The sixth-smallest state in the union, Massachusetts is nevertheless chock-full of attractions, from fascinating museums and historic sites to delightful cities and towns and areas of spectacular natural beauty.

It’s also expensive – hotels, meals and admission tickets can easily add up to a small fortune if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic things to do and places to visit that won’t cost a penny, beyond the cost of getting there. Here are some of the best free experiences to be had around the Bay State.

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Boston’s Freedom Trail

For a crash course in Revolutionary War history, take a walk on the Freedom Trail. From the Boston Common, where British troops encamped and colonial militia mustered, to the Bunker Hill Monument, marking the site of the first major battle of the war, the 2.5-mile route winds past 16 significant sites related to the struggle for independence, most of which are free of charge.

Boston Public Library

Overlooking Copley Square, the palatial Boston Public Library is widely considered a masterpiece of 19th-century American architecture. Designed by Charles Follen McKim around a courtyard modeled after a Roman palazzo, it has murals by John Singer Sargent, Edwin Austin Abbey and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, bas-relief bronze doors by Daniel Chester French, sculptural elements by Augustus and Louis Saint-Gaudens and vaulted mosaic ceilings soaring above marble walls and staircases.

Boston parks

Some of Boston’s greatest delights can be found in its many city parks and gardens, from time-honored classics like the Boston Common and the Public Garden to equally popular newer parks such as the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a vibrant 1.5-mile expanse filled with gardens, fountains and art installations. For waterfront recreation, head to the three-mile Charles River Esplanade or take a stroll on the Harborwalk, a 43-mile path along Boston Harbor.

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Arnold Arboretum

Owned by Harvard University, the Arnold Arboretum spreads over 281 acres in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood. It's one of the world’s foremost collections of temperate woody plants, with walking paths meandering through forest and groves, past ponds and up hills with views of the Boston skyline. Open year-round, the arboretum is particularly lovely in spring, when its famous lilacs bloom, and autumn, when many trees turn brilliant hues of red and gold.

Mount Auburn Cemetery

History and memory harmonize with natural beauty and tranquility at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. Buried here are well-known figures from almost every sphere of human endeavor, including luminaries such as poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and artist Winslow Homer.

Many of the monuments are works of art as much as grave markers. For magnificent views, climb the 62-foot Washington Tower atop the cemetery’s highest ground (open April-October).

Mount Auburn is also known as an outstanding birdwatching destination, particularly in spring, when dozens of migrant species join year-round avian residents in the cemetery’s 175 verdant acres.

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Lexington and Concord

On April 19, 1775, British troops marching to seize a rumored stash of weapons clashed with colonial militiamen in a series of skirmishes that sparked the start of the American Revolution. From the town green in Lexington, where the first shots were fired, to the North Bridge in Concord, where a larger battle took place, numerous historic sites, most of them free, recall the momentous events of that day. Start at the visitor center near the Battle Green in Lexington, from which most points of interest are within a few minutes’ walk.

From Lexington, follow the Battle Road (Route 2A) to Lincoln and Concord, where Minuteman National Historical Park preserves several significant locations. There are visitor centers near the Lexington-Lincoln border and at the North Bridge.

Lowell Folk Festival

The second-largest free folk festival in the country, this vibrant three-day annual event takes place in late July in historic Lowell, known for its 19th-century textile mills and factories. The festival features ethnic food vendors, artists and craftspeople, street performers and a diverse mix of traditional and world music concerts on multiple stages. The surrounding area is part of Lowell National Historical Park, which preserves sites related to the city’s industrial heritage.

Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

This 90-mile route through 14 coastal communities north of Boston reveals a sublime mix of history, culture and scenery. Stop in Salem for historic architecture, plus sites related to the city’s illustrious maritime past and the infamous 1692 witchcraft trials. On Cape Ann, don’t miss beautiful Gloucester and Rockport, with thriving arts colonies and intimate ties to the sea.

Other highlights include Ipswich, filled with well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century houses, and Newburyport, a thriving harbor town brimming with galleries, shops and restaurants, as well as gorgeous beaches and a national wildlife refuge on its doorstep. If you don’t have a car, you can reach most of the communities along the byway by commuter rail from Boston.

Historic lighthouses

If you like lighthouses, you’ll love Massachusetts. The state’s shores and islands are dotted with dozens of picturesque beacons, many of them dating from the 19th century or earlier. Some are located on islands and best seen by boat, but many others are easily accessible and in some cases allow visitors inside.

Many of the state’s most beautiful lighthouses are found on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, but there are also several worth visiting in and around Boston and on the North Shore.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail

This 25-mile paved mixed-use trail follows an old railroad route through seven towns from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet, passing a variety of scenery including kettle ponds, salt marshes, cranberry farms, woodlands and parts of the Cape Cod National Seashore. There’s free parking at trailheads in each town, and bike rentals are available along the trail in Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Orleans and Wellfleet.

Off-season Cape Cod

A classic beach destination, Cape Cod gets both crowded and expensive during the summer, but if you don’t mind the cooler temperatures, the off-season can be a perfect time to explore the region’s natural beauty.

The Cape Cod National Seashore charges daily entrance fees from May to September but is completely free of charge during the rest of the year, making the colder months a perfect time to walk on year-round trails and pristine beaches that you’ll likely have largely to yourself.

State parks

Recreational opportunities abound in Massachusetts’ diverse network of state parks. Near Boston, Blue Hills Reservation and Middlesex Fells make great escapes with many miles of trails through mixed terrain.

In central Massachusetts, Quabbin Reservoir covers 39 square miles, with 181 miles of protected shoreline. Head to Quabbin Park at the southern end for views, trails and a visitor center about the reservoir, which provides drinking water for 40 percent of the state’s population.

Other gems of the state parks system include Halibut Point State Park in Rockport and Mount Greylock State Reservation in the Berkshires, surrounding the state’s highest peak. Note that while state parks and reservations are free, a few charge parking fees, which are significantly higher for out-of-state vehicles than for cars with Massachusetts plates.

The Bridge of Flowers

What do you do with a decommissioned bridge that’s become an eyesore overgrown with weeds? You turn it into a garden, of course. That’s what happened in the village of Shelburne Falls in northwestern Massachusetts in 1929, when a local women’s club converted an industrial bridge across the Deerfield River into a lush garden filled with flowering trees, shrubs, and other plants.

A volunteer Blossom Brigade is responsible for planting and maintaining the glorious display, which is open to pedestrians from April 1 to October 30.

The Mohawk Trail

One of the country’s first auto touring routes, opened in 1914, the 69-mile Mohawk Trail scenic byway – a portion of Massachusetts Route 2 – follows an ancient Native American hunting and trade route, meandering over hills and rushing rivers, through deep forests and appealing historic towns from Williamstown to Greenfield. The route is beautiful in either direction, but traveling eastward allows you to catch some sweeping views as you descend from the Berkshires to the Connecticut River Valley.

