As the home of both Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a lot to offer. However, you don’t need to have an IQ of 160 to enjoy what this suburb of Boston has to offer. From art museums to shopping to historical sights, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy on a vacation to this New England hotspot.

Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters

If you’re a fan of history, you have to check out this historic place. It’s the former home of the famous poet Henry W. Longfellow. Before that, it was the headquarters for George Washington during the Siege of Boston between 1775 to 1776. While here, you’ll be able to stroll through the halls just like these two important men did, hundreds of years ago. Currently, the home maintains its 19th-century garb, filled with a variety of original objects that will cause any history buff to do a double take.

The home is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday through Saturday. Even better, both access to the home and a tour through the facility is free.

Glass Flowers Exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is filled with wonders, but perhaps the most thrilling display in the entire building is the Glass Flowers. This is a collection that contains over 4,000 different glass replicas of flowers, with a total of 830 different species reproduced. The entire exhibit was hand-crafted by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, a father-son team that hails from Germany.

Originally, they were crafted for use in the classroom to serve as examples of the various species in the plant kingdom. Today, however, they serve as a beautiful reminder of the diversity of plant life. The cost to get into the museum is $12, and it’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Inman Square

If museums and old houses aren’t your thing, perhaps you’ll appreciate Inman Square. This quaint neighborhood is home to a number of different shops and restaurants with Brazilian and Portuguese influences. You can stroll the streets, hop into a boutique to peruse the latest fashions, or sit down at one of the many tasty eateries in the area.

It’s easy to get to this part of town, as all you have to do is take the MBTA bus 69 or 83. You can also take the subway and get off at Central Square.

When you’re ready to plan your Cambridge vacation, don’t hesitate to use a site like Hotel Planner to book your accommodations. You can sort by price and area to find the best deal for you. Whether you’re looking for a romantic suite for two or adjoining rooms to host you and your kids, all it takes is a bit of searching to find your perfect hotel.

After planning an itinerary and booking your hotel, you’ll be ready for your stay. All that’s left is to count down the days on your calendar and pack your bags.