day trips north of boston

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!

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Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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.

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. 

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The 16 best day trips from Boston

Take a break from city life and visit these nearby New England destinations—no packing required

While many of us could easily spend every waking moment in Boston, it can be refreshing to escape the city for 24 hours or so. Fortunately, this picturesque New England region offers an array of potential day trips from Boston, including quaint seaside villages, historic towns and stunning mountain vistas. So grab your pals or significant other, and hop on a ferry, train or automobile to one of these lovely destinations. Once you're back in town, you'll once again feel ready to take advantage of the  best Boston attractions ,  best free things to do in Boston  and  best museums in Boston . And when you need a little longer time away check out our list of the best weekend getaways in New England . RECOMMENDED: The Best Hotels in Boston

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Best day trips from Boston

1.  Newport, RI

The Newport mansions of the Gilded Age still impress with their grandeur—just as they were built to do. If you have time to only tour one estate, check out The Breakers . Near the International Tennis Hall of Fame , the Audrain Auto Museum houses a seasonally rotating display of incredible cars inside a gorgeous Art Deco building.

Take the Cliff Walk, which has stunning views of the ocean, or relax at the public Easton’s Beach . Stroll past cool shops and eateries on narrow Thames Street. On Marlborough Street, dine at the White Horse Tavern , which claims to be America’s oldest restaurant, or duck over to The Reef at Howard Wharf for dinner and drinks with a view. Near the harbor, Bowen’s Wharf’s buildings date back to the 1700s, now offering an inviting maze of restaurants and shops. Stroll over the causeway to Goat Island where the Newport Harbor Lighthouse is overlooked by the upscale Gurney’s Resort.

2.  Portland, ME

​​Maine's largest city, located about a two-hour drive north of Boston, attracts epicureans from around the country to its cobblestone streets. Wander the charming, hilly Old Port district, where every kind of boutique imaginable touts colorful wares. Pop into one of the many quaint pubs and dimly lit cocktail bars, like the excellent Jewel Box or Blyth & Burrows —the latter of which pairs the best in innovative mixology with equally scrumptious small plates. In the West End arts district, enjoy the I.M. Pei-designed Portland Museum of Art and the State Theatre , which hosts national acts, both musical, comedic and theatrical.

The food scene here lives up to the hype:   Cong Tu Bot for nationally celebrated Vietnamese fare;  Green Elephant for an inventive vegetarian meal;   Evo Kitchen + Bar for progressive twists on Mediterranean cooking; or  Union , a vibrant locavore haunt located at  The Press Hotel , whose historic building was formerly the home of the Portland Press Herald.

3.  Newburyport, MA

The Newburyport Historic District, which encompasses most of the downtown, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This treasure trove of well-preserved, Federal-period architecture includes the notable Cushing House Museum & Garden , home of statesman Caleb Cushing, and the Custom House Maritime Museum , which also unravels local history. The beautiful Waterfront Park and boardwalk has regular concerts during warmer months.

Catch a play or see a show at the Firehouse Center for the Arts , grab a gourmet sandwich and bottle of wine at Joppa Fine Foods ,  relax with excellent cocktails and modern Middle Eastern bites at Bar25 ,  dine on classic seafood at The Black Cow  or head to the Newburyport Brewing Company ,  offering a friendly tap room and beer garden.

Newburyport includes part of neighboring, sedate Plum Island , a barrier island overlooking salt marshes.

4.  Gloucester, MA

Shipbuilders and fishermen put Gloucester on the map, and both industries still exist there today —just  on a smaller scale. The Fishermen’s Memorial on Gloucester Harbor honors all those lost at sea, including the Andrea Gale and its crew, the real-life victims of The Perfect Storm . Check out the Cape Ann Museum , which has an amazing collection of art and artifacts specific to Gloucester and its surroundings.

Across narrow Main Street, you can savor straight-off-the boat seafood at the chic basement restaurant  Tonno . Oak to Ember  will impress with its menu of hearty, wood-fire-cooked dishes and thoughtful cocktails. Or, if you're more about ocean views, head to the Beauport Hotel , whose 1606 Restaurant has a great deck overlooking the water. Next door to the hotel, Beauport Cruise Lines offers seasonal jaunts around the harbor.

5.  Salem, MA

Salem is forever linked to its horrifying and fascinating 1692 Witch Trials. The curious flock to the home of presiding Judge Corwin, which today is a museum known as The Witch House . Halloween is a big thing here—so are new age and cult shops. On a less spooky note, the Peabody Essex Museum houses a wonderful art collection, and Salem is the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The House of the Seven Gables. You can even tour the house he may have been writing about, the 350-year-old Turner-Ingersoll Mansion.

Though it only dates back to 1930, Pioneer Village —a 10-minute drive from downtown, in Forest River Park—reenacts early 17th-century colonial life. Eat like a local at Ledger or Settler , or nerd out with old school arcade games and pinball machines at Bit Bar . 

6.  Provincetown, MA

Creative, sassy P-Town—located only a 90-minute ferry ride from Boston—is an artsy LGBT hotspot. It’s got a great mix of galleries, restaurants and nightlife hangouts. Lined with dozens of colorful shops, friendly eateries and local businesses, Commercial Street is the bustling heart of the town. Seek out one of the many events and festivals that fuel the thriving arts scene.

The famous and seasonal  Lobster Pot is the biggest name in town for classic lobster rolls and fresh seafood treats. Climb the 252-foot granite Pilgrim Monument for dramatic harbor views, then escape to Race Point Beach to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the open ocean.

Eat innovative seasonal dishes at Strangers & Saints and great seafood at Mac’s Fish House , which has crispy fish and chips and Happy Hour dollar oysters. Explore the beautifully barren Outer Cape’s stretch of the Cape Cod National Seashore , including Truro’s picturesque Highland Light .

7.  Ogunquit, ME

Set on the breathtaking Maine coast, Ogunquit is a popular, classic beach town with a quiet ambiance, particularly in the cooler months when crowds disappear. But it’s also a historic arts community; the Ogunquit Museum of American Art was started in the 1950s by native artist Henry Strater, a student of Ogunquit’s Perkins Cove artists colony.

Wander the galleries around town, explore the Barn Gallery on Shore Road and get tickets to a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse —which boasts eight decades of professional theatre and summertime children’s productions—or another summer stock theater.

8.  Watch Hill, RI

A coastal village that’s part of the town of Westerly, Watch Hill has one of the best beaches on the East Coast, and celebrity glamour to spare. Get to town early and take a walk out on the Napatree Point Conservation Area , where  you’ll find the remains of Fort Mansfield and lots of beautiful birds like osprey and piping plovers.

After your nature walk, head into the charming town for a stroll and some shopping. The kids will love the vintage carousel, and be sure to have lunch at the Olympia Tea Room (supposedly Taylor Swift’s fave—you can take a peek at her house from afar, too, because it’s hard to miss). Finish the day with cocktails at the gorgeous Ocean House , where you can have a drink and a bite to eat.

