. Tour it at sunset for impressive views of Gay Head Cliffs and the Vineyard Sound.