day trips near boston

Adventures in New England

A local's guide to savoring the history, culture, food and nature of the Northeast USA

19 Fabulous Day Trips from Boston

If you are planning a road trip from southern New England, Boston can be a perfect base as it is centrally located. You can get a hotel and then take many great day trips from Boston to experience the best that this area has to offer.

You will want to start by taking a few days to experience New England’s largest city’s feel. You can read my guide for One Day in Boston with Kids (still a good overview even for adults). Also, be sure to check out my list of hikes right around Boston .

Table of Contents

Short Day Trips from Boston

These day trips from Boston are around an hour’s drive from Boston.

Salem, Massachusetts

Witch City, USA, also has a fantastic art museum and Hawthorne’s House of the Seven Gables. Read on for how to spend a day in Salem. 

Fall River and New Bedford, Massachusetts

This center of fishing life in colonial New England is now predominately Portuguese. You can visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the church that was part of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick inspiration, and the Lizzie Bordon House.  Read more about the area in Haunted New England.

Rockport, Massachusetts

Spend a day exploring this picture-perfect fishing village on the coast north of Boston.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

There is a lot to explore on this peninsula south of Boston, but you can explore the upper Cape in one day from Boston. Most of my exploration of the Cape has been by bicycle.

Portland, Maine

This foodie town also has lighthouses and parks to explore. Check out 47 Cool Things to Do in Portland, Maine.

Providence, Rhode Island

The capital of Rhode Island has canals to stroll along, great restaurants, and art museums. Read on for The Best Things to Do in Providence.

Newport, Rhode Island

This colonial town on Aquidneck Island has excellent beaches, hiking, dining, and a lot of history. Explore A Local’s Guide to Newport.

Sutton, Massachusetts

Hike this trail along the base of the 75-foot rock Purgatory Chasm and get ice cream at the farm next door. Read more about a day at Purgatory Chasm.

Concord, Massachusetts

Concord was not only an important location in the American Revolution but also in American Literature. Walden Pond sits in Concord, as well as Louisa May Walcott’s home. Read my itinerary for one day in Concord, Massachusetts.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Visit the recreation of the Native American and pilgrim colony following the landing at Plymouth Rock.

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Explore the colonial whaling capital of the world, located on the southern coast of Massachusetts. This area also has a large Portuguese population, a fort, and was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Read about how to spend a day in New Bedford. 

Whole Day Trips from Boston

It will take about 2 hours to get to these full-day trips from Boston.

Martha’s Vineyard

Sand dunes, farms, Kennedy history, and gingerbread cottages, this island off the coast of Massachusetts will introduce you to the best New England has to offer. Read on for Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard .

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock is sometimes known as the quintessential New England town. It is nestled in Vermont’s Green Mountains and alive with the state’s art culture. Plan your day with Things to Do in Woodstock, Vermont.

Northampton, Massachusetts

This arty town in northwest Massachusetts is the home of Smith College. Read on for how to spend a day in Northampton.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

One of the most transcendent concerts you can experience will take place at Tanglewood in the rural mountains of western Massachusett. The Berkshires give ample opportunities for hiking, leaf-peeping, and exploring small New England towns.

New Hampshire’s White Mountains

Take a foliage drive or go waterfall hunting through the White Mountains.

Mystic, Connecticut

Explore the seaport at this colonial town on the Mystic River. Investigate more things to do in Mystic.

Mount Major, New Hampshire

The views from the peak of this half-day hike are incredible. You will see New Hampshire’s lakes and highest peak, Mount Washington, in the distance. Learn more about climbing Mount Major.

Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

This village nestled in the Berkshire Mountains has the Bridge of Flowers, a waterfall, glacial potholes and an art-filled downtown. Read about how to spend a full day in Shelburne Falls.

Which day trips around Boston have you taken? Which are the highest on your list? Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments.

Sharing is caring!

12 thoughts on “19 Fabulous Day Trips from Boston”

I love this list! Boston is such a cool city and I love the idea of spending more time there and venturing out so this list is so helpful!

So many great day trip options from this city! Nice when there is that option, for travellers, it means you can extend your holiday. Make Boston your home base and see some of those smaller towns you have listed. I would love to see more of the nature, in New Hampshire, like Mount Major or Massachusetts with Martha’s Vineyard.

Such great day trip plans even a month of stay there will not suffice to experience it all! The short day trips really sound good and doable. I have not been to Boston yet, but hopefully I will some day with this helpful post! Great pic to go with the post.

Wow! So many things to do. It would really be worthwhile to make Boston a base for a week and do these trips to immerse yourself in the region.

Visiting the east coast has always been something i’ve wanted to do. I’ve seen Boston & DC but that’s about it! Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Main, I want to see them all!

Funny enough I’ve heard most of these day trips destinations from Boston although I don’t know their locations to Boston. I would like to visit most of them, but I think Fall be the best time?

Some of the locations are close enough for a day trip but would plan an early start in the day because even though they are close enough for a day trip, traffic can play a big factor especially during rush hours… planning a trip to the South Shore or Cape Cod offers only 2 travel lanes for most of the trip once you are on Route 3 which starts in Braintree which is about 9 miles south of Boston and the from Braintree to the beginning of the cape it’s about 45 miles or so… I mention this trip because I am very familiar with this section of MA and I live in Plymouth which is about 10 miles from Cape Cod… The Fall or Spring would be best as far as traffic to the cape but many places close down from Oct to Apr because many businesses depend on tourists during the Summer.

You are right about Boston traffic being a bugger. It is always best to consult Google traffic before leaving, start early or consider public transport. I love travelling in shoulder season.

While there’s still so much to see and do on my actual Boston list, I *did* take a day trip from Boston during one of my visits. We followed your recommendation to visit Providence, RI, and had a lovely day!

I just love the northeast and you’ve given me even more places to explore up there! Perfect fall long weekends!!!

Cape Cod, Massachusetts would be my #1 choice. Haven’t been since I was little and have such fond memories!

I have been to Boston several times now and even took a trip up to Maine & Connecticut once but I have been quite lax on visiting the other areas. For me, I really want to see more of the New England Coastal areas like Providence and I know Darcee would love to see Martha’s Vineyard!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

You may also like to read

What to Do in Ogunquit, Maine

2 of the Scariest Places in Massachusetts

47 Fabulous Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Things to Do in Lincoln, New Hampshire in All Four Seasons

Things to Do in Woodstock, Vermont

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Sam Adams Brewery Tours

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Skiing Near Boston

Beaches Near Boston

Hikes Near Boston

Boston Public Garden

Museums in Boston

Fenway Park Guide

Shopping in Boston

The Best Time to Visit Boston

Weather & Climate

Neighborhoods to Know

Driving in Boston

Public Transportation in Boston

One-Day Itinerary

Day Trips From Boston

The 13 Best Day Trips from Boston

Boston is a historic city with plenty of things to do and places to see, but there’s also lots more to explore outside the city limits. Whether you’re heading north to the mountains to ski or taking the ferry to Cape Cod’s Provincetown , there are day trips to take in every direction. Read on for our recommendations, all within driving distance and some you can even access by public transportation.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

DenisTangeyJr/Getty Images

Portsmouth is a historic coastal New Hampshire city that may be small in size but is full of character and popular restaurants. Have drinks along the docks on Bow Street as the sun sets at Pocos , Martingale Wharf or the Old Ferry Landing . For a seafood dinner with a view, try Surf , also on Bow Street. And for a casual yet tasty breakfast, you can’t go wrong with Colby’s .

Those visiting Portsmouth will enjoy walking around Prescott Park and learning about the history of Portsmouth at the Strawbery Banke Museum . Make sure you reserve some time for walking around the downtown area and popping into shops along the way. This city is growing year-by-year, with hotels and condos being built up as it grows in popularity.

Getting There: Portsmouth is about an hour and a half from Boston and the best way to get there is by car. If you don’t have a car, you can also take the C&J Bus Line.

Travel Tip: Pack a beach chair and drive down Route 1A to take in the Seacoast’s beaches. One of the first destinations you’ll come across in Rye is Ordiorne State Park , where you can walk around along the ocean. Eventually, you’ll get to Hampton Beach before you cross back over into Massachusetts.

Boston Area Beaches

David Robinson/EyeEm/Getty Images

On a hot summer day, or even when the sun is shining in the spring or fall, there are plenty of beaches in the Boston area to spend a day relaxing at.

On your way back from Portsmouth, drive south along the ocean until you reach the beaches in Rye, or continue on to the popular Hampton Beach strip, where there’s a big beach and plenty of restaurants. Just over the Massachusetts border is Salisbury Beach, another day trip spot just over an hour north of Boston. Other beautiful beaches on Boston’s North Shore include Wingaersheek and Good Harbor Beaches in Gloucester , Plum Island Beach in Newburyport, Crane Beach in Ipswich, Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea and Revere Beach in Revere.

The South Shore’s beaches are equally as beautiful, with one of the closest options being Wollaston Beach in Quincy, and then many others including Duxbury Beach in Duxbury and Nantasket Beach in Hull. Of course, you can continue south to Cape Cod for plenty more beaches to choose from.

Getting There: Most of these beaches are only accessible by car and the furthest options listed are a maximum of 1.5 hours away, depending on traffic and where you are coming from. If you prefer public transportation , you can get to Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea and Revere Beach in Revere by the Commuter Rail and MBTA Blue Line, respectively.

Travel Tip: If you want to hit the beach but aren’t the type to stay from sunrise to sunset, try one of the beaches on New Hampshire’s Seacoast and then plan to stop explore Portsmouth before or after. The same applies to Plum Island and Newburyport. 

Newburyport, Massachusetts

ivanastar/Getty Images

Newburyport is another coastal town, which feels similar to downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire in many ways. It was settled back in 1635 but has of course modernized over the years. Newburyport is most popular during the summer months given its location and nearby beaches, including Plum Island . But Newburyport is an ideal day trip from Boston at any time of year, as there are quite a few shops to stop by, restaurants to eat at and scenery to take in.

Getting There: Most people drive to Newburyport from Boston, as it’s under an hour and right off exit 56 on I-95 North. You can also take the Newburyport/Rockland Commuter Rail line from North Station.

Travel Tip: While you’re in Newburyport, drive over to Plum Island to spend some time at the beach, no matter what time of year. 

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Photography by Deb Snelson/Getty Images 

Located at the very tip of Cape Cod is Provincetown (also known as “P-Town”), best known as a gay resort community, but also a beautiful place to visit for a day, weekend or more. While driving to the end of the Cape may not seem like a day trip, it’s easy to get there via a 90-minute ferry through Bay State Cruise Company.

Provincetown is surrounded by water on three sides with several beaches to enjoy. Both during the day and in the evening, check out the downtown area’s restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and more.

If you're not able to make it to Provincetown, there are plenty of Cape Cod towns within a shorter driving range.

Getting There: Take the 90-minute Bay State Cruise Company ferry from Boston, which is the fastest way to get there. The ferry operates daily from mid-May to mid-October, with trips leaving Boston three times a day. If you prefer to drive through the Cape, it will take you over two hours, but typically longer, as the roads are oftentimes single-lane and traffic can be bad.

Travel Tip: You’ll find fresh lobster rolls all over Provincetown, but be sure to stop by The Canteen , which serves both hot and cold options.

Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts

grantreig/Gettyimages 

Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are two islands off the coast of Massachusetts, both of which are popular tourist destinations, especially during the summer months. Both are doable for day trips, especially Martha’s Vineyard, as it’s a bit shorter of a ferry ride. Both islands are quiet during the winter months, so plan your visit from Spring through Fall.

Vineyard Haven in Martha’s Vineyard, where the ferry drops you off, is full of shops and restaurants. You can also head to nearby Oak Bluffs, where you’ll find the 318 colorful Gingerbread Cottages at Wesleyan Grove off of Circuit Street. If you bring your bike or car along, you can explore the island’s beaches and other downtown areas as well.

Nantucket has different coastal vibe than Martha’s Vineyard and is also smaller in size. Here you’ll find cobblestone streets downtown and picture-worthy homes covered in hydrangeas all over the island. Of course, there are beautiful beaches around the island, along with food, galleries and boutiques. Stop by Cisco Brewers for a taste of local beer, which has become more and more popular throughout New England. And have a drink made with Nantucket’s Triple Eight Blueberry Vodka at one of the bars downtown.

Getting There: Martha’s Vineyard is a 45-minute ferry ride via the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole, which takes you to Vineyard Haven. The fast ferry to Nantucket is through Hy-Line Cruises , takes an hour and leaves from Hyannis. There are slower ferry options available, but these are the most efficient for a day trip. Keep in mind that Hyannis and Woods Hole are both on Cape Cod, so you’ll need to leave time for traffic if you’re traveling during peak hours. Both islands can also be accessed by plane from Boston’s Logan International Airport .

Travel Tip: You can choose to bring a car onto the ferry, but it’s recommended that you make plans for that in advance. That, coupled with the cost, is the reason many people choose to take a bike or get around Martha’s Vineyard through the Vineyard Transit Authority.

Providence, Rhode Island

About an hour drive south from Boston is the city of Providence, Rhode Island, also known as the “Creative Capital.” This city has become a popular tourist spot over the years, with popular attractions including WaterFire , a series of over 80 bonfires along downtown Providence’s three rivers, or the annual Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular or the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit at the Roger Williams Park Zoo . From November through March, head to the Providence Rink for Ice Bumper Cars .

Providence also has a foodie scene, with chefs coming from Rhode Island’s Johnson & Wales opening restaurants within the city, such as Oberlin , a seafood-focused small plates and tapas concept. If you’re looking for Italian, head to Federal Hill , the Little Italy of Providence. The Dorrance is another reputable spot, located within a former bank and serving globally-inspired New England cuisine. And while you’re in town, stop by PVDonuts for delicious and unique brioche donuts in fun flavors like fruit pebbles, butterscotch crunch and brown butter brownie.

Popular Providence hotels include The Dean , built around the city’s history and culture, and the Providence Biltmore , a historic property designed by the architects of New York’s Grand Central Terminal, and the Hotel Providence , another centrally located option that’s great for all types of travelers.

Getting There: Providence is an hour drive from Boston. You can also get there by train , including the Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail on the Providence-Stoughton line, both leaving from Boston’s South Station.

Travel Tip: For the best pizza in town, try no-frills Caserta Pizza , also known for their “Wimpy Skimpy,” a spinach pie stuffed with black olives, cheese & pepperoni.

Newport, Rhode Island

 Forty 1° North

Newport, Rhode Island is another coastal town within driving distance from Boston. Here you’ll find the makings of a perfect day trip, from the Gilded Age mansions and beaches, to walking along the famous Cliff Walk. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Brick Market Place , a downtown are with more than 25 shops and eateries. If anyone you’re traveling with is into cars, check out the Newport Car Museum , located in nearby Portsmouth.

Favorite Newport restaurants include The White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest tavern, Winner Winner , Scarpetta Newport , The Black Pearl and Mission Burger . If you plan on staying overnight, top-rated hotels and resorts include The Vanderbilt, Forty 1° North , Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina and The Chanler at Cliff Walk . Many of these hotels

Getting There: Newport is an hour and a half drive from Boston and car is the easiest way to get there.

Travel Tip: Even if you’re not staying overnight, many of the top hotels are also great spots to grab drinks with a view if you’re in town for just the day. Head over to Forty 1° North and order your favorite cocktail as you look out on the water.

Nashoba Valley Winery & Other Vineyards

 Nashoba Valley Winery

New England may not have a full-blown wine country, but there are several family-owned vineyards that make for great day trips, with at least one option nearby no matter where you are staying. From Boston, your best bet is the Nashoba Valley Winery , where you can sample the vineyard’s wines and also pick your own peaches, nectarines and apples when they are in season and enjoy farm-to-table food at J’s Restaurant.

Another Massachusetts option is Furnace Brook Winery in the Berkshires, about 2.5 hours away from Boston. An hour north of the city, there’s South Hampton, New Hampshire’s Jewell Towne Vineyards. In Rhode Island, try Verde Vineyards or Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard . As you head into Connecticut, follow the Connecticut Wine Trail and try the Lost Acres Vineyard in North Granby, Arrigoni Winery in Portland and Sharpe Hill Vineyard in Pomfret.

Getting There: The Nashoba Valley Winery is around an hour drive from Boston in Bolton, Massachusetts.

Travel Tip: If you plan on visiting several vineyards and wineries in one day, make sure you have a designated driver or look for transportation services, such as limos or tours to take you from one spot to another.

Mountains of Massachusetts and New Hampshire

JodiJacobson/Getty Images 

Speaking of Nashoba Valley, this destination is not only home to one of the best vineyards near Boston, but Nashoba Valley Ski Area is also a great winter destination for skiing and tubing if you’re into these activities but not long drives. Other places to ski in Massachusetts include Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton and Ski Bradford in Haverhill.

As you head into New Hampshire , popular ski resorts and mountains include Waterville Valley Resort , Loon Mountain , Gunstock , Cannon and more. Another option, Bretton Woods , is not only a ski resort, but also home to the beautiful Omni Mount Washington Resort , which has plenty to do for both skiers and those who prefer après skiing activities. 

Getting There: Nashoba Valley Ski Area is less than an hour from Boston by car, and other Massachusetts ski destinations range between 40 minutes to a little over an hour. Most of the drivable New Hampshire mountains are just over two hours away from Boston.

Travel Tip: To make your ski trip even easier, try Liftopia Experiences , a service that will take you on trips from Boston such as skiing at Crotched Mountain or snow tubing at Ski Ward and to a local brewery. Outdoor retailer REI also offers classes and activities, such as a store to slopes shuttle  that takes you to Stratton Mountain.

Lincoln, New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s White Mountains is where you’ll find the town of Lincoln, where Loon Mountain is located. But that’s not all Lincoln has to offer. During the winter months, the Ice Castles are a picturesque destination to visit. You can also go ice skating at The Rink at RiverWalk Resort , which was transformed from a 167,000 gallon swimming pool that’s available for guests in the summer. While you’re at the RiverWalk Resort, take a sleigh ride, go snowmobiling or taste wine at the Seven Birches Winery , which is right on the property.

Getting There: Lincoln is about two hours from Boston without traffic and your best bet for getting there is by car.

Travel Tip: Beware of traveling north from Boston during the winter months on Friday afternoons and evenings, as it’s likely you’ll run into traffic leaving the city as locals get out of work and head to the mountains. 

Plymouth, Massachusetts

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

One of the best spas in the Boston area is located south of the city in Plymouth at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa . There’s more than just great massages and facials here – there’s a heated foot pool surrounded by lounge chairs to relax in, as well as an outdoor jacuzzi to enjoy while you sip champagne from the bar.

While you’re in Plymouth, take a walk along the water and check out the iconic Plymouth Rock and Pilgrim Hall Museum , America’s oldest, continuously operated, public museum filled with artifacts that came to our country with the Pilgrims. Then head 3 miles down the road to the Plimouth Plantation museum.

Nearby in Carver, the kids will enjoy the Edaville Family Theme Park , which is particularly fun around the holidays with their Christmas Festival of Lights. 

With Plymouth being on the water, there’s plenty of fresh seafood and outdoor dining, with restaurant favorites including Woods Seafood , Rye Tavern , East Bay Grille and Cabby Shack .

Getting There: The easiest way to get to Plymouth is via car, which will take about an hour. There is also a Commuter Rail stop in Plymouth if you prefer public transportation.

Travel Tip: While the Plymouth Rock is certainly a Massachusetts landmark, don’t be surprised when it’s nothing substantial when you see the remains in person. There is still plenty to see and do in Plymouth though!

Portland, Maine

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images 

Portland, Maine may sound far away from Boston, but at two and a half hours away, it’s still doable for a day or weekend trip. This coastal downtown area has developed quite the foodie scene and it’s also a great spot to take in New England’s fall foliage season . Top restaurants include Fore Street , Central Provisions , Duckfat , Eventide Oyster Co. and Holy Donut . If you’re into beer, go for a tasting at Shipyard Brewing Company .

You can spend an entire weekend walking around downtown Portland and popping into shops, restaurants and bars. But another fun activity when the weather is nice to take the short ferry over to Peaks Island , where you can rent bikes or golf carts to cruise around the island and take in the coastal views.

Getting There: Portland is about two and a half hours away from Boston by car. Another option is to take Amtrak’s Downeaster from North Station in Boston to Portland, which takes about the same amount of time.

Travel Tip: Fore Street won a 2018 TripSavvy Editors’ Choice Award as one of the Best Iconic Restaurants & Fine Dining . This restaurant books up far in advance, but they reserve spots for walk-ins. The trick is to put your name in right when they open at 5:30 p.m.

Wrentham, Massachusetts

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Just south of the city are the  Wrentham Village Premium Outlets , a shopping plaza where both locals and tourists go to get lots of shopping done at once, especially around the holidays. As New England’s largest outdoor shopping center, you’ll find everything from Off Saks and Tory Burch, to Vineyard Vines and the Nike Factory Store.

Getting There: The Wrentham Village Premium Outlets are located just 35 miles south of Boston, right off exit 15 on I-495. The best way to get there is by car.

Travel Tip: Bring your AAA card if you have one. When you get there, show it at the visitor center to get a coupon book that will give you even more discounts than you get at the outlets. 

New England Gay Weekend Getaways - Best Weekend Trips from Boston

Provincetown Gay Guide Events Calendar

How to Spend One Week in Massachusetts

The Best Small Towns in Massachusetts

November in New England: Weather, What to Pack and What to See

Family Vacations in the Northeast USA

The 10 Best Beaches in New England

Guide to an Atlantic Coast Road Trip

12 Best Things to Do in Boston's West End

Georges Island: The Complete Guide

The Ultimate East Coast Beach Road Trip

Maps of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket

The 12 Best State Parks in Massachusetts

15 Best Islands in the US

Your Trip to Boston: The Complete Guide

35+ Amazing Day Trips From Boston Massachusetts

Wondering where to go on a day trip from Boston? Boston has always been my most frequent city of travel. I’ve lived there too. Based on my own experience exploring the region, here’s my list of 35 great day trips from Boston.

Boston is perfectly situated in the northeastern region of the United States . This area of New England boasts gorgeous beaches, charming Colonial towns, seaside ports, and destinations steeped in history.

These destinations are all less than 2 hours away from Boston. Any more than 2 hours is just too far afield for a proper day trip.

Because of its central location, Boston makes a great launchpad for day tripping in New England. Boston is well-connected to other towns and cities. Boston’s main arteries (I-90, I-93 and I-95) give you easy access to Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Western Massachusetts, and even Vermont.

Boston’s main arteries (I-90, I-93 and I-95) give you easy access to Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Western Massachusetts, and even Vermont.

On a day trip from Boston, you can escape the city’s adoring (and sometimes maddeningly intense) crowds.

Best Day Trips From Boston

Here are my picks for the best day trips from Boston. I’ve given you a whopping 36 options, along with expected drive times. I’ve listed them in alphabetical order for ease of reference.

The options for Boston day trips are endless and incredibly varied. There’s something of interest for everyone, from culture vultures to history buffs to nature lovers.

You can pick what suits you most, whether you want to relax on the beach or explore a cozy New England town.

If pressed to choose, I’d have to say my top three picks for Boston day trips are Portland Maine (cool foodie city), Stockbridge Massachusetts (quintessential New England town), and Portsmouth New Hampshire (adorable arty village).

1. Bristol Rhode Island (1:10 Drive)

Bristol is a beautiful New England town that’s full of history and charm. With a red-white-and-blue painted stripe down Hope Street, it exudes Americana. 

Bristol has everything you need for a relaxing break from Boston — fine dining, bike trails, art galleries, and ocean views. A highlight of Bristol is its well preserved historic architecture. In Bristol, you’ll find Colonial, Federal, and Gilded Age buildings. 

Linden Place Museum features a stunning spiral staircase and movie memorabilia. Blithewold Mansion has immaculately curated gardens, hosts concerts in the summer, and offers dramatic harbor views.

If you like to hike or bike, the East Bay Bike Path will suit. It’s a 14.5 mile paved path connecting Providence and Bristol, which gives you panoramic views of Narragansett Bay.

2. Cambridge Massachusetts (5 minute drive)

The easiest day trip from Boston is to its next door neighbor, Cambridge. Historic Cambridge is a lively university enclave, with the Charles River as its playground and backyard.

Cambridge is home to the renowned Harvard University (where you’ll be wrapped in red brick) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (where you can admire eclectic modern architecture). You can book a walking tour of Harvard here and a tour of MIT here .

And it’s not just the universities that dazzle. In Cambridge, visitors can enjoy outstanding museums, a vibrant performing arts scene, and delicious haute cuisine restaurants.

The  Harvard Art Museums  are the best art spot, with a range of works from antiquity to present, including a prized Van Gogh .

Be sure to hang out in Harvard Square, the iconic center of Cambridge. It’s a triangular plaza located at the intersection of Battle Street, John F. Kennedy Street, and Massachusetts Avenue.

You’ll find all manner of humanity — students, tourists, political activists, buskers, chess players, and other street creatures.

You can also visit  Longfellow House . It’s located on Brattle Street, the historic road connecting old Cambridge and Watertown.

The house museum is famous as the one time home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was a novelist and poet who wrote stirring tales that thrilled 19th century America, including the  Midnight Ride of Paul Revere .

3. Cape Elizabeth Maine (2 Hour Drive)

Cape Elizabeth is gorgeous little town just south of the city of Portland. The town faces out into Casco Bay.

People have lived in Cape Elizabeth for thousands of years. In 1765, Cape Elizabeth officially became a town. For a glimpse of those early days, stop by the  Spurwink Meeting House . The austere white clapboard church was built in 1802.

The town’s stretch of coastline is stunning, dotted with lighthouses. The cliff walk is a lovely must do experience in Maine.

The 19th century Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth guards the entrance to Portland. It’s home to the Portland Head Light. You can walk the park’s Arboretum trails, enjoy a picnic, or explore the fort’s old batteries.

3. Charlestown Massachusetts (5 minute drive)

Charlestown is Boston’s oldest neighborhood. It’s just across the river from the North End.

If you’ve walked the Freedom Trail in Boston, you’ve already been to Charlestown. The town is home to the Bunker Hill Monument and the USS Constitution, which are must visit landmarks in Boston .

In 1775, Charlestown was the site of one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War. American patriots defeated the British in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Nearly the entire town was destroyed during the battle and it wasn’t rebuilt until after the war ended.

Nowadays, Charlestown is a pretty place that’s well worth a stroll. A sense of Colonial charm permeates the streets and parks of Charlestown. The town has a classic main street, town square, and pretty clapboard homes.

4. Chatham Massachusetts

A visit to Cape Cod is a no-brainer day trip from Boston. But where to stake your claim?

Try the inimitable charms of Chatham, a tony New England town. In Chatham, the homes induce jaw drops, the historic center is walkable, and the seafood is hauled in just offshore.

Chatham’s curving Main Street conjures up low key elegance and old world charm. Chatham is the only Cape Code town bounded on three sides by water. It’s consistently ranked as one of the US’ best beach towns.

Chatham Lighthouse Beach is considered the most scenic public beach. It’s set beneath Chatham’s iconic lighthouse. This wild stretch of the Atlantic is the place for long walks and sunbathing (the surf is rough).

If you need a dose of culture with your beach retreat, head to the Orpheum. It’s a restored vintage theater showing first run movies and classics.

Or, take in a play or musical at the Monomoy Theater, after browsing the casual to high end shops.

5. Concord Massachusetts (35 Minute Drive)

Just 15 miles north of Boston is the small town of Concord. It’s the perfect Boston day trip for literary buffs. Concord is a steeple-studded town home to pretty  Walden Pond . Walden Pond is a nature preserve that’s home to countless local flora and fauna.

Walden Pond is forever linked to novelist Henry David Thoreau. From 1845 to 1847, he lived in a one room cabin , the property of his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson. A replica of the original cabin is about half a mile from Concord.

There, he wrote one of America’s most famous novels,  Walden  or  Life in the Woods.   Walden  explored simplistic living, solitude, and harmony with nature.

In Concord, you can also visit Emerson’s House and Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House . The novelist based  Little Women  on her experiences growing up in this house with her sisters.

Today, the historic home is a museum. It has 80% of its original period furniture.

You can tour the kitchen, dining room, parlor, art studio, and the bedrooms. Louisa’s bedroom has the small white desk where she penned  Little Women  and other books.

If you want to learn about Concord’s Revolutionary War and literary legacy, visit the Concord Museum . On display, you’ll find Native American artifacts, Thoreau’s snowshoes and furniture, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s study, Paul Revere’s original signaling lantern, and period collections of decorative arts and furniture.

If you want to pay homage to Concord’s famous authors, visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. You’ll find the final resting places of Thoreau, Emerson, Alcott, and William Ellery Channing.

6. Concord New Hampshire (1:10 Drive)

Concord is the capital of New Hampshire. It’s a sleepy New England town that I used to spend parts of the summer in. Founded in 1734, Concord embodies the American spirit. There are a fair number of things to do in Concord.

You can visit the New Hampshire State House, built in 1819. It sports a gleaming eagle topped gold dome, reminiscent of Boston’s own state house. The New Hampshire legislature still uses the original chambers.

Just steps from the capitol is the New Hampshire Historical Society. It boasts a sculpture by the famous Daniel Chester French.

You can also visit Pierce Manse, the former home of President Franklin Pierce. Via a guided tour, you can see period artifacts. Franklin’s grave is also in town.

7. Essex Connecticut (2 Hour Drive)

Essex just exudes small town charm. It has a bucolic setting on the banks of the Connecticut River. The town is consistently rated as one of America’s best small towns.

Essex seems halted in time, looking much as it did during the height of its ship building prosperity. Essex has a picture perfect harbor. It’s scattered with charming inns and historic architecture.

On Main Street, whitewashed houses jostle side by side, in early Colonial and Federal styles. Pop into the Griswold Inn, especially for its vaunted Sunday breakfast. The cute shop Good and Curiosities sells gifts with a historical theme.

Essex is famed for its riverboat tour, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. On a 2.5 hour tour, you can travel by train and boat through the countryside. By boat, you’ll glide by farms, inlets, coves.

8. Exeter New Hampshire (1 Hour Drive)

Exeter was founded in 1638 by Reverend John Wheelwright. This pretty new England town brims with charm at every turn. The beauty of Exeter will appeal to everyone from art lovers to history buffs to recreational seekers.

You can take a leisurely stroll in the quaint and historic downtown. You’ll find elegant buildings with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more.

Or, walk down tree-lined streets to discover historic homes, including the Ladd-Gilman House that’s now the  American Independence Museum .

If you want to experience the great outdoors, Essex has hiking, biking, and water sports. During New England’s fall foliage season , the colors are truly breathtaking.

9. Hanover New Hampshire (2 Hour Drive)

As a graduate of Dartmouth College, Hanover is a sentimental favorite of mine. And it clocks in at 2 hours, my limit for day trips from Boston.

Forbes named Hanover one of America’s Prettiest Towns. For a remote rural town, Hanover packs a surprising cultural punch.

The best place to get your art fix is the wonderful Hood Museum of Art . It’s one of the oldest teaching museums in the country. It has a large collection of artifacts and art dating back to Assyrian culture in 900 BC.