9.  Concord, MA

Stroll to the Old North Bridge and explore the Minute Man National Historical Park’s five-mile Battle Road Trail, dedicated to the Battle of Concord (April 19, 1775), where militia engaged with British troops and ignited the Revolutionary War. The 19th-century Transcendentalist movement and its influential authors and thinkers—Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Bronson Alcott—were rooted in Concord, and the Concord Museum is a good place to connect the dots. Located just outside of Concord Center are Walden Pond , which honors Thoreau’s famed naturalist journal, and Orchard House , where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women 150 years ago.

Pick up a picnic lunch at The Concord Cheese Shop . The Saltbox Kitchen’s tasty dishes and small-batch brewery are both fueled by produce from its nearby Saltbox Farm. For dinner, Woods Hill Table  also sources from their own farm at Woods Hill in Bath, NH, and the sleek, seasonally-focused 80 Thoreau is worth the day trip alone.

10.  Providence, RI

Providence is a foodie’s dream. Why does this small capital city have so much kitchen talent? Nearby Johnson & Wales University’s College of Culinary Arts is a major factor. Hemenway’s downtown is the grand dame of area seafood restaurants;  Waterman Grille is a vibrant jewel on the East Side near Brown University; and Aleppo Sweets is a lauded Syrian bakery and cafe—just to name a few spots. Federal Hill, the city’s impressive Italian neighborhood, is also loaded with Italian eateries and shops. 

Waterplace Park is a lovely gathering spot, and it anchors the city’s annual WaterFire program, which runs from spring through late fall; braziers along the Providence River are lit at sunset and stoked with aromatic wood by black-clad figures on boats, while themed music plays.

Providence is home to the notable Trinity Repertory Company , and The Strand Ballroom & Theatre, one of the nation’s best rock venues. The Rhode Island School of Design’s museum includes one the country’s finest university art collections.

11.  Mystic, CT

Settled in 1654, Mystic was once a shipbuilding seaport village. Now, it's a quintessential New England town, packed with mom-and-pop shops and activities for the whole family to do. 

During warm weather, spend a few hours on the sea with a day sail or sunset cruise from Argia Mystic Cruises , or visit the famous Mystic Aquarium or the Mystic Seaport Museum .  

After working up an appetite, stroll through the village to see the famous weighted Bascule bridge . P ick up a sweet treat from award winning Sift Bake Shop  and  splurge on a Connecticut lobster roll at the The Shipwright's Daughter  or a hearty, grass-fed burger at the Engine Room .  And, if you must eat pizza in Mystic, head to Nana’s Bakery and Pizza for inventive takes on personal pies.

12.  Falmouth, MA

Falmouth is nestled on the southwestern part of Cape Cod, 20 miles south of the Sagamore Bridge. Lined with great beaches, cool boutiques and relaxing spots to eat and drink, it's also one of The Cape’s easiest towns to get to. Do breakfast or lunch like a local at The Pickle Jar Kitchen .

The Falmouth Museums on the Green brings 1700s Cape Cod to life; the Federalist home of Dr. Francis Wicks is wonderfully preserved and packed with original artifacts. The Shining Sea Bike Trail ,  which hugs the coast and brings you past lovely views of both the Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay, runs from Falmouth to Woods Hole. The trail’s name comes from “America the Beautiful,” the famous poem by Katherine Lee Bates, a Falmouth native. (Though once a railroad, the path follows ancient Wampanoag Indian trails.) One more highlight: the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Science Discovery Center .

13.  Lexington, MA

The best part of taking a day trip to Lexington? You can easily do it by bicycle by traveling down the Minuteman Bikeway , which begins in North Cambridge and runs right through the leafy suburb, some 15 miles northwest of Boston. This posh town is most famous for its historic Battle Green , where the bloody Battle of Lexington took place and patriotic Minute Men engaged the British Army on Lexington Common. Many of the original homes flanking the battleground are preserved, including one that serves as a visitor’s center.

Stroll Lexington Center’s mom-and-pop shops, enjoy homemade ice cream at Rancatore’s or dine at il Casale   from local chef Dante de Magistris, who draws from his family’s roots to make handmade pastas, delicious sfizis and classic dishes, all in a rustic-chic atmosphere. For an elegant Sunday brunch or dinner, The Inn at Hastings Park’s Town Meeting Bistro  is a modern pleasure involving sleek, seasonal dishes.

14.  Kittery, ME

Kittery, while most famous for its shopping, has so much more to offer. First stop: Bob’s Clam Hut , a 60-year-old roadside diner that serves incredible fried clams, sustainable local fish and amazing milkshakes. Next stop? Yes, shopping at the adjacent Kittery Premium Outlets , whose stores include everything from discounted Calvin Klein to Lindt chocolate.

Also known for the historic Portsmouth Naval Yard —which is in Kittery, not neighboring Portsmouth, NH—this sleepy town includes Tributary Brewing Company , which has a cool tasting room and live music on weekends.

The heart of Kittery Foreside, which is the downtown area, is Wallingford Square and it's dotted with all kinds of restaurants including the sleek bistro Anneke Jans  and casual asian eatery  Anju Noodle Bar . Or  stop by Lil’s Café , a quaint spot set in a former bank whose old walk-in safe is now its Vinyl Vault, a small alcove with used records for sale. Lil’s bakery downstairs turns out some of the best pastries in New England and excellent chai, too.

15.  Washington, CT

For a small town in rural Connecticut, Washington has a big reputation for its arts and architecture. The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is set in a once-abandoned gas station and boasts lovely landscaping and revolving art exhibits.

Every July, the Litchfield Jazz Festival takes place at venues around town and world-renowned modern dance company Pilobolus holds its Five Senses Festival . In September, Gilmore Girls fans take over—the town inspired the beloved TV program’s fictional Stars Hollow. Surrounded by colonial architecture, you can shop at unique boutiques and treat yourself to dinner (and a room, for a real spurge) at the historic, luxurious Mayflower Inn .

16.  Stockbridge, MA

Just off I-90, Stockbridge is the gateway to the beautiful Berkshires, part of the Taconic Mountains. Main Street is home to the venerable Red Lion Inn , a one-time frontier town tavern that maintains a casual eatery called Widow Bingham’s Tavern, as well as a gorgeously original main dining room with traditional favorites and an award-winning wine list.

Nature and art dominate the area: Just off Park Street, behind Main Street, take the wooden footbridge and walk the Laurel Hill Association’s beautiful trails. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum and see where the renowned illustrator and artist lived and worked. Nearby, visit Chesterwood , the home of the Lincoln Memorial sculptor Daniel Chester French, and Naumkeag , a Gilded Age architectural masterpiece. A few miles away in Lenox is the Tanglewood Music Center , the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home. Nearby, you can take a guided tour of Edith Wharton’s home, The Mount , and learn about the woman behind the building and the books.

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9 Iconic Spots to Visit North of Boston

Scenic spots on the north shore to inspire your next weekend day trip..

Looking for a change of scenery? You don’t have to go far. Below are some of our favorite North Shore icons, picturesque places, and wide open spaces. We bet you haven’t seen every single one!

