The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is incredible. There’s so much to see, from classic masterpieces to contemporary exhibits, and it’s really easy to spend a full day exploring without feeling overwhelmed. The galleries are well laid out, and the museum does a great job of balancing large, famous pieces with smaller, hidden gems! I love how interactive and engaging some of the exhibits are, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. The museum has a really welcoming atmosphere, and I always leave inspired and wanting to come back. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a fun, cultural day out, the MFA is definitely worth visiting!! :)

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is a breathtaking cultural gem that masterfully combines timeless elegance with bold artistic innovation. As you step through its majestic neoclassical entrance, you’re instantly immersed in a vibrant world where centuries of creativity come to life. Inside, you'll discover an extraordinary array of art, from ancient Egyptian relics and classical European masterpieces to Greek, Roman, and Impressionist works. Don't miss the captivating collection of musical instruments, which adds an enchanting rhythm to the museum's diverse offerings. Overall, if you’re looking for a fabulous activity to do during the off-season, whether you’re a local or a tourist, MFABoston is an excellent choice! You’ll absolutely love it! Best, Srdan Dokovic

A fantastic museum with a great variety of exhibits. We only got to see about 1/3 of the displays, so definitely should’ve left more time. The Americas section had lots of interesting pieces and the Jewish art room was really interesting. We were able to get tickets there with no issues, but you can also reserve them online.

Absolutely amazing museum! Where shall I start?! Egyptian art, European art, Greek and Rome art, impressionist art - blew my mind, amazing collections! Musical instruments collection - mesmerizing! And the best part they open till 10pm on Thursday and Friday. I really appreciated that!

So nice, we went twice! But actually we had a morning planned to see the exhibits and loved what we saw , but had only seen a fraction after a few hours. We went the next day when they have $5 late night tickets to see some more. There's still so much to see and it's all so interesting. The cafe was good for a lunch. The staff were all super friendly. Set aside at least a day to visit if you want to see the highlights of all the exhibits.

Extremely popular attraction for tourists and locals. Not too crowded but full and friendly. I would like to return on a quieter day. I loved the museum design and height of exhibit halls. The Japanese art collection is the most impressive in the world.

Definitely worth a visit. I would highly recommend doing an hour long tour which runs throughout the day and it’s included with your admission ticket. The museum is nicely laid out in an organized fashion. There are several dining options. I was happy that there is a casual cafeteria with very reasonable priced foods. The museumwas easily accessible by train, which dropped me off right in front of the museum.

This is the best tour I’ve been on in a long time! The street and local atmosphere is something out of a movie, and the tour is very affordable and informative. The guide was fantastic, telling fun stories of his life in Boston and his 10 years working at the field. We saw everything from the original seats to the press box, the green monster, and the special VIP museum that holds World Series balls, bats, uniforms and memorabilia from over the decades. I would recommend this tour to anyone I know, especially baseball lovers. So worth the time and money!

Thanks to Kevin and Zach (apologise if I spelled them wrong) The tour was amazing! They provided clear and touchable introduction about Fenway Park, the immortal and irreplaceable history of Boston Red Sox, including each detail on and off the court, and what did here happened somethings that were truly iconic, and more little adorable sides of the park, such as Fenway Farm! I was impressed by every step I took without a doubt! It was worthy to take a tour here although there's no baseball matches now. Glad to be here to calmly know everything about Fenway!

We took a guided tour of the Fenway stadium. Booked just about 45mins before the tour from the kiosk at the Gate D entrance on the Jersey street. Great experience. The tour guide, Abby (if I remember correctly), was great - very informed as well as great style of presenting facts. With very long history and so many interesting things happened with the Red Sox, the tour was definitely worth it. We don’t watch baseball and have only elementary knowledge of rules but it was still very much easy to understand. Definitely to be done if you’re in Boston.

This was my first time visiting Fenway Park, and even though my team wasn’t playing, I knew I couldn’t come to Boston without checking it out. I’m so glad I did, the energy inside the stadium was incredible! From the moment I walked in, I felt the history and passion that make Fenway such a special place for baseball fans. The crowd was electric, and what really stood out was the sense of community. The entire stadium came together, singing songs, cheering, and living and breathing every moment of the game. I felt completely swept up in the excitement. We just so happened to be there for the game the Red Sox clinched their spot in the playoffs with a walk-off win! The stadium absolutely erupted. I’ve never felt that kind of excitement at a ball game before. You didn’t have to be a Red Sox fan to appreciate the moment. Being there for that walk-off and watching the team celebrate was something I’ll never forget. Fenway isn’t just a place to watch baseball it’s a place to feel it. The atmosphere, the history, the energy it all makes for an incredible experience.

A great stadium for baseball games and concerts! Went to see a concert here the other night and had a great time. Security getting in was easy and signage to find our seats was pretty straightforward. There were a good number of concession stands and bathrooms. For a concert it wasn’t the best sound quality ever, but it was good. It’s a great venue, we’ll definitely be back!

Baseball fan or not, you’ll be a fan of Fenway. Yah, we watched the game (they lost) but we also walked to see all…the…things. Old ticket booths turned into exhibits, Green Monster seats, legendary vibes everywhere. Everyone does the 7th inning stretch, but the fans elevated the experience with the 8th inning…Thanks for a great night, Boston

decided to take the tour of Fenway Park, and our guide Joe was extremely knowledgeable.Not only about the stadium and the players, but baseball in general. We went into the press box, up to seats on top of the Green Monster, viewed the garden and the Red Seat!! Great tour, great information 👍

Such a beautiful and peaceful spot! I could have stayed all day, especially with the perfect fall weather. I captured some amazing Boston shots during my mini photoshoot. While there were plenty of people and lots of photo-taking happening, there were also plenty of quiet corners to escape the crowds. Truly loved my time here!

The Boston Public Garden is a must-see! It's a gorgeous escape right in the middle of the city, and a perfect spot to relax and get away from all the noise. The trees are stunning, especially in the fall when the colors are just magical. I love watching the squirrels play and taking a stroll along the paved pathways. The famous Swan Boats on the lagoon are a charming sight, and the park is great for all ages. It's completely free to enter, open from dawn to dusk, and super easy to get to with the Arlington and Boylston T stops nearby. Don't forget to say hi to the "Make Way for Ducklings" statue! It's a beautiful, peaceful place that's perfect for a walk, a date, or just unwinding.

Boston Public Garden is a beautiful city park that delights with its natural beauty. An oasis of greenery in the heart of the city, it is perfect for strolling, relaxing, and enjoying the peace and splendor of nature. Its elegance and romantic atmosphere make it one of the most special and beautiful places in Boston.

We love this place! It’s serene and peaceful. This time around, we rode on the Swan Boat which was so nice since the last time we were here was in the Fall and the lake was empty. So glad we were able to check it out in the Summer. Be aware if it’s hot outside, the Swan boat is open so you are exposed to the sun and the elements, but you get a nice breeze from the water.

Loved visiting the public garden. It was so beautiful when we visited. Each tree has a history behind it and a plaque attached telling you where it’s originally from. Lots of space and great for families

Boston Public Garden, located just steps from Boston Common, is truly one of my favorite places in the city! The meticulously maintained gardens, iconic swan boats gliding across the lagoon, and beautiful walking paths create a serene urban oasis—perfect for a quiet stroll or a relaxing afternoon. The floral displays are gorgeously seasonal, and everywhere you look there’s charm: historic statues, shaded benches, and picturesque bridges. The lagoon view, especially at sunset, is postcard-worthy. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this spot is a peaceful escape in the heart of downtown Boston. Highly recommended for a peaceful retreat amid beautiful greenery—can't beat this gem near Boston Common!

A very beautiful garden in a very dirty city. This place was great to visit during my time in Boston, especially since everywhere in this city is filled with trash, more trash than I’ve ever seen in a city and that includes Seattle and New York. This garden was well kept, had so many places to walk and see it was just a great experience, do yourself a favor and check it out!