But it’s not all ancient. The museum has a surprisingly good collection of contemporary art, with works by Rothko and Ed Ruscha. It also showcases contemporary African and Native American art.

You should also pop into Baker Library. You’ll find eye catching murals by Jose Clemente Orozco in the reading room.

Hanover is also home to the Hopkins Center for Performing Arts (the “HOP”). There, you’ll find a wide variety of performing arts — plays, shows, concerts, special events, movies, etc.

Here’s my itinerary for spending  one day in Hanover . In addition to just driving to Hanover, you can take the Dartmouth Coach from Logan Airport.

10. Hartford Connecticut (1:35 Drive)

Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It makes a great day trip from Boston if you want to visit another city. The capital of Connecticut is home to historic sites, art museums, and beautiful parks.

It’s also the birthplace of Mark Twain, a culinary powerhouse, and home to one of the best “little downtowns” in New England.

The Mark Twain House & Museum is a national historic landmark. The museum has it all: inspiring architecture, gorgeous interior design, lovely grounds, and fascinating stories about its owners. It offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the novelist Mark Twain, his family, and his legacy.

Another good reason to visit Hartford on a day trip from Boston is to visit the magnificent Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art . The castle-like museum is one of the best museums in New England .

The Wadsworth first opened its doors in 1844. It’s since grown to a collection of over 50,000 works of art from over 5,000 years. There are significant works of modern and contemporary art.

You’ll find works by Frans Hals,  Caravaggio , Orazio Gentileschi, and Bernardo Strozzi. There’s a beautiful painting by pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt called  The Lady of Shallot . There’s also an American art collection, with works by John Singleton Copley and Charles Wilson Peal.

11. Keene New Hampshire

Keene is a beautiful hidden gem in New England’s Monadnock Region. A lively college town, Keene combines culture and the great outdoors.

Keene offers stunning brick streets, charming maple farms, and quaint specialty shops. Keene even has a white clapboard church with a soaring steeple, the United Church of Christ.

Keene is also home to one of the loveliest and widest main streets in New Hampshire. The historic downtown area is centered on Central Square. It’s an eclectic mix of old time shops, bookstores, and funky craft stores.

Keene is also home to covered bridges and museums. The Horatio Colony House and Nature Preserve is housed in a 1806 Federal style building. The museum houses historical artifacts for the history buff. The nature preserve offers miles of hiking trails for the nature lover.

12. Kennebunkport Maine (1.5 Hour Drive)

Kennebunkport is a classic beauty, one of the most beautiful towns in New England . It’s effectively the Hamptons of the Pine Tree State, known for its dramatic mansions. To see them, take a drive between Kennebunkport and its sister town Kennebunk.

Kennebunkport has a lively downtown, the epicenter of which is called Dock Square. It’s chock full of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

There are plenty of patio cafes for people watching perches. The Clam Shack serves up fried claims and lobster rolls.

For a walking tour of Kennebunkport’s historic buildings, start at the Brick Store Museum on Main Street. Head south and you’ll see several extraordinary structures from the 18th and 19th centuries, including Lexington Elms, Horace Porter House, and Benjamin Brown House.

Summer Street is also an architectural showcase, with an array of Federal and Colonial buildings. To get the complete scoop, you can take a guided 90 minute tour of Kennebunkport’s National Historic District. Buy tickets at the Brick Store Museum.

If you want to hit the beach, try Gooch’s Beach along the Victorian-lined Beach Avenue. Or drive 10 minutes north to the beautiful 3 mile long Goose Rocks Beach.

If you’d like to take a day tour from Boston, this excellent tour combines history and lobster. If you’d just like a guided walking tour once you’ve arrived in Kennebunkport, click here for a 2 hour historic tour.

13. Kittery Maine (1 Hour Drive)

The small town of Kittery is just a short drive from Boston. It’s located on the border between Maine and New Hampshire and is linked by bridges across the Piscataqua River.

Kittery was once known for its shipbuilding. Nowadays, people day trip to Kittery from Boston mostly for its shopping. Kittery has both outlet malls and boutique craft shops. You’ll find stores like Crate and Barrel, Le Creuset, Lululemon, Under Armour, and Nike.

If the weather is warm, head to the beach for a swim. Seapoint Beach is a picturesque shoreline perfect for a dip or a stroll.

You can also visit Fort McClary State Park . It’s a unique historic site that was formerly a defensive military fortification. It has stood for over 275 years protecting the mouth of the Piscataqua River at the entrance to Kittery.

14. Lenox Massachusetts (2 Hour Drive)

Lenox is the perfect day trip from Boston for art lovers. It’s a pretty town of art galleries and upscale boutiques housed in historic buildings.

You’ll find iconic properties like Blantyre, Wheatleigh, Canyon Ranch, and The Mount. At one point, there were so many lavish summer homes that Lenox was known as “the inland Newport.”

In 1902, Edith Wharton, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Literature, built  The Mount . It was a stately country retreat for the literary lioness and her then-husband. The Mount was modeled after European mansions, but lacked without their ostentatious excesses.

The Mount is home to a summer lecture series, weekly bird walks, concerts, theater performances, and outdoor sculpture exhibits. Edith Wharton’s library has been returned to the house, with 22 first editions of her work.

Lenox is also home to  Tanglewood , the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Tanglewood is a must do for music lovers. You can hear symphony orchestras, solo performances, and world class musicians.

15. Lexington (30 Minute Drive)

If you’re a student of U.S. History, Lexington should ring a bell. In 1775, the American Revolutionary War started in Lexington and nearby Concord. Lexungtin is the best day trip from Boston to immerse yourself in Revolutionary war history.

Lexington has more than 10 historic battle sites, cemeteries, and memorials that you can tour. You can see the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

A renowned statue by sculptor Henry Hudson Kitson marks  Battle Green , where the Colonial Minutemen clashed with British troops. In Minuteman National Historical Park, you can see a multimedia exhibit on the Road to Revolution .

While waiting for the British, the Minutemen and their commander, Captain Parker, gathered in the  Buckman Tavern . The interior is preserved exactly as it appeared in the 18th century, complete with the original seven foot wide open fireplace. The old front door still contains British musket-ball holes.

Wrap up your tour of Lexington by seeing the Lexington Depot historic train.

16. Madison Connecticut (2 Hour Drive)

Madison is a shoreline town only East Coasters know about. This beautiful New England day trip from Boston proves the adage that good things come in small packages.

With a population of only 18,000+ residents, Madison delivers a major dose of quintessential New England charm. During his time at Yale, Bill Clinton was so taken with Madison that he mentioned it in his memoir,  My Life , calling it “especially old and beautiful.”

One of the main draws of Madison is Hammonasset Beach State Park . There you’ll find two miles of beaches, wetlands, woodlands, and a nice boardwalk.

The town itself is charming and pedestrianized, full of shops and cafes. A popular haunt is RJ Julis Booksellers, one of the nation’s finest independent shops for book nerds looking for the perfect read.

Madison is also a culture-filled hamlet. A fun outdoor activity is walking the Sculpture Mile . Created by the Hollycroft Foundation, it offers a unique museum-like exhibition that features art work by some of the nation’s most significant sculptors.

17. Manchester New Hampshire (1 Hour Drive)

You might think New Hampshire is all mountains and lakes. But it also boasts a rich cultural history. In particular, Manchester has some fine art offerings that merit a day trip from Boston.

Manchester is home to the state’s only fine art college, the New Hampshire Institute of Art. It also has an internationally acclaimed museum, the  Currier Museum   of Art .

The museum’s permanent collection includes works by Picasso, Monet, Rothko, Wyeth, and O’Keefe. It hosts touring exhibitions. The museum also manages Zimmerman House, designed by architected  Frank Lloyd Wright . It’s the only Wright house open to the public in New England.

Manchester also has a premiere contemporary arts gallery, the Gallery of the New Hampshire Art Institute. It’s multi-functional, serving as an art center, lecture hall, and performance theater. On display you’ll find a diverse mix of traditional and modern art forms, from photography to installation art.

18. Mystic Connecticut (2 Hour Drive)

Mystic is calm and exquisite, a charming waterfront town set on the shores of the Mystic River. It’s quaint downtown is filled with boutiques, galleries, and eateries.

On Main Street, you’ll find Mystic Pizza , made famous by a kitschy 1980s movie. Mystic’s main landmark is Bascule Bridge, the most photographed bridge in Connecticut and a perfect spot for river views.

Mystic Seaport is Connecticut’s #1 attraction, an example of “living history.” It covers 19 acres along the Mystic River.

There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, including four vessels that are National Historic Landmarks. You can climb aboard or peruse the recreated village.

19. Newburyport Massachusetts (1 Hour Drive)

First settled in 1635, Newburyport is an immaculate seaside town. It has a classic New England feel — with red brick streets, lobster shacks, and cobbled lanes. Plus, “the Port” is only 35 miles from Boston, making it the perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

State Street is the heart of Newburyport. You’ll find an eclectic treasure trove of shops — clothing boutiques, bookstores, cafes, and vintage shops. The Firehouse Center for the Arts is Newburyport’s cultural hotspot, offering concerts, musicals, and plays.

When you tire of shopping, surf and sand lovers can hit the beach. Plum Island is only a 20 minute drive from Newburyport.

Plum Island has beautiful and beloved sandy beaches and dunes. And it’s home to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a hidden gem sanctuary with prime bird watching opportunities.

20. Newport Rhode Island (1.5 Hour Drive)

Just two hours south of Boston lies the tony coastal town of Newport. Founded in 1639, Newport is a treasure trove of historic European-style mansions set against ocean views.

Think the Gilded Age’s Astors, Vanderbilts, and Kennedys — families who built the first palatial mansions in the US. Newport is a fancy place.

Most of the mansions are on Bellevue Avenue and a few are on the waterfront. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt, Breakers Mansion is Rhode Island’s #1 attraction. It’s located on the scenic 3.5 mile Newport Cliff Walk .

If you’d like to tour the magnificent mansions of Newport, this is an excellent day tour from Boston .

The Newport Art Museum is the core of the creative community. The Artists’ Open Space serves up local and regional shows year round.

There’s a dozen commercial galleries in town as well. Island Art is the best, noted for its contemporary pieces.

On the performance arts side, Newport really excels. It offers up everything from Shakespeare plays in Queen Ann Square to musical festivals dedicated to jazz, classical, and folk music in July and August. There’s also the Newport Fine Arts Festival in September.

21. Old Sturbridge Village Massachusetts (1 Hour Drive)

Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum located in Sturbridge Massachusetts. The museum recreates life in rural New England as it was during the 1790s through 1830s. 

There’s a working farm with heritage breed animals, historic buildings, and horse drawn sleighs. Costumed historians are very engaging and will regale you with historic tales.

You can walk the village and meet the skilled craftsmen who still practice their trade. You can also take a wagon ride. The Village offers several events throughout the year — Winter Photo Walk, Sunday Brunch, and Dinner in a Country Village.

22. Ogunquit Maine (1:30 Hour Drive)

Feeling like a beach day? Nestled along the coast, tiny Ogunquit has been a resort village since the 19th century.

The word Ogunquit translates to “beautiful place by the sea.” You can see why immediately. Ogunquit is like a mini Provincetown. 

The town is a popular summer beach destination in New England, and I came here often as a child. Ogunquit has two beautiful long beaches, Ogunquit Beach and Footbridge Beach. Footbridge is the quieter of the two beaches.

Ogunquit is most renowned for its coastal path, the Marginal Way . It’s a paved 3 mile seaside stroll, starting at Ogunquit Beach and meandering to Perkins Cove.

Perkins Cove is a tiny artisans village, filled with sea-weathered buildings, where you’ll find some art galleries and seafood eateries.

23. Northampton (2 Hour Drive)

Just under 2 hours from Boston, the rural town of Northampton is a cultural nerve center in New England. It’s a pretty town, ringed by 5 colleges and college museums.

Grand mansions line tree-shaded streets. The beautiful Main Street is filled with with shops, art galleries, bookshops, etc.

In downtown Northampton, there are more than a dozen visual arts venues. The Northampton Center for the Arts offers poetry readings, film screenings, and concerts. The Calvin Theater is the premiere concert venue, hosing major touring music and comedy acts.

Four of the five colleges near Northampton offer theater and visual arts. Smack in the middle of Northampton is Smith College. Its beautiful  Smith College Museum of Art  just received a $35 million makeover. The museum offers a year round series of art lectures, contemporary art exhibitions, and films.

Just down the road is  Mount Holyoke College Art Museum . It offers contemporary and traditional exhibitions year round.

You can also admire contemporary work at Amherst’s Mead Art Museum or check out national and international exhibits at Amherst’s University Gallery.

Northampton has a good foodie scene too, with both great pizzerias and haute cuisine. There are two dairies nearby, so the town’s cheese and ice cream options are among the best in New England.

24. Peterborough New Hampshire (1:30 Hour Drive)

Peterborough is a charming New Hampshire hamlet set along the Contoocook River. Peterborough is rich in art and culture, with a charming downtown centered on Depot Square. Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize winning play,  Our Town , was based on Peterborough.

Peterborough has two theater groups and a renowned artist colony, The MacDowell Colony. The colony is the oldest artist’s retreat in the US, hosting many exhibitions. 

In 1997, it was awarded the National Medal of Arts. Peterborough is also known for its antique shops and galleries.

Nature lovers can head to Miller State Park , which has several trails (and a road) leading to the summit of Mount Monadnock. Edward MacDowell Lake has trails as well, in addition to a beach and boat ramp.

25. Plymouth (45 minutes)

Situated at the mouth of Cape Cod Bay, Plymouth is a historical haven for Boston day trippers. The town was the very first permanent settlement by Europeans north of Virginia. Today, it’s a thriving small town with a lovely historic district, perfect for history buffs.

After parking, first head to the  Mayflower II . It’s is a full scale replica of the original 17th century Mayflower.

The Mayflower is famous as the ship that brought pilgrims to the US in 1620. You can even take a tour of the ship itself, which is docked in Plymouth Harbor

Also, to learn the pilgrims’ tale, stop in the state’s oldest museum,  Pilgrim Hall . There, you’ll find an unmatched collection of ancient artifacts and possessions of the pilgrims. Afterwards, you’ll get to wander around historic  Howland House  and visit the 18th century Court House.

If you want to really step back in time, head to  Plimoth Plantation . It’s a living museum that aims to explore the daily lives of the Colonial Americans. The village has been carefully recreated, with thatched roofs and giant open fireplaces.

The actors in the museum are in period costume and never step out of character. You can watch them performing 17th century tasks including building, gardening, and military exercises.

26. Portland Maine (1:45 Hour Drive)

 Located on a peninsula jutting into Casco Bay, Portland is a rare metropolis in a state filled with small hamlets. It’s a hip and laid back place that almost seems too cool for one of  New England’s most beautiful towns . Portland is a great day trip from Boston for foodies.

Portland has myriad cultural offerings and is a bastion of historical preservation. The restored Old Port is a warren of cobbled streets with a movie set feel. This area is filled with vibrant Victorian buildings and buzzing farm to table eateries.

Start on Commericial Street, the main drag, and work your way inward. The Old Port is known for its cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings, and fishing piers. It’s also a hive of activity.

In downtown Portland, there’s a thriving art school, infusing the city streets with creative types. And there are 24 commercial art galleries.

Opened in 1983, Portland’s crown jewel and premiere art destination is the  Portland Museum of Art , an architectural masterpiece designed by I.M. Pei of  Louvre  fame. Its innovative architecture allowed curators to redefine the art viewing experience.

Restaurants and coffee bars are filled with visual art. In June, the revived downtown hosts the Old Port Festival, described as “part freak show, part art festival, part fashion parade.”

Portland is also a hot spot for restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment. Did I mention breweries? Beer lovers will be happy to know that Portland has 18 breweries all its own. It’s the Craft Bew Capital of America.

If you want to delve more deeply into Portland’s foodie culture, there are some awesome tours.

This tour takes you on a culinary walking tour of the Old Port and this tour lets you feast on seafood in the Old Port. If you’re a fan of craft beer, this tour gives you a taste of Portland’s amazing brew pubs.

27. Portsmouth New Hampshire (1 Hour + Drive)

The New Hampshire town of Portsmouth has also made an appearance on Forbe’s list of America’s Prettiest Towns. Portsmouth is a small town in southern New Hampshire along the Piscataqua River. 

Portsmouth is a great Boston day trip destination for art lovers and foodies. It’s known for its upscale farm to table eateries and art galleries.

Portsmouth’s funky downtown is adorable, with activity centered on Market Square. You’ll find classic white steepled churches, rustic brick shops, and sidewalk cafes. Portsmouth Book & Bar combines books, coffee, and live events.

History lovers should check out the Strawbery Banke Museum . It’s a 10 acre outdoor museum featuring period gardens, preserved historic buildings and detailing the story of how the Portsmouth settlement was founded. 

There are 39 historic buildings dating from 1695 to 1820. The Goodwin Mansion is the most impressive.

Prescott Park is a waterfront park near Strawberry Banke, which is great place to picnic. Enjoy the gardens and the Prescott Park Arts Festival, featuring concerts and foodie events.

in 2017, Travel & Leisure called Portsmouth the “Christmas Capital of North America.” It’s a wonderful New England Christmas destination. “Vintage Christmas” is a month long celebration kicking off December 1. A trolley does a loop of the downtown and a candlelight stroll is held on weekends.

Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Portsmouth in one day .

28. Providence Rhode Island (1 Hour Drive)

Nicknamed the “cooler city” by GQ, Providence is one of the  best towns on the East Coast . Providence is home to an Ivy League college, design schools, and a culinary institute. 

The city is a hodgepodge. It combines big city sophistication with small town charm. It has a vibrant local culture, celebrated restaurants, and sparkling waterfront parks. Providence is full of historic Yankee monuments, but also has a young and funky vibe.

Providence is an easy day trip from  Boston , less than an hour away. But this little jewel box of a city is often overlooked by travelers and definitely underrated. So much the better for its admiring visitors.

Be sure to explore Providence’s Little Italy on Federal Hill. Then, head to the East Side to encounter Providence’s Colonial past. Benefit Street is a bucolic 1.2 mile walk that’s an architectural showcase.

You’ll see some of the most beautiful Federal era architecture in the United States. You’ll also find the lovely campus of Brown University.

And you can’t leave Providence without visiting the fabulous  Rhode Island School of Design Museum . A major cultural institution in the United States, RISD houses over 100,000 works. It’s one of the best small museums in the world .

READ: 1 Day Itinerary For Providence

29. Provincetown Massachusetts (2 Hour Drive Or Ferry)

Do you want to combine a day at the beach with great art? head to Provincetown. The pretty town is tucked away on the far end of Cape Cod.

It’s been attracting artists and creative types for more than a century. Eugene O’Neill wrote his first play here. Modern art luminaries like Helen Frankenthaler, Marsden Hartley, and Hans Hofmann had studios here.

Nowadays, there are 60 art galleries scattered down Provincetown’s picturesque streets. It’s the perfect place for art lovers on the East Coast.

The town’s premiere art venue is the Provincetown Art Association and Museum on Commercial Street. The museum highlights local and New England artists with single artist and themed shows.

The Schoolhouse Center for Art & Design is home to several galleries as well. The Silas-Kenyon Gallery focuses on contemporary art. If you like vintage photography, head to the Driskel Gallery.

The big ticket art festivals you should have on your radar are the Spring Arts Showcase Weekend in May and the Fall Arts Festival in September and October. There’s also an International Film Festival in June.

Don’t forget to eat some lobster, preferably at the Lobster Pot . You can go wine tasting at  Truro Vineyards  or sip craft beers at the  Provincetown Brewing Company .

If you visit Provincetown in the summer, you could spend hours in traffic at the Sagamore Bridge if you drive. But you can also take the Providence Ferry . The fast ferry runs direct from Boston to Provincetown from mid-May through mid-October. It’s only 95 minutes each way.

30. Rockport Massachusetts (55 Minute Drive)

I f a stunning seaside town is on your Boston day trip agenda, head to Rockport. This little town is on Cape Ann, the “other” cape in northeast Massachusetts. There’s a reason why North Shore residents treasure Rockport as a lovely weekend getaway.

There are plenty of things to do in Rockport. Stroll around and admire all the fishing boats and painted cottages. Check out the shops and art galleries on Bearskin Neck, a cute area perched on the edge of town.

Sample some fudge at Rockport Fudgery , eat lobster rolls, relax on the beaches, or take a walk along the rocky coastline at  Halibut Point State Park . You can even go on a  Cape Ann whale watch .

31. Rye New Hampshire (1:10 Hour Drive)

Another good beach option is Rye. The picturesque town of Rye is home to the best beach on the 18 mile long New Hampshire shoreline.

First settled in 1623 on Odiorne Point, Rye is the birthplace of New Hampshire. Rye is largely undeveloped because it’s subject to strict zoning laws.

Rye is a serene contrast to the more frenzied Hampton Beach down the road. In Rye, the tide is small and rolling. It’s a perfect place for a beginner surfer.

You can also take a scenic drive down Route 1A past Millionaire’s Row and ogle at Rye’s breathing early 20th century mansions.

32. Salem Massachusetts (45 Minute Drive)

Even if you haven’t traveled in Massachusetts , you’ve probably heard of Salem. Known as the “Witch City,” Salem is a beautiful seaside town and an easy day trip from Boston.

In Salem, you can learn about Salem’s creepy past as the “witch capital” of the United States. Salem embraces its notorious past, when the infamous 17th century Witch Trials defined the town.

Salem is replete with whimsical magic shops, all things haunted horror, and ghostly tour options. Many of Salem’s top attractions are devoted to its witchy history. This means that the best time to visit Salem in during Halloween.

Salem is also famous for its beautiful 17th century Colonial and Georgian architecture and delicious seafood. Essex Street is the historic cobblestoned district, with the original brick  Old Town Hall .

Old Town Hall dates from 1816. The second floor still stands as a public hall and the first floor is used as a public art space.

If you’re a literary fan, you should visit the  House of the Seven Gables . Built in 1668, it’s one of the oldest Colonial mansions still standing in the United States. Nathaniel Hawthorne immortalized the house in his 1851 novel of the same name.

Inside, you’ll find a recreation of the secret staircase from the novel. The house where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born is also on the property.

Click here to buy ferry tickets to Salem.

There are some excellent guided tours in Salem. If you’re a history buff and want to take a witchcraft trials walking tour, this is an excellent guide . If you’re staying overnight in Salem, you can also take this haunted history nighttime tour or this ghosts of Salem walking tour .

33. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Park (30 Minute Drive)

Want to view some of the most massive animals on the planet? The  Stellwagen Bank National Marine Park  is one of the best whale watching spots in the entire world. It’s a wild ocean destination not far from Boston, just 37 miles away.

The sancturay has an extremely productive and diverse environment, which encourages a wide mix of marine wildlife.

Each summer, around 50 recognized humpbacks return. You can also spot dolphins and seals. There are plenty of whale spotting tours available in the area departing from Gloucester or Provincetown. Click  here  for a list of boat tour operators.

34. Stockbridge Massachusetts (2 Hour Drive)

Stockbridge is the quintessential New England town. It’s one of my favorite day trips from Boston.

Stockbridge was settled in 1734 by British missionaries. It’s blessed with simple charm and a fabulous line up of cultural attractions.

Three of the greatest American artists and authors called Stockbridge their home — Edna St. Vincent Millay, Herman Melville, and Norman Rockwell. One of America’s greatest treasures is the  Norman Rockwell Museum .

Rockwell was one of the greatest artists and illustrators in American history. Stockbridge was Rockwell’s long time residence and what he called his “best studio yet.”

You can also visit  Chesterwood , the home of Daniel Chester. It’s a 1920s Colonial Revival house.

It comes complete with the soaring studio of the legendary sculptor and landscape architect. Chester created the statue of President Lincoln seated in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., and you’ll see plaster models in the museum.

Every summer, Stockbridge (along with Lenox) hosts the Tanglewood Music Festival. It’s a series of concerts across all musical disciplines.

Stockbridge is also home to one of the Berkshires Gilded Age “cottages,”  Naumkeag . You can tour this quirky 44 room mansion designed by Stanford White, a famed starchitect of the time.

 35. White Mountains, New Hampshire (2 Hour Drive)

It’s a hike to get to the White Mountains from Boston. But it’s worth the long drive to spend a day immersed in nature.

The White Mountains are New Hampshire’s premiere attraction. It’s the best day trip from Boston for fall foliage .

The White Mountains are incredibly beautiful, with plenty of natural wonders. They’ve long attracted vacationers, photographers, and adventurous hikers and skiiers. Mount Washington is the Northeast USA’s peak of superlatives. 

The sinuous Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains is the granddaddy of New England drives. It’s a scenic 35 mile stretch of highway. You’ll be dazzled by the incredibly unspoiled scenic views along the way.

There a few pullouts for trailheads, providing great photo and hiking opportunities. Continue east until you hit the Rocky Gorge Parking Lot. Here, you can take a walk along the Swift River and get views of the beautiful Falls Pond.

 In Crawford Notch State Park , you can explore the backroads and revel in the beautiful fall colors. If you’d like to do some hiking, there are 35 hiking trails of varying difficulty.

Don’t leave without experiencing the  Mt Washington Cog Railway . It’s a historic train ride up to the summit of Mt. Washington. The mountain is the tallest one in the northeastern United States at 6,289 feet.

Aside from driving around soaking up the scenery, you can explore the cute downtown of North Conway, relax at  White Lake  in Tamworth, do a canopy tour at  Bretton Woods , go on a  waterfall hunt  near Conway. 

36. Worcester (1 Hour Drive)

Right in the heart of Massachusetts, Worcester is one of the best day trips from Boston. Worcester is the second largest city in Massachusetts after Boston. It’s just an hour away from Beantown.

Once in Worcester, take a gander through the huge exhibitions at the  Worcester Art Museum . You can easily spend a good few hours inside. The museum has works of Impressionism, Roman mosaics on the Renaissance Court floor, medieval armor, and Paul Revere’s silver collection.

Be sure to visit the  Bancroft Tower . On the National Register of Historical Places, it’s been around in Worcester since 1900. This fantasy medieval castle was built on a whim to honor a US Navy pioneer. It’s a miniaturized castle in the middle of a park.

At night, you can take in a theater or music performance at the elegant Hanover Inn, Mechanics Hall, or Tuckerman Hall.

I hop you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best day trips from Boston. You may enjoy these other New England travel guides:

• 3 day itinerary for Boston
• 1 day in Hanover New Hampshire
• 35 Landmarks in Boston
• 10 day itinerary for New Hampshire
• Berkshires Road Trip Destinations
• Hidden Gem Towns on the East Coast
• 10 day itinerary for coastal Maine
• 7-10 day itinerary for Vermont
• One week itinerary for southern New England
• Fall foliage road trip in New England

If you’d like to take some day trips from Boston, pin it for later.

4 thoughts on “35+ Amazing Day Trips From Boston Massachusetts”

Nice collection of day trips, but with the review of Salem, MA I can’t believe you left off both the Peabody Essex Museum (one of the best art and culture museums in New England) and no mention of any of the NPS sites and all the maritime history this city has.

I know the Peabody Essex Museum is amazing. I’ve written about it in my Salem article and in my article on the best museums in New England. I will add something here. But with a round up post, you can only write so much for each town.

This was definitely a trip down memory lane. I lived in New England for 23yrs and visited many of these destinations. You certainly did a great job on the history. I especially enjoyed the colorful pictures. I am drooling over just the thought of the lobster rolls on the Maine and New Hampshire coast.

I would love a lobster roll right now!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

8 of the best day trips from Boston

May 23, 2023 • 6 min read

From the beaches of Cape Cod to the historic museums in Plymouth, here are the best day trips from Boston © Cavan Images / Julia Cumes / Getty Images

Boston is rich with historic sites, artistic venues, swanky restaurants and outdoor adventure, and if you want to keep exploring, there’s even more to discover in the areas surrounding the city.

Battle sites, beaches, colonial landmarks, creative outposts and of course seafood – plenty of seafood! – are all within striking distance of Boston and mostly accessible by train, boat, bicycle and bus.

From Salem to Cape Cod, here are the best day trips from Boston.

1. Take the ferry to Provincetown, Cape Cod

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

At the outer tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown offers many delights for one little town – a collection of glorious beaches and bike trails through the dunes along the Cape Cod National Seashore , a vibrant artist community with galleries lined along Commercial St and a dynamic LGBTIQ+ scene. Another bonus: top-notch restaurants, such as Canteen , serving lobster rolls and crab paninis.

How to get to Provincetown from Boston: Provincetown is about 115 miles southeast of Boston. If you’re just coming for the day, the best way to get here is by ferry, operated by Boston Harbor Cruises (from Long Wharf) or Bay State Cruise Co (from the Seaport District).

2. Witness history at Minute Man National Historical Park

Travel time: 35 minutes

See where the Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775, when colonial Minutemen stood up to the British Regulars who had marched out from Boston to confiscate their weapons. The two sides faced off first on the village green in Lexington (now called Battle Green ), and then near the North Bridge in Concord.

The National Historical Park includes the battle site at the North Bridge , as well as the route the soldiers followed (now called Battle Road ). Walking trails weave through the picturesque New England countryside past two informative visitor centers and a handful of historic buildings, where you can see ranger talks and musket demonstrations. Stop for a snack at Via Lago Café in Lexington or the Concord Cheese Shop in Concord.

How to get to Minute Man National Historical Park from Boston:  It's easiest to drive, but it's possible to take public transport. From South Station in Boston, MBTA commuter trains go to Concord. From the train depot, it’s 1.5 miles to the North Bridge Visitor Center, but you’ll need a vehicle to explore Battle Road. Ambitious travelers can cycle from Cambridge to Lexington on the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway (7 miles) and then continue to Concord via Battle Road (7 miles).

3. Remember the victims of the witch trials in Salem

Travel time: 1 hour

Salem has a rich but checkered history, from the colony’s tragic persecution of so-called witches in the 17th century to the town’s heyday as a maritime center in the 18th century. A score of sites recall the former, including a moving Witch Trials Memorial in honor of the victims.

Visitors can learn more about the area's rich sailing tradition at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site , which incorporates a handful of 18th-century buildings along Derby Wharf. Salem’s uncontested treasure is the Peabody Essex Museum , a wonderful collection of art and artifacts amassed from maritime trade. Stop at  Gulu-Gulu Cafe  when you need to recharge.

How to get to Salem from Boston: MBTA commuter trains run hourly from North Station to Salem. You can also take a pleasant ferry ride from Long Wharf, operated by Boston Harbor Cruises.

4. Learn about the Pilgrims in Plymouth

In 1620, a hardy band of Pilgrims set up the first permanent European settlement in New England at Plymouth. Visit the replica Mayflower II to imagine what their journey across the ocean might have been like. Afterward, head to  Plimoth Patuxet Museums  to experience what life in the settlement was like for the Pilgrims and the Native people who have lived there for more than 10,000 years.

Both sites are historically accurate "living" museums, with costumed actors portraying actual historical figures. You'll find plenty of places to stop for lunch along Plymouth’s main drag, such as  KKatie’s Burger Bar .