Free museums

Boston has a wide range of free attractions, including the Bunker Hill Museum, the Massachusetts State House and quirkier sites like the Waterworks Museum, but throughout Massachusetts you’ll also find free college and university museums including the Williams College Museum of Art and the Rose Art Museum at Brandeis.

Many museums statewide also have free or reduced admission on certain days of the week or month, so check websites for possible deals. And if your name happens to be Isabella, you’re in luck: you’ll be admitted free any day of the year at Boston’s gorgeous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

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With a rich history, natural beauty galore and a concentration of world-class cultural sites, New York’s Hudson Valley is the perfect escape from fast pace of New York City.

Historic cities, towns and villages still tell the tales of its settlers beginning with the Munsee, Mohican and Mohawk nations all the way to the Henry Hudson's 1600s travels and the arrival of the Dutch and the English.

Parks, nature preserves and hiking trails offer ample opportunities to truly take in the natural beauty of the region. Here are our picks for the best places to visit in the Hudson Valley.

Peekskill

Located in Westchester County, Peekskill is situated on a Hudson River bay approximately 50 miles north of New York City (and accessible from the city via the Metro-North railway). This town borders Blue Mountain Park, a nearly 1,600-acre preserve with over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing piers and the only Sportsman Center shooting complex (archery, rifle and pistol) found in a state recreation area.

Art lovers should visit the Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), a 12,000-sq-ft exhibition space. The Hudson Valley MOCA sponsors a sculpture trail that features over 25 works of public art along the Hudson River and throughout the city.

Troy

Located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River just north of Albany, Troy was once known as “Collar City” due to its expertise in producing detachable collars for men’s shirts. Though it doesn't get as much attention as the state capital, Troy's well-preserved 19th-century downtown contains a plethora of shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and taverns.

In addition to collars, Troy’s other claim to fame is as the hometown of Samuel Wilson, the meatpacker who inspired the iconic Uncle Sam caricature. There’s an aluminum statue of Uncle Sam near the river in commemoration.

Music lovers should catch a show at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark completed in 1875 that’s known for its outstanding acoustics and 1890 pipe organ. Those looking for a more modern venue should check out the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The EMPAC opened in 2008 and was specially designed for contemporary multimedia performances.

Hudson

Some 120 miles from New York City is this former whaling port and industrial town, which has in recent years become a haven for antique dealers, gallerists and other artsy types. The mile-long main drag, Warren Street, offers a variety of lively coffee bars, vintage fashion boutiques – and some of the best people-watching in the state.

About 10 minutes from downtown Hudson, is the stunning Olana estate. Once the domain of Frederic Edwin Church, a 19th-century painter whose dramatic landscapes epitomize the Hudson River School, the house on the hill has captivated visitors for years.

Church acquired land and created the 250-acre landscape design himself. The Persian-inflected Victorian mansion at the top of the ridge offers unparalleled views of the valley and Catskill mountains beyond.

Art Omi is another renowned art institution that includes a sculpture and architecture park spread over 120 acres. The non-profit offers gallery space, lectures, readings, dance and concerts that celebrate the interconnectedness of art and nature.

Rhinebeck

Among the many historic buildings in charming Rhinebeck is the Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, said to be the oldest continually operating hotel in the country (it’s been welcoming guests for more than 300 years).

Visitors can also tour one of the region’s most striking Gilded Age mansions, the 65-room Staatsburgh State Historic Site. A different era in history comes to life at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, with rides on historic 1920s biplanes and weekly airshows featuring World War I–vintage planes.

Like many Hudson Valley towns, Rhinebeck also has a vibrant arts scene. The Omega Institute is known for its yoga and wellness retreats, while the Dutchess County Fairgrounds hosts various events throughout the year.

Those looking for stellar views should head to Ferncliff Forest to climb the fire tower. The easy hike in the 200-acre park offers incredible views of the valley – especially during the fall foliage season.

Saugerties

The Saugerties Lighthouse has sat at the end of a thin peninsula jutting into the Hudson for over 170 years, and even has rooms to rent for travelers in search of novel accommodations.

On the west bank of the Hudson and adjacent to the beautiful Catskill Mountains, Saugerties offers such scenic natural areas as Falling Waters Preserve, a 149-acre forest glen filled with waterfalls and river views.

Ten miles west is the charming town of Woodstock and its museum full of memorabilia celebrating that 1969 music festival (even though the event took place 60 miles away, in Bethel).

Do not miss Opus 40, also known as “America’s Stonehenge.” This 6.5-acre stone-sculpture park sits in an abandoned stone quarry and was built entirely with hand tools by Bard College artist and professor Harvey Fite.

Cold Spring

The historic village of Cold Spring sits on a dramatic bend in the Hudson River. The tiny main street is filled with well-preserved 19th-century structures now occupied by boutiques, restaurants and inns.

Perhaps unsurprisingly for a city directly across the river from United States Military Academy West Point, the town served as an important artillery and ironwork producer during the American Civil War. Today, the West Point Foundry Preserve offers nature walks amid ruins of former industrial structures.

Bordering the 7,400-acre Hudson Highlands State Park, Cold Spring is also known for its scenic vistas and outdoor activities, all within view of spectacular Storm King Mountain.

Catskill

This gateway to the Catskill Mountains (and setting for Washington Irving’s story Rip Van Winkle) was the home of Hudson River School founder Thomas Cole. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site explores the importance of Cole and his contemporaries, initiators of one of the first home-grown art movements in the then-young USA.

Nearby is Catskill’s historic (and well-preserved) Main Street, whose numerous shops, restaurants and inns including the Magpie Bookshop, with a well-curated collection of used books.

Other notable Catskill sites include the Hudson River Skywalk pedestrian path, connecting the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to Olana and the RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary, a 600-acre bird sanctuary comprised of woodlands, shorelines and tidal marshes.

Goshen

The northeast’s first new theme park in 40 years opened in 2021 in Goshen, just 60 miles north of New York City. LEGOLAND New York caters to children ages 2–12 and has seven themed “lands” including Brick Street, Bricktopia, LEGO City, LEGO Castle, LEGO Ninjago World, LEGO Pirates and Miniland. A 250-room LEGOLAND Hotel is located right near the park.

Well before LEGOLAND opened, horse racing has lured visitors to Goshen since the American Revolution. The Goshen Historic Track opened in 1838 and still offers harness races to this day. (LEGOLAND’s Miniland pays homage to its hometown with a LEGO version of the Goshen Historic Track, including an interactive, animated “horse race” guests can control).

Sleepy Hollow

This historic hamlet just north of New York City eagerly embraces the “Legend” that made its name famous. Every fall, Sleepy Hollow takes inspiration from the Washington Irving tale to create perhaps the world’s most impressive display of carved pumpkins, the annual Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.

Jack o’lanterns get carved in every shape imaginable and get used in sculptures of life-sized dinosaurs, slinking sea serpents, macabre carousels and (of course) the Headless Horseman himself.  Other nearby attractions include John D. Rockefeller’s Kykuit estate, and the sublime Blue Hill Stone Barns, which offer epicurean dining on a working farm.