Each of these towns is home to iconic and beloved North Shore spots. Here are a few of our faves:

Richardson’s Ice Cream, Middleton If you enjoy ice cream on the North Shore, chances are you’ve enjoyed ice cream from Richardson’s. The family-owned dairy has been making and distributing delicious ice cream for years, creating a local icon in the process. While you can find Richardson’s products at ice cream stands throughout the region, a trip to their Middleton farm location is always worth it. There you’ll find not only ice cream but their own milk and cream from their working dairy farm, as well as mini golf, batting cages, and a driving range. 156 South Main St. (Rte 114), Middleton, 978-774-5450, richardsonsicecream.com

Montserrat College of Art, Beverly Beverly’s flourishing arts community owes a debt of gratitude to the legendary Montserrat College of Art, where art students from around the world come to study, create, and learn. Their energy and imagination permeate the city’s culture, enlivening it with a youthful spirit and constant feeling of rebirth and rejuvenation. Montserrat also offers treasures within its own walls, like public galleries and exciting events. 23 Essex St., Beverly, 978-921-4242, montserrat.edu

Jordan’s Furniture, Reading To anyone outside New England, putting a furniture store on an “icons” list might seem strange, but for North Shore residents who know and love Jordan’s Furniture in Reading, it makes perfect sense. That’s because Jordan’s Furniture does a lot more than sell sofas. Families regularly make the trip to its Reading location to see Beantown, a re-creation of Boston landmarks like the Green Monster, made entirely of jelly beans; watch the Liquid Fireworks light and water show; see a movie in its 500-seat, eight-story IMAX 3D theatre; grab a burger at Fudrucker’s or an ice cream from Richardson’s; and even take part in their ropes course. 50 Walkers Brook Dr., Reading, 781-944-9090, jordans.com

Picturesque Places

Time to break out the camera or easel! These places will brighten up your Instagram feed, inspire your inner Monet, or, at the very least, make you smile when you visit.

The Crane Estate, Ipswich The photographic possibilities at the lavish seaside Crane Estate in Ipswich are endless. There’s Castle Hill, home to the Great House—which has major European palace vibes—plus landscaping by the Olmstead Brothers and opulent gardens filled with beautiful plants, trees, flowers, and classical statuary. Beyond Castle Hill is the ocean and Crane Beach, where a pristine shoreline meets wild dunes and marshes, as well as the Crane Wildlife Refuge. 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-4351, thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/northeast/castle-hill-crane.html 

Lynch Park, Beverly A beautiful relic of Beverly’s past as the North Shore’s “Gold Coast” for wealthy magnates and dignitaries, Lynch Park is now a stunning public park where a sunken Italian rose garden beckons romantics, photographers, and anyone craving a slice of sophistication and grandeur. 55 Ober St., Beverly, 978-921-6067, bevrec.com/lynchpark.html

Lobster Cove, Annisquam Whether you visit at the golden hour of sunrise or sunset in the summer, after a dusting of snow in the winter, or with the crimson glow of the fall, Lobster Cove in Annisquam is a photographer  or painter’s picturesque seaside New England dream. River Rd., Annisquam

Wide Open Spaces

Social distancing and enjoying the natural world is the name of the game at these favorite outdoor spots .

Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport Plum Island’s Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a 4,700-acre expanse of land that protects migratory birds and consists of an incredible array of habitats, including a sandy beach and dune, a cranberry bog, a maritime forest and a shrub land, a freshwater marsh, and a salt marsh. Start your day at the visitor center before exploring the Hellcat Interpretive Trail boardwalk, the handicap-accessible Pine Trail, the Bill Forward Bird Blind, two observation towers, and wildlife viewing areas. 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, 978-465-5753, fws.gov/refuge/Parker_River  

Lynn Woods Reservation, Lynn With 2,200 acres of forest and 30 miles of hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and nature trails, Lynn Woods Reservation is the second-largest municipal park in the United States. In addition to trails and woodlands, there are other strange and beautiful sites to visit within Lynn Woods. Visitors can explore the underground tunnel at Dungeon Rock and imagine themselves into pirate lore, while beauty seekers can find inspiration at the Rose Garden, Houghton Horticultural Garden, and Amphitheater. lynnma.gov/departments/lynnwoods.shtml 

Brooksby Farm, Peabody Most cities don’t own historical working farms, but then again, most cities aren’t Peabody, which owns and manages the more-than-200-acre Brooksby Farm. It offers pick-your-own fruits, including peaches, blueberries, and apples; a farm store; barnyard animals; woodland trails; and cross-country skiing. 54 Felton St., Peabody, 978-531-7456, brooksbyfarm.org

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.

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• 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.

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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.

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Plan your visit to North of Boston Massachusetts today!

North of Boston is home to the 34 cities and towns of Essex County. Located only minutes from Boston, this year-round destination offers 200 miles of coastline and sandy beaches, world class dining, rich history, vibrant arts and culture and nationally recognized attractions. From the salty air of Newburyport to the witches of Salem, the seafood of Gloucester to the industrial city of Lawrence, there is something for everyone North of Boston!

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Miles of breathtaking coastline, sandy beaches, acclaimed restaurants, witches, pirates, literature, historic architecture, and a vibrant arts & culture scene combine to make North of Boston your perfect destination.

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When it’s time to make your love official, the North of Boston region is the place to say “I do.” From intimate micro-weddings to oceanfront weddings and lavish extravaganzas (when we can safely gather together again), we have everything you need to make your special day flawless and memorable. Check out our full list of resources, vendors, and venues for engagements, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wedding celebrations, honeymoons, and more.

Looking for an authentic New England experience for your group? North of Boston has it all just a short drive from Boston’s Logan International Airport. Miles of breathtaking coastline, sandy beaches, acclaimed restaurants, witches, pirates, literature, historic architecture, and a vibrant arts & culture scene combine to your perfect destination.

The North of Boston region is the perfect destination for your next meeting or gathering. Be inspired at a range of full-service hotels centrally located or plan a gathering at a boutique inn or unique venue. When you are ready to relax, we have indoor and outdoor options for team-building or just for fun! Let us help you plan an unforgettable experience by submitting an RFP today.

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Newburyport Art presents National Juried Show

June 7, 2024 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

EXHIBITION: Bats!

June 7, 2024 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Newburyport Art presents Two Exhibitions Celebrating 20 Years of OpArt!

Opening reception for ‘the quarry project: photographs by tsar fedorsky’ at manship artists residency.

June 7, 2024 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

First Friday: Art After Hours — Lavender Speakeasy

June 7, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

@VisitNorthOfBoston

🎨✨ Join us for the 16th Annual Salem Arts Festival from June 7–9 in historic downtown Salem! Celebrate local creativity with free, family-friendly activities including: 🎶 Diverse lineup of art, music, dance, and theatre performances 🎨 Interactive art-making for all ages 🛍️ Marketplace filled with local artisans and makers 🖼️ Pop-up art exhibitions in surrounding businesses 🖌️ Live mural slam on Artists’ Row 🌟 Captivating temporary public art installation Don’t miss this vibrant celebration that enriches Salem`s cultural and economic landscape! Photo credit: @creativecollectivema #SalemArtsFestival #SupportLocalArt #SalemMA #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston

🌳✨ June 5–16: Join us for Shakespeare’s "As You Like It" at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate! Castle Hill Productions presents this delightful comedy of love and disguise! Watch as Rosalind and Orlando navigate twists and turns on their path to true love amidst the enchanting Forest of Arden. Enjoy this outdoor performance in the beautiful Casino Complex at Castle Hill. Bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of joy and laughter under the stars. Image credit: The Trustees - Crane Estate #ShakespeareAtCastleHill #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA

Revisit one of the world`s most beloved musicals and celebrate life, love, laughter and tradition at the North Shore Music Theatre! Set in the little village of Anatevka, Fiddler on the Roof centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Get your tickets now: https://www.nsmt.org/fiddler.html

🎨 Get ready for a night of creativity with Colin McGuire! Local artist Colin McGuire will lead you through the artistic journey step by step at Paint Night. Sip, snack, and paint with us at @thelandingmarblehead while you create your masterpiece. Indulge in a complimentary glass of wine and cheeseboard. A cash bar will also be available. Make sure to reserve your spot for this exclusive event, as seats are limited. 🎟️ Secure your spot now on The Landing`s website! #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA

🛍️ Join @riseandshine_marketplace next Saturday at the @salemcountryclubma from 10 am - 3 pm for a day of shopping, delicious food, live music, and community spirit! 🎶 Explore local makers, savor hors d`oeuvres and beverages, all in a stunning setting. 🌟 Tickets: $25 for adults (includes food/mimosa bar) $10 for kids (includes food, with juice and water available) Kids 5 and under are free! 🎟️ Don`t miss out - tickets available at the door. The first 50 ticketed guests receive a Rise + Shine Tote bag! ✨ #ShopLocal #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA Image credit: Rise + Shine Marketplace

Join @windhover.performingarts June 15 & 16th for the world premiere of "Joyful Offering" by Alison Cooke-Beatty and "Unbound" by Ballet Papillon. These two exciting and contrasting troupes return to Windhover to captivate and transform the audience in the magical natural setting of Windhover’s outdoor covered stage. Don`t miss this captivating evening of live art at Windhover`s outdoor covered stage! 🌟 Get your tickets today on the @windhover.performingarts website! Image credit: Windhover Center for the Performing Arts and Bob Harrison

Cruise the coastlines with @mahicruises daily from May through November! 🌊🚢 Departing from Pickering Wharf, downtown Salem, they offer a variety of daily public harbor cruises, group tours, custom private events, and unique transportation options. Enjoy stunning views of Salem, Beverly, Marblehead, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and the secluded Misery Islands. Relax with a full bar and fresh eats on board. Average visit time is 2-4 hours.🍹🥗 📞 Call 978-825-0001 to make your reservation today! #SalemMA #HarborCruise #ExploreNewEngland #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA

Originally settled under the Native American name of Cochichawicke, Andover was incorporated in 1646. This picturesque community, known for its thriving center, offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and cultural events. Andover`s rich history includes the establishment of the region’s first powder mill in 1775 and the growth of several woolen mills in the early nineteenth century. The town is also renowned for Phillips Academy, one of the oldest and most prestigious prep schools in the U.S. 📖 Check out @northshoremag, the premier luxury lifestyle publication showcasing the best of the North Shore. 🧑🏼‍🌾 Visit @smolakfarms, a working farm that combines agriculture, education, and entertainment in a unique way. 🎨 Explore the @addisongalleryofamericanart`s permanent collection installations and major traveling exhibitions, carefully balanced to represent a wide range of art, across time and media. Come explore Andover’s blend of history, culture, and charm! Photo credits: Sterling Interactive and Nancy Dion #AndoverMA #History #Culture #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA #NorthOfBoston @andovermagov

🎉 Father`s Day is June 16th! Treat Dad to a Father`s Day Pizza & BBQ Bash at @appletonfarms! 🍕🍺 Enjoy wood-fired pizza, local beer, BBQ from Fat Belly Food Truck, and sweet treats from Whoopie Pie Wagon. Live music by Chuck Doran & Friends! Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Don`t miss out – get your tickets now on the @appletonfarms website. 📸 Appleton Farms #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA

Indulge in a weekend of delights at @marbleridgewinery, your go-to boutique winery on the North Shore! 🍷 🔥 S`mores Saturday: Savor a laid-back wine tasting, complimentary s`mores, and unwind in our outdoor seating area! 🎉 Sunday Family Fun Day: Bring the whole crew for a day of joy! Enjoy a casual wine tasting, lawn games, free non-alcoholic drinks for the kids, s`mores, and more! 🇺🇸 Special Offer: Veterans can enjoy 10% off wine purchases and gift cards in-store and online through Monday. Use code "VETERANS" at checkout. Join Marble Ridge Winery for a weekend filled with laughter, relaxation, and unforgettable memories! Reservations are encouraged! 🌟 Book on the winery website today! Image: @marbleridgewinery #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA

Introducing "SECRET" MEMBER-ONLY SHOWS at @the_cabot! 🤫✨ The Cabot just unveiled a show with a much-loved headlining artist exclusively for their members. Don`t miss this rare opportunity to see a major headliner, who typically sells out 7,000+ seat venues, in their intimate historic theater. Visit The Cabot`s website to become a member and get tickets today! 🎟️ #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA

Discover Amesbury! 🌟 The revitalized downtown is brimming with innovation, art, and history. Explore old mill buildings transformed into trendy restaurants, shops, residences, and artist studios. 🕰️ Step back in time with Victorian homes, museums, and sites showcasing over 350 years of history. Did you know Amesbury, incorporated in 1668, was a leader in carriage manufacturing and hat making? Plus, Amesbury is home to America`s oldest operating boat shop, founded in 1793! 🌿 Nature lovers, rejoice! The Powwow River flows through town, offering beautiful green spaces, parks, recreational areas, farms, and a scenic Riverwalk for pedestrians and cyclists. Come experience the magic of @cityofamesbury, @ciderhill_farm, and the @amesburycarriagemuseum! 🌳 Visit the @discover_amesbury website to start planning your trip today. ✨ #NorthOfBoston #VisitNorthOfBoston #VisitMA

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21 Best Day Trips From Boston, Massachusetts

Here are my favorite day trips from Boston, MA, ranging from cities and charming seaside towns to national parks, state parks, and more!

Because I was born and raised in Massachusetts, I’ve spend much of my life exploring New England .

Though exploring my home didn’t excite me as much as going overseas, I have grown to love and appreciate the beauty and charm of New England.

So I’ve decided to write a post about the best day trips from Boston, MA.

Boston is one of the USA’s most incredible cities. It’s packed with history, architecture, museums, nightlife, and lots of cool attractions .

If you’re visiting Boston and you’d like to escape the city for a day, here are some beautiful day trips from Boston. I’ll also include some fun weekend getaways at the end!

Save money on Boston’s top attractions with the Boston City Pass !

How To Get Around On Day Trips From Boston

I would like to note that public transportation in the US is not great. There are some buses and trains, but having a car is the best way to get around.

Consider renting a car for the day if you want to visit one of these places. You don’t need a car in Boston itself though. Parking is expensive and honestly, Boston is a nightmare to drive around.

But if you want to leave the city and explore more of New England, it’s worth renting a car!

There are also some day trips from Boston without a car such as Salem, York, Plymouth, and Martha’s Vineyard. For these destinations I’ll link to some guided day trips that include transport.

That saves you the hassle of driving and navigating on your own!

What are the best day trips from Boston?

From Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod to some lesser known New England destinations, here are some of the best day trips from Boston!

Whether you want forest, beach, historic villages, or classic New England towns, there is lots to see and do outside the city.

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1. Bolton, MA

• 40 minutes from Boston

Bolton is a peaceful residential town in Central Massachusetts. This is near where I grew up, and there is actually a lot to do here!

Pick your own apples in autumn at Bolton Spring Farm. Or visit Bolton Orchards for that classic rural New England farm stand. Here you can drink fresh apple cider, grab a homemade sandwich at the deli, or get an ice cream from the cafe.

Or if wine is more your style, head to Nashoba Valley Winery for wine tasting and nibbles outside overlooking the countryside.

2. Salem, MA

Located a short drive north of Boston, Salem is a historic Massachusetts town made famous by the Salem Witch Trials of the late 1600s.

A day trip to Salem from Boston allows you to explore the area’s rich maritime history through museums, landmarks, and historic sites around town.

The best way to learn all the fun facts about Salem is on a guided night walking tour ! You can also book a day trip from Boston to Salem via ferry that includes a visit to the Witch Museum. This is one of the best day trips from Boston without a car.

3. York, ME

• 1 hour from Boston

At just over an hour drive from downtown Boston, York is a beautiful seaside town in Maine.

Here you can enjoy the beach, tour a brewery or distillery, go golfing, and get ice cream or lobster rolls at a local restaurant. Be sure to also check out the iconic Nubble Lighthouse.

Book this highly-rated day trip from Boston that includes the highlights of Maine’s south coast such as York, Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit.

4. Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, MA

Located in Sutton, Massachusetts, Purgatory Chasm is a great place to stretch the legs outside Boston.

Full of huge rock formations, lush forests, and walking trails, this place is perfect for nature lovers and families.

But the rocks can be slippery in snow, rain, or ice, so avoid hiking in winter or wet weather.

Parking is $5 for MA residents and $20 for non residents.

5. Newport, RI

• 1 hour and 45 minutes from Boston

This charming Rhode Island city is one of the coolest places to visit in New England.

Known for its historic mansions, fun nightlife, cool shops, and beautiful coastline, there is so much to do in Newport.

Check out the unique shops on the historic Thames Street or go on a scenic boat cruise in Narragansett Bay. Stroll along the Cliff Walk or surf at Easton’s Beach.

Check out my full list of the best things to do in Newport here !

6. Douglas State Forest, MA

• 1 hour and 15 minutes from Boston

A beautiful place to escape into nature near Boston is Douglas State Forest .

The state park is open sunrise to sunset, and parking fees are charged between May and October for $9 (MA residents) or $30 (non-residents).

Douglas State Forest offers all sorts of outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, boating, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, or cross country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

7. Hampton Beach, NH

One of the best places for a beach day near Boston is Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.

The long strip of golden sand is framed by a lively boardwalk packed with eateries, arcades, souvenir shops, and entertainment venues.

It’s a popular spot for surfing as well, though the water is always freezing cold! You can also go swimming, walking, fishing, exploring, and camping at Hampton Beach State Park .

8. Cape Cod, MA

• 1-2 hours from Boston

Often referred to ask the “arm of Massachusetts”, Cape Cod is the peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean from the state’s eastern side.

A popular holiday spot and retirement destination for Massachusetts locals, Cape Cod is known for its charming towns, sandy beaches, and laid-back coastal vibe.

Cape Cod is packed with bustling towns like Falmouth, Mashpee, Hyannis, Bourne, Chatham, and Provincetown. Though every corner of the Cape has something special about it.

Flanked on both sides by sand dunes and beaches Cape Cod offers plenty of places to relax on the sand, swim in the sea, bike along the shore, and go on whale watching cruises .

Cape Cod National Seashore is a protected area of coastline where you can explore historic lighthouses, wildlife-filled marshes, and biking trails.

9. Old Sturbridge Village, MA

• 1 hour and 10 minutes from Boston

Whether you’re a history lover or you’re traveling with kids, Old Sturbridge Village is an educational and interactive place to visit near Boston.

Old Sturbridge Village is like a living museum! Wander through the sprawling replica of a rural Massachusetts town from the 1830s and learn what life was like back in the day.

10. Providence, RI

The exciting capital city of Rhode Island is just 1 hour from Boston!

A day trip or even a weekend trip to Providence is well worth it because this city is packed with entertainment and culture.

Visit a museum, explore a local art market, go on a ghost tour , or indulge in the nightlife. I’ve had so many fun experiences in Providence over the years and it’s truly an awesome city.

11. Keene, NH

• 2 hours from Boston

Keene is a quaint town in southwest New Hampshire that also makes a nice day trip from Boston.

Known for being a college town, Keene has a walkable town center full of classic New England architecture, cute cafes, green spaces, and nice restaurants.

There are also some great hiking trails around Keene, such as Mount Monadnock.

Harry Potter nerds should consider visiting Keene during the last week of July, also known as “Keene Wizarding Week”, when all the local businesses around town have Harry Potter-themed events and decorations!

12. Plymouth, MA

Plymouth is known for being the arrival point of the pilgrims who came over from England in 1620. It’s where the first European Settlement in New England began, thus playing an important role in US history.

Tourists flock to Plymouth to see the famous Plymouth Rock and the exact replica of the Mayflower II, the ship that the pilgrims arrived on.

Plymouth also has cool museums, gardens, walking trails, forests, and even a winery.

You can book a day trip to Plymouth if you’re looking for day trips from Boston without a car! This includes Boston hotel pick-up, guided tours around the historical sites, and a stop in Quincy (another historic Massachusetts town where 2 US presidents were born).

13. Walden Pond, MA

• 30 minutes from Boston

Located in Concord, Massachusetts, Walden Pond is one of the easiest day trips from Boston.

Here you can stroll through the peaceful nature, swim in the pond, or try water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or boating.

Walden Pond became famous when Henry David Thoreau wrote an entire book about the beauty of nature here (the book was titled Walden ).

So if you’re looking to escape the city and really dive into the natural beauty of Massachusetts, Walden Pond is the place to go.

14. Kittery, ME

Kittery is an adorable coastal town located near Maine’s southern border.

With pebbly beaches, cozy seafood restaurants, and unique museums, Kittery has lots to offer day trippers from Boston.

Go bike riding around the historic Fort Foster and eat a Maine lobster at Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier. Or shop for local produce at the Kittery Community Market on Sundays.

Go for a chilly ocean swim at Crescent Beach or Seapoint Beach. Kittery has lots of places to get outside and soak in the salty, seaside air!

15. Plum Island, MA

A beautiful barrier island located off the coast of northern Massachusetts, Plum Island is the perfect summer getaway from the city.

It’s about 11 miles long and filled with soft sandy beaches, lobster shacks, and the protected ecosystems of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Sandy Point State Reservation is also a great place for bird watching, sunbathing, and exploring the peaceful nature.

16. Portland, ME

Portland is a super cool city in Maine that is one of the best day trips from Boston.

This small city has new art galleries, ice cream shops, live music venues, dispensaries, museums, and more popping up all the time.

Grab a brew at Allagash Brewing Company, enjoy the views at the Portland Head Lighthouse, or check out the Portland Museum of Art.