How to get to Plymouth from Boston:  MBTA commuter trains travel from South Station in Boston.

5. Admire the architecture in Providence

Providence , the capital of Rhode Island , is like Boston’s smaller sibling, with attractive walkable neighborhoods, elegant 18th-century architecture , dynamic and artsy student populations , and its own leafy Ivy League campus .

There's a lot going on here food-wise as well, some of it due to the presence of a world-class culinary school (Johnson & Wale), which means there’s a good meal just around the corner. Try Julian’s for lunch or brunch. On summer nights, the riverside Waterplace Park comes alive with street performers, art vendors, food trucks and dancing flames at  WaterFire , a non-profit arts organization.

How to get to Providence from Boston: MBTA commuter trains run from South Station to Providence. Amtrak trains are more expensive and slightly quicker.

6. Head to Cape Ann for seafood, beaches and whale watching

Travel time: 1 hour by car, 2 hours 30 minutes by public transportation

Welcome to "the other Cape," located along the North Shore of Massachusetts. The heart and soul of Cape Ann is Gloucester, a gritty fishing town with a thriving art colony at Rocky Neck and whale-watching cruises out to Stellwagen Bank .

Gloucester’s quaint, touristy counterpart is Rockport, with Motif No 1 on full display and souvenir shops lined up along Bearskin Neck. The rest of Cape Ann is a patchwork of beautiful coastal beaches and interior walking trails. Get your seafood fix at Causeway Restaurant in Gloucester or Roy Moore Lobster Co in Rockport.

How to get to Cape Ann from Boston: The MBTA commuter rail runs from North Station to both Gloucester and Rockport. The Cape Ann Transportation Authority operates five bus routes to beaches and villages around Cape Ann.

7. Swim, hike and explore at Boston Harbor Islands

Travel time: 50 minutes

Some 34 islands are scattered about Boston Harbor, comprising a unique state park that’s an easy jaunt from the city. Take your pick from Georges Island , site of Civil War-era Fort Warren, or Spectacle Island , with a supervised swimming beach and a rewarding lookout.

You can go farther afield to more remote islands that offer trail walking, bird-watching, fishing and swimming. Both Georges and Spectacle have good snack shacks, but there is no food or water on the outer islands. Packing a picnic is recommended.

How to get to Boston Harbor Islands from Boston: Boston Harbor Cruises offers seasonal ferry service from Long Wharf to Georges and Spectacle Islands, where another boat service runs to the outer islands.

8. Escape commercialism at Martha's Vineyard

Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Bathed in unique beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts wide-eyed day-trippers, celebrity second-home owners and urbanites seeking a restful getaway. The 15,000 year-round residents include many artists, musicians and back-to-nature types.

Just 7 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard remains untouched by the kind of rampant commercialism found on the mainland – there's not a single chain restaurant or cookie-cutter motel in sight. Instead you'll find cozy inns, chef-driven restaurants and a bounty of green farms and grand beaches. Enjoy fine dining in gentrified Edgartown or hit the cotton candy and carousel scene in Oak Bluffs.

How to get to Martha's Vineyard from Boston: It's about a 90-minute drive from Boston to Woods Hole. From there, the car ferry to Martha's Vineyard takes around 45 minutes.

This article was first published Aug 21, 2019 and updated May 23, 2023.

Explore related stories

May 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Few LGBTIQ+ travelers can resist making a beeline to the local “gayborhood.” Just in time for Pride month, here are 10 of the best ones all over the USA.

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

May 9, 2024 • 9 min read

May 3, 2024 • 12 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 11 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 25, 2024 • 10 min read

14 Top-Rated Day Trips from Boston

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Boston's location in the heart of the northeast's New England region makes it a good base for day trips to some of America's most cherished historic sites and attractions. The Pilgrims landed just south of Boston in Plymouth, and the first shots of the Revolution were fired just a few miles to the west. Salem, on Boston's North Shore, was America's busiest China Trade port.

But there's more than just historic attractions for tourists to enjoy. Plan a day trip from Boston to the long beaches of Cape Cod , the islands, and the Maine and New Hampshire coasts. Also within easy reach are the dazzling mansions of Newport's Gilded Age high society.

Old Sturbridge Village is an open-air museum of restored homes, farms, and shops that bring the early-1800s New England to life. Whether you like historic houses, art museums, ships, whales, living history, or shopping, you'll find it in this list of the top day trips from Boston.

1. Lexington and Concord: First Shots of the Revolution

3. plimoth patuxet museums (formerly plimoth plantation), 4. newport, rhode island, 5. cape cod, 6. martha's vineyard, 7. newburyport and plum island, 8. new england coast, 9. shopping & seafood in portland, maine, 10. old sturbridge village, 11. whale watch at stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary, 12. portsmouth historic houses and strawbery banke, 13. fall foliage in new hampshire's white mountains, 14. shopping at wrentham outlets, map of day trips from boston.

A well-loved statue of a Minuteman marks Lexington Green, where the first shots in America's War of Independence were fired on April 19, 1775. The first real battle of the Revolution took place in nearby Concord, where colonial militia members repulsed the British soldiers at North Bridge, foiling their attempted raid on colonial arms and munitions stored in Concord.

In Lexington, you can visit the restored 1710 Buckman Tavern, where the militia gathered, then follow Battle Road, the route of the British (who were harassed by Minutemen firing from behind stone walls) to North Bridge. The route and bridge are part of Minute Man National Historical Park , and you can ride or walk along the historic Battle Road between visits to Lexington Green and Concord's Old North Bridge.

Concord has more than its Revolutionary War history. It was home to some of the brightest lights in 19th-century American literature and philosophy, known as the transcendentalists. This remarkable group included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, William Ellery Channing, and Henry David Thoreau, and you can visit their homes, as well as places connected with them, such as Alcott's Orchard House, Walden Pond, and Author's Ridge in the beautiful Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

The literary and Revolutionary histories are explored in the collections and exhibits of Concord Museum, along with Native American artifacts and 17th- to 19th-century furniture. Walden Pond , where Henry David Thoreau lived in a cabin and wrote some of his best-known works, is now a park.

Once a more important port than Boston, and center of America' prosperous China Trade, Salem retains much of its 18th- and 19th-century architecture, with entire neighborhoods of imposing homes that were built for successful merchants and sea captains. Retained, too, are memories of its grimmer early history as the scene of the Salem Witch Trials.

Several of the finest homes are open to tour, furnished with generations of fine antiques and with decorative arts brought from the Far East. This is perhaps New England's finest assemblages of historic homes from this period.

The Phillips House preserves five generations of one family's heritage; the Hawkes House and Derby House are part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site , and the interior of the 1804 Gardner-Pingree House shows the work of the famous builder Samuel McIntire.

The 1727 Crowninshield-Bentley House and the 1684 John Ward House are part of the outstanding Peabody Essex Museum , whose art and historical collections highlight maritime subjects, the China Trade, and Asian arts. Among its treasures is a fully furnished original 18th-century house from China's Huizhou region.

Perhaps Salem's best known historic home is the House of the Seven Gables , made famous by the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose Salem home you can also tour. The only building directly connected with the witch trials is the 1642 Witch House, home of the presiding Judge Jonathan Corwin.

The Salem Maritime National Historic Site includes the docks, a replica sailing ship, the Customs House, warehouses, exhibits, the historic Pickering Wharf, and two historic homes. The fastest and most convenient way to get to Salem from Boston is on the Boston to Salem High Speed Ferry , which departs Boston's Long Wharf and arrives in Salem within a few steps of the House of the Seven Gables.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Salem & Cape Ann

The landing of a group of English religious dissidents in December of 1620 made Plymouth the first permanent European settlement in New England. Today, a living history museum takes you back to that time in a painstakingly authentic recreation of their life, dress, beliefs, and even language.

In the 17th-Century English Village at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, costumed interpreters assume 17th-century persona to re-create the Pilgrims' daily experiences of raising food, building homes, cooking, and military training, using tools and methods authentic to the 17th century.

Historic Patuxet , a re-creation of a Wampanoag village, demonstrates the lives and culture of Native Americans at the time. Here, the interpreters do not assume a historic persona, but are all either Wampanoag or from other Native Nations and speak from a modern perspective about their peoples' history and culture.

While in Plymouth, stop to see Plymouth Rock and the 1640 Sparrow House, Plymouth's oldest surviving wooden house. At Pilgrim Hall Museum , you can see Pilgrim furniture and artifacts, including Myles Standish's sword, remains of a wooden ship that wrecked in 1626, and Governor Bradford's bible.

Visit the historic attractions of Plymouth on the Boston to Plymouth Small Group Day-Trip with Plimoth Patuxet & Mayflower II . The tour includes entrance fees to Plimoth Plantation and to Mayflower II, stops at Plymouth Rock and the imposing National Monument to the Forefathers, and free time to sightsee or shop in Plymouth.

Address: 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Official site: www.plimoth.org

In the early 20th century, New York's super wealthy decamped for the summer to Newport, where they vied with one another to see who could build the biggest and most extravagant mansion. Many of those palatial summer residences are open today, either preserved or restored to their glittering glory.

Look for echoes of the Grand Trianon and other European royal palaces, which several used as inspiration for their own excesses. Don't plan to whiz through all of these in one day - they are huge, and two is the limit for most tourists; after that you're on visual overload.

The largest and showiest mansion is The Breakers , a 70-room Italian Renaissance pile with a three-story dining room; Mrs Vanderbilt took no chances of being outspent. The Elms , patterned after an 18th-century French château, is furnished in French antiques from the same period and has beautiful grounds featuring marble pavilions, fountains, and a sunken garden.

Marble House has an opulent salon, lined with pounds of gold leaf, and a fanciful Chinese Tea House. Less ostentatious and more livable, but no less grand, is Doris Duke's Rough Point, where her art collection is displayed. Follow Bellevue Avenue to see the public faces, then at least a part of the famous Cliff Walk to see these mansions from the shore side.

You can tour two of the most opulent of these - The Breakers and The Elms - on the Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Elms Mansion , traveling by air-conditioned coach with a guide who will add perspectives about Newport's history, culture, and architecture. There is time to stroll along Newport's waterfront for shopping before returning to Boston.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island

Southeast of Boston, Cape Cod reaches into the Atlantic in a long, thin crescent lined by white-sand beaches. The part nearest to the city is dotted with cozy villages like Sandwich, the cape's oldest, within easy reach of a long dune-backed beach. Here, you'll find historic sites like the three-centuries-old Dexter Grist Mill and the impressive collections of Sandwich Glass Museum, where you can watch a glassblowing demonstration.

In lively Hyannis Port, where you can visit a memorial to John F. Kennedy whose family summered here, take a scenic cruise on Lewis Bay for views of the south coast. Falmouth, also on the southern shore, is where you can catch a ferry to the island of Martha's Vineyard.

Although a day's driving tour of Cape Cod isn't long enough to reach lively Provincetown, at the far tip of the cape, you can go there directly from Boston on the Boston to Provincetown & Cape Cod High Speed Ferry , which leaves from Long Wharf and speeds you to MacMillan Pier, in the heart of Provincetown. The miles of dunes and long white beaches of the "Outer Cape," as this part is called, is protected as the Cape Cod National Seashore .

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cape Cod & the Islands

From Falmouth, on the south coast of Cape Cod, the Island Queen Ferry sails across Vineyard Sound to Oak Bluffs, on the island of Martha's Vineyard. You won't need a car to explore this beautiful island: just hop on and off the handy transit bus to see lighthouses, Aquinnah Cliffs, historic Edgartown's art galleries, the gingerbread cottages at Oak Bluffs, or to spend a day at the beach.

You probably won't be able to see all six of The Vineyard's towns in a day, but you can visit the two largest, and perhaps even take the cute little ferry to Chappaquiddick Island. Along with touring the interior of one of the Victorian cottages in Oak Bluffs, take a ride on the Flying Horses Carousel. For a glimpse of life through the island's 400-year history, visit the 1672 Vincent House in the former whaling port of Edgartown.

A Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard from Boston takes you by coach to the town of Falmouth, where you'll board the ferry to the island. Here, you'll have six hours to explore on your own, plenty of time to hop the transit bus and see the highlights, using the island discount card that's included with the tour.

Read More: From Boston to Martha's Vineyard: Best Ways to Get There

About 35 miles north of Boston, Newburyport's history as a prosperous maritime port shows in its beautiful Federal homes. See how people lived in that era on a tour of the Cushing House , now the Museum of Old Newbury, and its period gardens.

This and most of the downtown is part of the Newburyport Historic District , which includes 10 distinct listed neighborhoods. You could spend a day just admiring the architecture of these beautifully preserved buildings. To learn more about the seaport's history, stop at the Custom House Maritime Museum .

Stay into the evening to enjoy a performance at the Firehouse Center for the Arts or a film at The Screening Room , an arthouse theater. In the summer, spend a few hours at the beach on Newburyport's Plum Island . In any season it's a lovely place to walk along boardwalk trails through the dunes and seaside forest of the island's the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge .

The beaches and rocky headlands of the New Hampshire and southern Maine coast are a scenic day trip from Boston. Depending on the number of stops, you can easily reach as far north as historic Kennebunkport or the classic old-time beach town of Old Orchard, both in Maine. On the way, you'll pass another of New England's classic resorts, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, and pass through the historic seaport of Portsmouth.

Along the shore, which includes the Massachusetts beaches at Plum Island and Salisbury and wildlife-filled wetlands and tidal marshes, you can see stately turn-of-the-century summer "cottages." Maine's iconic Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick is a highlight, as are the sea captains' homes in Kennebunkport, where you should spend some time in the boutiques and art galleries. Kennebunkport is a good place to visit to sample fresh Maine seafood at a waterside restaurant.

Portland is only a two-hour drive, or Amtrak's DownEaster schedule from Boston gives you seven hours to savor a seafood lunch or early dinner at a waterfront restaurant and an afternoon of browsing in the boutiques and galleries in Portland's historic downtown. Within a few steps of the busy fishing harbor, you'll find plenty of restaurants, and shops specializing in Maine products.

Edgecomb Potters create pottery inspired by the sea and mountains; Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine carries jewelry, art, and specialty foods; and Maine Craft Portland in the historic Mechanics Hall showcases local talent. At Sea Bags Factory Store on Custom House Wharf, you can watch as skilled artisans recycle sea-worn sails into smart totes and bags.

Or spend your time in this portside city visiting the excellent Portland Museum of Art or in the extraordinary rooms of the Victoria Mansion , one of America's most important 19 th -century historic homes.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Portland, Maine

More than 40 historic buildings form the open-air museum at Old Sturbridge Village - gracious homes of the well-to-do, rustic farmhouses, a parsonage, village store, tavern, and workshops where tinsmiths, blacksmiths, printers, potters, and coopers demonstrate their crafts.

Along with touring the houses, where you'll find costumed interpreters cooking in fireplaces, tending their gardens, spinning, sewing, and doing needlework, you can watch logs become boards in a water-driven sawmill and take part in activities.

A working farm grows period vegetables and herbs, and the farmyard is alive with animals that have been back-bred for authenticity. The large herb garden is especially interesting as it grows many of the plants that were used in everyday life at the time, for flavoring, medicines, cosmetics, and dying wool.

Address: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Official site: https://www.osv.org/

The Stellwagen Bank, an underwater plateau in the Atlantic off the Massachusetts coast, has one of the world's most biologically productive ocean environments, which makes it one of the best places to study and spot whales. Sightings are so frequent that some whale-watch cruises come with a guarantee of a free trip if no whales appear. Most commonly observed are female humpback whales that return to these waters, which are especially rich in food, to teach their young to hunt.

In addition to the humpback whales, there is a good chance of seeing other whale species, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, harbor porpoise, seals, and other marine life. Researchers from the Whale Center of New England accompany the three-hour Boston Whale Watching Cruise to explain the whales' habits and habitat and discuss their conservation status and scientific tracking methods.

Official site: https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/

As one of New England's early settlements and later as a major colonial port, Portsmouth became prosperous from trade and shipping. The Portsmouth Harbor Trail will lead you past more than 70 historical sites and several fine colonial homes that are open to visitors. Each of these houses has a unique history, illustrated by its furnishings and collections, some of which are America's premier examples.

The 1716 Warner House has the first example of Queen Anne furniture known in America, and the 1785 Governor John Langdon House is best known for its ornate woodwork and period furniture. The 1758 John Paul Jones House is where the Revolutionary War captain lived while in Portsmouth.

The first settlers in 1623 called their new home Strawbery Banke, and today, the ten-acre Strawbery Banke Museum preserves houses from four centuries of the old Puddle Dock neighborhood beside the harbor. Some are preserved to show their construction and the process of restoration, others are furnished to represent a period in their history, others are "inhabited" by costumed interpreters who tell their stories through demonstrations and daily activities.

Together the houses show life at various periods and of the different ethnic groups who lived here. You can see a neighborhood market from the World War II era, watch as authentic Gundalow boats are built, stroll in period gardens, and tour the elegant home of a former governor.

Address: 454 Court Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Official site: www.strawberybanke.org

Thanks to Interstate-93, you can drive from the Boston area directly into the heart of New Hampshire's rugged White Mountains. Because much of New Hampshire's forest land - protected by the White Mountain National Forest, is hardwoods, the foliage is spectacular, with the bright reds and oranges of maple, yellow birch leaves, and all shades in between. And unlike many other foliage destinations, these are interspersed with dark green pine and fir trees, which set off the brilliant foliage with striking contrasts.

Several of the mountains, including Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the northeast, have tramways, gondolas, even a train to the summits for even more sweeping views. These mountaintop rides are the region's prime tourist attractions, as is the drive over the Kancamagus Pass on the Kancamagus Highway , a winding route that reaches the highest elevation of any public road in the northeast.

The ski town of North Conway is the region's commercial hub, with cute boutiques and renowned outlet stores, as well as restaurants and resorts, if you decide to stay longer.

To see the highlights, you can travel by air-conditioned coach on the Boston to New Hampshire Fall Foliage White Mountains Day Trip, with pickup at your hotel. The full-day tour travels over the Kancamagus Pass, with photo stops, and stops in North Conway, where you'll have time to enjoy shopping and lunch along the attractive main street.

Ardent shoppers will find it hard to resist the lure of 170 outlet stores in one place. That's what you'll find at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, about 45 minutes south of Boston. Nearly all the stores are outlets of major name brands, including high-end brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Brooks Brothers, and Burberry.

In the stores, shoppers find deeply discounted prices on brand-name clothing, housewares, shoes, electronics, jewelry, accessories, decor, and gifts. Look for Banana Republic, GUESS, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Aéropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, HugoBoss, Bloomingdale's, Le Creuset, Saks OFF Fifth, and more. Shoppers who arrive by tour bus usually get complimentary VIP coupon books for even greater discounts.

Address: 1 Premium Outlet Blvd, Wrentham, Massachusetts

Official site: http://premiumoutlets.com/outlet/wrentham-village

More on Massachusetts

37 Top Day Trips from Boston + Boston Weekend Getaways

There’s plenty to occupy your time in Boston proper, but the Massachusetts city is also a great base for day trips from Boston. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Boston and its surrounding towns several times, so we know how good the day trip scene can be.

There is SO much within a short drive of the city.

In fact, Boston’s proximity to all kinds of excursions within a few hours makes it one of the most bang-for-your-buck destinations in the United States.

Let’s dive into making the best Boston day trips happen and all of my favorites from my New England travels .

Disclosure: Please note that the post below contains affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .  At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

How many days in Boston is enough?

Three days in Boston is enough to see the main sights in the city, like The Freedom Trail, and tick off a Boston day trip.

With even more time in Boston, you can tackle more of these places to visit near Boston and short day trips from Boston.

Day Trips from Boston: Logistics

The assumption here is that you’re starting from Boston. If you’re not, you’ll need to get there, likely through Boston Logan International Airport.  There are all kinds of deals coming to/from that airport, so you’re sure to find something good no matter where you’re coming from, especially if you’re flexible with your travel.

You’ll also need a car to get to all of these fantastic places unless you’re sticking to trains and other public transportation. 

Where can I go without a car from Boston? The best day trips from Boston without a car are Providence, Rhode Island, and Salem, Massachusetts. Get to Providence on the South Station commuter rail, one of the best Boston day trips by train. Get to Salem on the North Station commuter rail. Both are quite walkable once you arrive, too.

You can also go whale watching on a guided excursion from Boston .

You’ll have more flexibility if you do a self-drive, though, and any day trips from Boston that I describe below were all accomplished by hitting the road in our own vehicle.

We were on a long road trip throughout New England for most of the day trips I’ll highlight here. If you’re not on as extensive a road trip as we were, book a car ahead of your arrival using an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline .

Interested in a map of all the fun day trips from Boston and attractions I’ll highlight here? Follow the Google link below:

GIMME MY BOSTON DAY TRIPS MAP!

My top boston day trips.

All of the day trips I mention below in detail are trips I’ve taken. There aren’t any I’ve done that I wouldn’t recommend on a Boston day trip, so anything you’ll see here was a pleasant experience. I’m pretty easy to please, though, especially when there are lobster rolls available. Do with that what you will.

1. Salem, Massachusetts

Distance:  25 miles Drive Time:  45 minutes

At less than an hour’s drive, Salem’s spooky history was a no-brainer for our last trip to Boston. In fact, I’d call it the best day trip from Boston if you’re here in the fall. I highly recommend a visit in October when this New England town goes all in on its witchy history. I even put together a guide for you to make Boston day trips to Salem happen.

At the very least, visit the Salem Witch Museum for a recreation of the Salem witch trials. The impressive Peabody Essex Museum is also a must if you’re more into art galleries than all things spooktacular.

If you’re a movie buff, Salem also boasts quite a few filming locations for the original Hocus Pocus , a Halloween classic by any standard.

2. Plymouth, Massachusetts

Distance:  41 miles Drive Time:  1 hour

You have to see that big ol’ rock at least once in your life. Luckily, there’s more to do to fill up a day in Plymouth, an essential New England travel stop, outside of Plymouth Rock.

Gaze upon the 81-foot-tall National Monument to the Forefathers. Catch the views down below from Burial Hill. Stroll onto the Mayflower II for a round of Pilgrim cosplay. See the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a complex that details life in the Plymouth Colony, including the indigenous experience.

Note: At one time these were called the Plimoth Plantation. The name was changed as a nod to the indigenous populations. It really wasn’t as hunky-dory as your childhood Thanksgiving plays might suggest, folks.

3. Hampton, New Hampshire

Distance:  51 miles Drive Time:  1 hour 5 minutes

We were in Hampton in the off-season, so it definitely was quite a bit sleepier than usual. In the summer months, this place comes alive as one of the best beach towns in the region.

If you visit in the fall as we did, expect sunsets like the one above, but not a ton in the way of open eateries and bars that cater to that summertime crowd. It’s still lovely and all kinds of peaceful if that’s what you’re after, though, especially when you realize it’s just a little over an hour drive from Boston.

4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Distance:  56 miles Drive Time:  1 hour 5 minutes

If you’re looking for fall day trips from Boston, this port town is a delight during the spooky season because that’s when all of the pumpkin people come out. If you want to know what the heck that’s all about, check out my guide to Portsmouth .

Don’t miss the Strawbery Banke Museum — yes, it’s really spelled that way — and Portsmouth’s impressive historical homes. Our favorite was the Warner House, one of the oldest brick structures in New England. Enjoy a taste of New England with popovers from the aptly named Popovers on the Square. Walk the bridge to the town of Kittery, Maine, on the other side.

5. Kittery, Maine

Distance:  59 miles Drive Time:  1 hour 10 minutes

Yes, you can walk from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Kittery, Maine. This part of town is called Badger’s Island, and if you keep walking north you’ll reach the non-island portion of this scenic town.

Explore the southernmost town in Maine with a visit to Fort Foster. The old military fortifications boast some historical significance, but the park is also home to three of the town’s beaches and a variety of trails.

If you’re not here to learn anything, trips to Kittery are also popular for shopping at The Kittery Outlets. That’s not my thing, but it may be yours.

If you’re still not here to learn anything but feeling thirsty, Tributary Brewing Company is a popular option among local beer fans. Nearby Woodland Farms Brewery has a variety of non-alcoholic options if you’re cutting back on the booze.

6. Providence, Rhode Island

Distance:  51 miles Drive Time:  1 hour 15 minutes

For whatever reason, Providence just isn’t as popular as other New England towns, even when it comes to peak fall foliage travel. That may be a bummer for Providence, but it’s good news for you. Paths less traveled typically mean more budget-friendly travel and fewer crowds. 

With one day in Providence, don’t miss the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Thayer Street on the Brown University campus, and the city’s plethora of historic homes.

Note: If you’re seeking hot deals, the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Wrentham, Massachusetts, are just a half-hour from Providence.

Not convinced yet? I have a post on all the reasons why Providence should be on your list for any travel to New England.

7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Distance:  70 miles+ Drive Time:  1 hour 40 minutes+

Is Cape Cod a day trip from Boston? Cape Cod can be a day trip from Boston, but the further up the cape you travel, the less time you’ll have for activities on the peninsula.

If you’re here for Provincetown and the Cape Cod National Seashore at the northern tip, expect that journey to take you closer to three hours. That’s likely too far for a day trip, so you may want to save the town’s Race Point Beach and the Mayflower landing site (also known as the Pilgrims’ First Landing Site on your maps) for a trip when you have more time.

If you really want to make a day trip to Cape Cod happen, I’d recommend Hyannis, instead. It’s home to one of the best bowls of chowder I’ve ever had at the Black Cat Tavern and the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum , but also that chowder.

Seriously, it’s the best.

Be aware that travel times to Cape Cod can also vary widely depending on when you visit. 

8. Newport, Rhode Island

Distance:  73 miles Drive Time:  1 hour 40

Newport, Rhode Island, is the perfect day trip to look at how the other half lives. I’m not really sure why that phrase is a thing, by the way, as us normal folk outnumber the “other half” by quite a bit. 

In any case, it’s known for its Gilded Age mansions. I have a Newport mansions guide if you’re interested.

If you’re not interested in Newport’s mansion scene, stroll the Newport Cliff Walk at the very least. You’ll still get mansions on the one side, but ocean panoramas await on the other.

9. Mystic, Connecticut

Distance:  100 miles Drive Time:  1 hour 55 minutes

I came to Mystic because of Mystic Pizza , but I stayed because it’s friggin’ adorable. If you just have the day, don’t miss my detailed guide to all things Mystic .

The pizza joint made famous by the movie is fine — I mean, you should definitely visit if you love Julia Roberts and just want to take in those vibes — but it’s even more fun to cruise around town and take in the seaport. Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum if you’re here for all things maritime. It’s the largest maritime museum in the country.

10. Portland, Maine

Distance:  112 miles Drive Time:  2 hours

Portland is the heart of Maine. It’s the state’s largest city with loads to do to fill up a full week. If you’re seeking day trips from Boston to Maine, this one should be at the top of your list.

If you only have the day, though, take the trip up to Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth and get another lighthouse fix at Bug Light. It’s not possible to get sick of these Maine lighthouses. I’ve tried! Get your arts fix at the Portland Museum of Art , the biggest and oldest art museum in the state.

If you’re here for that quintessential Portland beer, it has to come from Allagash Brewing Company . On a warm day, you can sit out on their large patio and enjoy the people-watching from folks being introduced to high-ABV beers.

Discuss when you’d like to return over a lobster roll from Portland Lobster Company . You WILL want to come back to this city. I’ve been plotting since I left.

11. Hartford, Connecticut

Distance:  117 miles Drive Time:  2 hours 20 minutes

Mark Twain fans will love a visit to the Mark Twain House & Museum . This was the actual home of Mark Twain (at that time known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens) and his family from 1874 to 1891. If you time things right, you can visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center , too. Unfortunately, it was closed during our own trip to Hartford.

As you’re in the capital of Connecticut, visit both The Connecticut State Capitol and Connecticut’s Old State House . The latter is now a history museum that offers up a primer on not only the state’s capitol building switch but a history of the state, as well.

12. New Haven, Connecticut

Distance:  139 miles Drive Time:  2 hours 25 minutes

New Haven is known for Yale University and all the impressive things that come with its connection to the Ivy League institution. That means it’s home to some of the best museums in the country and rare books libraries that you should really time your visit around. I have a guide to all of that and then some.

If you’re just on a pizza tour, I’ve got a guide for that, too. I even go so far as to name my personal favorite New Haven pizza. Have a look !

My opinions in that pizza post got me all kinds of attention, both positive and negative. Here’s the thing. I like what I like and you can like what you like, and we can all eat pizza in New Haven without limits. Xoxo, friends.

13. Woodstock, Vermont

Distance:  140 miles Drive Time:  2 hours 30 minutes

This is one of the best day trips Boston has to offer for its charm alone. Yes, Woodstock’s covered bridges really are that cute. My pup seemed to think so, too. Woodstock is one of the most popular stops on any leaf-peeping tour of New England for a reason. Well, maybe it’s a few reasons.

The covered bridges like the Middle Covered Bridge are certainly one, but the plentiful green spaces that turn bright colors of reds, golds, and oranges come fall is definitely another.

Downtown Woodstock is a great place to start thanks to The Green, the town’s central square and gathering place.

More Places to Go from Boston

I’ve been to Boston a few times, but I haven’t seen it all. Here are a few more ideas for where to go from Boston on your next trip to the Massachusetts city:

• Concord, Massachusetts (40 minutes): This one is just a 40-minute drive from Boston known for its American Revolutionary War sites. Get your culture on, too, with a visit to both the Ralph Waldo Emerson House and Walden Pond, the inspiration for impressive works from Henry David Thoreau. Finish off with the Old North Bridge. 
• Lexington, Massachusetts (45 minutes): If you’re already visiting Concord, you may as well visit its neighbor, Lexington, essentially a suburb of Boston. The town is home to the Lexington Common, also known as Battle Green. This is where the first shot of the American Revolutionary War was fired.
• Marblehead, Massachusetts (50 minutes): This seaside town is known for its historic buildings, lovely coastline, and connection to the U.S. Navy. The storied fishing town is often referred to as the birthplace of marine aviation and the Continental Navy, the military outfit that came before the U.S. Navy.
• Sturbridge, Massachusetts (1 hour 5 minutes): See the Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum detailing New England life in the 18th and 19th centuries, or go on a hike at Wells State Park in this scenic Worcester County town. Sturbridge is known for bringing history to life through its historic attractions and frequent events.
• Newburyport, Massachusetts (1 hour 10 minutes): This coastal city near the New Hampshire border has an Old World charm made more obvious by its meaderies and historic port. In the summer months, it’s a popular beach day out destination for its proximity to Plum Island, an optional island tour, and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
• Gloucester, Massachusetts (1 hour 15 minutes): Come to this coastal city for its fresh seafood. You can actually see fishermen (and women) working the waterfront here as you stroll the harbor. Gloucester is also known for its beaches in the summer months. Half Moon Beach and Long Beach are popular stops for relaxing and people-watching.
• Rockport, Massachusetts (1 hour 15 minutes): This seaside town near Gloucester is known for Halibut Point State Park and Halibut Point Reservation, recreational wonders that really come alive in the summer. While you’re there, don’t miss Motif Number 1, a replica of what’s considered the most-painted building in the United States.
• New Bedford, Massachusetts (1 hour 20 minutes): New Bedford is known for its history as a whaling port. If that strikes your fancy, don’t miss out on the New Bedford Whaling Museum , an immersive place that goes beyond the city’s maritime history and gives visitors a primer on whales and their habitats.
• East Bay Bike Path (1 hour 25 minutes): This 14.3-mile bike trail connects the Rhode Island towns of Bristol and Providence on one of the most popular trails of its kind in the region. Enjoy coastal views, eight different parks, and impressive waterfront mansions along the way.
• Ogunquit, Maine (1 hour 35 minutes): This coastal city is on the southern tip of Maine, making it an easy trip over the border from Massachusetts. Local museums, fresh produce, and a small local population that’s very welcoming to visitors make this a popular destination for anyone looking to slow things down a bit.
• Springfield, Massachusetts (1 hour 40 minutes): Springfield is a pilgrimage of sorts for any basketball fans out there, as it’s home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame . The museum (and hall of fame) serves as a record not only of the history of the sports but the history of the biggest names in the game.