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In the land of 50,000 islands, where mountains spring straight from the sea and mossy greens sit starkly against grey, craggy, snow-capped peaks, driving is the best way to get about. Seeing all Norway has to offer from the cosy cockpit of a car is, quite simply, an other-worldly experience.

From island hopping, bridge crossing coastal drives to hair raising mountain passes, here are the best driving routes to take to see Norway at its finest.

Atlantic Road

Best road for movie fans

Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge – 69 miles (111km)

Bridges and tunnels are a frequent feature of Norway's road network as they keep many of the country's small islands connected. For those looking to sample some of Norway's most spectacular bridges, look no further than the Atlantic Road. Not far from the city of Molde, the road connects the island of Averøy with the mainland and was first opened in 1989.

Best-known as one of the filming locations for a driving scene in the Bond film No Time to Die, a total of eight bridges stretching over 27,146ft (8274m) make up the route, giving way to some spectacular views across the Atlantic.

Packed with coastal scenery, culture and history, start by driving north from Molde on E39 before taking the exit for Route 64. From here, there's no need to take any turns as the route will guide you up to the coastline where the breeze from the Atlantic and the bridges signify the start of the drive.

Once on the Storseisundbrua – the road's longest and best-known bridge – hopping from one inlet and island to the next can be a hair-raising experience on a blustery day. With the ocean foam peppering the road as you drive along, the initial stretch can be a magically moody experience when a northwest storm rolls in. But, equally, on a still summer's day, it's just as impressive and easier to snap some spectacular photos to document the trip.

After the main stretch of bridges, Route 64 weaves its way across the island of Averøy before dropping down into the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel before surfacing to join Route 70. Once across the beautiful but sparsely populated island of Frei, the road drops down into another impossibly long tunnel that reconnects with the island of Bergsøya briefly before heading across the mighty Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge. First opened in 1992, the bridge reconnects to the mainland, where the route continues on Route 39 back to the city of Molde.

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Trollstigen pass

Best road for thrillseekers

Åndalsnes to the Trollstigen visitor centre – 25 miles (40km)

The Trollstigen pass (the troll path) is one of the world's most celebrated roads. Made up of 11 bracing hairpin bends that carry the road up more than 2790ft (850m) up the mountainside, the route links Åndalsnes with the Valldal valley and Geiranger. Replacing a challenging hiking trail, the pass scales a sheer face dominated by the Stigfossen waterfall – a vigorous body of water that cascades off the mountain and plunges more than 1000ft (305m) in a thundering torrent.

Harsh weather and snow makes the route impassable to traffic between October and May but the road is reopened after the annual spring rockfall, which legend has it results from trolls fighting on the nearby Trollveggen mountain. For those looking for that epic shot of a steep-sided Norwegian fjord, Trollstigen is the one.

Starting in the small town of Åndalsnes, take route 64, south out of the town for a short distance before making a left turn to join route E136. Head along here until the turn for route 63 comes up on the right and head off south down here. After roughly 20 minutes of driving, the imposing sheer face of the Trollstigen will come into view, which is where the route starts to twist its way skywards. There's a small lay-by at the bottom, which makes for an ideal, low down shot of the pass before you start to climb.

Once on the pass, it's difficult to keep your eyes from wandering to the views down the valley out of the side window, but keep focused as the pass snakes its way up the mountainside with the rugged edge of the cliff face on one side and a hefty drop down on the other side. Luckily, there's a sturdy concrete barrier that lines the road for most of the way.

As if the views down the pass wasn't enough, there's another surprise at the Trollstigen's summit. With its modern steel and concrete aesthetic the Trollstigen visitor center and cafe is an ideal stopping point to catch your breath and take it all in.

Best of all is a zig-zagging pathway that starts from the summit and leads to viewing platforms perched high above the pass. First opened in 2012, the steel and concrete structure is an impressive architectural feat but also the key to securing the final piece in the photographic puzzle for those documenting the drive. From up here, the views on a clear day are simply sublime.

The Lofoten road

Best route for heading off the beaten track

Svolvær airport to Å – 83 miles (133km)

For those looking for something a little more adventurous, arctic and remote, try the road that connects the Lofoten – a wild archipelago that clings to the coast and sits inside the Arctic Circle. Far from the beaten track of tourist sites within striking distance of Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, the Lofoten lies in the far north of the country, which makes it the ideal place to see winged wildlife and the Northern Lights in the wintertime.

Flying direct to the island closest to the mainland, Svolvær airport serves as the gateway for the Lofoten road. Luckily the airport is also home to a rental car company, which saves a lengthy drive through Norway to get to the starting point. Equipped with some wheels, it's off and away as you pick up the E10 and follow its end in the tiny fishing village of Å, on the far west of the archipelago.

With just one road to follow as it snakes its way across the islands, there's very little margin for error but don't rush – the whole drive should take less than three hours but allow for plenty of time and even a few days to take in all there is to see. As the road hugs the coast, you'll be treated to stunning views of mountains rising steeply from the sea, turquoise waters and – depending on the time of year – either plenty of snow in winter or lush greenery and blonde beaches in summer. Despite being in the arctic circle, the climate is surprisingly mild thanks to the Gulf Stream.

Along the way, there are a few essential sights. First on the route from Svolvær airport is the viewpoint at Torvdalshlsen, with its modern benches providing shelter as you look over Vestvågøy. From there, keen twitchers should head over to the west side of the area to the lakes of Gårdsvatnet, Skjærpvatnet and Storeidvatnet to see the best-winged wildlife the region has to offer.

Staying within Vestvågøy, it's on to Eggum with its amphitheatre-shaped rest area, offering views down the rugged coastline on one side and towering, jagged mountains on the other. An hour further west towards the end of the road is Rambergstranda, which features an idyllic beach in Jusnesvika bay. The site is an unusual blend of peaks, sand and azure seas, with a walkway made of railway sleepers enticing you down to the water's edge.

From Rambergstranda it's a 40-minute drive to the village of Å, where the road quite literally ends. This tiny village was dependent on fishing until the 1990s when tourism started to take over. As one of the most westerly points in the country, the village is a beautifully isolated outpost with its red wooden fishing huts harking back to the days when tourists would seldom venture that far.

The Jæren road

Best route for Norway’s spectacular south coast

Ogna to Bore – 25 miles (41km)

Contrasting to the Lofoten road that sits at the far north of the country, the Jæren road between Ogna and Bore is in Norway’s deep south. While the road itself is reasonably uninspiring, the Jæren is the best way to take in the most beautiful parts of Norway’s southern coastline and it’s worth taking your time over the journey – there are plenty of hidden gems and detours to take in along the way.

