Greater Boston Regions
The State of Massachusetts has created 16 individual tourism regions and each region has a Regional Tourism Council (RTC) for the purpose of marketing and promoting the state geographically. The largest of these RTCs is Greater Boston, which includes the municipality of Boston and 43 cities and towns in the eastern portion of the state of Massachusetts.
Many of the towns are suburban to Boston and have their own unique styles and neighborhoods. Some are part of the 26.2 jaunt of the Boston Marathon and others are quaint New England towns.
Tourism is a vital economic part of the region’s and state’s economy. The Greater Boston region has many well-known museums, attractions, parks and recreational facilities as well as entertainment venues. Our sporting teams are world renowned and our accommodations range from five star, boutique, to family friendly. The Greater Boston region is a leading culinary destination for residents and visitors with restaurants run by some of the most famous chefs in America featuring menus from around the world.
Greater Boston Cities & Towns
The Towns of the Greater Boston Region
The Town of Arlington is over 375 years old, though its name has changed on two occasions. Originally called Menotomy, an Algonquin word meaning “swift running water,” the town became West Cambridge in the early 19 th Century and Arlington just after the...
As a community, Avon has thrived by retaining a quaint, tranquil feel while emerging as an important locale within the metropolitan South Shore economy.
Belmont, also known as the “Town of Homes” due to its high percentage of residences, is located about 7 miles northwest of Boston
Braintree is located just south of Milton and Quincy and has been home to many famous residents including John Adams, the nation’s second President, and his son John Quincy Adams, the sixth President. Braintree boasts an attractive public school system, parks and...
Brookline abuts several Boston neighborhoods including Brighton and Allston. Brookline separated from Boston in the early 18 th century and enjoys strategic proximity to Boston locales such as the Fens and Back Bay. Brookline was the first community in the...
Cambridge is home to famous universities such as Harvard and MIT and is considered the City of Squares, with popular neighborhoods such as Harvard Square, Kendall Square, Inman Square, and Porter Square. Cambridge is the 5 th most populous city in Massachusetts and...
Canton earned its name in 1797 due to the early belief that Canton, China was on the exact opposite side of the earth. In 1801, Paul Revere chose Canton to be home to the nation’s first copper rolling mill. One of the oldest houses in America, the David Tilden House, has...
Despite the fact that Chelsea is the smallest city in Massachusetts it is still the second most densely populated city in the state. It is home to the historic second battle of the American Revolution, the Battle of Chelsea Creek. Chelsea Square, located downtown, contains...
The town of Dedham was incorporated in 1636 and is home to many historical attractions such as the Fairbanks House, the oldest surviving timber-frame house in America scientifically dated to 1637. Busy Dedham attracts many with their vast restaurant selection and long list...
The small town of Dover, Massachusetts is nestled on the south banks of the Charles River.
Originally part of Charlestown then Malden, Everett became its own city in 1870. The city was named after Edward Everett who served on the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as Minister to Great Britain and as the United States Secretary of State.
Foxborough, Massachusetts is most commonly known as the home to Gillette Stadium, stomping ground of New England’s beloved Patriots and a vast array of concerts during the summer months. A large outdoor shopping and entertainment complex can be found right next to the...
Officially incorporated in 1872, Holbrook has developed into a residential community housing many workers that commute to Boston. The small town is home to a beautiful Town Forest, which was named the choice location in Holbrook in 2009 by the Boston Globe.
The city of Malden, Massachusetts was incorporated as a separate town from Charlestown in 1649. A monumental city to the American Revolution, Malden was the first town to petition the colonial government to withdraw from the British Empire. More recently, Malden was home to the...
The town of Medfield is found about 17 miles southwest of Boston. With a remarkable public school system and a nearly 500-acre reservation with hiking trails and fishing ponds, Medfield has developed into a predominantly residential area.
The city of Medford, Massachusetts rests on the Mystic River. Incorporated in 1892, this city was a center of industry, including the manufacturing of brick, tile, and rum. It is home to a number of historical famous crimes including one of the biggest bank robberies and jewel...
Located seven miles north of Boston, the city of Melrose was originally called “Ponde Fielde” for its bountiful ponds and streams or “Mystic Side” due to its location north of the Mystic River. The town was thought to resemble the hills of Melrose,...
Peaceful and historic Milton is located approximately 10 miles south of Boston. In 2011, Money Magazine named the town the 2 nd “Best Place to Live” in the United States.
The charming city of Needham, Massachusetts can be found surrounded by the Charles River about 20 miles southwest of Boston. The city contains a Coca-Cola bottling plant that has been operating for 30 years as well as a Trader Joe’s packing plant.
The lovely city of Newton, Massachusetts, found about 11 miles west from Boston was the inspiration for the name of Fig Newton cookies. This city provides many attractions for its citizens and visitors such as Heartbreak Hill, 33-acre Crystal Lake, and Lasell College.