Best Weekend Trips from Boston

You’ll see quite a few of the weekend road trips from Boston below on posts detailing the best trips from Boston to do in a day. Personally, spending over three hours in the car one-way is a lot, especially if you’re traveling with a dog as we often are.

Here are a few trips that are best as Boston weekend getaways from my own experiences. 

25. Waterbury Village Historic Village, Vermont

Distance:  190 miles Drive Time:  3 hours 10 minutes

If you’re visiting Vermont in the fall months, you likely already have the Waterbury Village Historic District in your plans. If the weather holds up, you’ll also want to include a visit to Ben & Jerry’s in that Vermont itinerary.

Waterbury is the only place in the country where you can take a factory tour of the ice cream giant. At the very least, have a chuckle at the ice cream graveyard and mourn flavors that are no longer with us.

26. Stowe, Vermont

Distance:  199 miles Drive Time:  3 hours 10 minutes

Stowe is what all of your leaf-peeping dreams are made of. The colors in this place during those magical few weeks in autumn are more vibrant than anywhere else I’ve ever been. No matter when you visit, though, don’t miss out on The Alchemist Brewery, a brewery known for one of the best beers on the planet: Heady Topper.

Fun fact: I don’t even like IPAs but there was something about this one that hit just right. You have to drink it out of the can, too.

Interested in learning more about my favorite town in Vermont as you plan a trip from Boston to Stowe, VT? I have a guide to all of my favorite Stowe stops .

27. Montpelier, Vermont

Distance:  180 miles Drive Time:  3 hours 20 minutes

No, Burlington is not the capital city of Vermont. (I just have to put that out there as some of my peers failed to Google that one.) It’s Montpelier. You know I’m right because you’re looking at a pic I took of the Vermont State House above. That golden dome really is that vibrant, by the way.

If you’re traveling with a pup, don’t miss out on The Quirky Pet, a pet shop that’s home to several mops masquerading as dogs. You’ll know ’em when you see ’em.

28. Rockland, Maine

Distance:  189 miles Drive Time:  3 hours 25 minutes

Picturesque Rockland is one of my favorite towns in Maine. The lighthouse action alone here is worth the weekend trip from Boston. See the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and the nearby Owls Head Lighthouse and you’ll treat yourself to two of the most photogenic lighthouses in the state.

Owls Head and Owls Head State Park are technically just outside of Rockland, but it’s a 10-minute drive if you want to make it happen.

Rockland is also known for its lobster fishing industry, so if for whatever reason you’ve yet to eat a lobster roll, this is a legit place to do so.

29. Bangor, Maine

Distance:  240 miles Drive Time:  3 hours 25 minutes

We made the trip to Bangor for one reason and one reason only: the Stephen King house. Even though it’s no longer technically the Stephen King house — the author is now splitting his time between another home in Maine and a Florida home, for whatever reason — you’ll likely still find fans waiting out front.

Fun fact: On our visit in October, there was a red balloon tied to the spooky front gate in honor of that one clown he created. You know the one.

The folks who will be running the writer’s retreat at the property today will likely keep up the tradition for other tourists who want to visit the Victorian mansion. The place has wrought iron bats decorating the front gate, for Pete’s sake.

30. New York City

Distance:  215 miles Drive Time:  4 hours 10 minutes

New York City begs for as much time as you’re willing to give it. I could spend a full day just eating all of the quintessential New York foods and not even touch any of the cultural attractions. 

If you’re able, snag some tickets to a Broadway show while you’re there. You don’t have to drop the first and last month’s rent to make that happen, either.

Line up at the box office for same-day tickets if you’re of the patient sort, browse sites like TodayTix for rush tickets and day-of deals, or even take advantage of same-day resale tickets from desperate patrons of the arts. There are ways to make it happen, especially if you’re not trying to get in on the hottest ticket in town.

31. Acadia National Park, Maine

Distance:  280 miles Drive Time:  4 hours 30 minutes

Acadia is one the most beautiful national parks in the country, but it can be challenging to get to if you’re not already on the East Coast. If you have the time, make use of your proximity to Boston and visit Acadia.

Traveling with a pet? I have a guide for pet-friendly Acadia things to do .

Otherwise, don’t miss out on the park’s best hikes and sites, like the Ocean Path Trail, Cadillac Mountain, and Acadia’s unique carriage roads. This is a place that begs for more of your time.

32. Bar Harbor, Maine

Distance:  285 miles Drive Time:  4 hours 40 minutes

Bar Harbor is a natural base for travel into Acadia National Park but book well ahead of your trip if you’re visiting in the summer and fall months. The town is expensive thanks to that proximity.

Once you’re done at the park, there’s plenty to occupy your time in Bar Harbor proper. Walk the lovely Bar Harbor Shore Path, fish for Maine lobster, and visit Bar Island. Downtown Bar Harbor is worth your time, too. Charming Main Street is home to the town’s best restaurants and boutique shopping.

More Weekend Getaways from Boston

I’ve seen a lot, but there’s so much more to see! Check out some of the Boston weekend trips that top my list, including the fancy ones that just haven’t been in the budget just yet:

• Nantucket, Massachusetts (2 hours 30 minutes+): Some of these lists say you can do this trip in a day, but I really don’t recommend it. This is one of the Boston day trips by ferry, which is why I added that little + for emphasis. Your day trip could turn quite long if you miss the boat, and I mean that literally. Plan for a Nantucket weekend, instead.
• Stockbridge, Massachusetts (2 hours 35 minutes): Stockbridge is doable on a long day trip from Boston, but the Berkshires as a whole are really best experienced on a weekend away. That way, you’ll be able to indulge in the local food scene, take in a day hike or two, and spend some time exploring the region’s cultural pursuits.
• White Mountain National Forest (2 hours 40 minutes): The White Mountains span New Hampshire and Maine, although most of the best leaf peeping is supposedly in New Hampshire. While it’s doable from Boston if you’re feeling aggressive, from what I’ve heard, you’ll want to stay a while once you’re there, especially if you’re at all into hiking.
• Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts (3 hours+): Much like Nantucket, your travel time for Martha’s Vineyard will depend on ferries available on the day or weekend you take your trip. It’s much better to plan for a full weekend or overnight at minimum to get a feel for how the fancy set lives on this summer colony.
• Burlington, Vermont (4 hours 15 minutes): We traveled all over Vermont on our fall foliage road trip but never made it to the state’s largest city. It’s firmly at the top of our list for future Vermont travels for its scenery alone, nestled all cute in between the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain.

Where to Stay in Boston

If you’re taking day trips from Boston, you’ll need somewhere to stay. We stayed outside of the city during our visit as we waited too late to book, but I wouldn’t recommend that. We spent more time sitting in traffic than it was worth.

Use the map below to plan better and book accommodations in Boston proper:

Why do people vacation in Boston?

People vacation in Boston because it’s a world-class city. It’s also a great base for day trips if you’d like to hit the road.

I’d love to return to Boston and tick off some of the one-day trips from Boston mentioned above that I haven’t gotten to yet. I’m telling you, this city is a fantastic base for adventures!

Ready for Short Day Trips from Boston?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. autumn in New England), you should use  Skyscanner . Deals to Boston are fairly easy to come by, especially if you’re flexible with your travel.

For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.

Your Accommodations:  I recommend  Booking.com  or  Hotels.com  as your main options for accommodations in Boston, or  Vrbo  if you’re seeking something Airbnb-like that isn’t that site. 

Hostelworld  is a great additional option for travelers on a budget.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Inspired by these Boston day trips? Pin me!

Interested in more adventures within an easy drive? Check these out:

• You Have to Visit Vermont’s Dog Mountain
• Top Wineries at Cayuga Lake
• Explore the Best Breweries in Charlotte, NC
• Visit Virginia’s Natural Bridge State Park
• A Guide to the Best Stops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Ready to see more?

Subscribe to my biweekly newsletter for hot travel tips I come across, weird stories you won’t see elsewhere and perhaps lifelong friendship.

Too much, or just enough?

Agnes Groonwald

• Things to Do
• Day/Weekend Trips
• Plan Your Visit
• Living in Boston
• Privacy Policy

Beyond Boston

10 day trips from boston by train—local’s guide.

The nice thing about Boston is that you don’t need a car to go to some pretty cool places. This is all thanks to the Commuter Rail, which will take you to many towns within a couple hours of the city. As the name suggests, the train is mainly for commuters, but it also runs on the weekends.

After living in Boston for a few years, I’ve done some decent exploring of the area and want to share my favorite day trips for those looking for a short getaway.

These day trips range from cities to seaside villages to the countryside. They’re fitting for really any traveler—solo travelers, couples, friends, and families.

This post was written in 2019 and has been updated for 2023.

Table of Contents

How to Get to These Boston Day/Weekend Trips

All of these trips are accessible by the Commuter Rail, on different lines. I’ll be sure to specify which line and direction to take, and which station to leave from. You can always check up-to-date schedules on the  Commuter Rail site .

I highly recommend going on the weekend, as you can use the $10 unlimited Weekend Pass, cutting your transportation costs in half. Otherwise, most of these tickets cost around $20 roundtrip. With the Weekend Pass, you can take as many trips as you want for $10. You could even do one day trip on Saturday, and one on Sunday, if you’re feeling especially motivated 🙂

To be extra prepared, you can download the MBTA mTicket app, where you can purchase your tickets on your phone. You can also buy tickets on the train, but you’ll need to pay cash, and it may be more expensive (it’s unclear if Weekend Passes can be purchased on board). I’ve always used the app, and it’s super convenient.

Day Trips from Boston Without a Car

Note that this post contains affiliate links, meaning that I earn a small commission on any bookings you complete. This doesn’t cost you any extra, and it’s a great way to support my blog.

1. Providence, RI

How to get there:  take the Providence/Stoughton line towards Wickford Junction Train station in Boston:  South Station, Back Bay, Ruggles Distance:  1 hour

While the rest of these destinations are in Massachusetts, one of my favorite day trips is actually in Rhode Island. Being from the Midwest, I always found it mind-boggling that you could drive an hour in the Northeast, and end up in a different state!

Providence is just an hour from Boston by train, and it’s a charming riverfront city. With a population of under 180,000, Providence is highly-walkable, but be prepared for some hills!

Here are some top things to do in Providence:

Wander through the prettiest little library, the Providence Athenaeum . This library basically screams “insta-worthy.” It’s full of cozy reading corners and study spaces; you’ll probably spot some Brown University students, who are known for frequenting the Athenaeum. The best part is that visiting is free to the public—you even can bring dogs inside!

After visiting the Athenaeum,  take a stroll along Benefit Street  (right in front of the Athenaeum). This street is known for its lovely houses. You can also  walk around the campus grounds of Ivy League school Brown , which is just up the hill.

One of the most famous Providence attractions is  WaterFire . There are many braziers along the river, which are basically metal containers used to burn firewood. WaterFire is an evening event where all these braziers are lit up. It’s a bit of a strange experience, and feels kind of creepy at times (almost like a satanic ritual haha). The music was spooky, and the people lighting the fires are often dressed in all black. Regardless, the riverfront is especially beautiful with the light of the fire. The event also brings together community vendors, residents, and tourists. In typical years, WaterFire is scheduled about every other Saturday from late May to early November.

Active travelers will appreciate the East Bay Bike Path,  which also offers views of the city and riverfront. You could rent a bike, or go on a run.

Finally,  if you’re looking for a delicious vegan meal, check out Veggie Fun . It sounds like a sketchy restaurant, but the food is well-balanced, it’s conveniently located downtown, and the setting is modern. The seitan spareribs are so savory and filling, and I highly recommend them!

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?  You might like this  historic apartment near Brown and RISD , or if you’re feeling extra adventurous,  this yacht in a private marina .

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport or Rockport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  30 minutes

Salem is notorious as the  location of the 17th century Salem Witch Trials.  Nowadays, the small town really plays up this haunted/witchy reputation, and there are countless witch museums, haunted houses, dungeons, and witch souvenir shops. You can even take a ghost tour . I’m not a huge fan of “haunted” things, so I have a whole guide on  non-witchy things to do in Salem .

I do think the history of the witch trials is important to learn and understand, so if you haven’t been to the  Salem Witch Museum , you might want to visit. The exhibits are educational, rather than spooky.

My absolute favorite thing to do in Salem is  go to the Salem Willows Park and Arcade,  which is on a little peninsula about 1.5 miles from the town center. You can play classic games like Skee ball, coin pusher, air hockey, and Deal or No Deal.

At the park, you’ll also find plenty of vendors selling comfort food, like ice cream, pizza, fries, and Chinese takeout. You can stroll along the marina, have a picnic, and watch the sunset.

In the town center, there’s no shortage of cute shops and restaurants though. I personally love the stores  Oak + Moss  (pictured above) and  Mark Your Spot —they’re incredibly aesthetic. For vegan-friendly pizza in a fun, retro setting, I recommend  Flying Saucer Pizza Company . It’s a little pricey, but the portions are massive!

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?  You might like this  historic cottage near the town center .

3. Gloucester

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Rockport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  1 hour 15 minutes

Gloucester is a small seaside town best known for its beaches, whale watching expeditions, fishing, and seafood.

Some popular beaches include:

• Wingaersheek Beach
• Good Harbor Beach
• Half Moon Beach
• Niles Beach

All of these beaches are at least couple miles from the town center, so expect a longer walk, or be ready to take an Uber/Lyft. Some, like Wingaersheek and Niles, offer residents-only parking on certain days—if you’re driving, be sure to double-check. Even if there is public parking, you may have to pay $30+ per car!

I’ve only been to Wingaersheek, and I especially liked it for its exposed rocks at low tide.  The rocks would create little pockets of water which were fun to wade in, and you could also spy the minnows darting around. The tide changes daily, so  check tide reports  if you want to visit at low tide.

After swimming and wading at Wingaersheek, we walked to  Jones Salt Marsh , which was about a mile away. The marsh is a popular boating and fishing destination, but it’s also just a lovely place to watch the sunset.

Many people come to Gloucester to whale watch,  as it’s conveniently located between two feeding grounds. I went on a trip a couple years ago, and it was really cool to see the whales in their natural habitat. If you do go, be sure to choose a responsible operator with a naturalist on board, such as 7 Seas Whale Watch .

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?  You might like this  beach house  that’s only a short walk to Good Harbor or  this apartment  with a great porch view of the harbor.

4. Newburyport

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  1 hour 10 minutes

Newburyport is a charming, historic city right next to the ocean. The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture take you back to another era.

You can walk and relax along the Waterfront Park , which has benches and shade. After that, walk down State Street and Water Street for local shops and cafes.

Newburyport seemed to be committed to sustainability, as there were many low-waste, Fair Trade, and vegan-friendly places.

I really liked Green House Goods , which was full of zero waste goodies. There was also Sea Bags, which had totes made from used sails.

For food, I had a vegan bowl and cookie at NU Kitchen . The bowl was good and filling, but the cookie was gluten-free so it wasn’t as chewy as I wanted. If you like coffee, Plum Island Coffee has Fair Trade roasts.

For some beautiful colonial architecture, make sure to stroll down Inn Street .

Finally, Plum Island is a popular beach destination. I didn’t find the beach particularly impressive (the water was also super cold and brown), but the area seemed quite lovely and it might be worth going to a different part of the beach (I went to the northernmost point). There’s no public transport here, so you’ll have to take an Uber or rent a bike.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay? Check out this charming 1789 home .

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  50 minutes

Ipswich is another seaside town best-known for its beaches, farms, and history . The Commuter Rail takes you to the town, and from there, you can explore on foot or take the Ipswich Explorer shuttle .

The Ipswich Explorer costs $1.50 one-way and you can pay via your CharlieCard or in exact change.

The Crane Beach route of the shuttle takes you to to the following places:

• Crane Beach —beautiful, white-sand beach with a concession stand and bathrooms. The walk-on fee is $2 (which is much better than the $40 parking fee).
• Russell Orchards —farm with seasonal fruit picking, animals, and local goals for sale.
• Wolf Hollow —gray wolf sanctuary

There is also an Essex route that will take you to:

• Essex Shipbuilding Museum
• Famous seafood restaurants like Woodman’s
• River cruises and antique shops

The town itself is also quaint and has lovely restaurants and shops. In particular, I liked Sandpiper Bakery , which had a refreshing tofu sandwich and tempting pastries.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay? Stay in this modern home near the beach .

6. Rockport

How to get there:  take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Rockport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  1 hour 30 minutes

Rockport is another seaside village, and it’s just a hop away from Gloucester. You get a totally different vibe from this town though—it feels like more of an artisan’s community. Rockport is perhaps best known for its independent art galleries and local goods. One of the most famous shops is  The Pewter Shop , which offers products made by artists in Boston. The exterior of the shop is a popular photo op, with its red siding and bright blue door.

If you like sweets, you’ll want to stop by  The Ice Cream Store , which has another Instagram-famous façade. There are unfortunately no vegan flavors, but there is shaved ice that should be dairy-free (there are  plenty of vegan ice cream spots in Boston  anyways). There’s also the  Rockport Fudgery , with a lovely pastel storefront.

After walking past all the adorable shops, you’ll find yourself at  Bearskin Neck, a rock-covered peninsula . There’s not much to do there, but there are a couple cafes overlooking the water.

Unlike Gloucester, Rockport isn’t known for its beaches, but there is  Front Beach  just a short walk from the shopping district. On the way there, you might stop by  Bullseye Books—Flyboys,  which offers vintage books; along with the old-time music, you’ll feel like you’re back in the 70s.

Finally, it’s not a trip to Rockport without taking a photo of  Motif No. 1 , a red fishing shack that is reportedly the most-painted building in the world. With the ships in the marina, the fishing shack makes for a lovely seaside scene.

I also want to add that the best time to visit Rockport is in the summer, followed by the spring and fall. In the winter, many shops and restaurants are closed, though you can still find some things to do (I went in January). Just a heads up for y’all!

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?  You might like this  cottage near the town center  or this  quaint beach cottage .

7. Plymouth

How to get there:  take the Kingston line towards Kingston  (NOTE: the Plymouth stop was unfortunately suspended in April 2021 and may not be reinstated . You can, however, take an Uber/Lyft from Kingston for the remaining 5 miles).

Train station in Boston:  South Station Distance:  1 hour 30 minutes

You’ve probably heard of Plymouth (also spelled “Plimouth”) from your elementary school history lessons on the Pilgrims. This town is known as being the first landing spot of these English settlers.

For your local history fix, visit the  Plimouth Plantation.  There, you’ll find a  living history exhibit—the Wampanoag Homesite.  There, you’ll be able to see typical 17th-century Wampanoag homes, and Native employees practicing traditional skills like belt weaving. The  Plimouth Plantation website  has a section for how to interact with the Native People in a culturally respectful way.

In a similar vein, you’ll be able to visit a  17th-century living history English settlement.  There will be “Pilgrims” going about their daily lives in historical costumes, and you can speak to these employees to learn more about life as a settler.

Tickets to Plimouth Plantation are a little pricey, but you can also buy a combination ticket that will grant you entry to the  Mayflower II  and  Plimouth Grist Mill . The Mayflower II is a replica of the original Pilgrims’ ship, and the Grist Mill is a reproduction of a 17th-century, water-powered mill.

Before leaving town, take a gander at the original Plymouth Rock. It’s nothing special—it’s literally a small rock with 1620 engraved on it—but it’s kind of cool to see the landing site of the Pilgrims.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay?   Search for available hotels in Plymouth .

8. Manchester-by-the-Sea

How to get there: take the Newbury/Rockport line towards Rockport Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  50 minutes

Manchester-by-the-Sea is a small, seaside town that was the filming location of the eponymous movie.

The biggest draw of Manchester-by-the-Sea is Singing Beach , a beach that gets its name from the unique sand that creates squeaking sounds when you step on it with enough force (you kind of have to give it a kick while stepping). The beach is unique not only for its sand, but its otherworldly feel. The rocks and trees that line the beach aren’t typical of New England shorelines; in fact, the rocks reminded me of a beach in Montenegro.

The beach is a 20-minute walk from the Commuter Rail station, and the walk-on fee is $10 per person. It’s actually much more convenient to take the Commuter Rail into Manchester-by-the-Sea to go to the beach, as beach parking is expensive and sometimes only open to residents.

The town itself doesn’t have much to offer, besides a few restaurants and a grocery store, but it’s charming. Plus, it’s convenient to grab some snacks on your way to the beach.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay? Stay in this historic apartment in the town center.

9. Wachusett Mountain

How to get there:  take the Fitchburg line towards Wachusett; requires a 10ish minute Uber ride from the Wachusett stop, though there are free weekend morning shuttles during ski season (also some Wednesday afternoons)

Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  1 hour 40 minutes

Waschusett Mountain is probably best-known for its  skiing , but the area offers outdoor activities in all seasons. In warmer months, you can go  hiking  on the mountain, or go  kayaking  in the nearby lakes.

The area is quite rural, so getting around without a car is a little trickier. I’d recommend taking an Uber/Lyft to the mountain from the train station, and then walking around the countryside the rest of the day.

If you time your trip right, you might also be able to catch one of the many festivals on the mountain, featuring great eats and live music. Some popular events include Oktoberfest, Applefest, and Boofest.

I think Wachusett Mountain is probably more fitting for a weekend getaway than a day trip; there’s not a lot to do outside of the mountain, so it’s really a place to unwind. There are also so many cute apartment rentals!

If you’re looking for more places to stay,  you might check out this  house near a lake . Or, you might like this large  lake house with canoes and a grill .

How to get there:  take Lowell line Train station in Boston:  North Station Distance:  40 minutes

Lowell is a sleepy former industrial town. Its old manufacturing sites were actually turned into the Lowell National Historical Park . You can walk along the canals (or take a boat ride) and visit the water-powered mills and learn about the Industrial Revolution.

Another way Lowell is distinctive is its high Cambodian population, which is the second-largest in the US. In some parts of town, it feels like you’re walking through a different country, thanks to the Southeast Asian grocery shops and locals playing traditional Cambodian games in the parks. If you like Southeast Asian food , you won’t be disappointed. I ate at Simply Khmer and found it good.

Other popular attractions include Mill No. 5 , which is an indoor streetscape with historic storefronts; nowadays the stores range from sweets shops to art stores. In a similar vein, if you like record shops, there are three within a few blocks of each other.

Finally, if you’re a distance runner, you may want to check out the Baystate Marathon and Half Marathon in October. It’s known as a fast and flat course, and I did the half in 2021 and found it well-organized.

Looking to stay longer than a day, and need a place to stay? The UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center is well-located.

Map of These Boston Day Trips by Train

Here’s a map of these day trips so you can situate where they are and potentially plan a couple stops in one day.

I hope you learned about some new places to check out! If you know of other Boston day trips by train, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

You might also like these posts: Berkshires Travel Guide: An Outdoorsy Weekend Itinerary Best Hikes in Maine’s Acadia National Park

16 thoughts on “ 10 Day Trips from Boston by Train—Local’s Guide ”

wonderful. just what we were looking for, as we are planning a trip to Boston, without a car, and wanted some side-trip options. this is perfect. thank you

So happy it could help!

This was very helpful. Thank you for putting it together.

Where is the best to stay in Boston to be closest to the trains?

You’ll want to be close to North Station or South Station, depending on the places you want to go (different routes start at different stations).

Thank you for the suggestions. I travelled out to Providence and had a great day based on your suggestions.

I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you for letting me know 🙂

Thank you for the information. It was very interesting. We are planning on visiting May 2023

Glad it could help! I hope you enjoy your trip!

I want to go May of 2023 also, I am in need of cost friendly rooms but also want to be near train station and downtown if that’s possible. Help this weary traveler.

Have you seen my post on where to stay in Boston? It may help! https://roamingboston.com/where-to-stay-in-boston/

Wow, this is an amazing post! Thanks to you, I think I’ve just stumbled upon my new favourite library – the Providence Athenaeum. I would love to explore the Athenæum’s storied history, beautiful collections, and Greek Revival building as well as pick up a book or two written by Edgar Allen Poe. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

Thanks for the great post! I’m planning a trip to Boston soon and this was really helpful. I’m looking forward to taking some of these day trips by train.

What is the easiest way to get from the airport to the north station? We’re spending our first night in Salem after we arrive.

I would recommend taking the Silver Line to South Station and then taking the Orange Line to North Station from there. If you put it into Google Maps, you’ll get real time info on schedules. You can also take an Uber/Lyft. Enjoy Salem!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Boston for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Boston without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

22 best winter day trips from Boston

From cozy getaways to glittery jaunts to the best foodie stops, we found the most fun destinations to hit outside The Hub this winter

Bostonians take winter fun seriously, it’s an integral part of living in the Northeast. Truly, the only way to survive the winter cold is to plan fun activities that get you out of the house. One of the best ways to avoid cabin fever this time of year is to get out of the city. And, a little day trip can really lift the spirits. Explore all that New England has to offer, including quaint, historic towns and shoreline stops, as well as gaming destinations and, of course, buzzing ski towns. And if you don’t have time to head of Boston right now, stick stay closer to home and enjoy the city’s best attractions , best free things to do and best museums in Boston . RECOMMENDED:  The coziest Airbnb cabins near Boston

An email you’ll actually love

Best winter day trips from Boston

1.  Bretton Woods, NH

Located in the White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire’s stunning Bretton Woods is a winter wonderland spread across more than 2,000 acres, at the base of the tallest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington. You can take a canopy tour zipline, dine at the mountain top and, of course, glide down the slopes.

2.  Woodstock, VT

Most New Englanders know this bucolic village from summer and fall visits, but they’re missing the beauty of the green covered in a deep snow. It’s the perfect setting for the annual Woodstock Snow Sculpture Festival, held every February. You can also browse Woodstock’s unique shops like FH Gillingham & Sons general store, or the Arts on the Green gallery. Enjoy farm to table dining at the Prince and the Pauper , or grab a pizza and a nice glass of wine at the Ransom Tavern .

3.  Portsmouth, NH

One of our favorite destinations in New England, Portsmouth has a thriving food scene, offers one-of-a-kind shopping, historic walking trails and a beautiful waterfront. Pick a dry day to walk around the shops, then hit Vida Cantina , owned by James Beard nominee David Vargas; or Toscana Italian Chophouse & Wine Bar for a warming bite. Earth Eagle Brewing ’s taproom is a more casual option, with gourmet burgers and dogs that are worth the trip.

4.  Mystic, CT

Scenic, historic Mystic is renowned for stellar attractions such as the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum . Once you make the 90-minute journey from Boston, you can make a day of it—but if you choose to stay over, try The Whaler’s Inn . Nestled just steps from the banks of the Mystic River and the Bascule Drawbridge, the Inn offers inspired dining at The Shipwright's Daughter . Of course, no visit to Mystic is complete without a meal at The Oyster Club , and a trip to try the award winning pizza at Nana’s Bakery is a must.

5.  Salem, MA

• Things to do

October may be the busiest time of year to visit Salem, but the city is just as fun in the winter. With the Peabody Essex Museum, lots of great restaurants and so many other cultural things to do, Salem is a great day trip from Boston--especially because it is accessible via the commuter rail. So you don't even need a car!

6.  Newport, RI

While you may think summer is the time to visit Newport’s glorious Gilded Age mansions, the annual Newport Winter Festival is among New England’s largest winter celebrations and takes place each February with ten days of events. Along with concerts and a children’s fair, there’s a killer Chili Cook-Off featuring chefs from local restaurants. Treat yourself to a fun, stay at Castle Hill Inn , or stop by The Reef for classic seafood with impressive ocean views.

7.  Kennebunkport, ME

The Maine coastline is always beautiful, but it’s even more stunning to see those mighty waves crash on a snowy afternoon. There’s lots to do too, like Kennebunkport’s annual Paint the Town Red event that stretches Valentine’s Day into a month-long celebration. Dock Square—the town’s unofficial center—is decked out in red twinkly lights, capped with an eight-foot glowing red heart created from lobster traps. Throughout the month, there are special pop-up dinners, mixology classes and wine tastings, many of them offering specials and deals.

8.  Westford, MA

Ski, board, tube and soak in the wintery scene at the Nashoba Valley Ski Area , just 25 miles west of Boston in quiet Westford. This family-owned resort has 18 beautifully groomed trails on 55 acres of terrain. The adjacent, separate tubing park has 18 lanes, making it New England’s largest such facility. Winter events include the annual Grease the Rail Jam and legendary freestyler Wayne Wong’s annual ski clinics with resort co-owner, Olympian Pam Fletcher. It all comes to a splashy end in March with the Meltdown Pond Skim: ski into slush!

9.  Newburyport

Enjoy an off-season stroll through history in this seaport town, on a cool winter day. Start by visiting the Newburyport Historic District, which encompasses most of downtown, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and includes the Cushing House Museum & Garden and the Custom House Maritime Museum . After taking in the local lore, dine on classic seafood at Michael’s Harborside or head to the Newburyport Brewing Company , both open year round.

10.  Dennis Port, MA

Is Cape Cod worth the visit in the winter? If you like uncrowded beaches, hiking and getting creative with activities—plus, not sitting in summer traffic—then the answer is yes. Take the under two-hour drive to Dennis Port and head outside to cross-country ski, snowshoe or, if the ground is bare, just walk the Cape Cod Rail Trail for a breathtaking view of the seascape during the winter. Stop by the Pelham House Resort for brunch with an ocean view (without the crowds!) and reserve a private beach bonfire for the whole group with s’more kits and spiked, salted hot caramel cocoa to end your perfect day.

11.  The Inn at Hastings Park

On a Sunday morning finish the weekend with brunch just outside Boston. The Inn at Hastings Park is a historic hotel located a few miles outside Boston.  Offering brunch  on Sundays, this is just the place to escape the city and enjoy the Relais & Chateaux  atmosphere. 

12.  Old Saybrook, CT

Old Saybrook, a very un-touristy town on the coast, is eminently walkable and is  home to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, or The Kate, which is named for the area’s most famous native. You can also explore Saybrook Point and Fort Saybrook Monument Park, and take in the quiet winter beauty of these protected coastal wetlands. Dine at the newly reopened The Essex , a local favorite that’s a Wine Spectator and Yankee Magazine award winner, or pop by the historic Monkey Farm for a more casual experience.