Starting out in the small village of Ogna, pick up route 44 as it heads northwest, hugging the coastline all the way. Less than 6 miles (10km) down from Ogna, lies the Kvassheim lighthouse, which is worth pulling off the main road and visiting. Littered with shipwrecks, lighthouses are a frequent site on Norway’s southern coastline and Kvassheim is one of the best examples. First built in 1912, the lighthouse was still in operation until 1990 when a smaller, automated beacon replaced it but now the wooden building houses a museum and visitors center.

From Kvassheim, the route continues northwest on route 44 before breaking off to pick up route 507, which runs parallel to the white sands of Orrestranda, one of the best beaches in Norway. Here you can walk for miles along the sand, while taking in the leafy greens and rich flora and fauna that surround the beach and populate the sand dunes. Finishing up, it’s a short drive to the village of Bore where the route comes to an end.

Sognefjellet

Best route for an inland adventure

Lom to Gaupne – 67 miles (108 km)

Moving away from the coastline, the Sognefjellet is a road that cuts through the heart of the Bøverdalen valley. Expect constantly changing scenery as this route climbs up to a high point of 4705ft (1434m), making the road northern Europe’s highest mountain pass. With that, part of the route – from Rustasætre/Vegaskjelet to Turtagrø – is normally closed during the winter months and is usually open from Spring until Autumn. Those traveling the route in springtime, shortly after it re-opens, will be treated to 10ft (3m) banks of snow, which line the road on both sides, illustrating the full force of a Norwegian winter.

Once an important transport artery linking the coast and inland areas, the Sognefjellet was used to carry salt and fish eastwards, while butter, pitch and leather were transported west. Now a popular tourist trail, the route is littered with viewing platforms and spectacular natural features that tempt you off the beaten track.

Starting in Lom, the small village has built up a reputation as a culinary capital along the route, so make sure you sample the local delicacies before heading off. Halfway along the route, a rugged stone sculpture at Mefjellet by Knut Wold is a firm favourite with photographers, as it frames the jagged mountain landscape surrounding it.

Closer towards Gaupne, the route runs along the shores of Sognefjord from Skjolden to the end of the route. As the largest and deepest fjord in the country, Sognefjord is often referred to as the King of the Fjords and stretches 127 miles (205km), cutting through the heart of Norway.

Once around the glimmering green and blue waters of Sognefjord, the route ends up in the small village of Gaupne. With a traditional wooden church overlooking the water, the village is the perfect place to stop off before doubling back on yourself to drive it in reverse or continuing southwest along the shores of Sognefjord.

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The United States requires some travelers to present negative COVID-19 tests for entry, even those who are fully vaccinated. Here is what you need to know about the testing protocols before you take a trip.

Next week is 'all systems go' for travel to the US. The travel ban with the European Union and countries previously considered COVID-19 hotspots will be lifted on November 8; and restrictions at land borders and ferry crossings with Mexico and Canada will end then too (for the first time in almost 20 months). Under the new policy, all foreign nationals visiting the country must show proof of vaccination whether traveling by air, land or sea. And most people will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result too, depending on how they're getting there.

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Do I have to take a COVID-19 test to enter the US?

Tests won't be required for entry at seaports or from people who are crossing into the US at the Mexico or Canada land borders. They're only required of people flying to the US from abroad. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced this rule back in January when more contagious strains of the coronavirus emerged around the world. It's required of both US citizens and foreign visitors, and airlines can refuse you permission to board if you don't have the correct documentation with you.

When do I take a COVID-19 test?

US-bound travelers will need to take a within three days of flying and present proof to the airline before boarding their flight, in either paper or digital format. This is usually done during the boarding process, when airline staff are checking passports and boarding passes. Airlines accept both PCR and antigen test results that have been processed in a lab. Returning US citizens who are not vaccinated are required to take their test within one day of boarding their flight home.

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Are there exceptions?

There are exceptions for children under the age of two, as well as airline crews and federal law-enforcement agents. People flying into the US mainland from US overseas territories, including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands etc., don't have to take a test either.

What happens if I test positive?

You won't be able to board your flight to the US if you test positive for COVID-19, so you'll have to make alternative plans. If you are returning to the US from a vacation abroad and test positive, the CDC says you should be prepared to extend your trip for a few weeks at your own expense so you can self-isolate. You should also be prepared to find and pay for healthcare while recovering abroad.

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A pillar of New York City travel has gotten a major facelift... mostly. What was Le Parker Meridien hotel for nearly 40 years is reborn as the elegant new Thompson Central Park. And while the property renovation is so extensive that it's barely recognizable from its former incarnation, its new owners have made the key decision to leave one thing exactly as it was.

Burger Joint, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant with graffitied, wood-paneled walls, will remain exactly as it was. A New York City institution, the restaurant serves only burgers and fries and regularly lands on citywide 'Best Of' dining lists.

Its no-frills ethos and perfectly flavorful, unabashedly greasy, uncomplicated menu made it stand out in the neighborhood where it was surrounded by high rise office towers and upscale hotels. And it was a shocking contrast to the plush hotel lobby surrounding it. Hidden behind a curtain, the only clue that it existed was a neon sign in the shape of a  cheeseburger. If it was lit, Burger Joint was serving. (If you're wondering how influential Burger Joint was on New York City's dining scene, consider Shake Shack, which now has 19 locations in Manhattan alone. It opened two years after Burger Joint and has a logo that looks eerily like a certain neon sign.)

After an ownership change in 2019 that transformed the hotel, briefly, into simply The Parker, it became a Hyatt and was fully gutted and re-imagined during the pandemic. It opens this week with 350 of its nearly 600 rooms open. The remaining rooms will come online in the spring of 2022, along with updated conference spaces.

Along with the fully refreshed lobby and check-in space, the redo of the rooms features lots of teal blues and greens with gold-tone hardware, along with the signature "Thompson bed," which has a white duvet with a navy border stripe. (I especially liked the green velvet chaise in some of the rooms.) Musical-themed objects -- a vintage-style radio alarm clock, coffee table books, wall art -- pay homage to the hotel's location near Broadway and Carnegie Hall.

One final note. You might want to double check the address if you're booking this hotel. The Thompson Central Park, which is now a Hyatt property, was formerly Le Parker Meridien. In a strange quirk of big-brand New York City real estate, there is also a relatively new Le Meridien hotel, a Marriott property that opened in 2019. These two properties are approximately one block apart, so map our your arrival carefully.

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Imagine Austria and your mind might well drift to the lavish palaces and coffeehouses of Vienna, the snow-white peaks of the Tyrolean Alps, the serpentine romance of the Danube and Mozart symphonies ringing out in the baroque concert halls of Salzburg. And if this is your first visit, you’ll undoubtedly want to see all the whole darned lot and more besides. But there is far more to this pocked-sized, landlocked country than at first meets the eye.

Whether you are heading gleefully high into the glaciated mountains of Hohe Tauern National Park, tuning into the latest tech wizardry in future-focused Graz, hiding away in the little-visited wilds of the Bregenzerwald, or tripping along the vineyard-draped wine roads of southern Styria, which have more than a whisper of Tuscany about them, Austria richly rewards those who dare to deviate from the well-trodden track. Here's our take on the 12 best places to visit in Austria.