Take your sightseeing to the waters with a scenic cruise , or cover more ground on a historic trolley tour !

More Day Trips From Boston (Better Suited To Weekend Trips)

There are so many amazing places to visit on a weekend trip from Boston, including New York City and Acadia National Park. These are about a 4 hour journey from Boston though, so you probably wouldn’t want to do these as a day trip.

However, here are some more epic locations that could be done as either a day trip or a weekend getaway.

The drive is around 2-3 hours for all of these. So you’d be better off on a weekend trip unless you want to wake up early and smash out lots of driving in one day.

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights around the US!

17. Martha’s Vineyard, MA

• 2 hours and 45 minutes from Boston

Martha’s Vineyard is an iconic Massachusetts getaway. It’s a bit of a mission to get there from Boston, which is why it’s better suited to a weekend trip.

Travel by car, bus, or ferry to Wood Hole in Falmouth, Cape Cod. Then catch the ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard.

Or book a convenient day tour from Boston that includes all your transport so you can visit the island without all the hassle.

Once you arrive, spend the day strolling through the little town center, where there are quirky stores, seafood restaurants, fudge shops, and plenty of other cute attractions.

The colorful, intricate, fairytale houses of Oak Bluffs Campground are a highlight of Martha’s Vineyard as well!

18. White Mountains, NH

• 2.5 hours from Boston

The White Mountains in New Hampshire are a haven for wilderness lovers.

Filled with towering peaks, challenging trails, epic gorges, quaint mountain towns, and more, this located offers a wholesome getaway from the city.

Flume Gorge is a super cool attraction to check out. For those classic New England fall foliage views, visit the White Mountains in October or November!

Read my complete hiking guide to Flume Gorge for more info.

19. Block Island, RI

• 3 hours from Boston

This tiny but fun island off the coast of Rhode Island is another top beach destination in New England.

Admire the sand dunes at Mohegan Bluffs, hike along the Clay Head Nature Trail, or admire one of the few adorable lighthouses.

Block Island is also filled with beaches, restaurants, bars, and cozy inns if you want to stay the night.

20. Nantucket, MA

• 3.5 hours from Boston

Nantucket is another stunning island that you can get to in a few hours from Boston!

You’ll need to get yourself to Hyannis in Cape Cod and then catch the ferry from there. Consider combining Nantucket into a weekend trip to Cape Cod if you want!

Top things to do on Nantucket include strolling the Sconset Bluff Walk, seeing Brant Point Lighthouse, and visiting the Whaling Museum.

And of course, hitting the beach. Sconset Beach, Jetties Beach, Madaket Beach, and Steps Beach are top choices.

21. Lake Winnepesaukee, NH

One of the top destinations for a weekend trip from Boston is Lake Winnepesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire.

Nestled at the foothills of the White Mountains, New England locals flock here in summer for boating, swimming, and enjoying that lazy lake life.

Popular beaches on Lake Winnepesaukee include Weirs Beach, Bartlett Beach, and Allen Albee Beach.

Other highlights of the area include the local museums, riding the Winnepesaukee Scenic Railroad, seeing a movie at the Weird Drive-In Theatre, and playing games at Funspot Arcade .

Thanks for reading about my favorite day trips from Boston, MA!

For anyone traveling to the USA, check out my list of 50 budget travel tips to save money. The USA isn’t a very cheap country to travel around!

I also definitely recommend having travel insurance. The healthcare system in the USA is insane, and if something bad happens you may just go bankrupt trying to pay for emergency care out of pocket.

Check out my budget traveler’s guide to travel insurance for more info. Or check out my favorite travel insurance website, Squaremouth Insurance !

You also need a visa to visit the USA! Don’t forget to apply before you arrive.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about this in my About Me page!

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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13 Best Day Trips from Boston You Can’t Miss

Are you looking for some fun day trips from Boston? If so, you have come to the right place!

In this blog post, I compiled the best day trips from Boston that will keep you entertained and busy all day long. They’re all within easy driving distance, and offer everything from gorgeous natural scenery to charming small towns to fun city attractions.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your car keys and let’s go exploring!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from Boston

1. salem, ma.

Recommended by Kriszti from She Wanders Abroad

Salem is one of the most popular day trips from Boston, and for good reason! Salem is located about 30 minutes north of Boston, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.

Salem is best known for its witch trials of 1692. Many of the original buildings from that time period are still standing and open to the public. The Salem Witch Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the trials.

Other popular Salem attractions include the House of the Seven Gables , made famous by author Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the Peabody Essex Museum , which is one of the oldest and largest museums in the country.

Due to its heritage, Salem is a really popular Halloween destination so brace yourself for the crowds if you happen to be visiting during the month of October. In case you’re planning to visit for Halloween, check out these spooky things to do in Salem MA in October !

If you’re into Halloween movies, you can also go on a hunt for the numerous Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem .

When it comes to day trips from Boston, Salem is definitely one of the best. 

2. Providence, RI

Recommended by Amanda from Hey! East Coast USA

One of the best day trips from Boston has to be Providence, Rhode Island. This tiny state’s capital city is all too often overlooked by visitors, but it has enjoyed quite an artistic and cultural revival in recent decades. 

Located just about an hour’s drive from Boston, it’s an incredibly easy journey by car. It’s also one of only a few day trips you can easily do by train in this region!

There are so many fun  things to do in Providence  that every type of traveler will enjoy. Whether you’re into history, the arts, entertainment, or wholesome family fun, this city caters to everyone.

If you’re visiting in the summer, WaterFire is one of Providence’s most popular attractions. Plan to eat dinner downtown and then stroll along the river watching the fires blazing over the water.

As the state capital, you can also enjoy a visit to the lovely Rhode Island State House. It looks like a younger sibling to the US Capitol in Washington, DC! Not far from there, you can enjoy shopping in the Providence Place Mall, a popular destination for locals with its wide variety of options.

Providence is also home to the Ivy League’s Brown University. The campus offers a pretty setting for a stroll and the nearby Thayer Street provides everything from hipster cafes to quirky shops and even an old-school cinema. This is a hub for college students and certainly worth experiencing!

Finally, you can’t skip visiting RISD, the Rhode Island School of Design. Its artists are tomorrow’s big names, so get there to someday be able to say, “I saw them first!”.

3. Newport, RI

Recommended by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the best day trips from Boston is the quaint seaside town called Newport. Located just a 90-minute drive away from Boston, or two hours by train, Newport is certainly worth visiting.

Newport is located on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. There are breathtaking sea cliffs that encompass the island.

The Cliff Walk offers stunning views and is one of the best  things to do in Newport . The 3.5-mile (5.6 km) walk is a great way for visitors to see the famous Newport mansions as well as the natural beauty of the area. One of the most famous mansions, The Breakers , has tours available all year. You can also begin your Cliff Walk here.

If you like being on the water, Newport is filled with a variety of water-based activities. Sailing is a common pastime, but you can also find kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding!

If you’re interested in learning more about Newport’s history, the Naval War College is a good places to start. Bowen Wharf and Bannister’s Wharves are home to a number of locally-owned shops and restaurants.

If you decide to extend your stay, the Marriott Newport is located near Bowen’s Wharf, and is perfect for exploring! An elegant mixture of nature, history, and food make Newport one of the best day trips from Boston. 