13.  North Adams, MA

North Adams is an old mill town by the Hoosic River that now attracts serious art- and nature-lovers from across the country, primarily due to the spectacular Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, better known as MASS MoCA . Hikers and folks looking for some fresh air head to Mount Greylock, Massachusetts’ highest peak, but bring your snowshoes or a sturdy vehicle in the winter. For Berkshire farms inspired eats, try the Break Room at Greylock Works for a menu that changes daily.

14.  Jackson, NH

If covered bridges iced with snow are your thing, you’ll get a treat heading into this  quiet valley town. Once there, head to the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation’s nonprofit cross country ski and snowshoe center. Considered some of the finest cross-country ski trails in the Eastern U.S., at the main lodge facility you’ll find a retail shop, rental shop and waxing area. There is a trail-warming hut, and ski lessons are available, along with snowshoe tours. After a strenuous day outdoors, dig into a charcuterie board and pan roasted farm sirloin at the Thompson House Eatery .

15.  Watch Hill, RI

Watch Hill in Rhode Island is another popular summer destination that is just as charming in the off season. And perhaps even more so due to the lack of crowds.  Swing by  Ocean House  and the Weekapaug Inn. Be sure to plan your visit so you can spend the afternoon at the  Weekapaug Inn  for lunch and then the evening for dinner at Ocean House.

16.  Westerly, RI

While visiting nearby Watch Hill, or as a stand-alone trip, sweet little Westerly is a decidedly non-touristy town with lots for visitors to do. Take a chilly stroll (or maybe not that chilly, based on the past few winters) on a stretch of Misquamicut State Beach, then head to downtown Westerly for fresh baked doughnuts at Knead , cocktails and oysters at High Hope Tavern and a modern Peruvian meal at Bar Pisco .

17.  Provincetown

With the ferry running into December, and Cape Air year round , there’s no better season than the holidays to visit sassy P-town. Take in the lobster pot “tree,” climb the 252-foot granite Pilgrim Monument for dramatic harbor views, dine year round on great seafood at Mac’s Fish House and enjoy strolling the peaceful streets.

18.  Brattleboro, VT

Brattleboro —a funky, artsy destination in the foothills of southern Vermont’s Green Mountains—is surrounded by wonderful hiking terrain, but you might also want to explore the town’s bohemian shops and farm-to-table eateries. Go vegan at the Superfresh! Organic Cafe, or head to the Chelsea Royal Diner, an original 1939 Worcester Lunch Car. In February, the annual Winter Carnival brings together the arts and entertainment communities for a weeklong jamboree. Visit the Vermont Jazz Center or one of the many artisan breweries. To learn about local history, stop into the Brattleboro Historical Society, which has a wonderful collection of memorabilia.

19.  Providence, RI

This easy to navigate city should be on your radar year round for a day trip. Put on your warmest winter coat and treat yourself to a dine-around through Federal Hill, the city’s impressive Italian neighborhood, loaded with Italian eateries and shops. Visit the Rhode Island School of Design’s museum , which includes one the country’s finest university art collections, and don’t miss celebrated Syrian bakery Aleppo Sweets .

20.  Groton, MA

Head to this classic New England town and enjoy a brisk stroll around the Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary , home to uninterrupted woodlands and ample solitude, and enjoy more than three miles of hiking trails while keeping an eye out for moose, beavers and porcupines, as well as nearly 100 species of birds. Other options include hiking Gibbet Hill Farm and exploring historic Bancroft Castle . If you’re visiting on a weekend, check to see if Puritan & Co.’s Will Gilson is cooking up dinner at his family farm, the Herb Lyceum .

21.  Uncasville, CT

If you’re not feeling outdoorsy, plug into the nightlife at Mohegan Sun . The casino is essentially a giant indoor winter playground packed with restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The gaming tables and slots are one option, but you can also catch a comedy or music act. In January, the annual Sun Wine and Food Fest adds three days of wine, beer, and spirits tasting, plus celebrity chef demonstrations.

22.  Everett, MA

There’s one major reason to head to Everett, and that’s the relatively new Encore Boston Harbor Casino. Stay warm and cozy 24 hours a day while you hit the tables, or enjoy a relaxing massage in the resort's luxurious spa (which is offering winter skin saving treatments, like the Skin Replenishing Ritual, all season long). Sample new flavors at Cheese Meet Wine or bet on the Pats at Wynn BET Sports Bar .

More foodie fun

The best food-filled road trip from Boston

It doesn't get much better than food and travel—why not combine the two and take a food-focused road trip? Here's a go-to itinerary for anyone looking to take in the area's best treats and culinary experiences. Given New England's relatively small footprint, you can mix and match these stops based on your liking.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor Relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

12+ Best Day Trips from Boston

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

What are the best day trips from Boston? Have I got the post for you! Boston is a brilliantly situated city, surrounded by seaside towns, cool beaches, and natural wonders. Whether you’re staying in downtown Boston or out in the suburbs, whether you’re traveling with kids or on your own, there’s so much to see throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

And if there’s anything I know like the back of my hand, it’s Boston day trips — the ones that are worth it (Newburyport! Providence! Portland!), and the ones that are bad ideas.

Planning your trip to Boston last minute?

Boston is very popular and books up quickly year-round. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!

🦞 Top Day Trips from Boston:

• Salem in a Day from Boston: Witches Tour (My top recommendation!)
• Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip from Boston (LONG trip, but great place)
• Boston to Newport, RI Day Trip (Elegant mansions!)

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels in Buenos Aires:

• The Liberty Hotel (Former jail and super trendy!)
• Boston Park Plaza (Super nice and not too $$)
• Oasis Guest House (Great budget option)

🚗 Renting a car in Boston? Find deals on car rental rates here.

I grew up 20 minutes outside Boston — Reading, specifically — and spent several years living in Boston as an adult. Today, I spend much of the year in the Boston area with my family. I feel very lucky to be from New England, which is filled with fabulous places to visit, from my beloved Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Provincetown, the funky tip of Cape Cod.

While most of these Boston day trips require a car, several of them can be done with public transportation. Read on to see which day trips from Boston are best for you.

I would like to acknowledge and honor the Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), Pawtucket, Pokanoket, Wôpanâak (Wampanoag), Nauset, Pentucket, Abenaki/Abénaquis, Wabanaki and Mohican people, the Indigenous stewards and traditional owners of the unceded land now known as the Greater Boston area.

This post was last updated in March 2024.

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from Boston

There are lots of day trips from Boston — but which ones are best? It all depends on what you’re looking for as a traveler.

My top three Boston day trips are the seaside town of Newburyport ; Provincetown , the funky tip of Cape Cod; and one of my favorite small cities, Portsmouth, New Hampshire .

North of Boston, I recommend Crane’s Beach in Ipswich . South of Boston, I recommend Duxbury Beach in Duxbury .

If you want to do a day trip from Boston on public transportation, I recommend the seaside town of Newburyport by train, the foodie city of Portland, Maine , by train, and the fun Cape Cod town of Provincetown by ferry.

Check out the deCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln , spend the day in York, Maine , or have a fun beach day in Duxbury .

In winter many smaller towns in New England are virtually closed down. I would bundle up and visit another busy, active city like Portland, Maine or Providence, Rhode Island .

There’s a lot to consider, so here are my four big tips:

Tip #1: Don’t go overboard with history-oriented day trips if you’re not into history.

Yep, we’ve got a lot of wonderful historic sites in New England, and most travel writers tend to disproportionally play them up, but not everyone is up for doing historic day trip after historic day trip. I know I’m not.

Tip #2: Don’t just visit other cities.

Portland, Portsmouth, and Providence are great, but if you’re in Boston, you’re already in a city, and you shouldn’t miss out on the other side of New England: small towns and areas of natural beauty.

Tip #3: Keep your destinations within a two-hour drive.

If not, you’ll be spending a huge chunk of your day driving. Each destination I’m listing here is within a two-hour drive of Boston, with the occasional exception noted.

Tip #4: Make sure you have the right train station.

Boston has two main train stations: North Station and South Station. Trains to northern destinations depart from North Station; trains to southern destinations depart from South Station. There is also Back Bay Station, which is the first stop after South Station, so if you’re staying around Back Bay, you can just hop on the train there. Buses depart from South Station Bus Terminal.

Newburyport, Massachusetts

If you’re looking for quintessential New England seaside towns, Newburyport is one of my absolute favorites. This is small town New England at its best. Located north of Boston on a convenient commuter rail line, Newbury has a lovely waterfront, a beautiful downtown area with lots of fun shops, and easy access to the beach and wildlife at Plum Island.

Best things to do in Newburyport: This is a nice town for just walking around, and I encourage you to go in without too big of an agenda. Walk along the waterfront, browse the treasures at Oldies Marketplace , visit the Custom House Maritime Museum or Cushing House (the Museum of Old Newbury) , or even go on a food tour with Taste Newburyport .

Plum Island, a barrier island along the coast, is technically split between the towns of Newburyport, Newbury, Rowley, and Ipswich. You can stake out a nice spot on the beach — but Plum Island really excels at wildlife. Check out the bird life at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge , go kayaking, ride your bike along the trails, and enjoy the atmosphere.

There are plenty of dining options in Newburyport, but if you want a really local spot, head to The Grog . There’s nowhere else I go in town. This hole-in-the-wall pub has dollar oysters (you need to ask for them!), lots of interesting beers on tap, and delicious appetizers, including a nice chowder.

How to get from Boston to Newburyport: Newburyport is about a 45-minute drive from Boston. The train from Boston (North Station) to Newburyport takes one hour. If you’re heading to Plum Island, you’ll want to have a car.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

If you’re looking for a summertime day trip that combines a nice beach and an active town, both classic New England style and modern hotspot, Provincetown is the perfect choice! P-Town, a popular summer destination and legendary LGBTQ summer getaway, is at the very tip of Cape Cod.

Normally, I don’t recommend doing a day trip to Cape Cod during the summer because you’ll inevitably be sitting in hours of traffic at the Sagamore Bridge. But Provincetown is the one exception — because you take the ferry! The fast ferry runs direct from Boston to Provincetown from mid-May through mid-October, and it only takes 95 minutes each way. You can check the ferry schedule here.

In Provincetown, you can have a beach day or an exploration day — or a little bit of both!

Best things to do in Provincetown: Enjoy relaxing at Racepoint Beach, check out the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum (the only permanent exhibition that tells the story of the Pilgrims’ arrival from the point of view of the Wampanoag), explore the shops and galleries on Commercial Street, go wine tasting at Truro Vineyards (just south of Provincetown in North Truro), try beers at the Provincetown Brewing Company , see a Zoe Lewis show .

See the full list of things to do in Provincetown here .

If you’re going to eat, check out The Lobster Pot — check out their Portuguese soup with red beans, kale, linguica, and chorizo, featured by Anthony Bourdain on Parts Unknown . Southeast Massachusetts is home to a big Portuguese community, so take advantage!

How to get from Boston to Provincetown: The fast ferry takes 95 minutes and departs from the World Trade Center in Boston’s Seaport District. That’s the only way I’d recommend doing a day trip, as the drive to Provincetown takes 2.5 hours without factoring in the bottleneck at the Sagamore Bridge.

Want more? See my full Provincetown guide here!

Martha’s Vineyard

Is it possible to do a day trip from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard? Yes, it is, but it’s best done as a tour from Boston . Honestly, I highly recommend staying at least overnight, or for a few days, but if all you have is a day, you can absolutely make it happen.

I absolutely love Martha’s Vineyard and especially love exploring it by car. Just keep in mind that if you visit during the summer months, there can be a TON of traffic heading down the Cape. I would not do this from Friday through Sunday during the summer months.

Best things to do in Martha’s Vineyard: Start in the beautiful town of Oak Bluffs and visit all the colorful gingerbread houses, followed by a spin on the carousel. If you don’t have a car, I recommend renting a bike and riding down to Edgartown , which is SUCH a beautiful town. From Edgartown you can take the Chappy Ferry to Chappaquiddick Island , which is perfect to explore by bike.

And if you have time in the evening, I highly recommend checking out the stunning Aquinnah Cliffs and/or Moshup Beach, my favorite beach in Martha’s Vineyard, late in the afternoon, followed by sunset in the fishing village of Menemsha. And another lovely town to explore is Vineyard Haven , with lots of cute shops and the Black Dog.

How to get from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard: If you’re doing a day trip from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard, I strongly suggest you book this tour . With limited time, it will be far easier if you have professionals taking you directly.

Otherwise, you can drive to Woods Hole on Cape Cod (80 minutes, but longer during the summer), and take the Steamship Authority ferry to either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard (one hour). This ferry allows cars.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is one of my favorite places to take people visiting New England for the first time. It simultaneously has the feeling of a small town and a medium-sized city, all perched on New Hampshire’s brief sliver of coastline, a stone’s throw from Maine. It has a funky, almost bohemian feel in some parts. Throw in fresh seafood and surprisingly few tourists and you’ve got a great spot for a day trip from Boston.

Portsmouth is on a lovely stretch of waterfront, just across the water from Kittery, Maine , so it pairs well with the south coast of Maine. I often pair a day trip to Portsmouth with a visit to The Maine Diner in nearby Wells, Maine, one of my favorite restaurants on the planet.

Best things to do in Portsmouth: Portsmouth, like Newburyport, is the kind of destination that lends itself to walking around and exploring. Browse the Portsmouth Book & Bar bookstore while enjoying a coffee or beer, explore the shops on Market Square, check out the Strawbery Banke Museum and its historic homes, take a self-guided tour of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire , try some beers at the Portsmouth Brewery , and walk across the bridge into Maine (fun if you’ve never walked into another state before!).

As for where to eat, there are tons of spots! My favorite is The Friendly Toast , a joyful diner-like spot serving up creative dishes. River House is a great spot for dining right on the water. Portsmouth Brewery has a great menu of American comfort classics.

How to get from Boston to Portsmouth: Portsmouth is about an hourlong drive from Boston. There are also buses that take an hour and 20 minutes from South Station Bus Terminal.

See more on my sister site, New Hampshire Way:

• 27 Fun Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH
• Best Portsmouth NH Restaurants
• Best Bars in Portsmouth, NH
• Best Portsmouth, NH Hotels and B&Bs

South Coast of Maine

Ever wanted to visit Maine? You can absolutely do that on a day trip from Boston! Maine’s south coast is closer to Boston than you’d think. (So close, in fact, that some people refer to the south coast as “North Massachusetts.” Hehe.) Even so, you’ll see that Maine has a personality all its own, where life is slower, houses are brighter, and relationships are strong.

Ideally, I recommend visiting a few destinations in a single day trip. Morning in Kennebunkport, late lunch at the Maine Diner in Wells, and an afternoon and evening in Ogunquit would be lovely! Here are destinations in southern Maine worth visiting, from north to south:

Kennebunkport — Most famous for its longtime summer residents, George and Barbara Bush, Kennebunkport is one of the classic beauties of southern Maine. The town is beautiful on its own; it’s also home to Gooch’s Beach, a few nice museums, food tours , and trolley tours .

Wells — Home to a lovely stretch of beach and one of my favorite restaurants on the planet, The Maine Diner . They make the best seafood chowder IN THE WORLD, a fantastic lobster pie, a hot lobster roll with butter, blueberry pie, and a dish my friends and I swear we’re going to order someday, the Clam-o-Rama. Everything here is good, even if you don’t eat seafood.

Ogunquit — An artsy, colorful village and popular LGBTQ vacation spot, home to nice beaches and a rocky cove, Ogunquit is one of the most photogenic spots in a very photogenic state. Come here to enjoy the beach, hang out at the bars, explore the shops, or catch a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse. You can see my full guide to Ogunquit here.

York — Home to a large, calm beach, a picture-perfect lighthouse, a carnival-like fun park, and one of the coolest candy stores around, York makes an especially good choice for families with young kids. It’s good for a brief drop-in or a lazy day away. You can see my full guide on York, Maine here .

Kittery — At the southern edge of Maine, Kittery is most famous for its outlet shopping and pretty waterfront. It’s right next door to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, so these destinations pair well together. You can see my full guide to Kittery here.

Portland, Maine, is just north of Kennebunkport but it’s more of a standalone destination. See more on that below .

How to get from Boston to Maine: Kennebunkport is about a 90-minute drive from Boston; the other towns are closer. This is one Boston day trip I recommend doing by car as there are lots of small towns to see and the public transport connections aren’t the best.

Read More: My Guide to Ogunquit, Maine

Salem, Massachusetts

The city of witches. The city of history. The city that welcomed my 12-year-old great-grandfather when he arrived on a boat from Sicily at age 12, alone. Salem is a very popular day trip from Boston, especially for people looking for historic and/or educational day trips. And the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 have led to a community of witches, Wiccans, and those interested in the occult today, making it a strange blend with the maritime history!

I’ve written a full guide to visiting Salem if you’d like more in-depth information!

I think Salem is worth visiting if you’re really into history or you’re visiting during October, when Haunted Happenings brings a full month of celebrations. And Halloween night in Salem is a TON of fun! Beyond that, I would go with somewhere else on this list. On the North Shore, Newburyport and Rockport are much nicer. Even Marblehead, next door to Salem, is nicer.

Best Things to Do in Salem: Check out the Salem Witch Museum , visit the House of the Seven Gables , get a tarot or palm reading , visit the Peabody Essex Museum , go on a ghost tour .

How to get from Boston to Salem: If you want a guided tour, I highly recommend this Salem day trip from Boston from Walks . Salem is about 30 minutes from Boston, either by driving or by train from North Station. You can also get there by ferry on Boston Harbor Cruises. Check the ferry schedule here.

25 Spooky, Historic Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts

Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts

Yes, the shot heard ’round the world was first fired from Lexington and Concord, starting the American Revolution. Massachusetts bleeds Revolutionary War history, and Lexington and Concord are great towns to explore that time period — as well as literary history. These towns were home to Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and more.

If you’re into history of this time period — or craving a break from Boston’s crowds and skyscrapers — Lexington and Concord, two historic towns side by side, make a lovely Boston day trip.

Best things to do in Lexington and Concord: Check out Walden Pond , a natural escape where Thoreau wrote Walden ; dive into American Revolution history at Minuteman Historic Park ; see Louisa May Alcott’s home at Orchard House ; tour the Battle Green , where the shot heard ’round the world was fired; check out Lexington’s historic buildings like Buckman Tavern and Hancock-Clarke House.

For food, continue the historic theme at Concord’s Colonial Inn , which dates back to 1716 and has two restaurants serving classic Yankee dishes alongside more modern offerings.

How to get from Boston to Lexington: Lexington is about a 20-minute drive from Boston; there are public transportation connections that take closer to an hour. I recommend doing Lexington and Concord by car because the attractions are pretty spread out.

Rockport, Massachusetts

If you’re looking for a visually stunning small seaside town in Massachusetts, you’re going to love Rockport . This little town on Cape Ann, the “other” cape in northeast Massachusetts, makes a beautiful day trip. There’s a reason why North Shore residents treasure Rockport as a lovely weekend getaway.

My favorite fun fact about Rockport is that it was the filming location for Sandra Bullock and Betty White’s small Alaskan village in the movie The Proposal ! Seriously! It’s worth watching before you go to Rockport. Bearskin Neck, a tiny neighborhood of shops perched on the edge of town, could surprisingly look like a fishing village anywhere.

Best things to do in Rockport: Photograph all the fishing boats and painted cottages; check out the shops and art galleries on Bearskin Neck, sample all the fudges of Rockport Fudgery , relax on the beaches, take a walk along the rocky coastline at Halibut Point State Park , go on a Cape Ann whale watch . Also, don’t overlook Gloucester, the town next door and a short drive away!

As for where to eat in Rockport, the quintessential experience is getting a lobster roll at Roy Moore Lobster Co . and eat it while looking over the water. Alternatively, head to the Azorean Restaurant and Bar in nearby Gloucester to enjoy flavors of Portugal’s Atlantic archipelago.

How to get from Boston to Rockport: Rockport is about a 50-minute drive from Boston. You can also take the train from Boston (North Station) to Manchester (50 minutes) and from there take the connecting shuttle to Rockport (28 minutes).

Read More: 27 Fun Things To Do in Rockport, MA

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport may be another seaside New England town — but this one is a hell of a lot fancier. Newport is famous for its mansions, sailing, and history as one of the see-and-be-seen destinations among the American elite. During the Gilded Age, Newport became THE summer destination of America’s greatest thinkers, with a party scene to match.

But is a destination for famous rich people in the 1900s worth visiting today? Absolutely. Newport today has lots of historical sites to explore, but at its heart it’s a modern city. You come here for beaches and breweries, donut shops and Instagrammable cliff walks. And, of course, mansions that make you want to sing, “My God, this house is freakin’ sweet!”

Best things to do in Newport: Go on the Cliff Walk , a 3.5-mile journey along the coastline, passing some of the biggest mansions; visit The Breakers , the most insane mansion in all of Newport; chill out on the beaches; try beers at Newport Brewing Company or wines at Newport Vineyards ; explore the (much smaller!) colonial-era homes of The Point; visit the Newport Art Museum ; watch the sunset over Naragansett Bay.

For eating, Jo’s American Bistro does a fabulous lobster carbonara and features a $20.95 prix fixe menu Sunday to Thursday — great value if you’re doing a day trip from Boston during the week.

How to get from Boston to Newport: Newport is about a 1.5-hour drive from Boston. I highly recommend this day trip from Boston , which includes transportation and the mansions.

There is a bus departing South Station that takes 2.5 hours. You can also take the train from South Station to Providence, then a bus to Newport, but I think that’s too much of a hassle for a day trip.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

If you’re looking for a fall foliage day trip from Boston, the White Mountains are my top recommendation. This is one of the most gorgeous fall getaways in New England, but most outsiders haven’t even heard of it. But it also makes a great trip in late spring or summer, with tons of great outdoor activities.

(If you’re visiting the White Mountains for fall colors, keep in mind that the White Mountains are further north and at a higher altitude than Boston, so the leaves change earlier. Peak foliage tends to be the first week of October. See more on that in my Best Time to Visit Boston post.)

I grew up camping in the White Mountains every summer — specifically, at White Lake State Park in Tamworth. If you want to go chill out at a lake for a day, this is a great spot! It gets busy on summer weekends but it’s mostly quiet the rest of the time.

Note that the White Mountains are the only day trip I recommend that is more than two hours from Boston. If you’re up for a BIG day in beautiful nature, I think it’s worth it. If that’s a bit far for you for a day trip, consider staying overnight.

Best things to do in the White Mountains: Explore the cute downtown of North Conway ( Zebs General Store is a must), drive the Kancamagus Highway and explore the stops, hike through the Flume Gorge or Lost River Gorge , do a canopy tour at Alpine Adventures , take the Mount Washington Cog Railway up Mount Washington. Or just drive around, listening to music and admiring the scenery.

How to get from Boston to the White Mountains: North Conway is about a 2.5-hour drive from Boston; Lincoln is about a two-hour drive (and literally right on route 93). Though there are some buses to North Conway, this is one day trip that is best done by car.

• 30 Unforgettable Things to Do in the White Mountains
• 31 Fun Things to Do in North Conway, NH
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire
• Complete Guide to Driving the Kancamagus Highway, NH

Portland, Maine

It’s far more than just “the other Portland” — Portland, Maine, is one of the emerging foodie destinations of the United States. If you love cities but feel like Boston is a bit overwhelming and large, Portland might be more your speed! Especially if you love to taste the local libations. It’s the best of a small city and a fishing village, all rolled into one.

My friends and I decided to plan our friend’s bachelorette in Portland on a whim — none of us were too familiar with the city. It turned out to be a fabulous idea and became one of our favorite getaways. You can read about that trip here.

Best things to do in Portland, Maine: Go mead tasting at Maine Meadworks , spirit tasting at Maine Craft Distilling , and kombucha tasting at Urban Farm Fermentory ; check out the Portland Head Light lighthouse; explore the Old Port, downtown Portland’s quirky shops and boutiques; go on a lobstering tour by boat; visit the Portland Museum of Art ; go on a Portland food tour.

As for where to eat in Portland — well, you’ve got plenty of choices. I especially recommend Duckfat for sandwiches and fries and the Holy Donut for potato donuts (trust me, they’re great). If you’re looking for a truly special dinner, Fore Street serves hyper-local fine cuisine and serves especially good seafood. Book early.

How to get from Boston to Portland: Portland is a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from Boston. There are also trains (two hours, departing from North Station) and buses (2.5 hours, departing from South Station Bus Terminal).

Providence, Rhode Island

Yet another fabulous New England city in a smaller package — one with a distinctive artistic flair. Providence, home to the Rhode Island School of Design, is a great place to visit and an underrated gem of New England. Sure, it’s got history, pretty neighborhoods, interesting restaurants and some memorable celebrations. But it stays firmly under the radar — and likes it that way.

If you’re visiting Providence in the summer, see if you can time your visit to see Waterfire , a festival in downtown Providence where artistic fire installations erupt over the water and local businesses open for celebration. This takes place several times during the summer months, so double-check the datess before you go!

Best things to do in Providence: Visit the RISD Museum , the Museum of the Rhode Island School of Design; fall in love with the Providence Athenaeum , a stunning library straight out of Beauty and the Beast ; go on a Providence brewery crawl ( see a map of local breweries here ); go Italian food-hopping in the Federal Hill neighborhood; take a long walk through Roger Williams Park, the largest and best maintained park in town.

Food-wise, don’t forget to try Rhode Island-style calamari and coffee milk (yes, it’s like chocolate milk, but with coffee-flavored syrup), my two Rhode Island favorites! If you want to go fancy, I recommend Persimmon ; if you want to go funky, I recommend the Peruvian and Bolivian Los Andes ; if you want to go cheap and fun, go for Korean food at Den Den .

How to get from Boston to Providence: Providence is about an hour’s drive from Boston, but the train from South Station takes closer to 38 minutes. There are also hourlong buses from South Station Bus Terminal.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts*

Should you do a day trip from Boston to Cape Cod — or down the Cape, as we Bostonians say? I actually don’t recommend doing so during the summer months.

Cape Cod is a summer destination, for obvious reasons. It’s all about beaches and ice cream stands and bike rides. And it is best explored by car, giving you the freedom to explore small towns at your own pace.

But what other guides don’t tell you is that summer traffic bottlenecks up at the Sagamore Bridge, which could add hours to your trip in either direction. It’s one of Boston’s dirty secrets. Do you want to be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic twice in a single day?

If you’re going to do a day trip to Cape Cod during the summer, I recommend the aforementioned day trip to Provincetown by boat. That’s a nice, traffic-free journey from Boston that won’t slice hours off your trip.

If you’re visiting more in the off-season — say, May through early June, or September or October — a Cape Cod day trip is much more doable, but know that it won’t be in full summer mode.

Best things to do in Cape Cod: The Cape is another place that lends itself to wandering and seeing what you find. Go find your perfect piece of beach on the Cape Cod National Seashore ; go on a catamaran sailing trip , rent a bike and head down the Cape Cod Rail Trail , catch a Cape Cod Baseball League game, see a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In , check out the Sandwich Glass Museum .

Food-wise, why not try out some fabulous Wellfleet oysters right at the source? Check out The Impudent Oyster in Chatham, The Wicked Oyster in Wellfleet, and The Naked Oyster in Hyannis.

How to Get from Boston to Cape Cod: Hyannis is about a 1.5-hour drive from Boston if there’s no bridge traffic. There is also a two-hour, 20-minute train to Hyannis from South Station; it also stops at Buzzards Bay and Bourne.

Beach Day Trips From Boston

If you’re looking for a fun beach day trip, and somewhere nicer than Boston’s T-accessible beaches like Revere Beach or Carson Beach, consider taking a day trip to one of the NICE ones!

You don’t even have to go down the Cape — there are a lot of nice beaches on the North Shore (north of Boston) and the South Shore (south of Boston). Here are some worth considering:

Best Beaches North of Boston

Here they are, from south to north:

Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea — A gorgeous beach with “singing” sand that’s also accessible by train from Boston! No car necessary! (It’s about a half-mile walk from the station to the beach.)

Crane’s Beach in Ipswich — One of the most beloved beaches in New England, long and expansive with soft sand.

Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester — One of my high school favorites, with fabulously clear water (by New England standards, at least) at low tide and lots of big rocks to climb.

Salisbury Beach in Salisbury — A long, endless-seaming beach with big waves, right next to the New Hampshire border.

Best Beaches South of Boston

Here they are, north to south:

Nantasket Beach in Hull — A narrow beach on a wispy peninsula near Boston Harbor, a really good choice if you want to pair your beach day with a lively boardwalk-type atmosphere.

Duxbury Beach in Duxbury — One of the most solid all-around beach options in the area, and if you’re there, you might as well try their trademark oysters!

Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport — Buzzards Bay is one of the big Massachusetts secrets — it’s the Cape, but before the Sagamore Bridge, so no bottleneck to get there! Soft white sand greets you here.

Museum Day Trips From Boston

Yes, Boston has some of the best museums in the United States — but there are plenty of excellent museums outside the city, too! Here are some of the notable ones that I recommend doing as a day trip from Boston:

New England Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts — This is a surprisingly lovely museum that isn’t so much about hunting whales as about the entire seafaring industry over several centuries. (And a spectacular wedding venue! I was a bridesmaid in a wedding here.)

Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts — One of my personal favorite museums in Massachusetts, this museum is a monument to the quintessential New England illustrations and journey to activism of Norman Rockwell.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, Massachusetts — Formerly Plimouth Plantation, this historic site brings to life Plymouth Colony and the Indigenous peoples who called this area home. (Nearby Plymouth Rock is often cited as the most underwhelming site in Massachusetts, so be prepared for that.)

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts — If you’re a basketball fan in the least, come down to where basketball was invented! This museum has a massive collection of memorabilia.

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts — A really fun place to visit on a nice day, deCordova is the largest sculpture park in New England, featuring giant works of art over 30 acres.

Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts — A living museum that brings the late 1800s to life, costumed historians showing you what life was like more than 100 years ago.

Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts — Whether you do the full Salem day trip or not, PEM is one of the hidden gems on the North Shore, with a lovely collection of global art, as well as local treasures.

Shopping Day Trips from Boston

Are you here to do some serious shopping? You’ve got options. A lot of people from Massachusetts customarily head to New Hampshire to make big purchases, as there’s no sales tax there. The Mall of New Hampshire and the Mall in Rockingham Park are popular for this reason. (The people at the Apple Store in Nashua practically know me by name at this point.)

But there are some destinations near Boston that work as day trips or half-day trips on their own.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets — The Wrentham Outlets usually get all the attention, thanks to their high-end shops. Here you have designer outlets like Armani, Gucci, and Ferragamo as well as more mainstream outlets like Gap, Express, and Adidas.

Kittery Outlets — In Maine’s southernmost town, next door to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, this small outlets collection includes primarily mainstream shops like Nike, Ann Taylor, and Lululemon, with cool additions like Le Creuset. Not quite a standalone destination but it pairs well with a trip to Portsmouth or southern Maine.