Vienna

Few cities move so effortlessly between past and present as Vienna, where Hapsburg emperors ruled the roost for 600 years. The pomp and splendor can be almost overwhelming, as you waltz through vast, exuberantly gilded palaces like the Hofburg and Schönbrunn, tour Klimt-filled galleries like the Upper Belvedere, stroll grand baroque streets, and saunter past follies and Greek gods in landscaped gardens that gaze down upon the city with a kindly eye.

The music of Mozart, Beethoven and that old romantic devil Strauss reverberates in some of the world’s most feted and opulent concert halls: the Musikverein and Staatsoper. And even going for a coffee can be a regal affair at the likes of chandelier-lit Café Central, where all the 19th-century bigwigs once hung out.

But Vienna isn’t all about show. Venture beyond the big-hitters of the Innere Stadt and the Gothic whack of Stephansdom and you’ll find a liveable, loveable capital that moves to its own urban, edgy beat: in parks sprawling along the banks of the Danube, at the MuseumsQuartier, delivering a serious hit of culture in the former baroque imperial stables, and at food markets like Naschmarkt, where Vienna embraces the world in street food and spice.

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Zell am See

Perfect for dipping into the ravishingly mountainous Hohe Tauern National Park, the cheerful Alpine resort of Zell am See sits smugly on the shores of a bluest-blue lake, buttressed by lofty peaks, including the glacier-capped 10,509ft (3203m) Kitzsteinhorn, where you can embark on a glacier trail, kick back on a snow beach, spend the night in an igloo, and ski well into summer.

The resort has a real outdoor buzz in summer, with people rocking up to swim, boat, windsurf and stand-up paddleboard on the lake, cycle around or paraglide above it. If you’re a hiker, you’re in for a treat, too: A cable-car zips up to Schmittenhöhe to hook onto the Pinzgauer Spaziergang, one of Austria’s most memorable day hikes, with exhilarating views of the country’s highest peak, 12,461ft (3798m) Grossglockner. The resort also makes a terrific springboard for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a head-spinning, helter-skelter drive, with on-high views of waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and a sea of snowy Alps.

Linz

Other Austrian cities flick on the fairy-tale charm, but not Linz. This is where Austria leaps headfirst into the 21st century. With its gaze fixed firmly on the future, this tech-mad trailblazer has an ever-evolving cultural scene, and is making pioneering waves in avant-garde art and architecture, with a flurry of galleries and buildings at the cutting edge of design; all of which helped it snag Unesco City of Media Arts status back in 2014.

At the top of any itinerary is Ars Electronica Center, zooming in on technology, science and digital media. Here you can interact with robots, animate digital objects, print 3D structures, turn your body into musical instruments and (virtually) travel to outer space. Its over-the-Danube rival is the rectangular glass-and-steel Lentos, a vast repository of modern art, with a stash of Warhol, Schiele, Klimt and Kokoschka originals. Both museums have a face-off of illuminations when they strikingly change color by night.

Bregenzerwald

Everyone raves about the mountains of Tyrol and Salzburgerland, but there’s a lesser-known region that deserves a look-in. Huge swathes of Austria's far west, Vorarlberg, remain deliciously off-the-radar, with narrow, silent valleys carving up mighty peaks and forests. It is here that the Alpine heights of the Silvretta-Montafon give way to the wavy hills and lush dairy country of the Bregenzerwald, which in turn fall to the Bodensee (Lake Constance), where Austria rolls into Germany and Switzerland.

The Bregenzerwald, in particular, is an incredibly peaceful and deeply rural corner of the country to slip off the map for a few days, whether hiking, cycling or cross-country skiing. Roads here unzip through cow-nibbled pastures, passing limestone peaks and one ludicrously pretty timber chalet-lined village after the next.

The dream is Schwarzenberg, where you can visit the Angelika Kauffmann Museum before lunch in the wood-panelled parlor at Gasthof Hirschen. The village is a highlight on the region’s KäseStrasse (cheese road), linking up cheese-makers, farm shops and Schoppernau’s show dairy.

Bad Gastein

Smuggled away in a wildly romantic valley in the glacier-capped Hohe Tauern mountains, Bad Gastein is an instant heart-stealer, with belle époque villas that evoke the grace of a bygone age clinging to sheer, forested slopes, and a 1119ft (341m) waterfall plummeting over cliffs. Over the centuries the town has beguiled everyone – from beauty-conscious Romans to romantic souls such as Schubert and Klimt and royals like Empress Elisabeth – for the miraculous healing powers of its radon-laced thermal hot springs.

Today you can take these same waters at the grotto-filled Felsentherme and architecturally innovative Alpentherme baths. Or, for greater impact, go deep into the bowels of the Gasteiner Heilstollen, a medieval gold mine turned health center, to absorb the radon (taster sessions are available), said to cure all manner of ills from arthritis to fibromyalgia.

One look at the mountains that fling up above the valley and you’ll be itching to head higher. A gondola swings up to 7218ft (2200m) Stubnerkogel, where you can hike across a 459ft-long (140m) suspension bridge for out-of-this-world views deep into the snowy Hohe Tauern peaks, or ski in winter.

Innsbruck

The jagged Nordkette Alps rise like a theater curtain above Innsbruck, Tyrol’s knockout of a capital. Here mountains whoosh up above the turquoise Inn River and seem to sneak into every picture. Can’t decide between city and slopes? Here you get the best of both, with a space-age funicular designed by Zaha Hadid winging you up to the Alpine heights of 7657ft (2334m) Hafelekar in mere minutes.

Innsbruck is perhaps unique in the fact you can spend the morning carving powder, hiking or dashing downhill on a mountain bike, and the afternoon with a serious hit of culture. Begin by wafting around the swanky imperial state apartments of the cupola-topped Hofburg palace. Nearby the Goldenes Dachl catches your eye, a late-Gothic oriel shimmering with 2657 fire-gilded copper tiles. But all that glitters here is not gold: just a quick bus hop from of town, Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens delivers some serious crystal sparkle.

To ramp up the adventure, head to the neighboring village of Igls for a pulse-quickening ride on the Olympiabobbahn, where you’ll pick up speeds of 68mph (110km/h) as you pinball around 10 curves.

Salzburg

Salzburg looks freshly minted for Hollywood. From the moment you arrive, you’re forced to gaze up in wide-eyed wonder: at the soaring spires of its brilliantly baroque Altstadt, home to the Residenz palace, where prince-archbishops once held court, and the copper-domed cathedral; at its high-on-a-hill, 900-year-old fortress, Festung Hohensalzburg; at the cliffs of 1772ft-high (540m) Mönchsberg flinging up above the city; and at the white-wisped peaks of the Alps that pucker up on the horizon. Walking along the banks of the fast-flowing, turquoise Salzach River, it’s hard to fathom a more perfect city.

