Meet Candice Beaulieu, Executive Director of the Cambridge Office for Tourism (COT). After joining COT in 2023, she was appointed Executive Director in October 2025. With a deep appreciation for Cambridge’s history, culture, and local businesses, Candice is dedicated to helping visitors experience what makes the city so special.
What originally drew you to the tourism and hospitality industry?
I’ve spent over 15 years working in destination marketing and tourism development, but what hooked me early on was the opportunity to tell the story of a place. There’s something powerful about connecting people with experiences that stay with them long after their visit.
Doing this work in Cambridge feels especially meaningful. It’s a place where unique history, innovation, and art genuinely live side by side. I’m so proud to help share that story and make sure that visitors, meeting and event planners, and travelers from all around the world can see and experience Cambridge as a premier destination.
How has the tourism landscape evolved since you began your career — and what are today’s visitors looking for?
So much has changed, especially since the pandemic. We had to rethink how we connect with people and invite them back into travel. Today, the way that people discover and engage with destinations is so much more digital and relationship-driven, which means we’ve had to become more creative in how we connect with potential visitors. That includes social media, influencer partnerships, digital storytelling, and campaigns like “Unpack Cambridge” that feel personal and immersive.
What hasn’t changed is that people want to feel like they’ve discovered something when they travel. Visitors are looking for unique experiences and authenticity. They want to find the hidden gems, the neighborhood cafes, local bars, and live music venues.
Cambridge delivers on all of that, with world-class restaurants, iconic history, and the vibrant small businesses that make our neighborhoods special. Our job is to help people find their version of Cambridge.
How do you ensure tourism benefits the local community?
Tourism is a major driver of Cambridge’s economy, and the Cambridge identity is truly distinct. A strong, unified citywide voice that speaks to a global tourism audience drives real business revenue to our hotels, restaurants, shops, and cultural spaces.
A big part of that is the relationships we have with these local businesses. Many of them don’t have large marketing teams — some don’t have any dedicated marketing staff at all — so we often act as an extension of their team. Whether it’s amplifying their stories through our campaigns, connecting them with travel writers and influencers, or including them in visitor-facing promotions, we’re constantly looking for ways to help them reach audiences they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
Ultimately, when we tell the city’s story well, it helps keep our commercial districts vibrant and resilient.
If someone has just 24 hours in Cambridge, what would the itinerary look like?
If you only have one day in Cambridge, you have to start with the icons.
Begin in Harvard Square, grab a coffee and wander through Harvard Yard. There’s something special about standing in a place that has shaped global leaders, writers, and innovators for nearly four centuries. From there, walk over to the Harvard Art Museums — it’s free to enter, and you can get remarkably close to works by Picasso, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and so many others. It’s one of those quiet, world-class experiences people don’t always expect.
Next, head toward MIT to experience the other side of Cambridge’s academic energy. The contrast between Harvard’s historic brick and MIT’s bold, modern architecture really captures the dual spirit of this city — tradition and innovation living side by side.
No visit is complete without time along the Charles River. Take a walk (or rent a bike) along the river paths for some of the best skyline views of Boston. If the weather’s nice, I always recommend a Charles River boat cruise — seeing Cambridge from the water gives you a whole new perspective.
If you have time to explore a little deeper, I’d sprinkle in a few of my personal favorites. The Cambridge Antique Market is five stories of vintage treasures and history — a nod to my lifelong love of antiques. Mount Auburn Cemetery offers one of the most peaceful and beautiful walks in the region, especially in the fall. And as a Revolutionary War history enthusiast, I can’t resist recommending Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters, where George Washington once lived and led.
To wrap up the day, take a stroll through Inman Square. It has that neighborhood feel I love — independent shops, great restaurants, and a creative, distinctly Cambridge vibe.
In just 24 hours, you won’t see everything — but you’ll experience the heart of what makes Cambridge so special: history, innovation, art, and vibrant local neighborhoods, all within walking distance.
What’s a hidden gem in Cambridge you think more people should know about?
Wusong Road in Harvard Square is one of my favorites. It was named the most beautiful restaurant in Massachusetts by People Magazine, and the space really lives up to that recognition — bold, transportive, and thoughtfully designed. The cocktails and Asian-inspired menu make it just as memorable as the décor.
The same owner recently opened Gato Exótico inside CambridgeSide — another visually stunning concept that’s absolutely worth a visit, especially if you’re exploring East Cambridge.
When you host out-of-town guests, where do you take them first?
It really depends on what they’re interested in — and that’s what I love about Cambridge. The city makes it easy to tailor the experience. If they’re drawn to history, we might explore Harvard’s historic campus or talk about Cambridge’s industrial roots — from candy making to the innovation that shaped Kendall Square. If they’re food-focused, a food tour in Harvard Square or Central Square is a perfect way to experience the diversity of our restaurant scene. For live music fans, Central Square is always a great choice. And for science and technology enthusiasts, spending time around MIT is a must.
If they’re more outdoorsy, paddling kayaks along the Charles River gives you one of the best views of the skyline and a completely different perspective on the city.
Cambridge is compact and walkable, so you can shift gears easily and create a visit that feels completely personalized. That flexibility is part of what makes hosting here so fun.
What’s a local business or initiative you’re especially proud of?
The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in Cambridge was a very proud moment for the city. Eight of our local restaurants were recognized–including Giulia, Jahunger, Moëca, Oleana, PAGU, Pammy’s, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, and Urban Hearth.
For Cambridge, inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide is more than a list of names. It demonstrates that our food culture is worth noticing on a global level. This recognition also brings new energy to local dining. Visitors discover new places. Residents try restaurants they haven’t been to before. Chefs and restaurant teams receive well-deserved attention.
The benefits extend throughout the community, from farmers and bakers to servers, cooks, and guests who simply love a great meal.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work in Cambridge?
There’s so much to love about Cambridge, and sharing what makes this city special with the world is a true privilege. When someone visits for the first time and leaves inspired, curious, and eager to return, it is incredibly fulfilling to be part of that experience.
Whether you’re a local business, event planner, hospitality partner, or community organization, we’d love to connect. The Cambridge Office for Tourism is here to amplify your story, strengthen the city’s visibility, and ensure that Cambridge continues to thrive as a premier destination. Visit us at CambridgeUSA.org.
