The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cambridge, Massachusetts and Somerville, Massachusetts

If there's one thing New England is known for, it's the charm of its historic towns and cities. A road trip through Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts, offers a glimpse of some of the most unique and authentic experiences in the region. The halfway point, Cambridge, is home to two of the world's most prestigious universities, Harvard and MIT. Beyond academia, these neighboring cities have so much to offer visitors seeking to explore the best of Massachusetts, from contemporary art galleries to stunning natural landscapes.

##1. Harvard Art Museums

Harvard Art Museums provide a unique platform to understand art through varied experiences. The Museums are known for their diverse range of collections, featuring everything from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary masterpieces. The museums' collections comprise over 250,000 items, including drawings, paintings, photographs, and textiles. What's more, visitors can enjoy works by renowned artists from around the globe, including Andy Warhol and others. Admission is free to Harvard students, faculty and staff as well as members of the museum.

Fun fact: Harvard Art Museums' renovated facility has been recognized for its sustainable features and received LEED gold certification.

##2. Mount Auburn Cemetery

Mount Auburn Cemetery is a stunning natural landscape that serves as a final resting place for many notable Americans, such as Charles Sumner, Mary Baker Eddy, Winslow Homer, Isabella Stewart Gardner and many others. This verdant sanctuary provides ample space and a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the stunning scenery on their own by taking part in a self-guided walking tour.

Fun fact: Mount Auburn Cemetery was founded in 1831 to provide a peaceful final resting place with the idea of parks as settings for spiritual renewal and immersion in the natural world.

##3. Somerville Theatre

Somerville Theatre has been home to first-run long-engagement premieres, repertory programming, live music, and comedy shows since 1914 and is just as much a community gathering space as it is a movie theater. A group of local film aficionados founded the theater, and it's since grown to be a major cultural hub in Somerville. Audiences can enjoy movies projected on its single screen accompanied by the theater's unique Art Deco architecture. Visitors to Somerville Theatre not only enjoy great programming at reasonable prices, but they're also supporting a vital community resource.

Fun fact: scenes from the movie "Good Will Hunting" were filmed at Somerville Theatre.

##4. Davis Square

The square in the heart of Somerville offers a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural offerings. With its pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, tree-lined streets, and vibrant energy, Davis Square is a destination unto itself. Visitors can explore the numerous unique retail outlets offering artisanal products, peruse displays of colorful produce at the seasonal farmer's market on summer Wednesdays, and enjoy free outdoor performances through the Somerville Art Council.

Fun fact: Davis Square is the home of the Somerville Arts Council and is responsible for many of the public art installations and performances throughout the year.

##5. MIT Museum

The MIT Museum provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of the fascinating research conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Visitors can experience a range of innovative exhibits that showcase diverse subjects such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and holography. The museum's public programs offer a glimpse into the many cutting-edge fields of research happening at the university. Being a part of an outstanding university with a history of technological advancements and innovative engineering projects, maybe a visit to this museum will help inspire the next great idea or invention.

Fun fact: MIT Museum's renowned Hart Nautical Collection includes more than half a million nautical artifacts from all over the world.

Conclusion

The trip from Cambridge to Somerville is just under five miles and takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. With so many diverse and exciting options for entertainment and exploration, it's easy to understand how a day trip down one of Massachusetts' most historically significant routes could easily become a weekend getaway. Whether it's the stunning natural beauty of Mount Auburn Cemetery or the brilliant exhibits at Harvard Art Museums, there's something for everyone in Cambridge and Somerville.