Merrimack Premium Outlets — These outlets in Merrimack, New Hampshire, have the bonus of no sales tax! Mainstream stores include Bath and Body Works, J. Crew, Kate Spade, the Disney Store, and more.

Boston Day Trips to Avoid

Do not take a day trip to Acadia National Park in Maine. Not only is it WAY up north, way beyond a doable day trip, it also books out several months in advance. My suggestion? Plan a longer road trip up to Acadia and back.

Do not take a day trip to Burlington, Vermont. I love that little city, but it’s four hours away. If you go, go for the weekend, not a day trip.

Do not take a day trip to the Berkshires. Some people do it, but I think it’s a bit too far, with the POSSIBLE exception of Stockbridge , which is 2.5 hours by car and right off the Mass. Pike. Other destinations like North Adams, Williamstown, and Great Barrington are much further.

The Berkshires are wonderful — but it’s much better if you stay for a few days, or overnight. Be sure to check out my ultimate travel guide to the Berkshires , which will help you plan an awesome trip!

Do not plan a Connecticut casino day trip unless you know what you’re in for. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods brand themselves as sexy resorts — but I find them depressing, smoky, and the furthest thing from sexy. If you’re expecting the party vibes of Las Vegas, you’ll be disappointed.

And be especially careful about planning trips in the winter. Some of these destinations get very quiet — especially the small seaside towns. And if it’s going to snow, don’t go anywhere ! You don’t want to be caught up in a nor’easter when you’re far from home.

Best of Boston:

• What NOT to Do in Boston
• Where to Stay in Boston: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
• 40+ Fun Things to Do in Boston at Night
• Best Time to Visit Boston
• 24 Interesting Things to Do in Cambridge, Mass.
• 21 Best Museums in Boston

Cape Cod & the Islands:

• Which of the Towns of Cape Cod is Best for You?
• 24 Fab Things to Do in Cape Cod
• 22 Fabulous Things to Do in Provincetown, MA
• Which Of The 6 Martha’s Vineyard Towns Is Best For You?
• A Guide to Oak Bluffs, MA — Home of the Gingerbread Houses
• A Guide to Edgartown, MA — Prettiest Martha’s Vineyard Town
• A Guide to Vineyard Haven, MA — Authentic Town on Martha’s Vineyard

Western Massachusetts:

• 33 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires
• Best Towns in the Berkshires, Massachusetts
• 24 Cool Things to Do in Lenox, MA
• 12 Fun Things to Do in Stockbridge, MA

North Shore:

• 27 Fun Things to Do in Rockport, Mass.
• 25 Spooky, Haunted Things to Do in Salem, Mass.

Have you been to Boston? Do you have any day trip recommendations? Share away!

37 Delightful Day Trips from Boston, MA

By Author Meg Frost

Posted on Last updated: November 19, 2023

Categories Massachusetts , United States of America (USA)

Share the love!

As much as I love my home city of Boston, MA, getting out of the city is always welcome. Luckily there are TONS of fun day trips from Boston available.

Check out these 37 delightful day trips from Boston for ideas on what you can do when you want to explore the rest of New England.

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park is comprised of over 30 islands and peninsulas.

While some of the islands are technically still part of Boston proper, it’s very much a step out of the city life, so I had to include it as a day trip from Boston!

Make your way to Georges Island to visit Fort Warren, a Civil War era fortress open to the public.

Or perhaps head to Brewster Island to tour the oldest lighthouse in the US.

Hiking, nature walks, boating, fishing, bird watching, and relaxing on the beach are popular activities for a day trip to Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park.

A few of the islands also offer camping (note: NOT glamping or modern camping!).

Ferry service to most islands is available at the dock next to the New England Aquarium from late Spring to mid Fall.

Fares are reasonable, ranging from free to less than $20, depending on whether you’re an adult, student, member of the military, and so on.

For more information about ferry service, check out the BHI website .

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Location : 51 Sandy Pond Rd, Lincoln, MA Phone : (781) 259-8355

I have a special place in my heart for sculpture gardens because they combine my love of weird art and the great outdoors.

One of the best sculpture parks near Boston is the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, with more than 60 sculptures spread out over 30 acres. The museum itself holds over 3400 works of art.

The sculptures and artwork at the deCordova Sculpture Park rotate out, so chances are high that repeat visits will be a new experience each time.

Forest Park in Springfield, MA

Forest Park , one of the largest city parks in the US, is another fun place to hangout.

There are several playgrounds, a public pool, sports fields, a rose garden, duck ponds, easy hiking trails, and more.

During the Winter holiday season, Forest Park is transformed into Bright Nights , a nighttime drive-thru attraction with lights displays depicting pop culture figures, winter scenery, local companies, and pop culture icons.

Foxwoods Casino & Resort

Location : 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT Phone : 1-800-FOXWOODS

Foxwoods Casino is known for its nightlife options, but also has a softer side with a spa and a golf course.

The variety of activities available at Foxwoods makes it a great destination for group day trips from Boston for celebrations such as bachelorette parties or girls’ getaways.

Oh and before I forget – they have their own outlet mall. An entire outlet mall! Who doesn’t love shopping at a discount?

Freeport, Maine

Freeport has outlet shops set amid a quaint New England backdrop about 2 hours north of Boston.

It is also home to the flagship store for preppy outdoor brand, L.L. Bean, maker of the über popular duck boot gracing every New Englander’s feet in the colder months.

Gillette Stadium & Patriot Place

Location : 1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA Phone : (508) 543-8200

Boston is NUTS for sports, especially when it comes to the New England Patriots, who play at Gillette Stadium.

Do yourself a favor and make it to at least one game if you’re here during NFL football season, which takes place between September and December. To see when the next game is, check out the New England Patriots schedule .

Not a football fan? Right next to Gillette Stadium is Patriot Place, which is packed with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

The fun also includes Splitsville Luxury Lanes bowling, Howl at the Moon piano bar, and a TopGolf Swing Suite.

Hampton Beach, NH

New Hampshire doesn’t have much coastline, but what little exists is a popular spot for day trips from Boston. Hampton Beach, about 1 hour north, is the most popular.

Aside from the obvious benefits (sand, sun & water), Hampton Beach holds 2 popular events each year, the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival and the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Competition.

Hampton Beach also has a fireworks display every Wednesday evening during the Summer months.

Crane Beach

Want to hit the beach but don’t want to deal with Boston-area traffic? Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA is easily accessible by public transport.

Take the MBTA Commuter Rail Newburyport line to Ipswich, then hop on board the Ipswich Essex Explorer shuttle to Crane Beach.

Getting to Crane Beach without a car is super convenient, not to mention cheap!

The Kittery Outlets

Growing up, I spent a lot of my school vacations in Bar Harbor, Maine.

The Kittery Outlets are located on the border of Maine and Massachusetts, so we’d often stop off on our way home to do some shopping.

The outlets are not in a single complex, which can be annoying since that makes it less walkable, but they are at least congregated to the same area.

Nonetheless, The Kittery Outlets always has good deals, so it’s worth the stop.

A few popular shops and outlets in Kittery include:

• Calvin Klein
• J.Crew Factory & Crew Cuts
• Kate Spade New York
• Lululemon athletica
• Nike Factory Store

For a complete list of shops, outlets, and restaurants in Kittery, check out this link .

Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular vacation and day trip destination for families.

There are many towns surrounding the lake, located in central New Hampshire, but Gilford and Laconia are probably the easiest to get to from Boston.

Aside from the typical beach and lake recreation, there are tons of family-friendly activities available, such as go-karting, zip lining, a tie dye activity shop, and the NH Motor Speedway.

You might like : The Ultimate Guide to New Hampshire in the Fall

Lizzie Borden’s House

Location : 230 Second St, Fall River, MA Phone : (508) 675-7333

Fans of true life crime stories should hit up Fall River, MA, home of alleged murderer, Lizzie Borden.

Legend has it that Lizzie murdered her father and stepmother with an axe, but famously got away with it.

You can stay in the house where it all happened, as it now serves as a museum and bed and breakfast . Fall River is about 1 hour outside of Boston.

Singing Beach

Location : 121 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA Phone : (978) 526-2019

Singing Beach is a super family-friendly beach with sand that squeaks when you walk on it, hence its name. It is one of my favorite beaches in Massachusetts.

Accessing the beach can be a bit tricky, but works as follows:

During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), parking is very limited for non-residents. In fact until about mid-June, non-residents can’t park in the official lot at all!

From mid-June through the end of peak season, non-residents can park in the official lot for $30 during the weekdays, except on holidays.

Non-residents can always park nearby the train station, where spots are sold by the local Boy Scouts for $25. That said, you still need to pay to enter the beach, which is $10 daily or $35 for a season pass. People over the age of 65 are free.

Prices based on 2023 rates .

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Originally called Noepe by the Wampanoag indigenous people, this small island off the coast of Cape Cod is known today as a beach vacation destination.

If you’re coming from the Boston area, you can turn it into a day trip, though! Pop over for the day to lounge at one of the beaches, explore the small shops, and get homemade ice cream.

Martha’s Vineyard can be accessed by ferry or plane. You can find more info in my post about getting from Boston to Cape Cod and the islands.

Minute Man National Park

If you are interested in studying the Revolutionary War, head to Concord or Lexington, MA. Both towns, along with Lincoln, MA, are home to Minute Man National Historical Park .

Minute Man National Historical Park is a nationally protected park that includes the site of the Battle of Lexington.

You can also walk the 5-mile Battle Road Trail between Concord and Lexington. I recommend visiting between Spring and Fall to take advantage of the living history program to help learn the story of this important site of the Revolutionary War.

Also of interest in Concord are the tombs of many famous authors, such as Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau. All of these authors are buried at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord.

You can also visit The Wayside , which was once home to Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne, at separate times.

Interested in more military history travel? Check out these destinations , all in the USA.

MGM Springfield

Location : 1 MGM Way, Springfield, MA Phone : (413) 273-5000

In 2018, MGM opened its newest casino resort, MGM Springfield .

MGM Springfield is home to a casino, venue hall, bars, restaurants, bowling lanes, and a luxury movie theater. It also has a nice hotel attached, so you can make a weekend trip out of it!

Mohegan Sun Casino

Location : 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT Phone : (888) 226-7711

Mohegan Sun is often rated by many as the top casino in the US. While I’m not a frequent traveler to casinos, I can definitely see why it tops many peoples’ list.

Mohegan Sun is known for its amazing entertainment schedule, with concerts featuring popular acts, a comedy club, and theater shows, such as Cirque du Soleil.

They also have a golf course, 2 arcades (including 1 for kids under 12), an indoor go kart track, and a trampoline park.

If that’s not all, they also own a WNBA team, the Connecticut Sun, which plays at their own sports arena. Connecticut’s professional lacrosse team, the Black Wolves, also plays at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Another reason to love Mohegan Sun is its variety of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops.

My top pick is Connecticut’s favorite pizza establishment, Frank Pepe’s, which serves the most amazing pizza with super fresh ingredients!

Mount Tom State Reservation

Location : 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA Phone : (413) 534-1186

During my childhood, Mount Tom was a local place to go skiing when you were too lazy to drive to Vermont.

These days the ski resort is permanently closed, but the broader area, Mount Tom State Reservation, is still a popular place for cross country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

Mount Tom State Reservation also includes a playground, picnic tables, grills, and covered pavilions.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Location : 100 Hall of Fame Ave, Springfield, MA Phone : (877) 446-6752

Did you know that basketball was invented in Springfield, MA?

Yep, it totally was! James Naismith, a Canadian teacher, invented it while teaching in this small New England city in western Massachusetts.

Given the history, the biggest year-round attraction in Springfield is the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame , located right off of Interstate 91.

Nearby are a variety of restaurants, as well as several hotels if you’d like to stay the night.

Newport, RI

Newport is a small town on the coast of Rhode Island. It is well-known for its historic mansions, many of which are open to the public for a guided tour. They are absolutely astounding!

It also has several nice beaches, though some are quite loud thanks to the day clubs at a few of the on-shore bars. So if you’re looking for a beach day, I recommend other areas in New England if the club scene is not for you.

Northampton, MA

Northampton is a funky town in western Massachusetts known for its arts scene, as well as its thriving LGBT community.

It is home to the Northampton Independent Film Festival , the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum , multiple art galleries, and indie music halls.

While you’re there, be sure to stop by Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium , my favorite New England-based candy shop. I recommend the chocolate covered Oreos and chocolate covered fresh fruit (if they have ’em!).

Old Orchard Beach, ME

Old Orchard Beach is coastal town in southern Maine that is a popular spot for a beach day trip outside of Massachusetts.

The beaches in Old Orchard Beach can be quite busy during the summer, but there are lots of fun activities nearby, like Pirates Cove Adventure mini golf and a small amusement park.

Old Sturbridge Village

Sturbridge, MA is a teeny tiny town in Massachusetts, but it is a place I visited many times growing up.

This is thanks to Old Sturbridge Village , a living history museum that depicts life in New England in the 1830s.

At Old Sturbridge Village, you can see replicas of homes, businesses, churches, and even a farm from the early 1800s.

Live demonstrations are another highlight at Old Sturbridge Village. Demonstrations include shoemaking, cabinet making, printing, musket firing, and much more.

Lastly, Old Sturbridge Village has several pretty nature trails for exploring. River boat horse-drawn carriage rides are also available.

Plimouth Patuxet Museums

Location : 137 Warrent Ave, Plymouth, MA Phone : (508) 746-1622

Previously known as Plimoth Plantation, Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a Smithsonian-affiliated collection of living history museums that depict indigenous and early colonial life.

The museums include:

• 17th Century Craft Center
• 17th Century English Village
• Historic Patuxet
• Mayflower II
• Plimoth Grist Mill

At the 17th-Century Craft Center , you can learn about herbal remedies and crafts, such as pottery, from the early settlements.

The 17th-Century English Village is a recreation of Plymouth Colony that includes live actors who immerse you into the times.

Historic Patuxet is where you can learn about the indigenous people of the area, most notably the Wompanoag peoples. You can see a wetu , or house, canoe-making and cooking demonstrations, and more.

Mayflower II is a life-sized replica of the ship carrying English settlers in the 1600s. The replica was built in 1957, but restored in 2020. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.

Lastly, the Plimoth Grist Mill is a reconstruction of the original mill the Plymouth settlers used all the way back in 1636. The mill is still used today to create cornmeal, flour, grits, and other grains.

Admission is grouped into 3 options: Plimoth Patuxet (Craft Center, English Village, and Historic Patuxet), Mayflower II, and Plimoth Grist Mill.

A variety of ticket combos are available, so it is best to visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museums website for ticket info, including pricing.

NOTE : The Plimoth Patuxet Museums are closed during the winter season.

Plum Island’s Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Plum Island is a small island off the coast of Newburyport, MA on the north shore area of metro Boston. Located on Plum Island is the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, over 4600 acres of conservation land.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for birdwatching. Over 300 species of birds can be found there, such as piping plovers, saltmarsh sparrows, and blue herons.

As this is a national wildlife refuge, it is part of the US National Park network and your America the Beautiful Pass can be used for admission.

Otherwise, admission is $5 per car or $2 per bicycle. Season passes that cover entry for only the refuge are available for $20.

Portland, ME

Portland, ME has a thriving food scene that is well worth a visit. It’s doable in a day trip, but definitely makes for a great weekend getaway or even a longer trip.

One place you have to hit up at least once is The Holy Donut , which specializes in donuts made from potatoes. Yes, potatoes.

OTTO Pizza is another favorite of mine. They have a pizza made with mashed potatoes ( I swear I eat more than potatoes! ), scallions, and bacon that is to die for .

Another delicious combo OTTO Pizza serves up has butternut squash, ricotta, and cranberries. It’s like an American Thanksgiving dinner on a pizza. YUM!

For something a little more formal than pizza and donuts, check out Central Provisions . I’m a sucker for tapas because it’s a great way to try multiple dishes.

Central Provisions definitely knocks it out of the park with their tapas menu, which includes delicious ingredients like raw oysters, roasted peaches, and suckling pig ( not all together, obviously ).

Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth, NH is another small New England coastal town with a bustling food scene.

Pop on over to Portsmouth Book & Bar for a new novel and a coffee or craft beer. Hungry? They have food too!

For food-baby worthy comfort food, check out Cure . Cure’s menu is filled with classic dishes with a fancy twist. Think mac n cheese with lobster or pork chops with a honey-chipotle glaze.

Another interesting twist? The kitchen at Cure is open, so you can watch the executive chef and her team cook up a storm.

Providence, RI

Providence, RI can be reached by car, MBTA, or coach bus. It has a growing foodie scene, as well as a fun arts scene.

Providence is well known for its waterfront entertainment and social district.

During the summer months, WaterFire Providence organizes tons of events, music, vendors, a fire sculpture installation, and more.

Lastly, Providence is also home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. So stop by to meet Andy Roddick, not at all guaranteed .

Ok, but really, if you’re tennis fan, stop by to check out all the fun historical artifacts, as well as their immaculate indoor and outdoor (grass!) tennis courts.

Provincetown, MA

While Provincetown is part of Cape Cod, it deserves its own section. I couldn’t leave you hanging without telling you more about this adorable town.

Provincetown is so lovely that my paternal grandparents made it their home for many years, up until their passing.

Located at the tip of the Cape, P-town, as it is affectionately called, is a summer haven for the LGBT community. It also has a robust Portuguese community (read: mouthwatering fooooood).

Provincetown is full of tasty seafood restaurants, funky coffee shops, ice cream bars, locally owned gift shops, and beautiful art galleries.

And given its shore location, there are plenty of beaches for fun in the sun. Lastly, P-town is a prime spot for whale watching, as well.

If you’re looking for more things to do while in Provincetown, check out my post on things to do in Cape Cod .

Rocky Neck Art Colony

Location : 6 Wonson St, Gloucester, MA Phone : (978) 515-7004

Most people know Gloucester as a big fishing town, as it’s home to the reality show Wicked Tuna , as well as the inspiration for the movie The Perfect Storm .

Gloucester is an excellent day trip about 50 minutes north of Boston.

It’s great for families with many options for kid-friendly activities, such as whale watching, beach walks, an aquarium (Maritime Gloucester), and a medieval castle (Hammond Castle).

Gloucester, and the surrounding Cape Ann area, is also home to the oldest art colony in the USA. Yep, true story!

The Rocky Neck Art Colony was established in the mid-1800s and is still kicking today.

The quirky and quaint colony is located on a peninsula and is full of art galleries, several restaurants, and a theater.

Salem, MA is one of my favorite towns in all of Massachusetts. It’s a small suburb north of Boston, but it’s a ton of fun.

This quaint coastal town is full of fun shops (including those of the supernatural variety), museums, historical sites, and restaurants.

It’s also home to the famed House of Seven Gables, which you can learn more about in my post about the best things to do in Salem .

Lastly, Salem, along with nearby Danvers, is the site of the Salem Witch Trials. So naturally Salem is home to one badass month-long Halloween party. Just go!

Check out my itinerary for an October Weekend in Salem if you need ideas on how to make your trip the best.

Six Flags New England

Location : 1623 Main St, Agawam, MA Phone : (413) 786-9300

Previously known as Riverside Amusement Park during my childhood, Six Flags New England is a large theme park that sits along the Connecticut River.

Six Flags New England boasts 12 roller coasters and a huge water park. There are also several live shows, a dance party, and Looney Tunes characters and Gotham City villains meet-and-greets.

Six Flags New England is about 1 hour and 40 minutes southwest of Boston.

Springfield Museums

Location : 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA Phone : (413) 263-6800

Tucked away in Western Massachusetts is Springfield Museums , a collection of 5 museums that surround a sculpture garden:

• The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
• Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
• George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum
• Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History
• Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
• Springfield Science Museum

Tickets include admission to all 5 museums. The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is free to visit.

Admission costs $25 for adults and $13 for kids 3-17. Kids under 3 and Springfield residents are free! Special pricing is also available for adults over 60 years and college students ($16.50).

Wachusett Mountain

Location : 499 Mountain Rd, Princeton, MA Phone : (978) 464-2300

If you’re jonesing to go skiing but don’t want to deal with the long drive to the ski resorts in Vermont, take a day trip to Wachusett Mountain .

Wachusett offers both day and night trails, and can create their own snow, so there’s no need to wait for a decent snowstorm to hit it up.

The best part? You can take the MBTA commuter rail Fitchburg line to get to Wachusett Mountain!

During the ski season, Wachusett Mountain also provides a free shuttle to the ski area on the weekends.

During the warmer months, Wachusett Mountain hosts a handful of fun events, such as a kids day camp, a food truck festival, and 2 craft beer festivals.

Walden Pond

Location : 915 Walden St, Concord, MA Phone : (978) 369-3254

For an enjoyable, quiet day in nature, take a short drive out to Walden Pond State Reservation .

American transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau famously spent 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days in a tiny cabin on Walden Pond and wrote a book about it: Walden .

Today, you can relax on the pond’s shore, go boating on the pond, and visit a replica of Thoreau’s cabin. Concord is about 30 minutes outside of Boston.

Wellfleet, MA

Wellfleet is known for its eponymous oysters, one of the most popular types of oysters unique to the east coast US.

Stop by The Wicked Oyster or one of the many seafood restaurants in town for a taste of these famous oysters.

Wellfleet is located in the Outer Cape, so if you’re not up for making the trek out there just for oysters, combine it with a day trip to another fun Outer Cape town, Provincetown, MA.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Location : 1 Premium Outlet Blvd, Wrentham Phone : (508) 384-0600

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets is a popular outlet mall in Massachusetts. It can be a bit confusing to get to from Boston, so don’t rely on Google Maps to get there. I’m sure you can guess how I know.

Aside from that, the store selection is pretty good, so it’s still worth the trip out from Boston. Popular stores at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets include:

• Marc Jacobs
• Ted Baker London
• Vineyard Vines

For a full list of shops at this outlet, check out the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets stores list .

Yankee Candle Village

Location : 25 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield Phone : (877) 636-7707

Located in South Deerfield, Yankee Candle Village makes for a fun day trip from Boston.

Yankee Candle Village includes a super New England-y collection of shops, such as The Candle Emporium, a General Store, the Fudge Shop, and Local Fare.

There’s also a Christmas shop open year round that is jam-packed, top-to-bottom, with all things Christmas.

Aside from shopping, you can make your own candles or customize premade ones.

The also have Powder Hollow Brewery (originally started in my hometown of Enfield, CT!) and Hillside Pizza Café on site.

What are your favorite day trips from Boston?

So next time you visit Boston, which day trips will you work into your itinerary? Be sure to let me know below in the comments!

Next up, check out more of my favorite Boston and New England area travel guides:

• A Local’s Guide to The Big E: New England’s Best Fair
• The Best Things to Do in Massachusetts in the Fall
• Best Festivals and Events in Boston, MA
• The Best Food Festivals in Boston, MA

About the author

Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.

Read more →

This post was originally published on August 17, 2017. It was last updated on December 26, 2022.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Best Brunch in Boston, MA: Picks from a Local in 2023

Saturday 25th of March 2023

[…] Best Day Trips from Boston, MA […]

A Local's Guide to The Big E: New England's Best Fair - Frost + Sun

Sunday 15th of May 2022

[…] hurrah before the doom and gloom of Winter take over for a few months. It makes for an excellent day trip from Boston or pit stop on a New England road […]

New England in the Fall: A Complete Guide - Frost + Sun

Friday 6th of May 2022

[…] My home city is filled with things to do and makes a great home base while exploring New England via day trips. […]

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » North America » USA » 12 AMAZING Day Trips to Take From Boston!

12 AMAZING Day Trips to Take From Boston!

Boston is a fantastic destination that offers an incredible blend of old and new. But, it doesn’t stop at the city limits. Boston is within easy access of some of New England’s best destinations .

Once you’ve explored all that the city has to offer, you can set off for adventures to other nearby towns on day trips from Boston. Explore up and down the coast where you’ll discover quaint seaside villages, towns and historic settings of momentous events. The suburbs and towns on the fringe of the city are charming, welcoming and absolutely worth making time for during your visit.

If you’re exploring the city and are keen to venture a little further afield, this list of the best day trips in Boston will give you plenty to choose from, all within two and a half hours of the city!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Getting Around Boston, and Beyond

Half-day trips from boston, full-day trips from boston, final thoughts.

The impressive city of Boston is easy to navigate , with plenty of ways to get where you need to be. Of course, like in most big cities, driving in the downtown area comes with challenges like the traffic and parking shortages.

• Most attractions in and around the city are easily accessed by public transport. Look for signs with a ‘T’ in a circle – these will take you to the subway which is great for getting to different parts of the city and surrounding suburbs. 
• A single one-way trip on the T costs around $2.75. 
• Consider buying a Charlie Card – a prepaid card for the subway. Load it with funds and top up as you need. 
• Boston is very walkable. Not only is it a beautiful city to stroll through, but most things are accessible within an hour’s walk. 
• Hop on a bicycle! The city has a great biking culture which makes it super easy to rent a bike and get around using pedal power. 
• Like most cities these days, there are a variety of taxi and rideshare options to use. These are handy especially if you’re out past the T’s operating hours. Services like Lyft and Uber are easy to access and use. 

For day trips from Boston, the bus is a reliable and affordable way to explore. The bus terminal is located on Atlantic Avenue – you may need to grab the T to get there from your hotel. 

Other options to get out and around exploring Boston include ferries and boat shuttles to other coastal towns and islands. 

If you find yourself with a morning or afternoon to spare, the areas surrounding the city are well worth exploring. Expect history in spades, quaint towns, and all the New England charm you can handle on these half-day trips from Boston. 

Half-day Trip to Salem

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

In 1692, Salem was the scene of infamous witch trials that have since inspired a thriving tourism industry. Just 30 minutes from the city, Salem is one of the most popular things to do in Boston . 

Options for witch trial related tours are abundant. There’s no shortage of guided, walking, and even self-guided tours through the turbulent history of this quaint seaside town. Take it up a notch on the thrill meter by opting for a night-time tour by lantern light – spookiness, guaranteed! 

But it’s not all about witches and spooks, Salem is a historical city with museums and monuments aplenty. From gorgeous, stately old homes to boat tours on the water, Salem has plenty to offer any visitor.

Suggested trips: Hauntings and History Walking Tour

Half-day Trip to Concord

Just 35 minutes from Boston by car, the city of Concord is a delight of Revolutionary War and literary history. Whether you choose to visit on your own or as part of a guided tour, there’s plenty to check out. 

Revolutionary War buffs should definitely check out the Minute Man National Historical Park, which includes the Paul Revere capture site as well as the option to walk along the Battle Road. You can wander around the vast park on your own, but we’d recommend doing a guided tour for a more insightful experience. 

The Concord Museum is relatively small but still interesting to visit. It won’t take you more than an hour or two to see all the original historic artefacts and exhibits from the town’s history. 

Concord has, over the years, been home to some literary greats whose homes you can visit while you’re in town. Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House is a must-see for anyone who loved Little Women. Equally fascinating and well-preserved is Ralph Waldo Emerson’s house, as well as the Old Manse – a 19 th  Century house that was home to both Emmerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. 

Don’t leave town without stopping by the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. This beautiful leafy area is the final resting place of Thoreau, Emerson, Alcott, and Hawthorn, all within feet of each other in a spot called Author’s Ridge. Bonus points if you visit during the Autumn season when the trees turn all shades of red, yellow, and orange. 

Suggested trip: Private Excursion to Historic Concord

Sometimes after a full Boston itinerary , you want to get out of the city. Slightly further out are these Boston day trips will take you to Maine’s coastline and Rhode Island’s small towns. All within easy reach, these trips are worth checking out if you find yourself with a day to spare. 

Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard

Just off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard has long been the secret summer spot for the USA’s who’s-who. Anyone who’s anyone summers here on the reg, including the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, David Letterman, and many other A-listers. 

For a day trip from Boston, Martha’s Vineyard offers a laid-back vibe, quaint coastal villages, and no fewer than five lighthouses ensuring safe passage for ships off the rocky coastline. 

You can spend your day on one of the incredible unspoiled beaches, relaxing away from busy city life. Definitely make time for some delicious seafood with a view of the boats on the water, and maybe a stop past the breathtaking Gay Head Cliffs. 

For something a little different, swing by the multi-colored gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs. This collection of cottages is like something out of a fairy tale and a must-see for the little ones. (Hint: visit in the summer when the houses are brightly lit in the sunshine and look eye-catching and festive.) 

Suggested trip: Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip from Boston

Day Trip to Portland

A drive two hours north of Boston will bring you to Portland, Maine, a popular foodie spot that really lives up to its reputation. Cuisine options include everything from Mediterranean fare to Vietnamese, and locally caught lobster to vegetarian delights. Whether you’re into fine dining or fusion food, you’ll not leave disappointed.

Blyth & Burrows is a favorite local spot serving killer cocktails artfully paired with small, tasty plates. 

Explore the quaint Old Port, with its hilly cobbled streets lined with boutiques, bars, and pubs. And if you’re keen to linger a little longer here (and we wouldn’t blame you if you did), choose to stay in a simple well located loft .

The Greater Portland area is home to the highest number of breweries per capita than any other city in the US. You can try everything from craft beers, stouts, and ales. There are also local wineries and distilleries.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, there are so many adventures to enjoy on a day trip in Boston. Think cycling, kayaking and paddleboarding, lobstering and fishing excursions, and even hover crafting on the bay.

Day Trip to Newport

Like most places in New England, Newport has a rich history stretching some 400 years. With water on all sides, it was originally the summer playground for the very well-to-do. Wealthy families built the now-famous Newport Mansion. 

Iconic and opulent grand homes have been perfectly preserved, some with art collections that would be the envy of any museum. If you’re a fan of HBO’s The Gilded Age, which was filmed in these very mansions in Newport, be sure not to miss out on this Boston day trip. 

The Breakers is just one of the more prominent of these grand estates and is conveniently close to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Audrain Auto Museum. There’s no shortage of historic homes, galleries, and museums in Newport to get a glimpse into day’s gone by. 

Visit one of the many picturesque lighthouses, and take in incredible views from the Cliff Walk. Fuel up at the White Horse Tavern – supposedly the oldest restaurant in America, or head down to Bowen’s Wharf where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and shops to explore. 

Suggested trip: From Boston to Newport Mansions Small-Group Day Trip

Day Trip to Provincetown

If you have the chance to visit P-town, take it! As the oldest continuous art colony in the country, Provincetown delivers charm and character in spadefuls. It’s also a favorite LGBTQ+ destination where absolutely everyone is welcome, and anything goes. 

Situated on a finger of land that juts into Cape Cod Bay, Provincetown is surrounded by water with plenty of beautiful beaches. Vibrant shops, galleries, and restaurants line the main street in town, and there’s usually an event or festival to check while you’re there. 

Provincetown isn’t an island, but it certainly has that kind of festive, laid-back vibe. In addition to whale-watching and hiking, the town is alive with art and entertainment, and food at any time of year. 

You can’t consider your visit here complete until you’ve climbed the Pilgrim Monument – a 252-foot granite tower that looks out over the harbor – or feasted on some freshly-caught seafood. Definitely try the Lobster Rolls – this town takes them seriously! 