A great place to go for lunch as a tourist in Boston! So much choice of food. Enjoyed some American Mac and Cheese! The small portion is ginormous . So delicious! Will definitely return when next in Boston. Public toilets available here too!

It's very close to downtown Boston. There are many vendors selling foods, snacks, souvenirs and also many shops with a good collection of apparel. I like the place because it's very walkable and there are artists and also street performances like you can enjoy. You can walk in the building of the market. There are three separate buildings. Each of them features different set of merchandise goods. There are children's play area inside and outside the building. Pets are welcomed.

This was on all of the Google searches for being a must see in Boston. There were so many food vendors and the building was historic and beautiful. There were areas to eat although it was pretty crowded. It was fun to look at all the different types of food available.

I went when it was a quiet Friday evening and there wasn't much going on. The stores were warm and offered souvenirs and trinkets. The history on the wall though was fascinating. Restrooms were clean and located down the steps. There are outdoor seating benches and tables and is located next to the Samuel Adam's Tap Room. Just a couple hundred feet away is the Boston sign. So, all in all, well worth the trip! Saturday the place was swarming with people, music blasting and some break dancing was going on as others walked around and shopped.

This place is an indoor and outdoor establishment. Full of wonderful places to eat from all over the world. Little shops from Christmas, sports, home goods, and many more. Great atmosphere and architecture.

Very good selection of food. Clean place. Pretty crowded since is in the touristy area. My son had a meatball sandwich, my husband and I had pasta. Everything was tasty.

Amazing place to visit when in Boston. This was the staple of our trip, so much to see a s do. Very close, walking distance to many stops on the FREEDOM TRAIL. must stop!

We had a great experience! Booked the 45 minute walking tour with Leo. His wife runs the shop and Leo does the tours. Leo was awesome, gave us so much information about the history of the Pilgrams and why they came to America, settled among the Indians and made peace with them, earned a hard living and raised their children to love God. The tour was so worth it! You don't wanna miss your chance if you're coming to Plymouth.

This tour is a must for any visit to Plymouth. Leo offers a lot of history and clear insights into not only the Pilgrim mindset that was key to establishing the fundamentals of this country, but he also packs a lot of info on the lives of those who brought that mindset. The stores is loaded with great books and souvenirs. If you've been to Plymouth and you haven't done this tour,, you don't know Plymouth,

It would of been fine, if Leo the tour guide would of just stayed on the historical facts. But he went on a 15-20 minute tyrant about politics and how we all need to be Christian nationalists. Everyone has a right to their beliefs but leave it at home, I'm on vacation. I just want to relax and have a good time. Everything else was great, but It really left me with a negative feeling towards this place.

Leo and Nancy are AMAZING!! I can’t say enough good things about what they’re doing in Plymouth. Because of them, our Plymouth experience was greater than expected. They both have a passion for knowing, preserving, and sharing the true and accurate history of Plymouth, the Pilgrims, and the events that led them there. Leo’s depth of knowledge is so impressive. I learned so much and heard so many stories that you’ll never find in your history books. He really made Plymouth come alive for me and my family. Most importantly to us, he is committed to weaving Biblical truth into every aspect of the tour because for the Pilgrims, that’s what it was all about! If you’re in the area or planning a trip, go spend time with Leo and Nancy. You won’t regret it! They are both so warm, compassionate, and inviting.

The tour guided by Leo was phenomenal! I recommend that everyone visiting Plymouth should book with the Jenney for the history tour. For only $25 per person this is a no brainer to book for your visit!

I did not appreciate the lecture from the tour guide named Leo. He quickly got off topic and preached about politics and Christian Nationalism. Seriously! It was VERY uncomfortable. I was genuinely interested in the history but I was instead lectured. I would stay away from his lecture, especially if you come as a family.

The Jenney Museum's monument tour was the highlight of our family's visit to Plymouth. And their walking tour was so great we did it twice, once ourselves and then later with friends. We learned so much. Leo does all the tours and he is fantastic. Don't miss these! Leo is the best resource here, if you want to learn about the Pilgrims and what they stood for.

(Visited on 09/13/2025) A visit to the museum was the first thing I had in mind when we planned our trip to Salem. They showcased actual artifacts from the trials and gave detailed stories and backgrounds to the people affected. I also appreciated the timeline of events post Salem Witch Trials.. Also to note, the Yin Yu Tang house was such a marvel! It transports you to another place and time and gives you an insight of generational living of another culture. Kudos to the museum staff! I recommend to order your tickets online prior to visiting, going as soon as it opens, and possibly dedicating most of your day here. We parked at the Witch City Mall parking garage (~$11/day) and parked on the top floor. More spots available and you get a unique view of Salem.

SO MUCH to see! It says minimum of 2 hours but allow yourself most of the day. We didn't see it all and we were there for over 4 hours. LOTS of history and tons of interactive stuff for little ones, too! You can buy your tickets in advance for any day and they are good for anytime you want to go that day. Start early to see it all.

Easily spend a full day here. Surprising East Asian and asian art collection as well as other exhibits I didn't expect, like contemporary south Asian art. I ignorantly came expecting that the museum would be mainly about the Salem Witch Trials, which are covered with humanizing care, introspection and reflection on justice. But I came away learning a lot more about Salem, it's fascinating history and connection to the global world trade and the cultures shared through artifacts and art represented in the exhibits. There are other children friendly exhibits about the boreal Forrest and overall the exhibits are not text heavy and often contain interactive and or video media throughout.

We came to Salem for Halloween, but the crowds drove us into the museum. If it weren't for the parking situation we could've spent a few more hours here. OMG! What a class museum! The indeginous section was amazing as well as the South Asian Contemporary collection! (You don't see that much in the States) Definitely on the list of places to revisit!

The Peabody Essex is one of my favorite spots in Salem for lunch - the peppers are absolutely scrumptious… Is what I would say if the PEM was a restaurant and not a world-class museum!! I’ve visited 2-3 times and each time I learn or discover something new, even from the permanent collections. All the art and historical artifacts are displayed and described with respect and expertise. The Yin Yu Tang House is especially interesting and impressive to learn how they shipped it to MA in parts and assembled it here (and also where you can find the dried peppers :D). I also really enjoy the interactive natural history sections of the museum; on my last visit, they had a room with different caterpillars!! The PEM is a must-visit for any trip to Salem.

This is a must see museum if you are visiting Massachusetts. The art and artifacts are well presented and quite varied. The museum is immaculate, and well run. There is a public parking garage nearby, with economical rates.

This was an absolutely beautiful museum. We could feel ourselves traveling through time with different artwork from different periods. There also felt like there was quite a bit of representation between old and new as well as art from around the world. I definitely loved the art books that you could contribute to as well. It felt like we were a part of the art and really able to experience and learn up close. The museum was very clean and spacious as well. The greeter were very polite and warm and welcoming. They were also very knowledgeable. The little gift shops were also quite pleasant and adorable.

When I was going there I knew it was going to be more of an attraction than coming to see a part of American history. This place is very special and I hope it is honored. As I did wander through the streets My eyes weren't focused on the books as much as the architecture around there I must say it was beautiful. Well I'm really grateful for is that you do see the respect from a lot of people not touching the offerings. I was so excited to go there and I'll be frankly honest with you it lived up to it the whole town everything. What I think would be peaceful is a 5:00 a.m. cup of coffee walk no people no stores just the history the architecture the pride in a build in a fear of injustice.

Its very humbling to have people not forgotten. The memorial is definatly being honored and the names kept alive of those that were mistakenly accused and lost their lives. The fact thousands of people visit and take their time to view each name and some even dropping flowers in their memory really does feel as if they wont ever be forgotten. The graveyard also very full with visitors look & talking about those who are no longer with us and there is just a buzz in the air for those that could have been forgotten being remembered.

Wonderful place to come. It’s a free tour but you’ve got to get your pass online. So much history in one area.

