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Outdoor activities and festivals you don’t want to miss this spring
Plus: New England's best beaches, cherry blossoms, and seafood festival.
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Spring arrives this week (hooray!) and outdoor activities have never sounded so good after the cold winter we just had. I’ve rounded up dozens of ways to experience fresh-air fun in Massachusetts this spring. Plus, discover cherry blossom and seafood festivals taking place across New England and current deals on flights and cruises.
Map your outdoor fun in Massachusetts this spring season
Ride Boston’s iconic Swan Boats (opening April 19), visit a living history museum, go on a whale watch, and more this spring in Massachusetts. Spring is nearly here and the sky’s the limit with these 50 outdoor activities across the state. Choose a favorite (or two or three) and begin planning your fresh-air adventures.
A Maine beach is making a splash nationwide
Speaking of warm weather fun, let’s talk beaches. Sand Beach at Acadia National Park in Maine was just named among the best beaches in the U.S. by Lonely Planet. Round out your trip by staying at Under Canvas Acadia, Vogue’s pick for one of the best glamping resorts in America. And stroll through Bar Harbor, named the best small town in America in 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.
Run, don’t walk to these 3 gorgeous New England spots
Martha’s Vineyard, the Berkshires, and Acadia National Park were recently named among the most beautiful places in America and Boston.com readers gushed about why the destinations are must-visit spots.
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“There is absolutely nothing like the clear water beaches and raw beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. The same goes for the coast of Maine and Acadia National Park,” wrote Amy from Newton.
Travel Tips
- Enjoy music, food, and fun beneath the cherry blossoms during the 52nd annual Wooster Square Cherry Blossom Festival on April 6 in New Haven, Conn.
- Experience a Boston tradition by attending the 2025 Boston Marathon on April 21. The world’s oldest annual marathon, which takes place every year on Patriots Day, stretches 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Back Bay.
- Mark your calendar for the Rhode Island Seafood Festival, which just ranked among the best specialty food festivals in the nation and it’s taking place this year Sept. 6-7 along the waterfront at India Point Park in Providence.
Deals & Steals
- Eyeing an international getaway? Save 30% on flights to Europe this year during PLAY airline’s St. Patrick’s Day sale, happening through Sunday.
- For those who love to cruise, get 35 percent off your next voyage through a Residents Offer by Windstar Cruises. The deal is valid for residents of select states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, and must be booked by April 30.
- Plan your next national park visit on April 19, when all national parks are free for the first day of National Park Week. It is one of seven fee-free days at national parks in 2025.
I’ll leave you with this photo of the Boston Common ducklings decked out for St. Patrick’s Day, taken by David.
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