Massachusetts
"Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem"
Nickname
Bay State
Capital
Boston
Statehood
February 6, 1788 (6th)
Motto
Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
Explore Massachusetts
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About Massachusetts
Massachusetts carries an outsized share of early American history — Boston alone anchors sites tied to the Revolution, the founding of public education, and some of the oldest universities in the country. Beyond the city, Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and old mill towns each represent a genuinely different version of the state.
The guides below move from that colonial core outward, covering the cities, coastline, and history that make Massachusetts far more varied than its Boston-centric reputation suggests.