A beautiful and powerful place of reflection. The Witch Trial Memorial is simple yet incredibly moving — a quiet space that honors the innocent lives lost during the 1692 witch trials. The stone benches engraved with each victim’s name create such a heavy emotional impact, especially when you realize how close it is to the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It’s not flashy or touristy, and that’s what makes it so meaningful. The atmosphere is peaceful and somber, and it really encourages you to pause and reflect on what happened here centuries ago. If you’re visiting Salem, make sure to stop by. It’s a short visit, but one that stays with you long after you leave. A beautiful and respectful tribute — five stars.

Probably one of my favorite experiences of this whole trip. It was really sobering to be in the spot of remembrance for these people who were killed because of hysteria and groupthink and intolerance. Brought pennies all the way from Seattle to leave one of each of their markers It was amazing to see others then felt the same way that I did. It was beautiful and moving

Interesting stop along your journey through Salem These are just a few of the the benches dedicated to the people persecuted for being a witch Most were hung and one crushed to death from "spectral evidence" Let me help in case you've never heard of such a thing like I hadn't Google says, Spectral evidence is testimony based on dreams, visions, or apparitions, where a witness claims the spirit or "specter" of an accused person appeared to them and caused harm, even when the accused was physically elsewhere. It was notably accepted during the Salem Witch Trials in the late 17th century, reflecting the Puritan belief that malevolent spirits could project themselves to torment others, but it was later condemned as unreliable and dangerous. What it entails: Apparitions: Accusers reported seeing the specter of a witch, sometimes in human or animal form, that would pinch, bite, or choke them. Dreams and Visions: The evidence often came from victims experiencing visions or dreams where the spirit of the accused person tormented them. Spiritual Projection: The underlying belief was that witches, through a pact with the Devil, could project their spirit to harm others from a distance, while their physical body remained in a different location

This is a memorial of the salem witch trials. You will see the gravestone of those convicted, and hung, of being a witch. There are tickets you need to register for, but are free, just so they can keep track of the visitors.

Honestly disappointed. My family is glad we went for the experience. But truthfully we were really let down. The recorded narration on the presentation contains inaccurate info that a simple Google search would prove to be wrong. Sorry, but getting an entire person’s (Tituba) race, culture, beliefs, and personal history WRONG just to sell the narrative is inexcusable. Very disappointed in that. And the items that were on display in the “museum” were also a let down and had very little/nothing to do with the actual witch trials at all. We saw a much better exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum, that included copies of documents and letters as well as items owned by the victims. Overall, I would never go and pay the $54 to do this again, and honestly disappointed we spent THAT much for our visit, I fully advise anyone visiting in the future to keep all these things in mind. Because after our visit, we fully understand why they don’t allow filming inside. They definitely don’t want anyone to see how underwhelming it is before going and lose their business. 🥴

The first part of the museum was a bit campy and felt somewhat dated. It wasn't terrible and I learned a good bit from it. The second section of the museum was nice and informative. Make sure to get there before your call time because even during the weekday it was very busy. During the month of October they open the tickets 12 hrs before so you have to be strategic to get the slot you want.

We visited Salem two days before Halloween, so the whole town was super fun and festive, even though the weather wasn’t great. We came across the Salem Witch Museum 1692 and decided to give it a try. It was very busy, with lines to get in, but everything was organized well. You scan a QR code on a sign to buy your tickets, and then line up about 30 minutes before your time slot. Once inside, you enter an auditorium with benches along the wall and small tufted circle seats in the middle. The show begins with the story of the Salem witch trials, told through mannequins positioned around the room, paired with lighting effects and narration. It was dramatized in an interesting way — not quite what I expected, but well done. Afterward, you move into a second exhibit area where a staff member shares more background about witches, the trials, and related cultural and historical facts. The entire experience lasted about 45 minutes. Overall, I think the experience was priced fairly. I wouldn’t have paid much more, but it was worth it to get a better understanding of the history — especially while visiting Salem during Halloween season.

I loved the experience but wish it wasn't so structured toward the end. The narrated story was very educational and unique compared to other self guided museums but once you get past that, you get ushered into a smaller room, given a ton of information really fast, and then are expected to head out without being given enough room or space to really observe or read all the displays. I would still recommend going at least once because it's one of those things you just have to do at least once. But I won't go out of my way to go back unless I have a very good reason.

The Salem Witch Museum is definitely one of the most talked-about attractions in Salem, but it’s important to know what to expect before you go. This is not a walk-through museum filled with exhibits — instead, it’s a guided, staged presentation led by museum employees. The experience begins with a dramatized performance recounting the events of the 1692 Salem witch trials, using lighting, narration, and life-sized figures to tell the story. It’s informative and gives a good overview of the history, but the entire presentation takes less than an hour, so it’s a relatively short visit. Afterward, there’s a small second section with some additional information and, of course, a gift shop at the end. I’d recommend buying tickets in advance, as the museum can get crowded and time slots often fill up quickly — especially during October or weekends. Overall, the Salem Witch Museum offers an interesting, theatrical look at a dark chapter in history, but it’s more of a performance than a traditional museum. While I appreciated the storytelling aspect, I found it to be a bit overhyped given how brief the experience is. Still, it’s worth a stop if you’re already exploring Salem and want a quick introduction to the witch trials.

It was fine. I heard some not so great reviews so I just went for the ghosts that allegedly show up in the photos. The ghosts did not show up in mine. It's essentially a retelling of the events of Salem with some staged exhibits or diorama as they are sometimes called, for dramatic affect. Its worth seeing if you have the time and money. But if you're short on one the other or both, you aren't missing anything. Their gift store is however terrific, that I give 5 stars. And Fattys cookies next door are a MUST.

Overall a waste it money. Staff were well organized and very kind. Museum itself is really disappointing. You walk into a room where old dusty and broken wax figures are lit up to a narration of the Witch Trials. Not all of the information was accurate. Then there is a very small museum of a few additional items on display. I was extremely disappointed to not be able to see the stained glass from inside or any of the building details. You’re better off going on a guided tour. We heard the same information on a walking tour and enjoyed that experience a lot more.

Never read the book, but looked interesting, my wife had and wanted to go. The tie guide was very knowledgeable in the story, the home, architecture, hawthorne and his lineage and she made the tour very enjoyable. The grounds are beautiful and also very interesting. One great thing i never knew was the effort to help people gain legal citizenship through classes which also help teach English. Really great to know money from my tour goes to this. A wonderful cause.

The House of the Seven Gables is one of Salem’s crown jewels - part museum, part literary landmark, part seaside retreat. It’s always busy, especially during peak Halloween season, so it’s best to reserve tickets in advance if you want to tour the interior. Even if tours are sold out, don’t skip it: the reduced-fare grounds ticket (around $15) is still a great value. It grants access to the scenic property, the gift shop, the restrooms, the Hawthorne birth home, and some of the outlying buildings, plus the stunning waterfront area. Between the historic architecture, the sea breeze, and the view of the harbor, it’s a peaceful escape from downtown’s chaos. The guided tour of the main Gables house is a highlight as it’s informative without being dry, blending stories of the real Turner family with Hawthorne’s inspiration for his classic novel. Walking through the low-ceilinged rooms, antique furnishings, and especially climbing the narrow hidden staircase tucked inside the walls is a thrill for any history or literature lover. The guides do an excellent job of capturing both the historical and literary importance of the site while keeping things engaging for visitors of all ages. The self-guided Hawthorne birth home, meanwhile, is smaller but equally fascinating, displaying authentic period furniture and personal items tied to Hawthorne’s family. The grounds themselves are worth lingering in. Between the gardens, cobblestone paths, and panoramic views of the waterfront, there’s no shortage of photo opportunities or places to simply sit and take in the atmosphere. On warm days, the wind coming off the water makes it a perfect spot to cool down and relax before heading back toward the bustle of Essex Street. The gift shop deserves its own mention too, stocked with locally inspired books, literary souvenirs, and even games that tie into Salem’s history. Whether you’re there for Hawthorne, colonial history, or just the coastal New England charm, the House of the Seven Gables absolutely lives up to its legend.

