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Historic Shores, Mountain Trails and Remarkable Towns

Massachusetts

Explore Massachusetts from Boston and the North Shore to Cape Cod, the Islands and the Berkshires. Historic neighborhoods, working harbors, college towns and forested trails offer different ways to experience the Commonwealth. Browse photographs, state facts and official resources to find places to visit and practical information.

Massachusetts at a Glance

Population (2025 est.)7,154,084
CapitalBoston
Largest CityBoston
Counties14 counties
Land Area7,801 sq mi
Water Area2,753 sq mi
Statehood1788
Highest PointMount Greylock • 3,491 feet
EXPLORE THE COUNTIES

County Guides in Massachusetts

Choose a county to explore local information, resources and the businesses listed for that area.

Massachusetts county map

Counties of Massachusetts

Bristol County
Massachusetts landscape

Get to know the cities, towns and landscapes of Massachusetts. Browse the photographs and official resources on this page for places to explore and practical information.

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American landscape
ABOUT THE COMMONWEALTH

Massachusetts

From the American Revolution’s historic places to internationally known colleges and working fishing ports, Massachusetts has a distinct sense of place. Boston anchors the east, Worcester connects central communities, Springfield sits along the Connecticut River, and western Massachusetts opens into the Berkshires. The Cape and Islands bring beaches, ferries, maritime landscapes and seasonal traditions. Visitors can balance museums and architecture with hiking, cultural festivals, farms and small-town main streets.

Places, People and Stories

Coast & Islands

Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket offer beaches, harbors, ferries, and maritime towns along the Atlantic.

Historic Places

Explore the Freedom Trail, Lowell’s industrial heritage, Plymouth landmarks and New Bedford’s whaling history.

Mountains & Trails

Head west to the Berkshires and Mount Greylock, or discover parks and trails across the state.

Arts & Learning

Museums, colleges, performing arts and neighborhood festivals connect history and contemporary Massachusetts culture.

Find Your Next StopAcross Massachusetts
LATEST FROM

Massachusetts Headlines

Latest reporting from CommonWealth Beacon. Coverage may include state and national stories.

CommonWealth Beacon

CommonWealth Beacon Election Day insights

Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.

Read the full story
By CommonWealth Beacon staffNov 3, 20262 min read
STATEWIDE COVERAGEPresented by Local Supporters
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Around Massachusetts Headlines

Stories from every corner of Massachusetts Headlines.

CommonWealth Beacon Election Day insights

Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.

Nov 3, 2026 • 2 min read

Our polling shows strong support for statewide restrictions on cellphones in schools. Will the Legislature act?

Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.

Nov 3, 2026 • 2 min read

Galvin uncertain about beating voter turnout in 2022, 2018

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Nov 2, 2026 • 2 min read

Your Massachusetts midterm rundown

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Nov 2, 2026 • 2 min read

Notwithstanding Mayor Wu’s claims, the ‘State of the Schools’ in Boston is not good

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Oct 31, 2026 • 2 min read
MASSACHUSETTS WEATHER
STATE SYMBOLS

Symbols of Massachusetts

Recognizable symbols and traditions

Massachusetts state flag
Nickname

The Bay State

A nickname reflecting the Commonwealth’s long maritime history.

Motto

Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem

By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.

Bird

Black-capped chickadee

The chickadee is the official state bird.

Flower

Mayflower

The fragrant trailing arbutus is the official state flower.

Tree

American elm

The American elm is Massachusetts’s state tree.

Official Dog

Boston terrier

The Boston terrier is the official state dog.

A State with Many Stories

Massachusetts connects Atlantic shores, renowned historic places, world-class learning and New England landscapes.

Freedom TrailCape CodThe BerkshiresBoston HarborNew BedfordMount GreylockNantucket
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PHOTO JOURNAL

Massachusetts in Pictures

Coastal views, historic streets and changing seasons across the Commonwealth.

Explore Massachusetts through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.

Our State. Our Stories.★
Boston skyline from Longfellow Bridge September 2017 panorama 2Cape Cod Highland LightOld North Bridge, Concord, Massachusetts, July 2005Mount Greylock Summit 012018-6-16 Mount GreylockPlymouth HarborSankaty Light, 2009-04-07Springfield, Massachusetts skyline2012 harbor in Gloucester Massachusetts USA 8393986457Massachusetts State House Boston November 2016Boston, Massachusetts skyline 20 June 2021Highland Lighthouse on an Overcast Summer DayOld North Bridge, Concord MassachusettsMount Greylock P1010819Plymouth Harbor boats, Massachusetts (2024)Sankaty Head Light - Nantucket, MA - panoramio (1)Springfield, Massachusetts skyline (cropped)2012 Smith Cove in Gloucester Massachusetts USA 8393988271Massachusetts State House from Boston Common, Boston, MassachusettsCape Cod Light, sometimes called the Highland Light, a lighthouse in the town of Truro on Massachusetts' Cape Cod, by Carol M. Highsmith, 2019, from the Library of Congress - master-pnp-highsm-57300-57384aBridge over Concord River in Massachusetts site of Revolutionary War battleMount Greylock MassivePlymouth Harbour, Massachusetts (493629) (11108979193)2008 06 08 - 2513 - Siasconset - Sankaty Head Light (4326557043)
STATE RESOURCES

Massachusetts Resources

Explore Massachusetts through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.

Need a Place to Start?

Browse official links for public services, parks and visitor information.

HELP DESK

Questions About Massachusetts

Answers and links for residents and travelers.

Boston is the state capital and largest city. Visit Boston.gov for city services and visitor information.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

Start with a region. Explore its towns.

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