Summer can be stressful, and for a lot of students means jobs and internships and being stuck in buildings all the time. These trips around the state are a great way to get away from your summer job and back into the world.

Boston Harbor Islands National Park, Boston

While the city of Boston is a common spot for tourists to think of when it comes to Massachusetts, most natives may not even know about the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. There are tours and ferries that take visitors to the different islands and there is even camping and boating around the islands. It’s definitely a different side of the Boston area.

Cape Cod Lighthouses, Cape Cod

There are more than a dozen incredibly interesting and beautiful lighthouses in Cape Cod or, as most people from Massachusetts say it, down the Cape. Most lighthouses have many interesting stories in relation to their history and many of these lighthouses are open to the public during visiting hours while others are only open on special occasions.

The Crane Estate, Ipswich

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate has a long interesting history starting with the Native Americans. The grounds are very large and are home to many different types of wildlife while the ‘Great House’ is the picturesque place for all sorts of functions from massive parties to very elegant weddings.

Gay Head Cliffs, Martha’s Vineyard

The top of the cliffs offer some incredible views, especially at sunset and if you didn’t get enough lighthouses from down the cape, the Gay Head lighthouse is open June through September.

Bish Bash Falls, Mt. Washington

While this site is located down in the southeast corner of the state, it is Massachusetts highest single drop water fall at 60 feet. It is also located next to the Mt. Washington State forest which offers 30 miles in trails.

Cottages in Siasconset, Nantucket

In the part of Nantucket better known as Sconset, there are fairy tale cottages as far as the eye can see. This is just one of many sights on the island where the views are typically postcard material.

Salem Witch Museum, Salem

Based off of the historic witch trials of 1692, the Salem Witch Museum takes visitors of a trip to the past and not only discusses old perceptions of witch craft, but even how it is practiced today.

Walden Pond, Concord

Walden Pond was home to Henry David Thoreau for two years and inspired his book Walden. Visitors are welcome to come to the pond and the surrounding hiking trails and maybe find some of the same inspiration as Thoreau.

Purgatory Chasm, Sutton

Perfect for both hikers and rock-climbers, Purgatory Chasm runs for about a quarter mile, surrounded by 70 foot granite walls and all kinds of rock formations to uncover.

Garden in the Woods, Framingham

Set on 45 acres, the Garden in the Woods has 2 miles of winding trails for visitors to explore.