We went in September and the gardens were in bloom and it was not crowded. Our guide made our experience very enjoyable. The gift shop has item such as tee shirts saying I survived the secret staircase. For seniors admission five dollars less. I am not sure but the proceeds go towards the economy of the town of Salem. There is a lot of walking to be done but there are benches in places. There are great views of the water to.

This was a treat for me being that I read the book. Its a very neat tour and a very cool house and the grounds are SPECTACULAR. It has very little to do with the Salem Witches though. If you like old buildings and historical feeling things, this may be worth it for you. If you skip the house tour your won't be missing anything truly relevant to the trials or Halloween. I do recommend the grounds tour though. Especially if you love a majestic view. The pictures I took do not do it justice. Also, no ghosts were felt or spotted during the tour.

Purchase tickets in advance!! There are a lot of stairs with some being very narrow. Low ceilings as well just FYI. Definitely worth it though. Amazing experience! It was wonderful tour full of information an surprises! Parking is included with your tour ticket. You can park about 20 mins prior to your tour time and stay for 1 hour after your tour ends.

It was a great experience and our tour guild was informative and funny. My only issue is they gave you a map of the grounds but not the inside of the house so i felt a little lost in the house. But overall a good visit.

Cool tour. If you are into early American history, or literature you'll love this tour. This is a house built in the early 1600's and has survived and been restored over the years. A relative of the author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, was a famous American author and visiting this house and listening to his aunt tell him stories of growing up in this house inspired him to write the House of the Seven Gables novel. Has rooms restored to the time period, and original antique furniture and home pieces. The coolest part is a secret stairway that goes behind the fireplace up to the attic. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable.

Overall very nice day me and my wife ate at the lobster land food was very good service was good too meet the cast wicked tuna

Landmarks we Know. Back to Gloucester exploring the coast and the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. We visited this memorial in 1979. It is great to be back to remember our fellow sailors. The inscription is from the Bible, specifically Psalm 107:23, 24, which reads: "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep". #abuelosmochileros_landmarks #abuelosmochileros_gloucester #abuelosmochileros_massachusetts

It is wonderful path in the middle of the city. The flowers are just so beautiful and it makes the walk around there worthwhile. You can see also go in the water as there is a mini beach version of it. You can walk to the rocks and enjoy the view of the water. Ample parking available on the street. The most amusing things is that you can see the bridge open for boats to cross which causes traffic but it's nice to watch. Well maintained and definitely worth stopping here for the walk!

This entire Waterfront area is very nice for walking sitting on a bench looking at the ocean and taking advantage of the lobster roll truck. One of the best lobster rolls I've had in a long time in the ladies running it were so pleasant and when I expressed how good the food was they were genuinely appreciative

Beautiful!!! Walking path right by the water. A park is close with rocks to climb for a better view.. Bonus.. They had flowers beds down the strip between the water and road. 💕

Our walk was extremely pleasant and relaxing despite the slow rain. The park and flower beds are gorgeous.

Beautiful historic town! Recommend stopping by.

If you’re going to Hampton Beach for the first time, be sure to research parking ahead of time. It gets pretty crowded, at least in the summer. The beaches are clean. On certain days they have free concerts right off the beach along the walkway at the main building. Restaurants and shops line the road and there are plenty of options. Riptides are prevalent so swim with caution.

This is a well maintained beach with clean restrooms. There is a camping area near the road for campers if you have a fully contained RV or trailer, no tents allowed. The beach area and entry to water is fairly flat making it easy to walk and enter shallow water. There is a rocky jetty for fishing. The hardest part is walking through loose sand to get to beach; I wish they had a mat or boardwalk to make it easier for hauling wagons, coolers, chairs and such. Overall great experience.

Love visiting here. Parking can be tough. Much busier on the weekends. Many evenings in the summer they have events going on regularly, fireworks, live music, sandcastle building, etc. Fairly family friendly, but some parts of town can have people i wouldn't want around my children, but you can just avoid them pretty easily. Sand and water are great.

Hard to get same site for 3 nights. We had to move our trailer and saw many other people do the same. Nice location. On the ocean. Can't wait to go back, if we lucky to get a spot. Full hookup, water/ electric.

Traveled up to Hampton Beach, NH for our 4th year attending the Seafood Festival. This 3 day event is an absolute must. Such a great venue, food, entertainment and can access it all conveniently on foot. I recommend securing a local motel on the strip so one can walk and take a desired break in between. Local and visiting Vendors provide so many options as well as the music entertainment over the 3 day event. Location and beach is beautiful with life guards present. Local bars also provide great food, entertainment & atmosphere after hours. Looking forward to returning next year! 5*****

One of the best beach parks we’ve ever visited! Hampton Beach State Park exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we arrived, everything was well-maintained, organized, and welcoming. We had reserved parking online (which I highly recommend during peak season), and the process was smooth — staff checked our name and plate, and we were parked in no time. The parking lot is close to the beach, so we didn’t have to walk far with our gear. The beach itself is beautiful — wide, clean, and covered with soft sand. It’s perfect for walking, playing, or just relaxing by the waves. The water was chilly but refreshing, and the lifeguards on duty gave us peace of mind while the kids played near the shoreline. We found plenty of space even on a busy Saturday, and the whole atmosphere felt safe and family-friendly. Facilities were excellent. Clean restrooms, changing areas, and a small playground added extra convenience for families. The staff was friendly and helpful. It was also nice to see how well the park enforces rules like no littering and no idling, which helps keep the air fresh and the area pleasant for everyone. We stayed well into the evening and watched the sunset — absolutely breathtaking. Afterward, we walked along the lively boardwalk just outside the state park, which was full of shops, arcades, restaurants, and live music. It’s the perfect way to end a beach day. Although we didn’t use the campground this time, we saw plenty of RVs set up near the water, and it looked like a great option for those staying overnight. In short, Hampton Beach State Park is clean, beautiful, well-managed, and offers a great balance of nature and fun. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a full beach day, it’s well worth it. We’ll definitely be coming back — maybe next time with the RV!

Hampton Beach NH is a great place to visit it has everything one would want like a wide sandy beach, plenty of restaurants and entertainment. I always enjoy my time there both in season and off season.

Beautiful, historic area with cute shops and restaurants. Several movies were filmed here, including The Proposal, CODA, and Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Must see, view of harbor and lobster boats are pure Maine, lots of interesting shops. Awesome seafood restaurants 😋

Absolutely charming place. The absolutely best clam chowder can be had here at the Roy Moore fish market

Good memories here . Love the drive

A lovely spot to wander. Lots of art galleries in town, with several on bear skin neck. Good coffee, ice cream, cocktails and a couple of restaurants on this section too. 🖌️☕🦞👕🍹👜

A nice place to enjoy the view of Atlantic. Paradise for them who loves shopping and Art. Its a crowded happening place.

Very quaint, cute coastal town! Worth the stop and trip to Bearskin Neck. Of note, most places close pretty early during weekdays. Still, we had a great time!

This is an excellent place to visit for history and culture in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The buildings are well preserved, and it’s really fun to walk around and visit all of the buildings and see the exhibits inside. It’s definitely a must see for the history of the city. The buildings are very old from the 1700s and 1800s, and some of the buildings feature period actors. There are employees at many buildings to answer your questions, and everyone was very friendly.

This place is really something special. I had an idea of what to expect from their website, but man it is so much more if you take the time to really absorb it all and learn about everything there. Such a wild and rich history in this area.

Great time! You can spend a couple of hours but we spent all day here! So many diverse aspects of historical events, people, the trials and tribulations of settlers and indigenous natives of this area, and more. Well worth the admission! And if you’re a Baby Boomer, don’t miss the 1940’s corner grocery store and its proprietor, nor the WW2 multiple displays and recordings of the sacrifices made, and the impact on Americans during that time; as well as the victory garden.

