Northampton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Connecticut River Valley, Northampton, Massachusetts is a charming city that exudes a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning natural beauty, Northampton is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic experience.

One of the city's main attractions is its thriving arts and music scene. Northampton is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues, making it a hub for creativity and expression. Visitors can catch a live performance at the iconic Academy of Music, a beautifully restored 19th-century theater that hosts a variety of shows, including concerts, plays, and dance performances. The city also has a plethora of street art, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists.

For nature enthusiasts, Northampton offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The nearby Mount Holyoke Range State Park boasts miles of scenic hiking trails, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing along the Connecticut River, or simply relax in one of the city's many parks, such as Look Park, which features walking trails, picnic areas, and a miniature train for children.

Northampton is also renowned for its culinary delights. The city's vibrant dining scene offers a diverse range of cuisines, from farm-to-table eateries to international fare. Food lovers can indulge in delicious locally sourced dishes at acclaimed restaurants like the celebrated farm-to-table establishment, The Farm Table, or savor authentic Italian cuisine at the beloved local favorite, Mama Iguana's.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Northampton is known for its welcoming and inclusive community. The city has a long-standing tradition of advocating for social justice and equality, and visitors can immerse themselves in this progressive spirit by exploring the unique shops, boutiques, and bookstores that line the streets of downtown.

Alternative names: Population: 28.5 thous.Area: 35.75 mi²Elevation: 138 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°19'8"N, 72°37'51"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Northampton Top Attractions

Northampton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Northampton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Norwottuck Branch Rail Trail, The Botanic Garden of Smith College, Look Park, Smith College Museum of Art. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Hiking • Trail • Bike trail
Norwottuck Branch Rail Trail
The Norwottuck Branch Rail Trail, formerly the Norwottuck Rail Trail, is an 11-mile combination bicycle/pedestrian paved rail trail running from Northampton, Massachusetts, through Hadley and Amherst, to Belchertown, Massachusetts.
Garden • Park • Botanical garden
The Botanic Garden of Smith College
The Botanic Garden of Smith College is located on the campus of Smith College, in Northampton, Massachusetts, United States. It consists of a fine selection of woody trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and an excellent collection of tropical and subtropical plants in The Lyman Conservatory.
Park
Look Park
The Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, commonly referred to as Look Park, is a privately run non-profit park in the village of Florence in Northampton, Massachusetts in Hampshire County. The park is open year-round.

Museum • Art museum
Smith College Museum of Art
The Smith College Museum of Art, is an art museum in Northampton, Massachusetts connected with Smith College.
Theater • Cinema • Historical place
Academy of Music Theatre
The Academy of Music Theatre is located in and owned by the City of Northampton, Massachusetts, which received the deed in 1892 from former owner and builder Edward H. R. Lyman. It opened in 1891 and was the first municipally owned theater in the United States.
Museum
Beer Can Museum
The Beer Can Museum, located in East Taunton, Massachusetts, is a collection of more than 5,000 different beer cans, along with beer can folk art and crafts, beer can clothing, beer can telephones and radios, and a beer can and breweriana related library.
Trail • Bike trail • Bridge
Norwottuck Rail Trail Bridge
The Norwottuck Rail Trail Bridge is a former crossing of Boston and Maine Railroad over the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts, connecting the towns of Northampton and Hadley, by the Norwottuck Rail Trail, which is currently used for bicycle and foot traffic.
Bridge • Vernacular architecture
Calvin Coolidge Bridge
The Calvin Coolidge Memorial Bridge is a major crossing of the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts, connecting the towns of Northampton and Hadley. The bridge carries Route 9 across the river, where it connects to Interstate 91.
Park
Pulaski Park
Pulaski Park is a small urban park located in the city of Northampton, Massachusetts. It is situated on Main Street between the City Hall and the Academy of Music Theatre.
Library of presidential and private items
Forbes Library
The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library of 30th U.S. president Calvin Coolidge.
Universities and schools
Smith College
Smith College is a private liberal arts women's college in Northampton, Massachusetts. It was chartered in 1871 by Sophia Smith and opened in 1875.
Neighbourhood
Elm Street Historic District
The Elm Street/Round Hill Historic District is a local historic district in the city of Northampton, Massachusetts. Established in 1994 along one mile of Elm Street it was expanded to include Round Hill Road in 2012.
42°19'2"N • 72°38'17"W
Smith Alumnae Gymnasium
The Smith Alumnae Gymnasium is a historic former athletic facility on the Smith College campus in Northampton, Massachusetts. Located facing Burton Lawn, it was built in 1890 as a fine addition to the adjacent Gothic style buildings.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Tom
Mount Tom, 1,202 feet, is a steep, rugged traprock mountain peak on the west bank of the Connecticut River 4.5 miles northwest of downtown Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Nonotuck
Mount Nonotuck, 827 feet, is the northernmost peak of the Mount Tom Range of traprock mountains located in the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts and part of the larger Metacomet Ridge which stretches from Long Island Sound to nearly the Vermont border.
42°19'12"N • 72°37'48"W
The Calvin Theater
Theater • Concerts and shows • Concert hall
42°19'8"N • 72°37'38"W
Pearl Street
Concerts and shows • Rock club • Theater
42°19'11"N • 72°37'44"W
William Baczek Fine Arts
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
Library
Smith College Archives
Smith College is a private, independent women's liberal arts college with coed graduate and certificate programs, located in Northampton, Massachusetts, United States.

Things to See and Do in Northampton by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Northampton.

Culture

Academy of Music Theatre
Northampton
TheaterCinemaHistorical place
The Calvin Theater
Northampton
TheaterConcerts and showsConcert hall
Pearl Street
Northampton
Concerts and showsRock clubTheater
William Baczek Fine Arts
Northampton
Art galleryShoppingMuseum

Other categories

Museum Neighbourhood

Day trips

Northampton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Northampton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: MassMutual Center (Springfield), Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield), Mount Greylock (Adams).

15 milesS
Arenas and stadiums, Hockey, Sport
MassMutual Center, Springfield
The MassMutual Center is a vibrant hub of entertainment and sports located in the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts. This expansive arena and convention center complex plays host to a diverse array of events, from high-energy hockey games to captivating concerts...
16 milesS
Hoops history in the sport's birthplace
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts.
35 milesNW
Natural attraction, Park, Trail
Mount Greylock, Adams
Mount Greylock is a 3,489-foot mountain located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts and is the highest point in the state. Its summit is in the western part of the town of Adams in Berkshire County.
31 milesSE
Museum
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts which recreates life in rural New England during the 1790s through 1830s. It is the largest living museum in New England, covering more than 200 acres. The Village includes 59 antique buildings, three water-powered mills, and a working farm.
26 milesS
Specialty museum, History museum, Museum
New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
The New England Air Museum is an American aerospace museum located adjacent to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The museum consists of three display hangars with additional storage and restoration hangars.

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Best Time To Visit Northampton

Learn when is the best time to travel to Northampton weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Northampton?

The top attractions to visit in Northampton are:

What is the best time to visit Northampton?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.