The rural town of Norfolk is located a little over 20 miles southwest of Boston. Incorporated in 1870 after being abandoned during King Philip’s War, Norfolk was known for strong agricultural lands.
North Reading is a beautiful town located about 15 miles outside of Boston. Residing next to the Ipswitch River, North Reading has a lot to offer its citizens and visitors. Ipswitch River Park is a stunning 49-acre site including a conservation area, restored wetlands, walking...
Located about 15 miles southwest of Boston, Norwood is a charming city with a lot to share with visitors. The city separated from Dedham in 1872 and it is home to the Oak View Mansion, used by Presidents William Howard Taft and Calvin Cooolidge for their social events.
Plainville is a lovely small town originally part of Wrentham and North Attleboro. Believe it or not, Plainville was created accidentally by survey errors in 1905. Widely loved Honey Dew Donuts can be found based in Plainsville as well as the Plainridge Racecourse, a venue...
As Boston’s immediate southern suburb, Quincy is a large city with varied attractions. It is the birthplace of two U.S. Presidents, John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams as well as the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock. After its incorporation...
Located about 14 miles south of Boston, Randolph was named after first president of the Continental Congress, Peyton Randolph. In its early days, Randolph was home to several large shoe companies and eventually developed a style made exclusively in the town known as...
Lying just 10 miles north of Boston, Reading is a charming town with a lot of historical importance. The town came to be in the 1640s when some citizens of Lynn petitioned for a “place for an inland plantation.” Reading played an essential role in the American...
Named after one of the most prominent figures in the American Revolution Mr. Paul Revere himself, Revere has a lot to share with visitors. This city and its coast were the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution. It is also home to the oldest public beach...
Scenic Sharon, Massachusetts is located about 17 miles southwest of Boston and was incorporated in 1775. It was named after Israel’s Sharon Plain due to the town’s high level of forestation. That still rings true today as the town has a high percentage of conservation...
Engaging and busy Somerville is located just two miles northwest of Boston. It separated from Charlestown and was incorporated as its own town in 1842. This city was home to one of the first hostile acts of the American Revolution when British soldiers stole colonial...
Stoneham can be found 9 miles north of Boston. It offers ideal proximity to major highways and public transportation as well as to Massachusetts’ North Shore coastal region, making it desirable for families and commuters. This city is home to Olympic figure skating medalist...
Incorporated in 1726, the town of Stoughton is named after William Stoughton, first chief justice of Colonial Courts and the flagrant chief justice of the Salem Witch Trials. It is home to the country’s oldest choral society, the Stoughton Musical Society. This...
The town of Wakefield was incorporated in 1812 and can be found about 12 miles north of Boston. Before the town earned its current name, businessman Cyrus Wakefield established The Wakefield Rattan Company in 1856.
The town of Walpole, located 13 miles south of Boston, is named after Sir Robert Walpole, de facto first Prime Minister of Great Britain. This small town separated from Dedham and was incorporated in 1724. Walpole’s residents were active in the American Revolution, sending...
Incorporated in 1783, the town of Waltham is also known as Watch City because of its association with the watch industry. In 1854, Waltham Watch Company opened a factory in town and it was the first company to make watches on an assembly line. The company served the town well and...
Located 6 miles west of Boston, the city of Watertown was incorporated in 1630 making it one of the earliest Massachusetts Bay settlements. It is home for world-known Perkins School for the Blind and the Armenian Library and Museum of America, holding the largest collection of...
The town of Wellesley is home to many businesses and colleges, making it a desirable location for families and commuters. In 2012, sustainable Wellesley was deemed a Green Power Community by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, making it the only Green Power...
Beautiful and peaceful Weston is a small town 12 miles west of Boston. It is among the ten most affluent towns with over 1,000 households in the nation. It is the only town in the Boston area to have private roads. Located on a rugged upland plateau, early settlers used the...
The town of Westwood is located 13 miles southwest of Boston. This beautiful town was ranked 13 th on CNN/Money and Money magazine’s 100 Best Places to Live in the United States and is the 20 th wealthiest town in Massachusetts.
The city of Weymouth, named after a coastal town in England, was incorporated in 1635 and is crawling with history. Before it was Weymouth, this area was a failed colony known as the Wessagusset Colony. After it was colonized again, it became heavily involved in the shoemaking...
Affluent Winchester is located about 8 miles north of Boston and is named after Colonel William P. Winchester, a generous donator to the town’s first Town Hall. The town offers its citizens and visitors an array of events such as Family Farm Nights at beautiful Wright-Locke...
Visiting the Greater Boston area? Don't miss out nearby Winthrop's beaches, historic military forts and attractions.
Wrentham’s name is unique to the United States with only two other Wrentham’s existing in the world in England and Canada. Incorporated in 1673, this small town is home to two beautiful lakes, Lake Pearl and Lake Archer. Helen Keller called Wrentham home beginning in...