Amazing neighborhood preserved as it was from its first inception. Only one structure has been moved. Most buildings were homes and had multiple owners and modifications through the years. Beginning in early 1600 through the late 1950's families lived here together. Theuseum has done a fantastic job of preservation through time.

I visited the Strawberry Banke Museum with my sister and brother-in-law the other day and we were all completely amazed and thrilled with the quality of the historic buildings in the historic neighborhood. I visit a lot of historic sites and I have to say this is one of my favorites and I became a member so that we can go whenever we would like. It was truly like taking a step back into history and the knowledge that one can gain there is limitless. I am so thankful that people had the foresight to preserve this beautiful neighborhood for those of us to enjoy many years later! I had been planning on visiting the museum for years and I am so thankful I finally made it happen. I can’t encourage people enough to go visit if it has been in one’s plans. I can guarantee that you won’t leave disappointed and your life will be enriched from the experience. I can’t wait to go back again! It truly is a wonderful piece of history and a true gift to society!

If you are anywhere near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Strawberry Banke Museum is a must see! Staff excellent, gardens beautiful, and exhibits very interesting and some interactive!

Arrived at about 2:30, an hour and a half before they close. We were told immediately that we would have time to go through all the houses but that they would be closing up in a little over an hour. No problem. We were sent to a room with some other folks to wait for an orientation about the site and to get a map. Waited around for 10 min with no communication from staff and decided to just a grab a map and get started without the orientation because we had already been told we would need to hurry to see everything and felt that we were wasting time. Maybe that's when they would have mentioned that multiple houses were closed and you could not even walk through them? Feel like that's something u could mention when folks are buying tickets. The ones that were open were nice, and the gardens too, hence the 3 stars. Again, very little interaction with staff except when we were stopped by a worker inside one of the buildings and she demanded to see the tags proving we had paid to enter and would stop talking about the house whenever anyone entered so she could ask to see their tags if she couldn't spot them at a glance. VERY ODD. Maybe give out wristbands instead of tags if you want them on everyone's wrist? I would say the ticket price is steep for the amount of attention given to guest experience. Would not pay again or recommend to anyone.

Touristy but cool. Take a sailboat with captain Jack on the Silverlining. He’s super cool and the boat is a classic.

I ordered some bulk live lobsters from the lobster shack, while picking up my order and I parked in the loading zone with my car and a 50 gallon cooler, the municipality gave me a parking ticket for parking in a loading zone, The police department said if it was a commercial transaction that it would be allowed, I own a commercial business but I bought lobsters we could play the word game but I was trying to be honest and they were not very receptive.

A quaint little sea side town. Sure, it’s mostly a tourist trap with all the shops, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t super fun and that I couldn’t find cute things. The smell of the ocean is amazing, and all the boats are amazing to watch folks work. Worth the visit. Plus, leads to the gorgeous Marginal Way.

Beautiful spot!

Finally! I didn't have to be stuck in traffic in the summer to visit! I walked the Marginal Way trail from Stearns Rd, which isn't very far. Enjoyable short walk around the Cove and across the bridge. Nice views of the ocean 🌊 and the fishing 🎣 vessels. I'm not certain how much parking 🅿️ is, but, space is limited and there is a parking 🅿️ meter to pay. Public restrooms available. Restaurants and shoppes to check out. I only visited a cafe since my time was limited. Go off season, end 🔚 of April, to avoid the crowds and go early.

I have been going to Perkins cove every year since I was born I just absolutely love it there it’s like a second home it beautiful and so much fun all the little stores are adorable my sister and I love climbing the rocks along the marginal away it’s such a wonderful place and I highly recommend visiting

Nice groups of shops, but parking is a night mare.

This beach was so beautiful. The whitecaps were perfectly patterned against the backdrop of the coastline and were so refreshing to play around in. This beach was one of the cleanest I've ever seen, and the water was pristine. It was busy but not overwhelming.

The beach is nice. The parking is 15$. There’s a beach side and a kind of pond that’s a bit warmer with no waves, also big rocks on the right of the beach, and nice waves, but the water is cold. Overall nice variety and view, with bathrooms and lifeguards.

Wonderful time with my family. I love the cold, clear Atlantic. We missed Maine almost right away. One of the most beautiful stares I've ever seen.

We visited Ogunquit Beach on a Sunday in October and couldn’t have been more happily surprised! The tide was low, which made it absolutely perfect for our two little girls to run and play. They loved chasing seagulls across the wide stretch of wet sand and splashing around in the shallow pools formed by the tide. It was so beautiful and peaceful, with plenty of space to spread out. Flying a kite was a highlight, and watching the girls run free in such a safe, open area was wonderful. It turned into such a fun family day—Ogunquit Beach is definitely a gem, even in the off-season!

The BEST beach. Amazing beach, cold crisp clear water .. amazing river side for exploring- and loads of beach area for playing in the sand or small tide pools. If you her hungry there is plenty of food near by or a short walk up town. Favorite beach by far especially if you have kids who love to swim and explore.

Such a beautiful beach. Great for walking. Dog friendly September 9th-March 31st!

What a spot! We visited in winter so there was plenty of parking in the lot and no one at the gate collecting money. We were hoping to find sea glass but definitely not a sea glass spot. It is an absolutely beautiful beach with tons of space and we really enjoyed watching the waves. We saw several dogs on the beach too.

Hooligans Landing definitely delivered on the eats and entertainment. The Crab Rangoons were crispy, creamy, and totally addictive, and the steak tips? Melt in your mouth amazing. Legit worth coming back for just those. Karaoke night brought the energy whether people could sing or not, it was all good vibes and lots of laughs. Loved the atmosphere. That said, the service missed the mark. Our waitress assumed my food was for my boyfriend without asking, even though I was the one who ordered, awkward moment that didn’t get addressed, let alone apologized for. We were just trying to have a good night, and that kind of assumption was not it. Overall, I’d go back for the food and fun, just hoping the service steps up next time.

Food was really good. Prices were competitive to other places in town. Both burgers were tasty even though they were a bit overcooked. We ordered the medium and they came out Well done. Lobster quesadilla was very tasty. Boom boom sauce was delish! Calamari was good and not chewy. Service was friendly but a little slow. We sat on the balcony area because the inside was so loud that we couldn't hear the hostess or waitress. The view from the balcony was awesome!

Extremely disappointed - would recommend avoiding food here completely. My wife and I visited Hooligans for lunch towards the end of July during peak season. Old Orchard Beach is a touristy area and our expectations were set appropriately for crowds, prices, etc. These factors played no part in our experience. We ordered the Philly egg rolls and clam chowder to start, accompanied by the tuna melt and fish and chips. The picture included was of the $28 fish and chips. Underwhelmed does not serve the experience justice. The fish and fries were extremely dry and for the price I would have expected a larger portion. The waitress did not come over once after the meals were served. It was almost as if she were embarrassed by what she brought out. I could not even finish the meal due to how dry it was. When asked how the meal was as the table was being cleared, I commented on how dry it was and she offered to have it remade or pass the comments on to the kitchen. She also indicated that there was no manager working to speak to. This is concerning for many reasons considering it is peak season in the area and apparently there was not a person with the authority to address concerns on staff. Additionally, the comments to the kitchen were passed on in what seemed to be 30 seconds. The $100+ bill was delivered with no apology or reduction. We also noticed "the kitchen" leaning against equipment on their phone as we walked out. We will not be going back and I strongly recommend other options be considered before dining here. Very unfortunate.

Cool place on the water full of live. It's not the best for kids but friendly. Food was pretty good and the service was on point.

Didn't eat but had a drink. Gorgeous views

Haven't been here in over 22 years a lot sure has changed. Loved the Old Pier two or three restaurants and shops there. It was the tourist season so very crowded. A great area for families lots of amusements, food stands, shops, arcades and of course 7 miles of sandy beach to enjoy the beautiful Maine coastline.