Salzburg has churned out many a legend, most notably Mozart, who was born in a bright-yellow townhouse on Getreidegasse, which now harbors a museum that’s an ode to the virtuoso. His high-note-hitting rival is Maria of The Sound of Music (1965) fame. Boundless tours and bike rides whizz around the film locations, or devise your own self-guided spin of them.

There’s no avoiding the fact that Salzburg gets swamped in peak season. Give the selfie stick-wielding crowds the slip by taking a spirit-lifting hike along the wooded cliffs of Mönchsberg to Augustiner Bräustübl, a 400-year-old, monk-founded brewery, with Oktoberfest flavor, vaulted parlors, and a 1000-seat beer garden for quaffing foaming beers under the chestnut trees. Or for a breath of fresh Alpine air and trails weaving deep into the mountains, take the cable car up to 6079ft-high (1853m) Untersberg on the border with Bavaria.

The Wachau

There is a certain poetry to the way the Wachau opens up, with orchards and vineyards ribbing terraced slopes staggering down to the meandering River Danube, and trails waltzing through field and forest to medieval castles romantically poised on hillsides. With an exciting food and wine scene, paths that are a joy to explore on foot or by bike, and landscapes that unravel as harmoniously as a Strauss symphony, this stretch of the Danube Valley is so darned scenic that it has been granted Unesco World Heritage status.

The big-hitter culturally is Stift Melk, a twin-spired, onion-domed baroque stunner of an abbey, with a sunny yellow facade and flamboyantly frescoed monastery church. Beyond this, you’ll want to see the fairy-tale that is Dürnstein’s ruined castle, where Richard the Lionheart was locked up in the late 12th century for insulting Leopold V, and the low-key village of Spitz, topped off by the 1000-Eimer-Berg, so-named for its ability to fill 1000 buckets of wine each season.

Graz and the Styrian Wine Roads

With a castle high on a bluff, an Altstadt that’s a jumble of Renaissance courtyards and baroque palaces hinting at nearby Italy, and some strikingly avant-garde galleries, Graz is an endearingly laid-back, cultured city for dipping deeper into the oft-overlooked region of Styria in southern Austria.

Using the city as a base, you can easily strike out onto the Weinstrassen (wine roads) that vein the gently rolling hills, flower-stippled meadows, forests and vineyards that carpet the south of the province. With vineyards marching up steep hillsides and even the odd poppy and cypress tree, this is Austria’s answer to Tuscany (minus the crowds) and perfect road trip territory. As you make your way through towns like Leutschach, Ehrenhausen, Gamlitz and Berghausen, you’ll find wineries opening their doors for tastings and farmhouses offering rustic respite. On the last weekend in September, the region pops many a cork at its Weinlesefest (wine harvest festival).

Salzkammergut Lakes

If you’ve ever swooned over a lake scene in The Sound of Music it was probably filmed in the Salzkammergut, a fantasy region of jewel-colored Alpine lakes, wildflower-strewn valleys and peaks topping out near the 9845ft (3000m) mark. Should you only have time to see one lake, make it the sublimely gorgeous one in mountain-rimmed Hallstatt, whose Unesco World Heritage salt mines look back on 7000 years of history and once produced the region’s "white gold".

But you would be wise to allow longer so you can soak in thermal baths in spa town Bad Ischl, bathe in the warm waters of crescent-shaped Mondsee, follow in pilgrim’s footsteps to Wolfgangsee, and explore the icy underworld of the Dachstein Caves in Obertraun.

While July to early September are ideal for lake swimming (the water can get mighty chilly at other times of the year), you might prefer to visit in the shoulder seasons – spring and autumn are glorious – to escape the throngs and enjoy the lakes at their peaceful best.

Steyr and Nationalpark Kalkalpen

So you want to go properly off piste? Upper Austria is the place to do just that. Somehow this region has managed to slip under the tourist radar – and what a shame that is. This province has its own quiet, lingering beauty, with golden wheat fields giving way to patchwork fields and apple orchards that in turn rise to mountains rolling to the Czech border. It’s a joy to explore on foot or by bike, with cycle paths hugging river banks, rambling farms selling homegrown Most (cider) and mellow autumn mists.

The fairest town by far is Steyr, which composer Franz Schubert called "inconceivably lovely" and used as the inspiration for his sprightly Trout Quintet. At the confluence of the swiftly flowing Enns and Steyr rivers, this pretty town of cobblestones and pastel-hued baroque houses makes a brilliant base for diving into the rest of the region. For hiking, mountain-biking and rock climbing action, the Nationalpark Kalkalpen ’s limestone peaks, gorges, and high moors are within easy striking distance.

St Anton am Arlberg

In the beginning there was St Anton am Arlberg... In the place where the country’s first ski club was founded in 1901 and downhill skiing was born, the Austrian Alps take a huge leap into wilder heights. Overshadowed by a real beast of a mountain called Valluga (9216ft/2809m), this resort makes even veteran skiers quiver in their boots with some of Austria’s steepest on- and off-piste skiing. The ultimate challenge is the Run of Fame. One of the longest circuits in the Alps, this 53-mile (85km) marathon ski wraps up the entire Arlberg arena and covers 11 vertical miles (18km). With 190 miles (305km) of slopes to pound, the skiing here is the stuff of legend. And the après-ski scene is bonkers – people here like to party as hard as they play.

While winter is the big deal for most, there’s plenty of action in summer too, with hiking trails heading from peak to glorious peak, and adventure pros H2O taking you white water rafting on the fast-flowing Inn River, canyoning in the surrounding gorges, tubing, and mountain biking.

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Danube deep, mountain high: The 12 best places to visit in Austria

The line of figures in full winter gear snakes painfully slowly across the snowfield towards the summit. The climbers have been ascending for over 12 hours now. Lack of oxygen, deep cold and pure exhaustion is taking its toll, but in a few minutes, all this will be forgotten beneath the joy and adrenaline of summiting Mt Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. Magnificent views await on this great outdoor adventure – here’s how to find them.

Europe’s watchtower

When people think of mountaineering in Europe, they tend to think of the Alps, ski resorts and prettily perched mountain villages. Forget the French Alps though – it’s the Russian Caucasus that is home to Europe’s highest mountain, Elbrus.

At 5642m, Elbrus and its double-coned volcano is 832m higher than Western Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. It’s a certified member of the ‘seven summits’ – the highest point on every continent – and is coveted by mountaineers everywhere.

Despite its formidable stature, Europe’s highest peak can be climbed by most, but it doesn’t come without challenge or commitment.

What to expect

Terrain: Snowfields of blinding white ascend gradually, allowing climbers to see far and wide. The snow can be deep and soft or, in peak season, firm and crunchy underfoot. In one section, climbers must use fixed ropes. Here, the gradient is steeper with a vertiginous drop to the basin below. Guides will be on hand to help.

