9 Ways to Usher in Spring Just North of Boston

Sponsored by Visit North of Boston and the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

In the diverse region just north of Boston, the emergence of warmer weather presents countless opportunities for playing outside and attending colorful festivals. Here’s just a sampling of delightful experiences to enjoy during this season of renewal in Massachusetts.

1. Picnic at Acton Arboretum, Acton

Pack a tasty meal to enjoy at one of the picnic tables on the main lawn of this peaceful public green space. Then explore the beautiful trails, which lead past an old apple orchard, rhododendron and fern collections, and hosta and butterfly gardens. 

2. Go birdwatching at a nature preserve, various locations

You can spy a riot of plumage and hear a chorus of calls on the paths and boardwalks of several wildlife preserves along this Massachusetts area’s shoreline, which is part of the expansive Atlantic Flyway. Migratory birds—such as terns, plovers, herons, egrets, and cormorants—rank among the favorite feathered friends to watch for. Check out John J. Donovan Reservation and Sagamore Hill Conservation Area in Hamilton, Coolidge Reservation in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Steer Swamp Conservation Area in Marblehead, and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island.

3. Behold the blooms at Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens, North Andover

With bountiful flower beds that have recently been expanded, this gracious agricultural gem is stunning year round. And each year from late April through mid-May, you can meander among the lush rows of tulips, daffodils, and other bulb flowers that brilliantly announce the arrival of the vernal season.

4. Catch the fishing bug at Walden Pond, Concord

Henry David Thoreau famously wrote about the pristine waters of this serene, rippling pond, where he “lived simply” for two years in the 1840s. It remains a treasured spot, particularly among fishing enthusiasts. Come springtime, it’s a top-of-the-line location to angle for bass, bluegills, and trout.

5. Celebrate Cambodian New Year, Lowell

Home to the second-largest Cambodian population in the country, the dynamic city of Lowell hosts a festive Khmer New Year celebration in mid-April (April 19 in 2025). Head downtown for a parade, musical and dance performances, and delicious food. Lowell’s eclectic food scene is always a draw, especially as spring allows for dining outdoors. There are a half-dozen restaurants that serve Cambodian fare year-round.

6. Celebrate MA250 at Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord

Every third Monday of April, Massachusetts commemorates the first clashes of the American Revolution. During the preceding days, rousing reenactments revive the spirit of ‘75 at this national park encompassing key sites from the momentous Battles of Lexington and Concord. In 2025, which marks the 250th anniversary of the conflicts, you can attend talks by costumed staff at historic sites, a lantern-lit Patriot Vigil at North Bridge, and a tactical demonstration along a restored section of the original Battle Road. And there’s more on tap after Patriots’ Day is a wrap. Through June 2025, Rise to Rebellion programming at the park explores the origins and outcomes of the war for independence. With America’s 250th birthday on the horizon in 2026, Massachusetts 250 celebrations and commemorations will continue to shine a light on the state’s role in the founding of America.

7. Stroll the beaches and gardens at Lynch Park, Beverly

With breathtaking vistas of Beverly Harbor, this majestic setting occupies the former estate where President William H. Taft summered in the early 1900s. It’s a beautiful spot to ramble once the mercury begins to rise. The property boasts two beaches, which don’t get crowded until a bathhouse with a snack bar opens in late May. That’s also when the property’s fragrant rose garden comes into full bloom, but you can visit two stately lion statues any time.

8. Hike through history at Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle

Spanning more than 1,000 verdant, pastoral acres, this gorgeous state park is set around a working dairy farm (the first in the state to use a robotic milking system) that offers free tours on weekends. Over 20 miles of well-maintained hiking trails pass by fascinating historical points of interest, such as sites used by Native Americans for thousands of years and cellar holes of former homesteads once inhabited by 17th-century settlers.

9. Make plans to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride, various locations

Vibrant Pride celebrations take place throughout the region in late spring, so plan ahead to attend Cape Ann Pride in late May, Greater Lowell Pride in mid-June, and Concord Pride and Salem’s North Shore Pride in late June. Numerous events herald the season during the days leading up to these inclusive and spirited weekends, including flag-raising ceremonies, film screenings, family picnics, and dance parties. Make lodging reservations early if you want to join in the merrymaking.

Find more springtime travel ideas in the free Just North of Boston digital guide.

Andrew Collins

Andrew Collins is a travel writer based part-time in New Hampshire and the author of numerous guidebooks, including "Ultimate Road Trips USA & Canada."

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