My family and I recently went on a trip here on a recommendation made by my daughter. Seeing as the family I went with are from a different state and I had never been before, we were all pleasantly surprised to see that there were many activities for us to keep busy with. The beach was beautiful, while the water was shivering cold, once we got used to it we were able to make great memories here. The amusement park was great, all the rides and games that were available was well worth the 2 hour car trip that we had to take to get there. There are many shops along the sidewalks, all of which are in close proximity to each other and are filled with souvenirs for everyone. One thing that I think could be improved is the pricing of the general area. The restaurant and shops, while nice in quality and quantity, have some truly ridiculously expensive items. My daughter and sister ordered two burgers with fries and wings, the total was over 70 dollars. The food was pretty good, but the wait time and pricing for it definitely was not worth it. Keep in mind, not all shops are like this, but you definitely need to go often to figure out which shops are best for certain items. I also think that the fact there are no free public rest rooms is a little ridiculous. The staff was very nice, but we had to pay 50 cents every time we needed to go to the bathroom. Some other restrooms were 75 cents. It may not seem like a lot, but for the amount of people in my family, thats about 7 dollars added to the trip. Again, it may not seem like much, but parking was 35 dollars,(later on in the night it was reduced to 20) over 70 for food, 30 for beach toys, (a bucket and shovel and umbrella) and about 20 for 3 ice creams which actually was the most reasonably priced thing here (the portions were ginormous!) Over all, the trip was enjoyed by everyone I had brought with me and was very relaxing. I would 100% recommend to someone and I plan on going again next year!

Wonderful wine experience enjoying delicious wine with a charming host in a beautiful setting. And, meeting the enthusiastic wine maker who educated us on the process. Most enjoyable!

All view, no wine Nice distraction if you need a break from great lobster and seafood, but absolutely not worth the money. The view is the only thing worth savoring. Every wine is a bland blend, sour, and full of visible sediment (Weinstein). Fresh glasses? Refused. Sad. Didn’t even bother to taste the sweet stuff. This isn’t a winery, it’s a tourist trap with a nice backdrop.

Came here from NYC with my partner just to experience the best winery in the east coast! I came here 8 years ago when they were at a different location , but the wine is still fire! The atmosphere? Eloquent. The wine? Crisp and smooth. I love this winery. I’m more of a white/ dessert wine girly. They never fail to impress me!!!

This winery is perfect! The staff is knowledgeable and amazing hosts. The grounds are incredibly beautiful. The barn is so perfect with attention to detail. Our group had an incredible experience! And the story of how they chose their logo is perfect…a place that is safe and welcoming to all!

We stumbled upon the winery while heading to our next hotel. When the weather is great make sure you stop by to sit on their porch and have some wine. Not sure why some people had issues with their wine but most I thought were pleasant. Staff were polite and the snacks are enough to enjoy a lunch while over looking the Valley.

Had the awesome experience of the Thai food and wine pairing yesterday. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! The staff made this event even better … SO friendly and accommodating. I will FOR SURE do this again. The wine is EXCELLENT. LOVE.

Highly recommend! Our intimate wedding dinner took place at this magnificent property and it was beyond perfect! Bettina, McKenzie and team were attentive from wine selection through table settings. We didn't have to worry on the big day and that was worth millions! Whether you're visiting for a bottle of wine, a walk of the gorgeous property or a function, you can't go wrong. It's the most beautiful backdrop for whatever you have planned.

One of 4 bridge observatories in the world. Love coming here. Admission includes access to Fort Knox's rich history, too!

My human and I almost embarked on a legendary journey to the top of the world: an observatory with views so vast they whisper ancient secrets to the wind. But alas… destiny was cruel. We stopped. I peed. She said, “Back in the car.” No exploration. No panoramic glory. No moment of reflection under the endless sky. Just asphalt and betrayal. As we drove away, I stared longingly out the window — my fur tousled by the air of unrealized adventure — and whispered to myself, “The stars deserved better.” Final Verdict: Great potential. Poor execution. I’m bringing a different human next time.

Enjoyed a couple of hours visiting the bridge, the observatory at the tip of the bridge, and the accompanying fort. Elevator ride to the observatory was quick and easy. Views were great.

Excellent views. Entry fee gets you into both the tower and the nearby fort. Glad we stopped.

Wonderful experience, if you're in the area you need to go and see its amazing I wish the Alabama Dot would do one in our state

Was quite pricey to visit the observatory. We just stopped by, took a view for free and left. By the way this was not the original bridge - they rebuilt a modern version. Still cool tho.

Eye catching bridge that has an observatory on top of one main support tower. Was a beautiful day and a nice place to spend a few hours.

We first found interest in the observation tower inside the bridge, which was amazing! Arriving early/mid-morning (and mid week) parking and access was very quick and easy. The elevator to the top was fast, quiet and seemingly motionless (for those of you who are squeamish). There are some more steps at the top, but still have a great view if you choose not to move higher (for those of you who have walking and steps limitations). The view is amazing and there are displays that indicate what you’re seeing as you look out in any direction. Fort Knox (no….not THAT Fort Knox) which is included in the ticket price, has a self guided tour of the fort, complete with canons, quarters, displays with pictures and descriptions of daily life, timeline and purpose of this fort designed to protect inland invasion during the Spanish-American war.

Stumbled upon this gem during our drive back from Bar Harbor to New York City. Located about an hour west of Bar Harbor/Acadia along Route 1. Saw a beautiful bridge and signs for “Fort Knox” observatory and headed toward that direction. Admission to the Fort alone is about $6.50 for out-of-state visitors and combined with the bridge observatory (recommended) is about $9.50. After paying the fees at the gate, you can either head to explore the fort or down toward the bridge’s observatory deck. There is a separate parking area for the bridge observatory. Once there, you head down along the path to the bridge’s tower entrance. You then take an elevator up to the top. From there, there are two short flights of stairs to get to the top/observatory section. The views there are spectacular…more than worth the nominal price of admission. The elevator operators/greeters were both super nice and very informative. The fort itself is also great with lots of area to explore on multiple levels. The top and bottom levels offer some great view of the Penobscot River. The gift shop there is also nice…lots of souvenir and snack options. All staff we encountered were very nice and helpful.

We visited here on our way from Camden to Bar Harbor. I separately reviewed the Penobscot Observation Tower which was also a great experience. Upon arrival in the parking lot you are given the option to purchase a ticket for just the Fort or for the Fort and Ovservation Tower; there is no Observation Tower only. Our priority was the Observation Tower and ww used what time was remaining to explore the Fort. There is a gift shop and restrooms you pass on your way into and back out of the Fort itself. The first thing I noticed was how intact the structure of the Fort was. Many of the ones I have seen in other places are reconstructions or ruins with walls crumbling. My husband and I explored a good bit of the area, although not all of it due to time constraints. I loved that you were able to walk through the same places soldiers did 200 years ago. The views from outside the walls were also incredible and very much worth stopping for on a sunny day. Overall, a truly great slice of history. We were just 2 adults, but I imagine kids would also love exploring this place, too. Highly recommend, especially as a way to break up the drive to or from Bar Harbor.

A well preserved fortification. Great place to bring well behaved pups. As they are welcomed onto all the grounds. SnickleFritz loved it. The folks working here are as friendly as can be. Especially in the gift shop and at the entrance gate. Great entertainment for kids of all ages.

Nice to visit fort. Nice, but small Visitors Center, which included giftshop. Long walk to inside of fort, but I made it and I'm disabled. Getting into the fort was difficult because of a steep ramp. Lots of big stairs and steep ramps throughout. I pretty much sat while my husband looked around. It was really big with lots to explore. He like it.