Weather: Like on all mountains, the weather on Elbrus can be harsh and unpredictable. It’s quite normal to start a climb sweating beneath clear skies and minutes later be pulling on protective clothing under lashing wind and snowfall. Already icy temperatures regularly drop to well below freezing, particularly at night.

Accommodation: Climbers usually spend the first two nights in a tourist-class hotel at Terskol village, where they will organize equipment and complete acclimatization treks. On the mountain, most climbers stay at a refuge, in simple huts located at 4000m. These are accessed by a series of cable cars and chairlifts or a day’s trek from Garabashi.

Altitude sickness: Everybody who climbs Elbrus will suffer some form of altitude sickness. On the summit, there is around 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Symptoms usually occur shortly after ascending above 2400m and include headaches, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting and an increased heart rate. It is essential to take regular acclimatization treks, drink plenty of fluids and rest whenever possible.

Acclimatization: Climbers should take at least three acclimatization treks before their summit push: one from Terskol village up to 3000m on Cheget Peak and at least two more from the refuge on Elbrus, the first to Priyut 11 (at 4200m) and the second to Pashtuhova Rocks (at 4750m). A rest day should be included between the final acclimatization trek and summit day.

Summit day: Most climbers rise around midnight and depart by 1am for the most rewarding day of the trip. The first few hours are spent climbing in the dark using head torches. Ideally, climbers should reach the summit between 10am and midday before descending to the refuge by 3pm. Summit views are nothing short of magnificent. On a clear day, the peaks of the Caucasus stretch out as far as the eye can see. Even on an overcast day, summiteers will stand proudly above a serene sea of cloud.

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Preparation

Training: There are no two ways about it: you need to be fit to climb Elbrus. The trekking is demanding, particularly on summit day when climbers can expect a 12- to 15-hour round trip. Training should include climbing conditioning, cardiovascular training and strength building. Climbers should be comfortable carrying a 12kg pack on long hikes ascending 1500m a day. A training program should include a mix of uphill hiking with a loaded pack, jogging and running, and weight training. This should begin at least eight weeks before your climb.

Skills: Ideally, climbers will have experience of winter hillwalking using mountaineering boots, crampons, a harness and an ice ax. However, if climbing with a guide, crash courses in all of this should be included in your itinerary.

Equipment: The most important items are warm winter clothing that can be easily layered for maximum insulation and waterproof Gore-Tex outerwear. Additionally, mountaineering-specific equipment such as a climbing harness, mountaineering boots and crampons, ice ax and ropes are all required. Guiding companies should supply clients with full lists upon booking. There are rental shops in the Elbrus region that can provide all essentials.

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Practicalities

When to go: The climbing season on Elbrus runs from the end of April through to mid-September. The best time to climb Elbrus is July to August when the weather is more stable. If you prefer quieter slopes, climbing later or earlier in the season is possible, but the weather will be colder and less predictable.

Choosing a guide: Unless you’re an experienced mountaineer, it’s strongly recommended that you organize your climb through a guiding company. A standard eight-day program should include all accommodation, meals, internal transfers, guides and mountain passes.

International outfits will guarantee English-speaking guides and often help with formalities such as visas and international flights but will be far more expensive. The following are all widely regarded as reliable and experienced international guiding companies (prices range from US$2500 to as much US$6000 depending on what’s included):

Adventure Consultants
Jagged Globe
Mountain Madness
Alpine Ascents

If you go with a Russian-based outfit, you may be the only non-Russian climber in the team, although the guides will have at least a basic level of English. A Russian-based outfit will be cheaper and have better deals with local hire shops, but won’t include international flights. 7 Summits Club is a reliable Russian-based guiding company with prices starting from US$1360.

Flights and visas: Mineralnye Vody is the primary gateway to the Russian Caucasus. International flights to the airport usually connect in Moscow, Istanbul or Dubai. Most visitors to Russia need a visa. You should apply for the visa at least a month before the trip; more information can be found here.

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You want to climb Europe's highest peak? Here's how to summit Mount Elbrus

Boston is rich with historic sites, artistic venues, swanky restaurants and outdoor adventure. But if you want to keep exploring, there’s even more to discover in the surrounding areas. Battle sites, beaches, colonial landmarks, creative outposts, and of course seafood – plenty of seafood – are all within striking distance of the city and mostly accessible by train, boat, bike or bus. From Salem to Cape Cod, here are the best day trips from Boston in winter.

Minute Man National Historical Park (Lexington and Concord)

See where the American War for Independence began on April 19, 1775, when Colonial Minutemen stood up to the British Regulars who had marched out from Boston to confiscate their weapons. The two sides faced off first on the village green in Lexington (now called Battle Green), and then near the North Bridge in Concord.

The National Historical Park includes the battle site at the North Bridge, as well as the route the soldiers followed (now called Battle Road). Walking trails weave through the picturesque New England countryside past two informative visitor centers and a handful of historic buildings, where you can see ranger talks and musket demonstrations. Stop for a snack at Via Lago Café in Lexington or the Concord Cheese Shop in Concord.

How to get to Minute Man National Historic Park: From South Station in Boston, MBTA commuter trains go to Concord center, 18 miles west of Boston. From the train depot, it’s a 1.5-mile walk to the North Bridge Visitor Center, but you’ll need a vehicle to explore Battle Road. Ambitious travelers can cycle from Cambridge to Lexington on the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway (7 miles), and then continue to Concord center via Battle Road (7 miles).

Salem

Salem has a rich but checkered history, from the colony’s tragic persecution of so-called witches in the 17th century to the town’s heyday as a maritime center in the 18th century. A score of sites recall the former, including a moving Witch Trials Memorial in honor of the victims.

Visitors can learn more about the area's rich sailing tradition at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which incorporates a handful of 18th-century buildings along Derby Wharf. Salem’s uncontested treasure is the Peabody Essex Museum, a wonderful collection of art and artifacts amassed from maritime trade. Stop at Gulu-Gulu Cafe when you need to recharge.

How to get to Salem, Massachusetts: MBTA commuter trains run hourly from North Station to Salem, 20 miles northeast of Boston. You can also take a pleasant, hour-long ferry ride from Long Wharf, operated by Boston Harbor Cruises.

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Plymouth

In 1620, a hardy band of Pilgrims set up the first permanent European settlement in New England at Plymouth. Visit the replica Mayflower II to imagine what their journey across the ocean might have been like. Then head to Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly Plimoth Plantation) to experience life in the settlement for the Pilgrims and the Native Peoples who have lived there for more than 10,000 years. Both sites are historically accurate 'living' museums, with costumed actors portraying actual historical figures. There are plenty of places to stop for lunch along Plymouth’s main drag, such as KKatie’s Burger Bar.

How to get to Plymouth: Plymouth is 40 miles south of Boston. MBTA commuter trains travel from South Station in Boston.

Cape Cod and Provincetown

Located at the outer tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown offers so many delights for one little town – a collection of glorious beaches and bike trails through the dunes along the Cape Cod National Seashore, a vibrant artistic center with galleries lined up along Commercial St and a dynamic LGBTQIA+ scene. Another bonus: top-notch restaurants, such as Canteen, serving lobster rolls and crab paninis.