4. Cape Cod , MA

Recommended by Emily from Emily Embarks

Only a little over an hour southeast of the big city of Boston by car, Cape Cod is a beachgoer’s paradise. Lined with nearly 560 miles (901 km) of sandy coastline, you have endless options for where you stick your toes in the sand.

Tourists from around the world flock to the streets of Chatham, Provincetown, and every small town in between the summer months of May through September.

You can find unbeatable local food favorites like fresh lobster and clam chowder, go sailing on the warm waters surrounding Cape Cod Bay or even jump on the ferry over to one of the six other islands in the area, with Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard being the most popular.

While you’re traveling around the Cape, be sure to stop by Race Point Lighthouse, explore the quaint shops in the ferry port of Hyannis, or even take a whale watching tour from Falmouth! Cape Cod is also home to Cape Cod National Seashore, one of the most beautiful East Coast national parks .

To get to Cape Cod, you simply get on I-93 South in Boston and follow that to Braintree where you’ll get on MA-3 South. Once you reach Sandwich, MA, get on US-6 East to the Cape. Luckily, it’s a very easy drive, but you’ll want to plan far in advance if you’re going to take a friends, family, or couples getaway vacation in Cape Cod.

This 75-minute drive can easily turn into 3+ hours if you leave during rush hour traffic, so either leave very early in the morning (before 5 am) or very late at night (after 9 am) if you plan on arriving on a Friday.

Cape Cod is easily one of the best day trips from Boston for anyone in search of small-town charm, endless stunning beaches, and incredible seafood, so if you’re looking for a summer destination, then Cape Cod should be on your radar!

5. Plymouth, MA

Recommended by Jade from The Migrant Yogi

Plymouth, Massachusetts is a charming coastal town known for its historic role in the founding of the United States. It was here that the first pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock and established Plimoth Plantation, one of the best historic sites in New England.

Plymouth is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Boston for history buffs and anyone who loves the past. The entire town is like time traveling to the 17th century.

In addition to checking out Plymouth Rock, there is also a replica of the Mayflower, the ship on which the first pilgrims arrived.

The Mayflower replica is located at Plimoth Plantation , which is a fully-immersive open-air museum. There is a small village, a functional water-powered mill, and an authentic replica of a Native American settlement.

Throughout the museum, there are actors who are ‘working the land’ and giving detailed accounts of what life was like in the 17th century. Head to Plymouth between March and November if you want to visit Plimoth Plantation.

While you’re in town, be sure to visit the National Monument to the Founding Fathers, Edaville Family Theme Park, Pilgrim Hall Museum, and Myles Standish State Forest.

To take a day trip from Boston to Plymouth, you’ll need to catch a bus followed by a short cab ride. The entire journey takes around an hour. Alternatively, you could rent a car and drive.

6. Rockport, MA

Recommended by Samantha from New England Wanderlust

Rockport is an adorable little coastal town in the  Cape Ann  region of Massachusetts’ North Shore and it makes for a perfect day trip from Boston because you can get there in under an hour, and feel like you’ve truly escaped city life.

For the perfect day in Rockport, be sure to stop by Motif 1, a red fishing shack that sits along the wharf, and is the town’s most iconic landmark. It’s also said to be the most painted building in the country, and you can often find artists and painters nearby capturing the beauty of this simple little building. 

Next, a walk along Bearskin Neck is an absolute must, and where you can wander shops and boutiques that are loaded with character and unique finds. This part of town sits along the water, so be sure to walk to the very end where you can enjoy amazing views of the harbor from a beautiful breakwater jetty. 

While wandering through Bearskin Neck, definitely grab some fresh seafood from the Roy Moore Lobster Co . It’s the best in town and located in the most Instagram-worthy little seafood shack.

For a peaceful walk with incredible views, head over to Halibut Point State Park , which has 12 acres of nature trails, and an overlook with sweeping ocean views. And lastly, end your day with a sunset walk along Pebble Beach, and see if you can spot any seals swimming by. 

The best and most convenient way to get to Rockport from Boston is to drive, as there is no direct bus or train route.

7. Portsmouth, NH

Recommended by Kate from New Hampshire Way

Some of the best day trips from Boston are in New Hampshire, and the Granite State has so much to offer. But perhaps the best day trip of all is Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a small and quirky seaside city brimming with personality.

Portsmouth NH  is filled with interesting shops, fun cafes, gorgeous architecture, and a selection of fun breweries set beautifully on New Hampshire’s rocky coastline, a stone’s throw from Maine.

Portsmouth is one of the oldest cities in New England, and you can see this in its beautifully restored historic homes. If you’re interested in history, the Strawbery Banke Museum is a must! This expansive area is filled with homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, and all the guides are fully in character.

Shopping is fabulous in Portsmouth, and you have the bonus of no sales tax in New Hampshire! You can browse estate jewelry at Market Square, find the perfect hilarious gift at Off Piste, get lost in the adorable store of Macro Polo, or enjoy a new book with a coffee or beer at the Portsmouth Book & Bar .

If you’re a beer fan, you’ll enjoy hopping around Portsmouth’s breweries, from the wide variety of beers at the classic Portsmouth Brewery (temporarily closed) to the waterfront, music-filled setting of Great Rhythm .

But one of the best things about Portsmouth is having no agenda. Walk around the streets and discover your own favorite places. There’s a reason why so many Bostonians return to Portsmouth over and over.

Portsmouth is about an hour’s drive from Boston. You can also get there by public transportation: buses run from South Station Bus Terminal to Portsmouth and take about 75 minutes. Alternatively, if you’re a train fan, take Amtrak from North Station to Dover, New Hampshire (90 minutes) and get a taxi to Portsmouth (20 minutes).

8. Portland, ME

Maine’s largest city, Portland, is located about an hour and a half from Boston, making it the perfect day trip destination.

There is plenty to do in Portland, but luckily you can easily visit the highlights even if you spend only one day in Portland . Some of the must-sees include the Old Port district, which is full of cobblestone streets and historic buildings, as well as art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

The Portland Museum of Art is also located in the Old Port district which is the largest and oldest public art institution in the whole of Maine.

If you’re looking for a dose of nature, take a walk or hike in one of Portland’s many parks, such as Deering Oaks Park or the Eastern Promenade. Or, spend some time on the water with a ferry ride to one of the nearby islands, such as Peaks Island or Great Diamond Island.

Another unmissable thing to do is to go on a hunt for the most beautiful lighthouses in Portland . While there are several lighthouses in the area, two of the most popular ones are Portland Head Light and Bug Light.

Both of these lighthouses offer stunning views of the ocean and are definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting Portland as a day trip from Boston.

There are several ways to get to Portland from Boston, including by bus or train, but driving is arguably the easiest one.

9. Boothbay Harbor, ME

Recommended by Kelly from Girl with the Passport

One of the best day trips from Boston is Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It’s a quintessential New England fishing village in mid-coast Maine that is filled with charming houses, delicious lobster, picturesque harborside boardwalks, and stunning views of the wild Atlantic Coast. 

To get here, simply drive along 95 North until you hit the exit for Brunswick, Maine. Once here, follow US-1 North all the way to Boothbay Harbor.