This fort is awesome! Fully explorable, and friendly staff. It’s a great mostly restored and a great historical location, the guide signs are helpful in figuring out what things are. There is a great book about the fort in the gift shop too, paperback and affordable, worth it. “The Observatory” visit is the most awesome thing I’ve done on a bridge, ever! Absolutely worth every penny. I’ve been here before and I’ll be back to visit again. Great visit 👍

Really cool place to explore! It’s quite the hidden gem as there weren’t very many people when we went. It’s incredibly impressive, especially for how old it is, they have done an amazing job with the upkeep. Doesn’t take too long to explore, which is nice, and it also provides a beautiful view of the water.

If you are doing a drive-by, you have the Entertainment so there's no traffic coming. It might be easier to park somewhere to take a picture. We got lucky as it wasn't real busy.

This was a lot larger than I imagined and I really liked it. The statue was in really good condition and the info boards surrounding it are well worth reading as the whole story about the man and the statue is interesting and fun. Well worth a visit if you're nearby and it is only a short walk from the waterfront so the two combined can use up a few hours.

Very nice detail on the statue and very informative information on the posts around the statue. The landscaping was a bit unkept, but overall a nice visit.

This is one of the iconic things to do in Bangor, and so we were happy to stop by. We weren’t exactly sure where to park because it is located near a busy street, but once we did, we enjoyed taking pictures of Paul and reading the plaques about the statue.

Paul Bunyan in all his glory with all his tales.. Very cool status with great accompanying stories.

It’s real big and you learn some interesting facts/lore from plaques at the site.

Who doesn't love a cool Paul Bunyan statue?

A Quintessential Maine Experience ​Bass Harbor Head Light Station isn't just a lighthouse; it's the postcard-perfect image of the Maine coast brought to life. Standing sentinel over the rugged, wave-battered granite, this iconic station is an absolute must-see when visiting Acadia National Park or Mount Desert Island. ​Unforgettable Views ​The views here are truly breathtaking. From the short, easy trail that leads you to the viewing area, you get an immediate sense of the wild, untamed beauty of the Atlantic. The classic brick structure of the 1858 lighthouse contrasts stunningly with the green pines and the deep blue water. ​The experience of descending the wooden stairs and carefully navigating the rocky shoreline to get that classic, low-angle photograph is worth the minor scramble. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes! It's one of the few places where you feel completely immersed in the dramatic coastal landscape.

Definitely a must if you’re in the area! Get there early as parking and spots at the rocks are very limited, especially during busy seasons. I went the first weekend of November which isn’t considered a busy time and there were still a good amount of people and there were only two parking spots open an hour before sunset. The views were amazing! I love sunsets and always go hunting for a nice spot, this one is top of my list. The perfect spot to enjoy and relax for a while.

My husband and I visited the Monday after the 4th of July weekend. It was pretty busy in the mid-afternoon when we arrived, but we fortunately got a spot pretty quickly. The lot is small and at rhe wrong time of day you could be waiting awhile. This is a beautiful lighthouse with gorgeous views. The cliffside has steps descending and then rocks you can scramble over for better views and pictures. Thankfully, my husband is adventurous and took some great shots for us. This is a must see. Definitely try to come when it is less busy (so not at sunset) if possible.

During our visit we sat in a line of cars for close to an hour to get a parking spot. Then walked down a windy rocky trail to view the light house. It was okay but to be honest after judging the wait, the crowds, and what it was I could have done without. The views are nice though and most of the people friendly and courteous.

This is a beautiful lighthouse on the south side of Acadia National Park. If you are daring abd climb out onto the rocks you can get a spectacular shot. But even from the less challenging trail it is one of the most beautiful places with the waves crashing on the rocks and the lighthouse and the bouy bell clanging. Not to be missed when visiting Bar Harbour and Acadia.

The Bass Harbor Head Light Station has two separate trails that offer two separate views of the Light Station. There is a very small parking lot near the entrance to the two trails, maybe fits about 12-15 cars. The lot was full when we arrived so we parked on the street with a long line of cars close to the "no parking on the road" sign and received a violation notice as the park ranger drove through the area. Be careful. With it being mid October of 2025 and the Gov shutdown, we thought the rules were a suggestion, our bad, follow the rules. The trail to the left of the parking lot takes you out to a few stairs that lead you down to the rocks so that you can walk on the rocks and get some great views of the light station and the coast. Great spot to sit on the rocks and enjoy the views. The trail to the right of the parking lot takes you down to the light station where you do get additional views of the coast line. Smaller area with fencing around, but great views Overall, it's a fun spot to check out.

Lighthouses are already magical, but a lighthouse placed where you can capture both it and the sunset is next tier. During the seasons where the weather is good, a lot of people tend to also want to catch the sunset here, so be prepared and come early to get a parking spot. Also be prepared to have people get in your way if you're wanting to take pictures, because the evening I actually got to see the sunset, there were at least 50 people also out on the rocks with the same idea, if not closer to 100. Nevertheless, the sunset is always a beautiful thing to see. Honestly, I was more enamoured with the view towards the east, with the colour of the water, and how the rocks seemed to glow in the evening light. My one disappointment was that the lens of the lighthouse was not on, or perhaps not functioning. That would have made it perfect.

We came upon this beach at lowtide. How very interesting to see seaweeds in this form!

Bar Harbor and Acadia are both on this stunning island, but you don't need to venture into either to view breathtaking scenery. I was there late October. Zero crowds, no problem parking anywhere.

The BEST vacation I've ever had and I've been to the Caribbean and Europe! You get everything from mountains to beaches to cute little towns to wildlife right in front of you. Acadia is just breathtaking too. It takes about 30-40 mins to get from 1 side of the island to the other as well, it's the perfect family vacation.

Spent 2 days on the island. Acadia National park was beautiful. Loved walking downtown Bar Harbor.

Island in Maine. Lots of lobsters, granite, fog and water. There's a national park here. It's pretty cool.

We come up here almost every year. Boring? Maybe. Or maybe we just found the perfect laid back, outdoorsy, dog friendly place in the USA to unwind and recharge.

I worked there Flagging for the most part it was really exciting to be there fresh air and the views were awesome people were friendly and understanding to the delays really nice place

What an incredible experience. Make your reservations to drive the mountain drive. Explore every backroad possible. The views were amazing and the fall colors were stunning. Pictures don’t come close to showing how beautiful they were. Take the time for this drive.

Despite it being windy and cloudy thwarting our views, it was a beautiful trip up the mountain. I loved being in the cloud! There were fresh ripe wild blueberries, and beautiful trails to explore. I highly recommend! You must make reservations in advance to access Cadillac Mountain. Tickets go on sale 30 days in advance.

We managed to get a summit mountain road pass 48 hours prior and it was an AMAZING sunrise. It was very very very cold though. Would highly recommend seeing this sunrise.

So grateful to have the opportunity trekking on the north ridge trail to see the sunrise. Even though I should wake up at 4.30 AM, the experience was worth it. The view while climbing up the trail was magnificent, great opportunity to have great bonding with friends. On the summit, the view was amazing, you wouldn’t regret to be there. Besides, you could also use car to reach the summit. However, just make sure that you bought the ticket online.

Known for the first bit of sun, we ventured out for sunset. Beautiful view of mountains, ocean, and lakes. Perfect view from the summit road overlook.

Best views in Acadia! I highly recommend the hike up, especially in the fall. It’s also a great place to see the sunrise, and there are several overlooks facing east on the hike up you can stop at for sunrise so you can enjoy the view crowd-free (expect huge crowds at the summit for sunrise). If you’re driving, you MUST have a reservation!

Gorgeous views! Lots of visitors so it’s hard to find parking. Also, you must have a reservation to enter for the sunrise viewing.Good luck with that! We had to take what was available so we went at 10am. It was packed, no parking and also govt shutdown so services were limited.

Beautiful, easy walking path along the coastline. Access at Albert Meadow Dr. or Agamont Park.