Suggested trip: Cape Cod Fast Ferry

Day Trip to Providence

Providence is the kind of artsy place you can happily spend a day wandering round. It may be the capital of Rhode Island, but this city is charming and friendly and gives off major small-town vibes. 

If you’re into architecture, design, and art in general, then you’ll adore spending a day in the city checking out the downtown’s incredible buildings. See art deco, and beaux-arts buildings as well as gorgeous late Victorian terracotta-fronted gems. You can extend your stay in town and book a stay in a stunning downtown hotel originally built in 1929.

If looking at buildings doesn’t feed your soul, then the food scene in Providence certainly will. Each of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods has something to feast on, whether you’re looking for light nibbles, casual dining, or something truly decadent and over the top. 

Venture from the historic East Side to the West Side’s Federal Hill, which is home to over 100 restaurants and food markets – you’ll be feasting on everything from lobster to Italian! 

Day Trip to Plymouth

Even if you’re not American, there’s something special about standing on the exact spot where the first English pilgrims arrived in America 400 years ago. It’s this rich history that has consistently attracted visitors to Plymouth through the years, and makes this a popular Boston day trip. 

Visit the historic Plymouth Rock where the Mayflower came ashore, see the Pilgrim Hall Museum, and explore the meticulously preserved buildings like the Grist Mill or the Hedge House Museum.

But even if you’re not a history buff, Plymouth is a quaint destination with arguably some of the best whale watching to be had. Spend time in the beautiful outdoors at one of the many beaches, parks, and gardens, or take to the water in a kayak or boat.  

Stop in for a brew at the Mayflower Brewery or the Second Wind Brewing Company, or if wine’s more your thing, visit the Plymouth Bay Winery or the Uva Wine Bar to sample some of the local varieties. 

Suggested trip: Quincy, Plymouth, and Mayflower II Day Trip

Day Trip to Newburyport

Known to locals as ‘The Port’, Newburyport mounts a charm offensive on any visitors. Not only due to its scenic location on the coast where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic, but because of its historic buildings in downtown. 

From the Cushing House Museum & Garden to the Custom House Maritime Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to discover local history. Otherwise, the waterfront area is great for a meander among the many restaurants and shops.

The major summertime attraction is by far the many excellent beaches. Nearby Plum Island is a popular retreat. A visit will include great beaches, an iconic lighthouse dating to 1898, and somewhere to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset at the Plum Island Grille. Check out this quaint little cottage if you want to extend your stay.

Sightseeing can be thirsty work, stop by one of the local breweries for a frosty craft beer. Try out the River Walk Brewing Company, the Newburyport Brewing Co., and House Bear Brewing. 

Day Trip to Mystic

Mystic is a quaint seaport village that fuses maritime history with that quintessential New England charm. From its iconic Bascule bridge to the old sea captain’s homes that line the streets, it’s easy to see why this picturesque town is so popular. 

Attractions here include the seaport, aquarium, and the Mystic Museum of Art. History lovers shouldn’t miss the Olde Mistick Village. A popular fall-time tradition is to visit BF Clyde’s Cider Mill – the only steam-powered cider mill in the US. Grab a cider and fresh donut before setting out to explore.

In the summer months, visitors usually head out on the water for a morning of sailing or a cruise. Whenever you visit, there’s likely to be some kind of celebration to check out!

Day Trip to Kennebunkport 

Kennebunkport is the kind of vacation destination that people return to time and again all year round.

Colony Beach and Goose Rock Beach are the two most popular spots. You can test out your sea legs on a boating adventure, like whale watching tours, lobstering tours, and other scenic sailing trips. 

After a day out in the sun, Dock Square is where you’ll find the town’s many restaurants to refuel. Grab a lobster roll at the Clam Shack or celebrate a special occasion at the town’s only five-star restaurant, The White Barn.

Stop in to see the historical artifacts collection at the Brick Store Museum and Nott House or visit the Seashore Trolley Museum – a must for train enthusiasts.

Suggested Trip: Kennebunkport Day Trip with Optional Lobster Tour

Day Trip to Lexington

In 1775, Lexington was the backdrop to a bloody battle between the patriotic Minute Men and the British army. The scene of the battle, Lexington Common, and its surrounding homes have been perfectly preserved, making it a popular Boston day trip for history lovers. 

In addition to the battle green, you can visit the historic Buckman Tavern (the oldest tavern in Lexington), The Old Belfry, the Old Burying Ground, and the Hancock-Clarke House for a step back in time. 

Visit the town center where you’ll find a variety of mom-and-pop shops to check out. Grab a crepe at Tres Petite Creperie, a fresh bagel from Wicked Bagel Bakery and Deli, or ice cream from local favorite Rancatore’s Ice Cream and Yogurt.

Visit the Lexington Arts and Craft Society or the Munroe Center for the Arts. Both offer exhibits by local artists as well as classes and workshops. 

Suggested trip: Battle Green Tour

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Don’t Forget Your Boston Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Boston’s rich history and seaside location makes it a popular destination with tourists from all over the world. However, it’s not the kind of place you visit once and tick off your bucket list. It’s a destination that has much to give and many layers to explore.

The surrounding towns and cities of New England make for some truly memorable day trips from Boston. There are trips for foodies, history buffs, beer enthusiasts, and art lovers – truly something for everyone! 

You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate a day trip to see Newport’s many mansions or spend a day (or night) on a witchy walking tour through Salem.

Mary Beth Skylis

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• North America
• Massachusetts
• The Most Scenic Day Trips...

The 11 Most Scenic Day Trips From Boston

Part of Boston’s appeal is the fact that it lies in the heart of New England, surrounded by charming towns and other quaint locales away from the city. Whether it’s a historic seaside village, a serene foliage tour or an alluring beach escape, there are many scenic getaways easily accessible from Boston that provide a quintessential New England experience.

Salem and marblehead.

Located just north of Boston along the coast, Salem has long been one of New England’s most popular tourist destinations. The ‘Witch City’ – known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 – offers a variety of museums and historic homes dedicated to the city’s history, including the Salem Witch Museum, The House of Seven Gables and The Witch House. For those less interested in the supernatural, make sure to check out the Friendship of Salem, a replica 1797 East Indiaman ship that sits at Derby Wharf.

Neighboring Salem along the coast and more of a hidden gem is the quaint, seaside town of Marblehead, known as the birthplace of the American Navy. The historic fishing and boating town is home to the famous Revolutionary War painting, The Spirit of ’76 – find it at Abbot Hall. Marblehead also boasts beautiful panoramic ocean views as well as one of the prettiest harbors in New England. Check out the sights from Castle Rock or Fort Sewall, or view the old homes in picturesque Old Town, most of which date back to the early 1700s. Luckily, this tour allows you to experience the best of both Salem and Marblehead.

Plimoth Plantation and Plymouth Waterfront

At the edge of Massachusetts’s so-called “elbow” (named since the western side of the state is vaguely shaped like a flexing arm) and a stone’s throw from Cape Cod sits the historic town of Plymouth . The town, which generates a quaint New England feel with ocean views and a charming downtown area, is home to Plymouth Rock, where European settlers disembarked from the Mayflower in 1620.

There’s also Plimoth Plantation , a re-creation of a 17th-century village. It features a working grist mill on one end and tipis on the other side for a unique look at what life was like for the Native Americans who lived here at the time and the immigrating Pilgrims. For a truly local experience in town, check out the Plymouth Farmers’ Market on the plantation grounds. It takes place weekly from June through October.

Cape Cod excursion

With a slew of coastal towns and stunning beaches, Cape Cod is an essential New England summer experience. The peninsula, which is under a two-hour drive from the city, is home to classic colonial architecture, historic fishing villages and some of the best seafood in New England. Take the Old King’s Highway through the town of Sandwich, and stop for a harbor cruise in Hyannis before making your way to the charming small town of Chatham. The Cape Cod National Seashore, a 40-mile (64.3-kilometer) stretch of rugged coastline, is also a perfect spot for a scenic drive, walk or sunrise view.

Martha’s Vineyard

Located 7mi (11.2km) off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard (also known as The Vineyard) is a unique island escape within reach of Boston. The 100-square-mile (259-square-kilometer) island is home to a few rural towns “up-island” and several – and more popular – historic villages “down-island,” including Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. The Vineyard, which served as the setting for the movie Jaws , is most popular for Gay Head Cliffs, the gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs and its numerous beaches. However, check out one of its five historic lighthouses as well. Nantucket, the smaller of the two Cape Cod islands, sits 30mi (48.2km) off the Cape and is just as picturesque but slightly less accessible for a day trip from the city.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Provincetown

Keep going across the elbow of the Cape, and you’ll hit Provincetown, accessible by a two-hour drive from the city or a 90-minute ferry ride. The town, located at the very tip of Cape Cod, is well known for its vibrant arts scene as well as its LGBTQ history and culture. Indeed, it boasts the title of the “ Oldest Continuous Arts Colony in America .” It’s home to numerous festivals and parades each year, including Carnival, a week-long celebration of the LGBTQ community. Since much of the town is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, there are many beaches, hiking trails and nature preserves to explore.

Rockport and Gloucester

Surrounded by water on three sides at the tip of the Cape Ann, Rockport is one of Massachusetts’s classic coastal towns. With several mouthwatering fresh seafood restaurants and a vibrant arts scene, there’s plenty to occupy a full day in the small village. Take in a show at the well-known Shalin Liu Performance Center, or go for a walk through Halibut Point State Park. Also, go shopping down the eclectic Bearskin Neck area. For one of the best lobster rolls in New England, visit the Mile Marker One Restaurant in neighboring Gloucester, another quaint fishing village.

Lexington and Concord

Ideal for history lovers, the towns of Lexington and Concord are just a short drive west of Boston and are home to a few of the most important sites of the American Revolution. Visit where the first shots of the war for independence were fired, and follow the trail Paul Revere took on his “midnight ride.” In Concord, the homes of Louisa May Alcott and Ralph Waldo Emerson are open to the public, and the historic Old North Bridge is an ideal spot for pictures in the fall.

Newport, Rhode Island

With its elegant mansions and cute downtown, Newport, Rhode Island , is a perfect place to spend time during a New England summer. The coastal city, about a 90-minute drive from Boston, has long been the summer stomping ground of some of the wealthiest families in America. Among the best estates to see are The Breakers (a mansion built for the Vanderbilt family in 1893) and the Marble House (a Gilded Age mansion built with 500,000 cubic feet [14,158 cubic meters] of marble). To top it off, take a ride down Ocean Drive, a 10mi (16km) scenic drive that features stunning ocean and mansion views.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Located just an hour drive from Boston along the border of Maine, Portsmouth is a historic seaport city. It has a history dating back to the 1600s and was an essential seaport during the beginning of the American Revolution. Today, Portsmouth is a vibrant coastal town with trendy restaurants, shops and art festivals. The best way to experience the area is by exploring the cobblestone walkways downtown and venturing down the numerous sidestreets filled with local shops. For a true New England atmosphere, stop by during the winter months when the snow-lined streets are decorated with lights and winter decorations.

Visit the Maine coastline

Slightly north of Portsmouth in Maine and still within a day trip of Boston sits the seaside towns of York, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, Maine. Within a 30-minute drive of each other, these beautiful towns are home to a slew of downtown shops and beaches. See a regional production at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse after a day at Ogunquit Beach. Alternatively, walk around the quaint streets of Kennebunkport after having lunch at Alisson’s (make sure to get the lobster mac and cheese). There’s also the enormous Bush Compound at Walker’s Point (the ‘Summer White House’ of the late President George HW Bush) and the Wedding Cake House (the “most photographed house in the state of Maine”) to check out.

Fall foliage tour through New Hampshire

Just a short drive north up Interstate 93, New Hampshire is an excellent spot to witness New England’s fall foliage. The month of October is the ideal time to see the leaves turn into a mix of red, bright orange and yellow. Make sure to stop at one of the old covered bridges along the way – such as the one in the Willard Brook State Forest – for a perfect picture. Add in time to visit an apple-picking farm to pick some fruit, and try a bite of a home-made apple cider doughnut.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book near boston public library.

Hip Rental Apartments in Boston You'll Want to Call Home

The Best Hotels to Book Near the Cruiseport of Boston

Street Wise: A Stop-by-Stop Guide to Seaport Boulevard, Boston

The Best Hotels and B&Bs to Book Near Fenway Park, Boston

The Best Hotels to Book Near South Station, Boston

The Best Hotels With Jacuzzis in Boston, Massachusetts

Food & Drink

Bring your appetite to boston’s north end this summer.

The Best Hotels in Charlestown, Massachusetts, for Every Traveler

Where to Stay in Boston, Massachusetts

The Best Hotels in Beacon Hill, Boston, for Every Traveler

The Best Hotels to Book Near Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,656 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1647934
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

10 Best Day Trips from Boston by Train 2024 (Using the MBTA Weekend Pass)

Looking for day trips from boston by train here are 10 amazing options to explore.

One of the best things about Boston and its surrounding areas is that you don’t really need a car to get around, which was made possible by the MBTA and its commuter rail. 

For adventurers like us, the MBTA weekend pass opens up options for numerous day trips from Boston to many towns and cities without needing to own or rent a car. 

I partnered with my friends Daphne and Larry from Our French Travels who have lived in Boston for over 3 years and have deep knowledge of the city to share about their favorite getaways from Boston by train! 

Let’s jump in! 

Day Trips from Boston by Train

10 best day trips from boston by train.

In 2018 the MBTA unveiled a $10 unlimited commuter rail pass. It was initially a pilot program for the summer, but it was so successful the MBTA made it a permanent weekend offering. Now we can all take advantage of inexpensive day trips from Boston by train.

After living several years in Boston and exploring its many neighborhoods , we decided to take on some exploring of the local areas. These day trips vary from cities to coastal towns to the countryside. 

✅ Download the MBTA Weekend Pass to Your Phone.

Salem is known for its 17th-century witch trials. Nowadays the whole town likes to lean into the witchy vibes, which is why October is the most fun time to visit Salem! 

The whole town is dressed up and they have a month-long festival, which is hosted in the town center. 

There are many museums that will teach you about the very real witch history of Salem, especially the Salem Witch Museum . Salem has more to offer than just witches, though!

Situated on the water, you can take a stroll along the shore. About 1.5 miles off the peninsula there’s a fun arcade.

Salem Willows Park is a great place to spend time. You’ll find many vendors selling comfort food walking around and it’s perfect for a picnic by the water. 

The town center is about 3 blocks from the Commuter Rail Station with the most stores, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll also find many guided walking tours like this History and Hauntings of Salem one!

>> Check availability for the History and Hauntings of Salem Walking Tour! <<

• Best times to visit: October is the best time of year to visit Salem. The whole town dresses up for Halloween. Every weekend there is a festival and many different spooky tours.
• How to get there: take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport or Rockport
• Train station in Boston: North Station
• Distance: 30 minutes

2. Providence (RI)

The capital city of Rhode Island is a quick train ride over from Boston. The Commuter Rail station drops you off in the middle of downtown and has extensive public bus transportation though the city is very walkable. Just be prepared for some hills.

There is a river that runs through the middle of Providence. For a quick day trip from Boston by train, Providence has a lot going on to spend the whole day.

A fun thing to do in Providence is a narrated boat tour . This is a great way to learn more about the history and architecture of Providence.

>> Check availability for the Providence Narrated Boat Tour! <<

In the river, you’ll see the metal containers that are used for the WaterFire event.

WaterFire is probably one of the most famous things about Providence. This event generally kicks off in April. The “braziers” or metal containers with wood are lit up. 

Music is played in the background and a group of people in black cloaks light up each brazier. It is a little creepy, but a beautiful sight of the river. These events bring together the community with vendors, locals, and tourists. 

Some other favorite things we enjoy in Providence are the 10,000 Suns sunflower field in the summer, walking up to Brown University , and wandering through Providence Athenaeum , which is free for visitors.

Like Boston , Providence has many great places to eat. Some of our favorite places to eat are New Rivers, Dune Brothers, Al Forno (a great romantic place), and Hot Club . 

• Best time to visit: Spring or Fall. Since you’ll be walking around a lot I’d avoid going when the weather is too hot or too cold.
• How to get there: take the Providence/Stoughton line towards Wickford Junction; get off at Providence
• Train station in Boston: South Station, Back Bay, Ruggles
• Distance: 1 hour

This is my second favorite town near Boston. The number one thing to do once you exit the train is to go to Bedford Farms Ice Cream for a nice large ice cream before walking into town. 

Concord offers a lot of history. Many famous writers spent time here and are buried here. 

Once you’ve hit up Bedford Farms ice cream, there are great options for things to do in Concord. 

• Walden Pond: Walden Pond is a great place to spend a hot summer day. 
• Minute Man National Historical Park: The first battles of the American Revolution were fought in Lexington and Concord. Minute Man National Historical Park preserves this history.

>> Be sure to check out the most immersive self-guided walking tour of America’s history! <<

• Old North Bridge: Old North Bridge is part of the route followed by British Troops to Boston.
• Historic Houses: Many famous writers called Concord their homes such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott. You can visit these! 
• Sleepy Hollow Cemetery: Not only did many famous literary people live in Concord, but many of them are also buried here as well. You can visit their graves at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. 

Check out the free Concord Trolley that can work as your “Hop on Hop off” bus while you’re in Concord. It will take you through the famous sites, houses, and Walden Pond. You can also explore concord by wheels with this bike share service .

Concord has many different walking tours . My personal favorite is the “ Chocolate with a History Twist ” . Given all of Concord’s historical ties to the American Revolution and many literary writers there truly is something for everyone. 

Honestly, one day is not nearly enough time to experience everything Concord has to offer.

• Best time to visit: Spring, Summer, or Fall. Since you’ll be walking around a lot I’d avoid going when the weather is too hot or too cold. But definitely visit Bedford Farms Ice cream.
• How to get there: take the Fitchburg line towards Wachusetts; get off at the Concord station
• Distance: 40 minutes

4. Rockport 

Rockport is my favorite town to visit on a day trip from Boston. Every time my friends and family came over to visit us in Boston, we’d bring them to Rockport. 

This small town found at the end of the Rockport Line is situated right on the water. When you get off the train there is a map right near the exit of the station that shows different painted paths on the sidewalk to downtown. 

The paths are very easy to follow and drop you right downtown, then you can take them back to the commuter rail station when you’re ready to leave. 

Wait until you make it downtown to grab a coffee or a snack. Once you’re on Main St. head to Brother’s Brew Coffee or Beans & Leave Cafe . From here we like to take our coffee to the beaches to enjoy our breakfast. 

Next, explore downtown and see all there is to offer. There are cute candy shops, fresh lobster stands, and an incredible ice cream store on Bearskin Neck. Once you reach the end of the downtown peninsula you can walk on the beach and water break. 

Rockport is not known for its beaches which means that they are generally a lot less crowded than Glouscter or Maine. The beaches are also a little rockier. 

There are lots of kayak, canoe, or sailboat rentals if you prefer to be on the water.

• Best time to visit: Spring or Summer. Being on the coast the fall and winter get very cold and gray plus the majority of restaurants and stores are closed in the off-season.
• How to get there: take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Rockport
• Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes

5. Worcester

Worcester is the second biggest city in Massachusetts and is well known for its arts and sciences. It’s home to 8 universities and colleges, including UMass Medical School and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Places to visit include the Worcester Art Museum , with more than 35,000 works of art. The Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall both have regular shows worth visiting. 

For history lovers like us, the Worcester History Museum is all about the history of the area. There’s also the EcoTarium which is a mixture of a museum and a zoo. 

Since it’s a big city, Worcester has a great transportation network so you don’t need a car to get around. The MBTA commuter rail station is right in the middle of the city with a bus station across the street.

• Best time to visit: Any time really. Stuff to do indoors all year round, and a great transportation network will get you there without a lot of walking outside
• How to get there: take the Worcester line toward Worcester

6. Wachusett

Wachusett is a perfect place to visit in winter. You get to go to the mountains in just under 2 hours as a day trip from Boston by train. If you like skiing, then this is the trip you want to take. Wachusett is one of the many skiing options available in New England .

In winter there are “ski trains” that head out to Wachusett on the MBTA that has slots for your skis. In summer there’s one that has a slot for bikes.

Wachusett offers a free round-trip winter shuttle from the commuter rail station to the mountain. You get to go skiing without exerting energy to drive. 

In the summer Wachusett has some festivals and food truck roundups. The main problem is in the summer they don’t have a shuttle from the station to the mountain so you’re left needing to get an uber. I would not recommend walking because it is far and steep. 

Not far from the commuter rail station is Great Wolf Lodge. As a fun activity, they allow people to purchase day passes or ½ day passes to enjoy the indoor water park and adventure games.

• Best time to visit: Winter for skiing, fall for leaf peeping, and Summer for hiking
• How to get there: take the Fitchburg line towards Wachusett. This requires a 10-ish minute Uber ride to the mountain. During the Winter there is a shuttle on Saturdays.
• Distance: 1 hour 40 minutes

7. Plymouth

Plymouth most famously is known for Plymouth Rock where the pilgrims arrived at the “New World.” I will say it is a rock and not really interesting.

But since you’re in Plymouth, take a quick photo of it then move on to see the rest that this wonderful town has to offer! 

If you’re particularly interested in the Pilgrims’ history and settlement in Plymouth, head to Plimoth Plantation , a live museum that brings the Pilgrims’ daily life to life.

>> Check availability for Plimoth Plantation! <<

The main street is a little ways away from the commuter rail station. We took an uber because we did not feel up for the walk. On Main street, you’ll find many wonderful local shops, amazing ice cream, and a scenic walk along the bay. 

For such a small town Plymouth is bustling! You’ll find festivals or a museum on seemingly every corner. There are many lovely parks to walk through and stores with boatloads of locally made saltwater taffy. 

One of the things on my bucket list when we moved to Massachusetts was to go to a Cranberry Bog . Plymouth is the place for that! 

The Cranberry Bog Tours picks the group up, brings everyone to the farm, and teaches everyone about cranberries. Wading in a cranberry bog is such a unique opportunity! 

Try it for yourself. 

• Best time to visit: Spring for fewer crowds
• How to get there: Take the Kingston/Plymouth line towards Kingston then take an uber the final way to Plymouth
• Train station in Boston: South Station

8. Lawrence

Located just below the New Hampshire border, Lawrence is a growing city with lots of fun activities. 

The first stop should be Heav’ly Donut for some incredible donuts. After you’ve gotten your fill of incredible sweets, head to the Canal Street Antique Mall for some exploring. You could spend hours wandering the aisles of all the incredible treasures there. 

The city is also known for its incredible building-sized murals, ranging from the music legends mural to the Food for the World mural . Primarily you’ll find these on Essex Street, but you’ll be surprised to find them all over the city. 

Lawrence is definitely a city you can spend a few hours exploring, from restaurants to the arts and culture scene. 

The city is pretty spread out, but there is a bus system that will help you get around the city. The MBTA Station is centrally located, so there is a lot that you can get to just by walking as well. 

• Best time to visit: A good town to visit year-round
• How to get there: Take the Haverhill line
• Train station in Boston : North Station

9. Newburyport

The MBTA Commuter rail station is situated right on the Clipper City Trail. This 1.1-mile trail connects from the Merrimack River to downtown. Newburyport is located on the water.

Massachusetts is known for having whale migrations between May through October. 

There are at least 3 kinds of whales and a variety of different sea animals. This whale-watching tour takes you from downtown Newburyport through the Merrimack river into the Gulf of Maine on a 149-passenger ship. 

Joppa Flats Education Center teaches students all about wildlife in Massachusetts. This center offers summer activities for adults and children alike. It has helped band, research, and aid over 36,000 birds. 

My favorite festival in Newburyport is the Old Christmas Tree Bonfire . After Christmas is over the Newburyport firefighters will collect Christmas trees. The trees are piled high and then set on fire. 

There are vendors selling hot chocolate and marshmallows. It is cold before the fire is set, but then quickly warms up. This is a fundraiser for the Volunteer Fire Department so there is a small fee to enter.

• Best time to visit: Fall for the whale watching
• How to get there: Take the Newbury/Rockport line towards Newburyport

10. Hyannis

While this stop is not on the Weekend Commuter Rail pass it is definitely a must-visit. From Memorial day through Labor day, you can head to Cape Cod on the CapeFlyer . On weekends a round-trip ticket can be $20. 

The mile-long Main street in Hyannis has 120 shops and restaurants, 3 museums, and some lovely beaches. One of the main attractions is to take a tour of the local glass factory, Sandwich Glass Museum . 

Though you may have taken many MBTA train rides from Boston, check out the scenic historic train ride in Hyannis. Cape Train has many themed rides with stunning views.

The day trip from Boston by train to Hyannis is longer than other trips, but it is by far one of the most scenic. Cape Cod is what Massachusetts is known for and is where many people spend their summer. Expect it to be busy in the summer and mostly closed in winter. 

Hyannis is the “beginning” of the Cape which is formally known to include Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. For a longer trip onto the Cape, you can take a ferry from Hyannis to the islands. 

• Best time to visit: Summer
• How to get there: Take the CapeFlyer
• Train station in Boston : South Station, Braintree, or Brockton
• Distance: 2 hours 20 minutes

How to Take Day Trips from Boston by Train

What is the MBTA Weekend Pass?

Back in the summer of 2018, the commuter rail of Boston launched a pilot weekend pass program. This meant that for $10 you had unlimited rides on the commuter rail on Saturday and Sunday. This was a game-changer.

Typically the commuter rail fares are between $4.60-$26.50 round trip depending on the zone. Each leg of the trip has its own variable cost which makes exploring towns along the route very expensive.

After such a successful pilot, the MBTA decided to make weekend passes a permanent option! Now you can purchase the ticket on the mTicket app and enjoy a weekend of hop-on hop-off train exploration!

How Much Does the MBTA Weekend Pass Cost?

The MBTA Commuter weekend pass costs $10. Keep in mind that this is only for the commuter rail. 

The regular MBTA system does not have a discounted weekend price and those will remain the same. If you need to take the train from your local station to North or South Station that is additional to the $10 unlimited pass.

The local subway is $2.40 one way and the bus is $1.70 one way. There is a free transfer from the subway to the bus.

How to Use the MBTA Weekend Pass

Using the ticket is very simple! You can either download the mTicket app to get your ticket or purchase your ticket at the North and South train stations. 

If you’re not leaving from Boston’s North or South Station, you can purchase the ticket on the train.

Note: Each person in your party will need to download the app to their phone, you cannot have multiple tickets in one app.

After you’re on board and settled, the train conductors will start making their rounds to check the tickets. Activate and show your ticket on the mTicket app or have your physical ticket marked off–don’t worry it’s still for unlimited use.

Personally, we found the app to be the easiest way to travel with the weekend pass. It’s easy to activate, easy to show the conductor, and hard to lose. 

FAQs: Best Day Trips from Boston by Train

When is the best time to take a day trip from boston by train.

Larry and I like to leave on an early commuter train out to our selected location. Since the trains leave Boston and come back on the same track there is a 1-2 hour lag between each time the train leaves Boston. 

By leaving on the first train of the morning, we get to make the most out of the commuter rail’s weekend pass. 

I recommend heading to North or South Station for the 8 AM train out to your destination. If you time it right, you can go to 2-3 places in a day.

Do I need to rent a car when taking a day trip from Boston?

Definitely not! All these towns and cities are very walkable. You can explore easily and let the MBTA Commuter Rail do the transportation while you enjoy the scenery. 

If you have more time, take a 10-day road trip from Boston to Portland, Maine !

Is the train ride from Boston scenic?

Absolutely! The routes can take you along the bay for some beautiful ocean views. Some other routes take you through Massachusetts through forests and peaceful rolling hills. Not only do you get to spend your day trip from Boston in a new place but you get to go by train.

Final thoughts: Best Day Trips from Boston by Train

Boston is a fun city, but the fact that it is centrally located in New England means that there are lots of places easily accessible to visitors. Not only are there many road trips to take , but Boston makes it easy to visit the area by train. 

Massachusetts is dotted with wonderful small towns and cities that are worth visiting. You can really explore so much of Massachusetts when you use the MBTA commuter pass for $10 on unlimited trips for 48 hours.

Ready to get started on your day trip? Check out these travel essentials to make your day trip smooth!

About the Authors: Daphne & Larry French are the married couple writing for Our French Travels . They lived in Boston for over 3 years and share a love of travel. They have collectively traveled to over 70 cities.

More related content:

• 10 day New England Road Trip Itinerary (Portland to Boston Drive)
• The Perfect 3-Day Portland, Maine Itinerary
• Best Travel Products

Liked what you read? Share it on Pinterest!

My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources

Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page .

• Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
• For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
• When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
• For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas .
• Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
• Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars . They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
• Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
• Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio .
• Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa .
• Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire .
• Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
• Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide .
• Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze !
• Tech : Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
• Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
• What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack . For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.

Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

• Destinations

25 Best Day Trips from Boston

Cape cod national seashore (1 hour 45 minutes), kennebunkport (1.5 hours), rockport, ma (50 minutes), stonington borough, ct (2 hours).

• Complete List & Map

For recreation, visitors enjoy walking around town, hanging out at the beach, dining at one of the many seafood restaurants near the harbor, and visiting the local parks. More things to do in Kennebunkport

There are also several museums and performing arts centers in town. More unique places to visit in Massachusetts on vacation.

There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy including scenic harbor cruises, long strolls along the Seawall, a visit to the historic Lighthouse Museum and a bit of retail therapy at the many quaint and unusual independent stores and boutiques and along the popular Stonington Borough Antiques Trail. The town has a selection of accommodation and restaurants to suit all tastes. Find out more

Portsmouth (1 hour Day Trip from Boston)

Adults will find ample nightlife in Portsmouth along with wineries, golf courses, shopping centers, high-end restaurants, river cruises, hiking trails, locally-organized tours and more.

The Butterfly Place (45 minutes)

120 Tyngsboro Road, Westford, MA 01886, Phone: 978-392-0955

Peabody Essex Museum (40 minutes)

More ideas: Romantic Weekend Getaways

Old Sturbridge Village (1 hour)

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road Sturbridge, MA 01566, Phone: 800-733-1830

Norman Rockwell Museum (2 hours)

9 Glendale Road/Route 183, Stockbridge, MA 01262, Phone: 413-298-4100

The House of the Seven Gables (40 minutes)

115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970, Phone: 978-744-0991

Good Harbor Beach (50 minute Day Trip from Boston)

Paid parking is available near the beach on holidays. Since parking space is limited, visitors are encouraged to come early. More places to visit in New England

Provincetown (2 hours)

More ideas: Massachusetts State Parks

New Bedford Whaling Museum (1 hour)

18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, Phone: 508-997-0046

The Clark Art Institute (2 hours 45 minutes)

225 South Street, Williamstown, MA 01267, Phone: 413-458-2303

Castle Hill (55 minutes)

Amenities at Castle Hill include public restrooms and a snack bar. Guests who would like to stay overnight can book rooms at the Castle Hill Inn. Browse great hotels & resorts in Massachusetts to stay on vacation.

