Things to do in Concord, Massachusetts
- Concord was the first inland settlement in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, incorporated in 1635.
- The town was a major center of the American Transcendentalist movement, attracting residents like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
- The Concord Free Public Library was the first in Massachusetts to be tax-supported and free to all residents.
- During the American Revolution, the town served as a primary provincial storehouse for colonial military supplies.
- The 'Concord Hymn,' written by Ralph Waldo Emerson, commemorates the 1775 battle and contains the famous line about the 'shot heard 'round the world'.
About Concord, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts, holds a central role in American history as the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War and as a hub for the 19th-century Transcendentalist movement. Visitors can explore the landscape of the 'shot heard 'round the world' at Minute Man National Historical Park or reflect at the serene shores of Walden Pond. The town preserves the literary heritage of figures like Louisa May Alcott at the Orchard House. Cultural depth is further represented through the exhibits at the Concord Museum and the outdoor installations at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.
Highlights of Concord, Massachusetts
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Walk the historic Battle Road Trail where the opening conflicts of the American Revolution occurred.
Museums
View expansive, large-scale contemporary sculptures displayed across a sprawling wooded campus.
Museums
Tour the actual family home where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set her classic novel Little Women.
Natural attractions
Visit the site of the small cabin where Henry David Thoreau lived and penned his meditative work, Walden.
Museums
Examine a comprehensive collection of artifacts detailing the town's history from the colonial era to the literary renaissance.
Historical places
Step inside this mid-18th-century structure to understand the daily life of colonial-era travelers.
Museums
Learn about the lived experiences of a formerly enslaved couple who established a home in the town during the late 18th century.
Parks
Experience a working agricultural landscape that offers a look at local sustainable farming practices.
Top things to do in Concord, Massachusetts
The 21 highest-rated places in Concord, Massachusetts, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Minute Man National Historical Park commemorates the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775....
2
Museums
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum features 30 acres of landscaped grounds dedicated to large-scale outdoor sculptu...
3
Museums
Orchard House is the historic 17th-century Concord residence where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set her 1868 novel, Littl...
4
Natural attractions
Walden Pond is a 61-acre kettle hole lake formed by retreating glaciers roughly 10,000 years ago. It gained global histo...
5
Museums
The Concord Museum houses the premier collection of artifacts documenting the history of Concord, Massachusetts, from it...
6
Historical places
7
Natural attractions
8
Museums
9
Natural attractions
10
Venues
11
Places of interest
12
Museums
13
Parks
14
Museums
15
Temples
16
Places of interest
17
Historical places
18
Parks
19
Temples
20
Historical places
21
Natural attractions
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Concord, Massachusetts on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Concord, Massachusetts
Late May to early June, or October; late spring offers blooming landscapes and temperate weather, while October showcases iconic New England fall foliage.
2 days; one day is typically required for the historical sites and another for the literary landmarks and natural preserves.
The town is best navigated by car, though the historic center is highly walkable; cycling is also a popular way to reach trails and preserves.
Stay in or near Concord Center for proximity to historic landmarks and local dining, or opt for a traditional inn along the town's quiet rural roads.
Expensive; Concord is an affluent community with premium accommodation rates and limited budget lodging options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 21 curated attractions in and around Concord, Massachusetts, ranked by traveller ratings.
Minute Man National Historical Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Concord, Massachusetts right now.
The largest category is museums, with 6 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
