Katie McAleer

Many travelers want something extra when planning a trip these days. They want to get out of the city, reconnect with nature, and, in some cases, reclaim a sense of adventure and exploration in their travels. That’s where a wildlife experience comes into play. Throughout the U.S., dedicated groups of wildlife experts and conservation groups have created unique opportunities for folks to encounter animals safely and ethically. We don’t just mean zoos across America. The best places to see wildlife in the USA include encounters led by biologists and naturalists, allowing for a deeper understanding of animals and the environments they call home. Ready to answer the call of the wild? Let your next domestic vacation include learning about conservation efforts around the country and seeing endangered species up close at the top wildlife experiences in the U.S. worth traveling for. RECOMMENDED: The best national parks in the U.S.

Don’t let yourself fall victim to apartment fever this season, instead escape to some of New England's most picturesque cabins available on Airbnb. There is so much to do in New England throughout any season; leaf-peeping, winter sports or simply taking a break from downtown life – weekend getaways provide a welcome respite all year round. Take a chance and reconnect with nature, it'll do you some good (probably).  Check out these cozy cabins near Boston that you can rent to unwind in front of a warm fire in the great outdoors. For other unique accommodations near lots of nature, explore the best secluded Airbnbs near Boston and the best waterfront Airbnbs near Boston. Updated April 2024: You can bet your bottom dollar that we're always on the hunt for the most extraordinary holiday rentals for your next adventure, so you never have to miss out. That said, we simply couldn't keep this cozy woodland cabin to ourselves any longer, nor this amazing beachfront home right on the shore. No need to thank us, it's kind of what we do.  RECOMMENDED: 🌇See our guide to weekend getaways near Boston🛏Stay in the best Airbnbs in Boston🎭check out the best things to do in Boston Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influ

St. Patrick’s Day in Boston is our city's time to shine. With deep Irish roots, we love to flaunt our Eire pride just about any day of the year—as demonstrated by our highly frequented Irish pubs—so naturally, we like to go all out for St. Paddy's. While Southie's annual parade is the undisputed highlight around these parts, there's a wealth of other ways to celebrate this March 17. Whether you take part in some of the St. Patrick's Day specials or simply bum around one of the best beer bars in Boston, plan ahead for the following day with our guide to the best brunch spots in Boston. Just remember: It's a marathon, not a sprint.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

While there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the city, sometimes you just want to hit the road and escape to the fresh air, country roads, and charming small towns. Use our guide for top spring getaways to plan your next trip. But if you can't take a whole weekend away, check out one of these day trips from Boston. And once you’re back in town, get back into the swing of things by hitting up the best museums, listening to some stellar live music and dining out at the hippest restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston. 

Spring is in full swing and we’re all coming out of our winter hibernation. If you feel like you need to shake off the winter chill a spa day might be just what you need. Fortunately, New England is filled with award winning spas and wellness centers offering the latest groundbreaking treatments and reliable classics, all within a short drive from Boston. Book a girl’s weekend, a couple’s getaway or treat mom for Mother’s Day! And if these get you in the mood for a little weekend trip check out our guide to all the best weekend getaways in New England.  

Whether you want to get outside and enjoy the season on a local ski mountain or stay inside at one of the coziest restaurants in town, we have got you covered. But if nothing on this list sounds about right, check out the best cheap things to do or the best free things to do in Boston for fun all month long. And we have also rounded up all the best things to do this weekend right here in the city! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Skiers and snowboarders know your time on the slopes is only half the fun. When the lifts close or when your legs just can’t handle another run, it’s time for the après ski to begin! Après ski is a French term literally translating to “after ski.” The term first became popular in the Alps in the 1950s as a catch-all phrase for post-ski activities. In the U.S. today, the term après ski is most commonly used to describe post-ski drinks and parties. Ski resorts across the U.S. have been trying to distinguish themselves in the increasingly popular winter sport. The 2022-2023 season was a record-breaking year for many resorts; some go for family-friendly, promoting their ski schools and kid-friendly activities. Many distinguish themselves by focusing on luxury experiences, five-star dining, world-class spas and top-notch accommodations—which is especially attractive for those who don't ski. But what many skiers look for when planning their next trip is the après-ski scene! They want slope-side drinks, live music and DJs, afternoon parties, and places to go out in the evening. Here are our top 10 après ski spots in the U.S.

So, you’re participating in Dry January. The holidays are over and maybe you feel like your body needs a reset, maybe you partied too hard on new year’s and you want to detox or maybe you’re just looking to start 2024 off on the right foot. Whatever your reasons for participating in Dry January are, we got you. We’ve put together the best places to go out that offer mocktails, non-alcohol focused activities and more to help get you through the month! And if your wallet also needs a reset check out our list of the best free things to do in the city and Boston's best cheap eats.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

Savor the holiday season by attending a few festive shows this year. From classics like the Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker to new and exciting performances like The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show! We’ve rounded up all the festive, jolly and merry shows you’ll want to grab tickets to this year. When you’re done, check out one of the many Christmas events in Boston or get some more cheer from a Boston Christmas lights display.