Race Point Beach (2 hours 14 minutes)

Amenities at the beach include restrooms that are equipped with showers and changing areas. Race Point Beach sits just of Route 6 in Provincetown.

Wompatuck State Park (30 minutes)

204 Union Street, Hingham, MA 02043, Phone: 781-749-7160

Halibut Point State Park (1 hour)

More ideas: amusement parks near Boston

Concord (30 minutes)

Today, visitors can stop by the Concord Visitor Center to learn all about the town's unique history. Find more things to do in Concord on your day trip.

Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (55 minutes)

More ideas: Amusement Parks near Boston

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1 hour 45 minutes)

1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105

Salem (35 minute Day Trip from Boston)

More ideas: unique roller coasters

Plimoth Plantation (50 minutes)

137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-746-1622

Lexington (30 minutes)

Tourists can also stop by the Lexington Depot to see the historic train.

Glendale Falls (2 hours 10 minutes)

Clark Wright Road, Middlefield, MA 01243, Phone: 413-532-1631

2010 Day Boulevard South, Boston, MA 02127, Phone: 617-727-5290

• 1. Cape Cod National Seashore (1 hour 45 minutes)
• 2. Kennebunkport (1.5 hours)
• 3. Rockport, MA (50 minutes)
• 4. Stonington Borough, CT (2 hours)
• 5. Portsmouth (1 hour Day Trip from Boston)
• 6. The Butterfly Place (45 minutes)
• 7. Peabody Essex Museum (40 minutes)
• 8. Old Sturbridge Village (1 hour)
• 9. Norman Rockwell Museum (2 hours)
• 10. The House of the Seven Gables (40 minutes)
• 11. Good Harbor Beach (50 minute Day Trip from Boston)
• 12. Provincetown (2 hours)
• 13. New Bedford Whaling Museum (1 hour)
• 14. The Clark Art Institute (2 hours 45 minutes)
• 15. Castle Hill (55 minutes)
• 16. Race Point Beach (2 hours 14 minutes)
• 17. Wompatuck State Park (30 minutes)
• 18. Halibut Point State Park (1 hour)
• 19. Concord (30 minutes)
• 20. Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (55 minutes)
• 21. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1 hour 45 minutes)
• 22. Salem (35 minute Day Trip from Boston)
• 23. Plimoth Plantation (50 minutes)
• 24. Lexington (30 minutes)
• 25. Glendale Falls (2 hours 10 minutes)

Last Updated By VI on May 20, 2024 in Weekend Getaway from Boston & Day Trips

More Getaways from Boston:

More Features

20 Best Pools in Las Vegas

15 Best Martha's Vineyard Restaurants

25 Best Romantic Places to Stay in Newport, Rhode Island

• --> Conclusion

• About Us/Contact Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

17 Fun Weekend Getaways from Boston

Boston is truly one of the best cities in the United States –and that’s even before you consider just how many incredible weekend getaways from Boston there are!

As the largest city in historic New England, Boston is filled with some of the most amazing restaurants and photo spots east of the Mississippi River.

However, everyone needs a getaway sometimes, and no matter what your travel style, there are enough short trips from Boston to add to your bucket list, that you can stay busy in the northeast for years!

Some places on this list can be visited utilizing public transportation, such as the Peter Pan bus, Greyhound bus, or Amtrak.

For the most part, though, you will need to either have your own car or rent a car for these weekend trips from Boston.

Here are the best weekend getaways from Boston–plus some tips on how to plan your trip!

Note : This blog post was written for Our Escape Clause by former Boston resident Krystianna of Volumes & Voyages . Thanks for joining us, Krystianna!

Table of Contents

Boston Weekend Getaway Travel Tips

The best cities for weekend getaways from boston, best small-town weekend trips from boston, nature-focused boston weekend getaways.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before hitting the open road, here are some tips to keep in mind when planning a short getaway from Boston!

Pack for all types of weather.

New England is notorious for having strange and unpredictable weather.

Sometimes, there is a random snow day in May, and sometimes it will randomly be really warm in the middle of November.

For the most part, you’ll want to pack for the season, but don’t be afraid to also pack layers because you genuinely don’t know what you’re going to get !

Be prepared to make stops along the way!

There are so many great places to visit in the northeast, and you will most likely pass by some of these spots along your drive.

Try to plan on pulling off at least a few times during your ride to or from your destination if you’re driving a car.

Especially if you’re heading up to Vermont or Maine, you’re going to pass by some epic viewpoints driving from Boston.

Rental car prices can vary dramatically depending on pickup location.

Don’t just rent from the first rental car place that you find.

Instead, be sure to check out other rental car options in the area , including Boston’s suburbs.

You might be surprised at the deals you’ll be able to find by heading outside the historic center!

For browsing, we recommend shopping with Discover Cars !

They’ll compare prices and inclusions from multiple brands to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your trip.

Compare rental car prices and inclusions with Discover Cars today!

Portland, Maine

Nestled on the coast of southern Maine, Portland is one of the easiest weekend getaways from Boston and is a classic New England getaway.

While you’re there, be sure to stroll around the Old Port, admire Portland from above at the Portland Observatory, snap photos at the Portland Bug Light, tour the beautiful Victoria Mansion, and visit a few of Portland’s famous breweries.

And, of course, you can’t visit Portland without heading out to John Williams Park and admiring the famous Portland Head Light for yourself!

Distance from Boston

1 hour, 45 minutes by car or 2 hours, 30 minutes by train.

How to Get to Portland from Boston

While driving is the easiest way to visit Portland (you’ll have more options for exploring and day trips while you’re there), there are also direct trains between Portland and Boston, making this one of the best Boston weekend trips for travelers who don’t want to drive.

Where to Stay in Portland

• The Francis: This hotel is a historic landmark in the Bramhall neighborhood, near the Art District, and has a fabulous on-site spa. Perfect for a weekend relaxing.
• Best Bower: Simple, clean, and classic with all the cozy luxuries you could wish for from your weekend trip.

New York, New York

New York City is America’s most popular city for a good reason: it’s loaded with great things to do!

Absolute must-sees during a weekend in New York City include Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Empire State Building.

Fans of museums and history should also opt to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Modern Museum of Art.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the wintertime, you absolutely must head to Rockefeller Center to see the giant Christmas tree!

The Rockettes also perform in the winter months. More local attractions like Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights Christmas lights are also worth going out of your way for!

There are lots of great neighborhoods to stay in during your weekend.

Just remember that New York City is vast, and the closer to the city center you are, the less you’ll have to spend on transportation, and New York City traffic can be horrendous .

Opt to try to stay near SoHo for its charming architecture, Greenwich Village to be in the trendy part of the city, or Brooklyn, which is known for being hipster and upbeat.

How to Get to NYC from Boston

The easiest way to get to New York City is to drive, but having a car in NYC can be a hassle!

We recommend taking the Amtrak or the Megabus from Boston’s South Station–the train is a bit more comfortable, and less likely to experience delays due to traffic (a big risk with bus travel between the two cities) but also much more expensive than taking the bus!

Where to Stay in New York City

• Omni Berkshire Place: Just 805 meters from Central Park this Manhattan hotel is a great choice for your weekend trip. Soak in the huge bathtubs and wake up to views of the NYC skyline.
• Sixty Soho: In the heart of the stylish Soho district this is a great spot for your trip. Sip cocktails on the rooftop bar and have your own New York minute.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington is drastically different from Boston, but that’s what makes it the perfect weekend getaway spot.

This quaint, lakeside city in Vermont is the most populated part of the whole state.

However, it only has a population of 43,000 people, with the majority of citizens being college students at Champlain College and the University of Vermont.

One of the best things to do in Burlington is to go to Church Street, which is a marketplace quite like Newbury Street and Quincy Market in Boston.

It’s a beautiful cobblestone street lined with areas to shop.

Other popular spots include the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Waterfront Park, and the Fleming Museum of Art.

The Ben & Jerry’s Factory is only a short ride away from Burlington, so plan on taking a detour there on your way to Burlington or on your way back to Boston.

There are free tours here offered daily, and you honestly won’t want to miss it.

3 hours, 15 minutes.

How to Get to Burlington from Boston

It’s most simple to drive to Burlington using I-93 N and I-89 N.

It is possible to take an Amtrak if you have the time, but you have to make a significant detour to New York City since there isn’t a direct route to Burlington, which can take almost a day.

Where to Stay in Burlington, Vermont

• Green Mountain Suites: The perfect spot for a classic cozy Vermont trip with open fireplaces, fluffy blankets, and an onsite hot tub.
• Blind Tiger: Another gorgeous luxury option is this hotel with a stunning private garden and comfortable rooms.

Newport, Rhode Island

Just south of Boston is the gorgeous city of Newport, Rhode Island , one of the most romantic places in the USA , and a fun getaway from Boston!

It’s most famous for its large mansions that are home to many of America’s celebrities, and in many cases, date back to the Gilded Age.

One of the best activities to do here is to go on a trolley tour, which will bring you around to many of the area’s best mansions.

Other fun things to do in Newport include swimming and shopping.

There’s also the Newport Art Museum, Castle Hill Lighthouse, the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, and Brenton Point State Park.

This area is unlike many of New England’s other cities because it really doesn’t feel like a city at all!

1 hour, 20 minutes.

How to Get to Newport from Boston

It’s easiest to travel to Newport by car, but you could also hop on two buses (one from Boston to Providence and then Providence to Newport) in under 2 hours.

Where to Stay in Newport

• Ivy Lodge: Stay in a classic mansion house complete with a turret and gothic woodwork. In the heart of Newport Mansion District and less than a mile from Newport Harbor, all rooms also have fireplaces for the ultimate romantic weekend evenings.
• America’s Cup Inn: Set along a cobblestone street with gaslights, and decorated with colonial period furnishings, this is a classic New England B&B. Rooms have 4-poster mahogany beds or antique wicker furnishings.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut, is a quintessential New England town.

It’s located right on the water and is breathtaking–there are great views almost everywhere you look !

Fun places to explore include the Seaport Museum, Misquamicut State Beach, Ocean Beach Park, and the Napatree Point Conservation Area.

Honestly, if you’re looking for a small town right on the coast, then Mystic is the place for you!

1 hour, 40 minutes.

How to Get to Mystic from Boston

Driving is the simplest way to get straight to Mystic, but you could also take the Amtrak straight from South Station in Boston.

This will only take 1.5 hours!

Where to Stay in Mystic

• The Whaler’s Inn: The Mystic River Bascule is around the corner from this historic hotel in Mystic. Wake up with designer bed sheets and mattresses and enjoy an amazing breakfast before exploring Mystic.
• House of 1833: Step back in time with this charming B&B in Mystic. Packed with historical details, antiques, and quirky collectibles, this is a great choice for a weekend in Mystic.

Bennington, Vermont

The small town of Bennington, Vermont is located in the southwest corner of the small state, not far from either Vermont’s border with New York or Massachusetts.

It serves as the perfect weekend getaway because it’s so vastly different from Boston!

While there, be sure to check out some local restaurants, including Blue Benn Diner, Jensen’s, and Papa Pete’s.

There’s also a lovely brewpub called The Tap House, which is fantastic.

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, be sure to do one of the many hikes in the area, like the hike to the White Rocks.

2 hours, 50 minutes.

How to Get to Bennington from Boston

It’s easiest to drive here from Boston. It’s possible to take multiple buses, but this can turn into a whole day ordeal.

Where to Stay in Bennington

• South Shire: This lovely hotel offers a homestay environment with added hotel touches such as a hot tub and a fabulous breakfast each morning.
• Four Chimneys Inn: Housed in a mansion on an 11-acre estate with an extensive garden, this stunning property is perfect for your weekend getaway. With four-poster beds and classic furnishings throughout you will feel truly spoiled.

Manchester, Vermont

Manchester is located only 30 minutes north of Bennington, Vermont, but if possible, it is even more charming!

This town is historic and is filled with some of the most beautiful buildings in all of Vermont, and is also a popular place to go shopping.

Be sure to check out the Manchester luxury outlet shops and also the Northshire Bookstore.

Similar to Bennington, there are a few hikes in the area that are worth doing, and these ones are a lot less strenuous than other hikes in southern Vermont. 

How to Get to Manchester from Boston

Driving is the only realistic way to get to Manchester from Boston.

Where to Stay in Manchester

• Kimpton Taconic Hotel: This mountain view hotel is a great weekend choice in Manchester. Take a leisurely soak in the huge bathtubs, relax by the pool or just enjoy the comfortable surroundings.
• Reluctant Panther Inn: This quirky named Inn also has an excellent onsite restaurant, as well as spacious rooms, beautiful wood furnishings, and fireplaces.

Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga is a quaint town in New York that is most famous for hosting the Saratoga Races!

These occur every summer, so if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the summer months, then you’ll want to try to go and spend at least one day at the horse races.

It’s truly an unforgettable experience.

Other popular places in Saratoga to explore include Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga National Historical Park, and the National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame.

There’s also a really gorgeous shopping area in downtown Saratoga, which is home to the Northshire Bookstore’s New York branch.

This bookstore is beautiful and it’s great to support local sellers.

How to Get to Saratoga from Boston

You’ll want to drive to Saratoga from Boston. You could also utilize the bus, but it will take a lot longer.

Where to Stay in Saratoga

• Batcheller Mansion Inn: As one of America’s great Victorian houses, built in 1873 and the site of many historical moments in Saratoga history, this is a stunning place to step back in time for your weekend trip. Beautifully preserved and steeped in history, well worth the trip!
• Saratoga Casino Hotel: For a more resort-style weekend trip this hotel is a perfect choice. Rooms are peaceful and huge, and there is a free shuttle service to take you into town to explore.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

For a classic, small-town New England getaway complete with historic homes, a beautiful harbor, plenty of seafood restaurants, and a relaxed vibe, you can’t beat exploring the best things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire !

This gorgeous New Hampshire Seacoast is a New Englander favorite for good reason.

While you’re there, visit the popular Strawbery Banke Museum, shop the charming boutiques, explore downtown and the harbor on foot, and enjoy a seafood dinner on the water.

1 hour, 15 minutes.

How to Get to Portsmouth from Boston

You can reach Portsmouth from Boston by either bus or car.

Where to Stay in Portsmouth

• Ale House Inn: Located in a historic building that once housed a brewery, and with a complimentary bike hire this is a great choice for your weekend in Portsmouth.
• The Hotel Portsmouth: Located in Downtown Portsmouth this charming Victorian manor house has spacious rooms and is a short walk to all the amenities.

Acadia National Park, Maine

The first national park east of the Mississippi is absolutely one of the best weekend trips from Boston for those looking for some hikes, some stunning coastal views, and some of the best sunrises and sunsets in New England!

Some of the best things to do in Acadia National Park include watching the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain (during part of the year, this is the first place the sun rises on the continental USA!), strolling around Jordan Pond, hiking the Beehive Trail, checking out the Bass Harbor Headlight, and exploring the Carriage Roads.

Don’t forget to enjoy the charming things to do in Bar Harbor while you’re there, which is home to great restaurants, a cozy New England vibe, and plenty of beautiful places to stay!

4 hours, 30 minutes.

How to Get to Acadia NP from Boston

The best way to reach Acadia National Park from Boston is to drive. 

While there is a shuttle bus at the park in the summer, it’s vastly easier to visit Acadia with a vehicle.

Where to Stay in Acadia National Park

• Acadia Inn: Within 1 mile of the park and with its own nature trail that extends into the park this is the perfect spot to base yourself in Bay Harbor near the park.
• Bar Harbor Grand Hotel: Another great option in Bay Harbor is this palatial manor hotel with a swimming pool and hot tub.

North Adams/Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires is a beautiful region of western Massachusetts that is always highly overlooked and underrated.

This area is very rural land and is filled with lots of great outdoor activities.

This is also the perfect place to go if you are interested in seeing fall foliage near Boston that is (maybe) slightly less crowded than the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

North Adams serves as the perfect home base for exploring the Berkshires.

In North Adams, be sure to check out the Natural Bridge State Park, Windsor Lake, and Cascade Trail.

If it ends up raining a bit while you’re there, don’t worry, there are also lovely art museums and history museums worth exploring.

2 hours, 40 minutes

How to Get to North Adams from Boston

You can only get to North Adams from Boston by car, but you’ll pass some magnificent scenery along the way!

Where to Stay in North Adams

• Tourists: This incredible hotel is the perfect place to stay for your weekend trip. Designed like something out of an architecture magazine but still comfortable, warm, and welcoming.
• The Lodge: Another fabulous option set as private cabins with stunning decks to sit and enjoy the sunset.

Lake Champlain, Vermont

Lake Champlain is a gorgeous lake in Northern Vermont and Northeastern New York.

It’s absolutely beautiful and is filled with lots of great outdoor activities, like biking trails, hiking trails, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and more.

The lake covers a lot of ground, so there are many great towns to set yourself in for exploring the area.

Of course, you could opt to stay in Burlington, but other popular areas to stay include St. Albans and Shelburne.

You could also choose to stay on the New York side, such as in Plattsburgh or Champlain.

Just know that the prices can drastically change depending on where you opt to stay !

4 hours, 35 minutes.

How to Get to Lake Champlain from Boston

Like most of the outdoorsy places, you do have to drive to get to Lake Champlain from Boston.

Where to Stay in Lake Champlain

• Green Mountain Suites: The perfect spot in Burlington for a classic cozy trip with open fireplaces, fluffy blankets, and an onsite hot tub.
• Back Inn Time: This aptly named hotel is perfect for a stay in St. Albans . Surrounded by pretty flower gardens, four covered porches, and two decks, relax in these comfortable surroundings during your weekend trip.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport is a beautiful town and coastal area in southern Maine.

The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking, from the Goat Island Lighthouse to Ocean Avenue.

Some popular places to explore here include Gooch’s Beach, Walkers Point, and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

There are lots of more secluded areas around Kennebunkport that you could easily stay in.

This makes it perfect for a quiet escape from the city, and ranks it among the best weekend getaways from Boston!

1 hour, 30 minutes.

How to Get to Kennebunkport from Boston

The only way to get to Kennebunkport from Boston is to drive, but you’ll drive right along the coast the entire time!

Where to Stay in Kennebunkport

• AWOL Kennebunkport: With cabin and suite options this is a perfect zen getaway in Kennebunkport. Enjoy the garden or the sun terrace between exploring the surrounding area.
• Waldo Emerson Inn: This classic New England inn is a great choice for your weekend trip. Relax by the fire or take advantage of the free bikes to explore the area.

[convertkit form=3386343]

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Boston Tourism
• Boston Hotels
• Boston Bed and Breakfast
• Boston Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Boston
• Boston Restaurants
• Things to Do in Boston
• Boston Travel Forum
• Boston Photos
• All Boston Hotels
• Boston Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Boston
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Things to see day of arrival - Boston Forum

• United States    
• Massachusetts (MA)    
• Boston    

Things to see day of arrival

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Massachusetts forums
• Boston forum

7 replies to this topic

Lots of options that are convenient to that hotel including:

- walk around the Charles River Esplanade

- Check out the shops on Charles St. / explore Beacon Hill

- enjoy the beautiful architecture on Commonwealth Ave.

- do some shopping on Newbury Street

Combine any of the above with a nice dinner (so many choices depending on what you like).

On your Fenway questions: it's definitely doable to get there. Personally I would take the green line over a bus (or even walk it if it's a nice day), but that's personal preference. Whether it's worth it, is up to you, but I will note that you could catch a Fenway tour if you can get to there by 5 (and it's not a game day) and/or get a peek into the park from the Bleacher Bar.

How busy will restaurants be? The answer to that is dramatically impacted by whether or not it's a game day and on a game day whether or not it's before start of the game - and you didn't say what day?

I didn’t know walking could be an option - that might be fun! We do have a couple older ladies with us (our moms) so I’ll have to see how far that really would be.

We will arrive on June 12th. I think I saw there’s a game that day. I saw the 15-min tours which would be awesome but I don’t think we’ll have time to make it there after getting luggage, taxi, and checking into hotel. Bummer! If anyone has recommendations for dinner in the area please share! Reasonably priced if possible due to our group of 8. I wondered if Cheers would be worth checking out. Thank you!!

"If anyone has recommendations for dinner in the area please share!"

There are so many choices - please share what kind of food / atmosphere you're looking for?

A personal favorite is Bar Cino (fun/casual/great Italian) - but it's a just a little past Fenway - so perhaps not the best for your evening plans...

Lolita is a fun / funky Mexican - and conveniently on the way...

A few outstanding seafood places on the way - but they won't hit the "reasonably priced" goal...

As for the Cheers question - I wouldn't recommend it. For non-fans of the show, it's just an average pub - and a bit more crowded than it should be due to it's "tourist attraction" status. For fans of the show, I'd highly recommend walking by the entrance - and taking a little time to imagine that setting that you remember (the outside will certainly evoke that) - but don't go in and shatter the illusion (as it's not what your imagination will conjure).

Just my opinion, of course..,

Enjoy Boston ....

Thanks for the recommendations! Thats good to know about Cheers. We can get our obligatory photo in front of it and go somewhere else to eat.

It sounds like it’s worth a walk around the architecture of the ears

• Marblehead to Boston 8:46 am
• Let AI plan your trip. Have you tried it? 8:06 am
• Boston 4th of July 8:00 am
• Things to see day of arrival 6:45 am
• Public transport to cruise port 2:09 am
• Airport Car Rentals 10:46 pm
• Fenway Park question yesterday
• Harborfest fireworks Jun 01, 2024
• Neighborhood to stay in Jun 01, 2024
• Which hotel to choose? Jun 01, 2024
• Motel Jun 01, 2024
• One day/night in Boston hotel recommendations May 31, 2024
• Brunch May 31, 2024
• Public trans. from airport to hotel? May 31, 2024
• Hotels near the T / Commuter Rail 16 replies
• Hotels outside of Boston 15 replies
• Best places to visit near Boston 4 replies
• Best place to view 4th of July fireworks in Boston 19 replies
• Boston area-Whirlpool/jacuzzi suites? 3 replies
• 2 bedroom suites hotels 5 replies
• Train to Boston from Montreal 11 replies
• Boston to JFK airport 7 replies
• Which neighborhood is best to stay? 3 replies
• St Patricks Day 2012 41 replies

Boston Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where Should I stay when I come to Boston?
• MBTA online Visitor Guide
• What areas are outside of Boston and have available Public Transportation to Boston?
• MBTA ("T") subway's Charlie card v Charlie ticket?
• Do I need a car in boston?
• How much will a taxi cost to get to.....
• Tours and day trips out of Boston without a car
• What are your favorite things to do in Boston?
• Foods unique to Boston and New England
• What quirky and off the beaten path things are there to do in Boston?
• Whale Watching Tips
• 2022 Trip Reports
• 2021 Trip Reports
• 2019 Trip Reports
• 2018 Trip Reports
• 2017 Trip Reports
• 2016 Trip Reports
• 2016 Trip Reports Continued
• 2015 Trip Reports
• 2015 Trip Reports Continued
• 2014 Trip Reports
• 2013 Trip Reports
• 2010 Trip Reports (summer)
• 2010 Trip Reports (Summer - Part 2)
• 2010 Boston Trip reports

10 things to do in Boston this Memorial Day weekend

Welcome to BosTen, your weekly guide to the coolest events and best things to do in Boston this weekend. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter here . Have an idea about what we should cover? Leave us a comment on this article or in the BosTen Facebook group , or email us at [email protected] .

Honor the fallen at Boston’s Memorial Day Flag Garden

Each Memorial Day weekend for the past 14 years, the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund and its volunteers have  created a garden of flags  on Boston Common near the Soldiers and Sailors monument. In total, the group places more than 37,000 flags, one for every service member from Massachusetts who has fallen in the line of duty from the Revolutionary War until now. The result is a breathtaking display of red, white, and blue that must be seen to be believed. (Now through Monday, May 27 at various times; 139 Tremont St., Boston; free)   — Kevin Slane

Rock out at  Boston Calling 2024

Boston’s biggest music festival is back again this weekend with Ed Sheeran, Tyler Childers, and The Killers headlining at the Harvard Athletic Complex Friday through Sunday. This  Boston Calling 2024 lineup  features a mix of strong local acts like Bad Rabbits and Kieran Rhodes early in the afternoon, with headliner-level talent including Renee Rapp, Megan Thee Stallion, and Young the Giant taking audiences into the evening. Tickets for all three days of shows are still available, though single-day GA and Platinum passes for Sunday’s concerts are now sold out. For more info on ticket availability and set times, check out our full guide to Boston Calling 2024 . (Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26 from 1-11 p.m.; 65 N. Harvard St., Boston; $196 and up)   — Kevin Slane

Watch ‘Jurassic Park’ with a live orchestra

Throughout its 2023-24 season, the Boston Symphony Orchestra has been paying tribute to legendary composer John Williams, who previously served as the BSO’s Music Director and is currently its Boston Pops Laureate Conductor. Following performances of Williams’ compositions for the “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” film franchises in the fall, Keith Lockhart and the Spring Pops orchestra will perform Williams’ iconic score to the 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park” this weekend. The full-length movie will be projected in HD, with the orchestra playing live to picture throughout its two-hour runtime. (Friday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 25 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston; $58 and up) — Kevin Slane

Watch fireworks in the Seaport

Boston Seaport is partnering with Massachusetts Fallen Heroes for a Friday night fireworks show in honor of veterans, soldiers killed in action, and Gold Star families. Similar to the display on Boston Common, Seaport Common has its own flag garden, which will be on display all weekend. The fireworks start at 9 p.m., and your best bet for viewing them is along the Harborwalk — specifically at Fan Pier and Pier 4. (Friday, May 24 at 9 p.m.; 85 Northern Ave., Boston; free) — Kevin Slane

Climb aboard for a whale watch

The New England Aquarium’s whale watching season is off to a late start this year due to the migration of the endangered North Atlantic right whales. New England Whale Watch , in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises, typically begins offering trips in March, but had to wait until last weekend to kick off the season this year. The cruises, which give thousands of passengers an up-close look at whales each year, depart from Boston’s Central Wharf and run three to four hours on high-speed catamarans. They travel to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a feeding ground for many whale, dolphin, and bird species. Tickets for Friday’s whale watch are sold out, but Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are still available. (Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27; 248 Atlantic Ave., Boston; $50-70) — Kristi Palma

Discover the fun of Discovery Day in Lexington

This Saturday, a stretch of Mass Ave. in the center of Lexington will close to vehicles from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as 90+ local retailers take to the streets for Discovery Day, the town’s annual street fair. The whole family will find food, fun, and games as they walk through the town center, while adults can settle in at the beer garden run by  Craft Food Halls . After Mass. Ave. reopens, the beer garden will stay open a little longer to let you finish your drinks before hitting the road. (Saturday, May 25 from 10-3:30 p.m.; 1822 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington; free) — Kevin Slane

Take a ride on a swan boat

For almost 150 years, the Paget family has been giving Public Garden visitors a swan’s eye view of the Boston park’s peaceful lagoon. What started as a singular small row boat in 1877 is now a fleet of 12 graceful swan pontoons. With beautiful weather in this weekend’s forecast, now is the perfect time for tourists and residents to take a ride. The 30-foot pontoon vessels (each carrying 25 passengers with one driver) are pedaled around the lagoon for a chance to enjoy the bustling heart of Boston from a more peaceful vantage point during the 15-minute ride. (Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 4 Charles St., Boston; $3-4.50) — Cheryl Fenton

Visit the MFA for free on Memorial Day

In what has become an annual tradition, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will  offer free admission  on Memorial Day. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, which means that visitors may want to consider queuing up before the MFA opens its doors at 10 a.m. Sweetening an already great deal, visitors who score the free tickets will also receive free admission to the MFA’s current special exhibit,  “Hallyu! The Korean Wave,”  which is normally a $7 surcharge. The exhibit, on display through July 28, features more than 200 objects — including costumes, photographs, videos, and props — that help trace the rise of South Korea’s influence on global culture, particularly in the past decade or so. (Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 465 Huntington Ave., Boston; free) — Kevin Slane

Enjoy free admission to the ICA

Like the MFA, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, also  offers free admission  to visitors on Memorial Day each year. Unlike the MFA, the ICA allows visitors to reserve free passes ahead of time, with registration opening at 10 a.m. Sunday  via the ICA website . The museum is also offering free admission for families on Saturday, May 25, and has a day of family-focused activities planned to celebrate its new kid-friendly interactive installation, “Building Worlds”. If that’s not enough, the museum’s Watershed exhibition space , located across the Harbor in East Boston, is now open for the season. (Saturday, May 25 and Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston; free)   — Kevin Slane

Honor fallen service members aboard the U.S.S. Constitution

The U.S.S Constitution has been holding Memorial Day-focused events throughout the second half of May, asking visitors to make a paper poppy to honor the military members past and present in their lives. The poppies will be used as part of a ceremony aboard the ship on Monday morning when crew members will honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The service is open to the public, and begins at 11:20 a.m. If you’re busy at that time, the museum is also offering free admission to service members, veterans, and their families for the entire month of May. (Monday, May 27 at 11:20 a.m.; Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston; free) — Kevin Slane

Need weekend plans?

The best things to do around the city, delivered to your inbox.

The post 10 things to do in Boston this Memorial Day weekend appeared first on Boston.com .

• Weather App
• Interactive Radar
• 7 Day Forecast
• Hour by Hour
• Current Temperatures
• Closings & Delays
• Report School or Business Closing
• School administrators: Create a closings account
• Watch Live News
• Breaking Stream
• The $pend $mart Stream
• Law & Crime
• Curiosity NOW
• Share Your Photos and Videos
• Karen Read Murder Trial
• 25 Investigates
• New England's Unsolved
• Boston Bruins
• Boston Celtics
• Boston Red Sox
• New England Patriots
• Furever Friday
• Boston 25 Gets Real
• Steals and Deals
• Submit a news tip
• Advertise with Us
• TV & Stream Schedule
• Work at Boston 25 (Opens in new window)
• Visitor Agreement
• Privacy Policy
• Around Town
• Stuff the Bus

Israeli airstrikes near city of Aleppo kill several people, Syrian state media say

Syria This is a locator map for Syria with its capital, Damascus. (AP Photo) (Uncredited/AP)

BEIRUT — (AP) — Israeli airstrikes around the Syrian city of Aleppo killed several people early Monday, Syrian state media reported.

The state-run SANA news agency gave no specific toll. It said the strikes were around the southeastern edge of Aleppo.

“The aggression led to a number of martyrs and some material losses,” SANA said.

Israel did not immediately acknowledge the strikes and rarely does when it comes to Syria.

Syria and Israel have been at war since Israel’s founding in 1948. Syria’s President Bashar Assad has been backed by Iran in his country’s yearslong war, and Israeli strikes previously have targeted Iranian positions and equipment.

The strikes also come while Israel is fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel separately has been striking targets in Lebanon as well as Hezbollah continues its cross-border fire into the country.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Live video, updates: Karen Read murder trial enters sixth week of testimony

Man armed with gun outside Lowe’s in New Hampshire fatally shot by police, AG says

4-year-old pulled from water by Good Samaritans at Falmouth park

Nice start to the week

‘Crew Shortage’: Several ferry trips to Nantucket canceled Sunday after pilot unable to work