How to get to Provincetown: Provincetown is about 115 miles southeast of Boston. If you’re just coming for the day, the best way to get here is by ferry (90 minutes), operated by Boston Harbor Cruises (from Long Wharf) or Bay State Cruise Co (from the Seaport District).

Cape Ann

Welcome to "the other Cape," located along the North Shore of Massachusetts, about 36 miles northeast of Boston. The heart and soul of Cape Ann is Gloucester, a gritty fishing town with a thriving art colony at Rocky Neck and whale-watching cruises out to Stellwagen Bank.

Gloucester’s quaint, touristy counterpart is Rockport, with Motif No 1 on full display and souvenir shops lined up along Bearskin Neck. The rest of Cape Ann is a patchwork of beautiful coastal beaches and interior walking trails. Get your seafood fix at Causeway Restaurant in Gloucester or Roy Moore Lobster Co in Rockport (BYOB).

How to get to Cape Ann: The MBTA commuter rail runs from North Station to both Gloucester and Rockport. The Cape Ann Transportation Authority operates five bus routes to beaches and villages around Cape Ann.

Boston Harbor Islands

Some 34 islands are scattered about Boston Harbor, comprising a unique state park that’s an easy jaunt from the city. Take your pick from Georges Island, site of Civil War-era Fort Warren, or Spectacle Island, with a supervised swimming beach and a rewarding lookout.

Or go further afield to more remote islands that offer trail walking, bird-watching, fishing and swimming. Both Georges and Spectacle have good snack shacks, but there is no food or water on the outer islands. Pack a picnic.

How to get to Boston Harbor Islands: Boston Harbor Cruises offers seasonal ferry service from Long Wharf to Georges and Spectacle Islands, where another boat service runs to the outer islands.

Providence

The capital of Rhode Island, Providence is like Boston’s smaller sibling, with attractive walkable neighborhoods, elegant 18th-century architecture, dynamic and artsy student populations, and its own leafy Ivy League campus.

The city’s two renowned culinary institutes guarantee there’s a good meal just around the corner; try Julian’s for lunch (brunch). On summer nights, the riverside Waterplace Park comes alive with street performers, art vendors, food trucks and dancing flames at WaterFire, a non-profit arts organization.

How to get to Providence: MBTA commuter trains run from South Station to Providence, which is 51 miles south. Amtrak trains are more expensive and slightly quicker.

Martha's Vineyard

Bathed in unique beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts wide-eyed day-trippers, celebrity second-home owners, and urbanites seeking a restful getaway; its 15,000 year-round residents include many artists, musicians and back-to-nature types. The Vineyard remains untouched by the kind of rampant commercialism found on the mainland – there's not a single chain restaurant or cookie-cutter motel in sight. Instead you'll find cozy inns, chef-driven restaurants and a bounty of green farms and grand beaches. Enjoy fine dining in gentrified Edgartown or hit the cotton candy and carousel scene in Oak Bluffs.

How to get to Martha's Vineyard: It's about a 90 minute drive from Boston to Woods Hole. From there, the car ferry to Martha's Vineyard takes around 45 minutes.

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City streets and cow-dotted pastures, windswept beaches and forest-covered mountains: Massachusetts offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. The state is small, but its scenery will satisfy your craving for eye candy (surely the foremost requirement for a rewarding road trip).

When you're ready for a pit stop, the Commonwealth has you covered, with a tantalizing spread of local specialties, such as fruit and vegetables straight from the farm and succulent seafood right out of the ocean. So fuel up, because you have a lot to do.

Massachusetts trips show off four centuries of dramatic history, rich displays of artistry and creativity and thrilling opportunities for outdoor adventure. Here are the six best Massachusetts road trips.

Coastal New England

Travel stats: 6-8 days; 240 miles

This drive follows the southern New England coast. A week of whale-watching, maritime museums and sailboats will leave you feeling pleasantly waterlogged.

From a pirate's perspective, there was no better base in Colonial America than Newport, given the easy access to trade routes and friendly local merchants. Until 1723, that is, when the new governor ceremoniously hanged 26 sea bandits at Gravelly Point.

This classic trip highlights the region's intrinsic connection to the sea, from upstart pirates to upper-crust merchants, from Gloucester fisherfolk to New Bedford whalers, from clipper ships to submarines.

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Pilgrim Trail

Travel stats: 4-5 days; 147 miles

Your car is a time machine, transporting you back 400 years. The region's living museums allow you to experience firsthand what life was like for the colonists as they settled in the New World. Explore the sites and structures – churches and trading posts, homesteads and grist mills – that are still standing from those early days.

Cape Cod & the Islands

Travel stats: 5-7 days; 128 miles

A drive down the cape offers a beach for every mood. Besides sun, surf and sand, there are lighthouses to climb, oysters to eat, art and antiques to buy, and trails to hike.

As the sun sets and the sky darkens, you slide your car into place alongside dozens of others facing the massive screen. Roll down the window, feel the salty breeze and recline your seat. After an exhilarating day at the beach, it's time to sit back and enjoy a double feature at the drive-in. Sounds like something out of a 1950s fantasy? It's summer on Cape Cod.

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Around Cape Ann

Travel stats: 2-3 days; 54 miles

Somebody – a New Englander, no doubt – once said that “the humble clam…reaches its quintessence when coated and fried.” The big-bellied bivalve – lightly battered and deeply fried – supposedly originated in Essex, Massachusetts, so Cape Ann is an ideal place to sample the New England specialty. This North Shore route takes you from clam shack to clam shack, with breaks in between eating for beachcombing, bird-watching, gallery hopping and plenty of picture-taking.

Berkshire Back Roads

Travel stats: 2-3 days; 31 miles

These country roads offer a mix of cultural riches, sweet farmland and mountain scenery. In summer, enjoy music and dance in the open air; in autumn, indulge in apples straight from the orchard.

Pack a picnic of farm-fresh fruit and local cheese, spread your blanket on the lush green lawns, and settle in for an evening of world-class music under the stars. Or world-class dance. Or Shakespeare. Or experimental theater. Indeed, for every day you spend hiking the hills and photographing the scenery, you can spend an evening taking in a cultural masterwork.

Mohawk Trail

Travel stats: 2-3 days; 46 miles

New England's oldest scenic highway offers invigorating art and architecture, stimulating action and adventure, and spectacular mountain scenery – everything you need for a weekend getaway.

The road winds ever upward. Suddenly, around a bend, there's a clearing in the forest and the landscape sprawls out in a colorful tapestry, yielding views across the valley and into neighboring states.

Welcome to the Western Summit of the Mohawk Trail, a 63-mile stretch of scenic byway, showing off raging rivers, idyllic farms and forest-covered mountains. Drivers, beware: it's practically impossible to keep your eyes on the road.

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