We all love New England for its four seasons, however sometimes even for hard core New Englanders the long cold winter can be grueling. The best cure? Hit a local ski slope! We are so lucky to have plenty of ski mountains near Boston. Take a winter getaway this season at a nearby ski resort to enjoy some exhilarating runs, cozy drinks in the lodge and plenty of stunning views from the top. Some spots also have great snowboarding and awesome tubing and sledding too. So, bring the whole family and get outside on a mountain this winter near Boston. We have ordered the list by ascending distance from Boston, so the closest mountains are listed first.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

While all Bostonians may moan and groan come wintertime, we know some fun ways to get over the winter blues. We love skiing and snowboarding our way through the season, in fact, you'll find us at Stowe or Sugarbush most weekends. There are also tons of local ice-skating rinks and sledding spots so everyone can enjoy playing outside in the snow. For Bostonians who would rather embrace more of an après ski scene, check out our best restaurants with fireplaces. For other ways to get cozy beyond the confines of your apartment, grab a steaming hot bowl of the best ramen in Boston or snuggle up at one of the best cocktail bars in town.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best winter day trips from Boston. 

If you read our fall getaways guide you know we love Salem! If you want to really embrace spooky season, Witch City is the place to be. October may be the busiest time of year to visit Salem, but if you plan ahead, you will have the best time. Make sure you purchase tickets for events and experiences in advance and make dinner reservations as soon as possible. Read on to plan your perfect Halloween trip to Salem this October. But also check out the best places for pumpkin picking near Boston, the most haunted places you can visit in Massachusetts and the scariest haunted houses in New England for a true spooktacular season! Recommended: A full guide to the best things to do in Boston.

Every February, thousands of undie runners in cities across the U.S. come together, whether it be in-person or virtually, to support those affected by NF, a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body.   Cupid’s Undie Run kicks off with drinking and dancing at Landsdowne Pub, then jog it out with a mile(ish) run and end it all with an epic dance party! Taking place this Saturday, February 17 from 12-4pm, get all the details and register here.

One of Edgartown’s favorite boutiques is officially open in Boston! Join The Great Put On this Saturday, December 16 from 5-8pm for the Grand Opening celebration of their new Seaport location. All weekend long shoppers will have the chance to check out a Jewelry Trunk Show featuring renowned designers like Kika Alvarenga, Dana Kellin, Emanuela Duca and Laurie Kaiser. Kicking off the weekend at the Grand Opening party there will be music by DJ Matt Toto, champagne, sweet treats and gifts with every purchase! Stop by to welcome The Great Put On to Seaport and finish your last minute holiday shopping, at 70 Pier 4 Blvd.

Get all your holiday shopping done! Join Boston Harbor Distillery for a festive day of shopping and cocktails. Guest can enjoy a season cocktail made with BHD spirits in the cocktail lounge then shop 15 different local vendors and artisans. This Sunday December 10 starting at 2pm, RSVP ahead of time for free admission.

One of the most exciting new restaurants to open this fall, Moxies, a new restaurant in the Seaport offers a modern-chic and upscale casual dining experience. But while many area bars and restaurants close at 11pm, Moxies offers the late-night crowd an alternative to the club scene, staying open until 1am! Click here to view their menu.

The Holiday Market at Snowport is back in Seaport for another year! Officially opening this Friday, November 10 at 11am! The market will be open through the end of December, stop by and explore, shop local artisans and find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. While you’re there check out the Snowport curling lanes or grab a hot chocolate.

Chef Jeremy Sewall and Shore Gregory, owners of Row 34 in Boston, Cambridge, Burlington, MA and Portsmouth, NH, are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the restaurant this fall. This weekend, they are honored to host The Row 34 10th Anniversary Weekend to Benefit Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, throughout Row 34’s 10-year relationship with Friends of Dana-Farber, the team has helped to raise over $1 million dollars! The weekend festivities include: Saturday Soirée on November 4: an epic evening of decadence with loads of the Row 34 favorites including an expansive raw bar, unlimited caviar, a lobster roll bar, martini’s, champagne and a silent auction. DJ LDuke will keep the dance party going. Sunday Funday on November 5: Starting at 1pm, Chef Jeremy will be joined by the world-famous BBQ chef Aaron Franklin, along with local chef and friend Dave. The three chefs will be joined by local oyster farmers and brewers for a day of bites and beers. Anchored by music from DJ Ryan Brown. Get all the ticket details for both events here.

Visit the Franklin Park Zoo October 28-29 10am-3pm for thrills, chills, animals and more at the annual Zoo Howl! This popular, family-friendly events includes the opportunity to trick-or-treat amongst the animals. Wear your best attire and you might just win the costume contest. As you enjoy the haunted happenings, be sure to meet with our educators who can tell you more about all the curious critters who call the zoo home. Learn more and get ticket information here.

Celebrate Halloween in the South End Saturday October 21 from 9am-1pm. This free event will include costume contests for families, dogs big and small, and group costumes for dogs and owners. Enjoy lots of neighborhood fun and spooky treats. Get all the details here.

This Friday, October 20, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is coming to the Emerson Colonial Theater. The 1975 musical comedy horror film is the perfect way to celebrate spooky season with your friends. Get tickets while they last here.

A time-honored tradition since 1965, The Head of the Charles Regatta attracts thousands of rowers and viewers to the banks of the Charles river every year. Taking place this year October 20-22, spectators can watch the races and explore the rowing and fitness expo. Get all the details here.

October 13-15 celebrate Boston Baroque’s 50th year with an all Beethoven program, including his popular Symphony No. 9! Founding Music Director Martin Pearlman leads the renowned orchestra and chorus alongside an all-star roster of soloists. Get all the details and buy tickets here.

A farmer, a tractor and a duo of pumpkins weighing about 2,500 pounds arrived downtown at the Boston Public Market this week. This year’s official pumpkins are courtesy of Red Apple Farm of Phillipston, Massachusetts. Boston Public Market will celebrate the arrival of the pumpkins with a Harvest Party on Thursday October 12. Come out for bites, drinks, live music and more. Get tickets here.