Discover MetroWest Boston, a treasure trove of hidden gems, unique attractions, and vibrant communities that make a fantastic and easy homebase for exploring much of Massachusetts. Located just 30-60 minutes from Boston, MetroWest offers something special for every visitor, from young singles to couples, and families to seniors—with all the fun of the city at a fraction of the price! Explore the region’s boating, biking, hiking, and swimming, craft breweries and fine dining, exciting attractions and engaging arts and culture.
Get Moving!
Take a deep breath of summer at one of MetroWest Boston’s eight state park recreation areas, like Hopkinton State Park whose 1,500 acres are crisscrossed by hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails around a lake with boat rentals, beaches, stocked fishing, and more. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head to Level99 for a great meal and craft beer in the taproom, then test yourself with 40+ mental and physical escape rooms and challenges, or get a little competitive at MetroWest’s newest attraction: Puttshack—where mini golf meets high tech.
Spend the night at one of the region’s 47 hotels, then start the day off right with a round of golf at the gorgeous Marlborough Country Club, or disc golf at Franklin’s Dacey Field, whose course runs past a babbling brook. Kayak, paddleboard, or hike along the scenic Sudbury River, lush with vegetation and excellent for birding. Wander through Garden in the Woods, showcasing gorgeous native plants of the New England Wild Flower Society.
Grab a bike and head to one of the many regional rail trails offering 50+ miles of paths for all mobility levels. Let the kids climb the walls at Urban Air’s adventure park, with ropes courses, battle beam, zip line, trampolines, aerial course, warrior course, and more.
Get Artsy!
Take in a fabulous play, concert or special event at one of MetroWest’s many performing arts centers like Hopkinton Center for the Arts, TCAN, or atac: downtown arts + music. Be sure to visit the Danforth Art Museum, a jewel box housing 3,500+ artworks, including a collection by Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller, renowned for her groundbreaking sculptures of the African and African-American experience.
Wander the Natick, Franklin, Framingham, and MarlboroughCultural Districts to see beautiful public art, dozens of working artists’ studios, and lovely boutiques offering hand-crafted items. Or create something of your own at Elsie Kaye Glassworks, Cheryl Cohen Mosaics, or in a cooking class at WSK. Attend a glorious concert by MetroWest Symphony Orchestra or Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, who offer wonderful jazz, chamber, and symphony performances and free outdoor summer concerts.
Get Historic!
Explore the American Heritage Museum, whose immersive exhibits cover 250 years of world history featuring one-of-a-kind antique planes, tanks, and cars, plus fascinating stories of veterans from WWI to today and unique living history events. Or stop in to the Framingham History Center to see their current exhibit highlighting immigrant’s stories through the decades. Call ahead, and they’ll also pull fascinating pieces from their collection, such as John Hancock’s signature, suffragette pins, indigenous artifacts, slavery documents and more. Excited for the 250thanniversary of the American Revolution? Head to the Franklin Public Library to see Ben Franklin’s book collection, or attend a reenactment in honor of Holliston’s 300th birthday.
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Get Tasting!
MetroWest Boston is known for fantastic craft beverages. Plan a brewery tour to one of their 17 craft breweries—like Jack’s Abby, Exhibit ‘A’ or 67 Degrees. Stop in for a bite and glass at a cidery or winery, or have a gourmet meal, a tour, and a tasting at GlenPharmer Distillery, where the menu pairs with their spirits. Most offer live entertainment too! Or perhaps farm-to-table is more your scene? If so, don’t miss Buttercup, The Farmer’s Daughter, C’est La Vie Bistro, or The Farmer’s Porch, where chef-owners create incredible food straight from local farms.
To plan your next adventure, download the free visitors guide at www.metrowestvisitors.org/guide, and go explore!