Beautiful path along the shore. You can walk along the shore and then turn down a few roads that lead you to the main street if you want. We just turned around and came back along the water back to the car. Many old homes to look at, the water is beautiful, benches to rest on. Easy walk and we even saw a porpoise! He was too far out to get any photos, but was fun to catch sight of one while we were walking.

Beautiful walk! Awesome views and beautiful hotels!

Beautiful path. Loved walking on this path and taking in all that my senses provided. Highly recommend the views here. Very serene.

Nice walk at sunset. People sitting on the rocks.

A wonderful stroll on the Bar Harbor shore. There are benches closer to the park and few to none towards the end. It's a flat and at least 5' wide in most parts. There are plenty of places to climb down to the shoreline.

Beautiful path along the beach in Bar Harbor. One of the prettiest places we’ve ever visited!

We had a lot of fun even though we didn’t get a chance to see any whales. By the time the tour started, this thick fog blanketed everything, but getting to go for a ride in that was a fun anyway! It was like you were on a different planet with the fog, waves and the large clusters of birds flying over the water. We booked the zodiac, which I really liked. It felt very stable and I could just imagine the feeling seeing whales that close! Definitely bring a hat and mitts if you get cold easily. The staff were all wonderful and very helpful when I emailed with all my questions. When we get a chance to come back to Nova Scotia, we would definitely come back here. I loved the island and would love to have a few days to visit. The gift shop was great and has a lot of local made items. The handmade hat I bought saved me from the cold! The whole place was such a magical experience. I loved it. A highlight of our trip for me for sure!

I just wanted to thank you so much for the amazing experience. I’ve been wanting to do this for a few years, it’s on my bucket list, and time is precious as I have eye diseases causing inevitable blindness. I even made the trip from Ontario to Nova Scotia last year (2024) but chickened out. I booked this last minute as I was back again, and was so thankful there was 1 spot available! I was a bag of nerves!!!! Getting on the boat, I immediately knew I was in good hands. The entire crew was so friendly and welcoming and we had many laughs. And then it happened!!! We found humpback whales!! I was so excited!! I had 2 goals. See one up close and get a whale tail shot! I got many tail shots and as I was standing at the side of the boat, one came under the boat and poked its head up right infront of me and turned its head to look at us! I was in tears! I got to clearly see these beautiful creatures and got to experience such a breathtaking moment. You guys spent so much time allowing us to watch the whales while you gave us SO much knowledge on these whales. I learned more from this tour then I have in any documentary. We also saw seals and learned about them. Watched dolphins jumping and 2 puffins flew past us at one point as well! I cannot believe the price you guys charge for such an experience but I am so thankful. You have made the impossible, possible. It’s clear you all love what you do and love the whales you work alongside with and genuinely want to show people the beauty of the ocean, which I truly believe is so important in preserving it. I cannot wait to come back again next year! Thank you all so so much for the most amazing day and for making a permanent imprint on the lives in which you carry on your boats. See you all next year! I highly recommend this experience to anyone reading these comments right now! You will not regret it!

I have been on the tour twice. The first time we didn't see any whales, and waves were high where most people got sick. I then decided to give it another chance and go there again from Halifax. The second time was nice, and we saw a few whales and dolphins. The island itself has couple spots for scenery, but there is nothing to do there.

We went on the evening whale watching tour on the zodiac, and what a trip! Four first timers and we were all so impressed. Eddie was a wonderful captain. Personable, knowledgeable, funny, and friendly. The ride was exciting but we always felt safe. It was action start to finish with the first humpback surfacing right by the boat, and later Old Thom the orca doing the same. We saw many humpbacks and dolphins, too, as well as countless birds. This was a lovely way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We will be back!

We went out with Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises and left both smarter and completely awestruck. The crew’s naturalists turned the Bay of Fundy into a floating classroom—pointing out seabirds, explaining whale behaviors, and answering every curious question with warmth and patience. Then came the magic: smooth backs breaking the surface, tail flukes lifting, and that sudden whoosh of breath that makes everyone go quiet. Watching these giants move so gracefully in their world felt humbling and unforgettable. Safe, professional, and genuinely educational—this wasn’t just a tour, it was an experience. If you’re anywhere near Brier Island, go. You’ll come back with a full heart and a head full of wonder.

Sean our capital was so excellent and informative! We saw 8(!!) humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, jellyfish, and lots of seabirds. The pod of 4 whales came right up to our zodiac and put their noses out of the water. It was AMAZING!! They made everything so easy start to finish. Literally no complaints. Thank you for the unforgettable tour.

That was such a nice experience! In total we've seen 6 or 7 whales - one of them was really playful, slapping his tail and fin agains the water, kind of 'waving' at us to come closer, and there was also a pack of 4 whales at once. Such impressive creatures... Really recommend to join it at least once!

We had an unforgettable experience with Mariner Cruises on Brier Island! The crew was warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about marine life. We spotted several humpback whales up close and even saw a few dolphins skimming the waves. The commentary made the trip both educational and fun. The boat was comfortable, and the views of the Bay of Fundy were stunning. If you're in Nova Scotia, this tour is a must—truly a magical day on the water.

We had the most wonderful day yesterday! The weather was perfect, the whale watching was thrilling, a rare Skua bird circled us, and we witnessed, for just a moment, the awesomeness of a great white shark! Granted, the shark sighting was a one-in-a-million shot. Two white sharks were eating the carcass of a whale, tragically killed by a ship. As we approached, one of them disappeared. We were able to see the iconic dorsal and tail fins of the second shark cut through the water before it left. As for the day, the crew was fantastic: very knowledgeable, and happy to chat with guests about any of the marine life. They had some objects related to whales that we could see and touch. We saw several humpbacks in all their glory! Highly recommend. Great day.

We had an unforgettable experience on this tour! The crew was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also just as excited as we were to spot whales, dolphins, and even some beautiful seabirds. Their passion and enthusiasm really added to the whole experience. We felt well taken care of from start to finish, and the sightings were absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves marine life and wants to learn more from people who truly care about what they do!

Amazing crew! Friendly, knowledgeable. I love how excited they get finding the whales as everyone else. This was my first time and was amazing! Price was exceptional for a 3.5 hr tour. Saw two humpback whales together and two more at a distance. If coming from Halifax would recommend a stay in Digby to break up the day. Was also were able to drive around the Island. I came with a friend who has used this group 5 times already. If you want to do whale watching, definitely choose Mariner Cruises! Make sure to dress in layers or come prepared as it got cold. Mini mitts would have been great to have! They allowed lots of time to watch and take pictures once we came across whales. They pointed out bald eagles and other birds. Would highly recommend if coming to Nova Scotia to drive out to Brier Island and join this group.

Thrilled to have been on this cruise this afternoon. Amy, Ryley, Clayton, Captain Chris and Penny were all awesome at making sure we got the best view of the humpbacks we saw. A wealth of knowledge and truly passionate about these beautiful ocean mammals. Bucket list item checked off but I will 100% go out again next time I visit. What an experience.

Absolutely unforgettable! Mariner Cruises Whale and Seabird Tours delivered an experience I’ll treasure forever. From the warm welcome at check-in to the knowledgeable commentary throughout the trip, the team made everything feel easy and exciting. The boat was clean, comfortable, and offered great views from every angle. Best Of Best

I can't rate these folks high enough, they deserve far more than 5 stars. We went on the 4:30 tour on Aug 29th, and we saw 10-12 individual Humpback whales, 5-7 Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins, as well as Atlantic Puffins, Bald Eagles, Northern Gannets, and Great Blue Herons. The staff/crew were very knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic, and respectful to the whales. They knew all of the whales by name, and were just as excited to see them surface as the guests were. The whales were very active, and showed us quite a few different displays. We were greeted by the the whales Patchwork, Orion, Memorial, Sunburst, Lacy, Mocha, Gremlin, and Pylon. There were a few others that I unfortunately forget the names of. What a fantastic night! Thank you Mariner Cruises, and thank you whales! We will certainly be back!