In total, the drive should take just under three hours. But, if you have a bit more time to visit Maine, try driving up US-1 North instead since it offers visitors stellar views of the coast. 

Once here, experience some of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor , like riding on a historic train at the Boothbay Railway Village or shopping for incredible art at Abacus Gallery. Afterward, do an exquisite walk along the footbridge across the harbor before petting local sharks at the Maine State Aquarium (temporarily closed).

Next, depart on a scenic whale watching tour from the local pier, or ride aboard the mail ferry to outlying islands if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative.

Then, when you get hungry, indulge in some fresh steamed lobster and New England clam chowder at Boothbay Lobster Wharf . Not only is the food excellent but it’s a great place to see how real lobstermen work as you admire the sweeping panoramas from the pier.

10. Lincoln, NH

Lincoln, New Hampshire is a hidden gem in the White Mountains region.

Lincoln is one of the best places to see fall foliage in New England. The Kancamagus Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Lincoln, with its many pull-offs where you can enjoy views of the foliage and even go for a short hike if you want to.

The town is also home to Loon Mountain Resort, a popular ski resort that’s just a short drive from Boston. Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, Loon Mountain is worth a visit in the wintertime as it’s one of the most beautiful places to see snow-capped mountains.

You also can’t miss visiting Flume Gorge, a natural gorge that’s located in Franconia Notch State Park. After purchasing your tickets, you can enjoy the spectacular area on a 2-mile (3.2 km)-long self-guided walk.

There are several ways to get to Lincoln from Boston, but driving is by far the easiest. The drive takes about 2 hours and is a scenic one, especially in the fall.

11. Mount Washington, NH

Recommended by Anwar from Beyond My Door

A bit of a longer day trip from Boston but still worth the visit, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. While you could reach close to Mount Washington by bus, having a car gives you the greatest flexibility on your visit.

Summiting the mountain has several options. You could drive the Mount Washington toll road, take the cog railway , or even hike although it is not known to be an easy hike. For those who want to take the railway, it is a scenic view up the mountain but due to its popularity, you’ll need to book well ahead of time for tickets.

For those who choose to drive, you’ll be in good company – the auto road opened in 1861 as one of the oldest tourist sites in the US. Driving the 7.6-mile (12.2 km) road takes most visitors about 30 minutes each way and gives visitors the opportunity to stop and take in the views at various vistas.

The road at times can feel scary with no guard rails and steep drop-offs, but very few road travelers have had issues with only 3 fatalities in its history. You’ll certainly have a great story to tell friends and family back home.

The views from the summit on a clear day make all the trouble worth it. But of important note, Mount Washington has wild weather patterns and the weather can shift suddenly so be prepared for anything.

Pack rain and warm gear even during the summer months. Once at the top you can take in the stunning views, get souvenirs and even dine at the restaurant at the summit.

12. Woodstock, VT

If you’re looking for a quintessential New England day trip, look no further than Woodstock, Vermont. This charming town is located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains and is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.

Some of the best things to do in Woodstock VT include taking a scenic hike or bike ride through the woods, driving through Vermont’s beautiful back roads, and visiting the charming farms in the area, such as Sleepy Hollow Farm or Sugarbush Farm . The area around Woodstock is also home to many of the most beautiful covered bridges in Vermont .

Fall is definitely the best place to visit the town when you can enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage everywhere you look. Woodstock is actually one of the must-have stops on every New England fall road trip so definitely don’t miss it if you’re in the area!

No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to stroll down Woodstock’s main street, lined with charming shops and restaurants. And if you’re a fan of history, be sure to check out the Billings Farm & Museum , which is dedicated to Vermont’s rural heritage.

Although definitely better for a weekend trip, Woodstock is actually located about 2.5 hours from Boston by car which makes it a great destination for a day trip as well.

13. The Berkshires , MA

Recommended by Karen from Outdoor Adventure Sampler

If you like natural beauty and culture, a road trip to the Berkshires from Boston will provide it. The trip to the heart of the Berkshires is just over 2 hours on the Mass Pike. Exit at Lee and then drive through the picturesque New England towns. Stop for a meal at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants.

For outdoor enthusiasts, numerous hikes wind through the Berkshire Hills. Bash Bish Falls is a stunning waterfall hike in the southwest corner of Massachusetts. Hike in to admire this highest waterfall in the state.

The Berkshires are a wonderful day trip in all seasons. The fall foliage will take your breath away. The Berkshires become a snow-covered wonderland in the winter and excellent  cross country and snowshoeing  can be found throughout the region.

In the summer, Tanglewood, an open-air music venue, beckons. World renown musicians perform for audiences relaxing on the immaculate lawns. The Boston Symphony Orchestra makes Tanglewood its summer home.

You won’t want to miss the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art or the Norman Rockwell Museum in the Berkshire. Each has elaborate exhibits of unique art pieces.

You will enter a world very different from Boston with a road trip to the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts.

Map of the Best Boston Day Trips

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations mentioned in this article. A yellow star marks Boston on the map while the Boston day trips are marked with their respective numbers.

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will open up in your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you. Super convenient, right?

Planning a trip to New England?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about New England. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip for 2 Weeks
• Vermont in the Fall: Travel Tips & Best Places to Visit
• 16 Incredible Things to Do in Woodstock VT
• 17 Amazing Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont
• 17 Incredible Covered Bridges in Vermont You Need to Visit
• 81 Amazing Vermont Quotes & Captions for Instagram

New Hampshire:

• Kancamagus Highway Fall Foliage Drive: 9 Best Attractions & Tips for Visiting

Massachusetts:

• How to Spend One Day in Boston: Itinerary & Best Things to Do
• 13 Best Day Trips from Boston You Can’t Miss
• Where to Stay in Boston: 8 Best Areas & Hotels
• 133 Best Boston Captions for Instagram (Quotes, Puns & More)
• 19 Spooky Things to Do in Salem MA in October
• How to Spend One Day in Acadia National Park
• The Perfect 2 Days in Acadia National Park Itinerary
• Acadia National Park in the Fall: Practical Info & Tips for Visiting
• How to Spend One Day in Portland, Maine
• 5 Prettiest Lighthouses in Portland Maine You Can’t Miss

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4 Best Day Trips From Boston

By Todd Plummer

It’s amazing how much you can see on a short trip to Boston. The city center is unbelievably walkable, with history around every corner, and an exciting food and beverage scene to boot. But one of the very best parts about this area of the country is that nothing is too far from anything else, so trips outside the city are an effortless train or car ride away, whether that means eating your weight in lobster rolls in Kennebunkport; exploring witchy history in Salem; going for a waterfront stroll in Newburyport; or ferrying out to Provincetown in time for drag brunch. Here are the best day trips from Boston.

Click the link to read our complete Boston guide .

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For more than 300 years, this North Shore town had an outsize reputation for being the site of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. It became a compulsory field trip for grade schoolers in the area, as well as a funky place to visit on Halloween, but for a long time, wasn’t really a desirable place to go. In recent years, however, this shapeshifting town has slowly reinvented itself as a charming place to spend a day or two—with great restaurants, adorable boutique hotels for overnighters, and of course, plenty of witchy history. There’s a new energy in Salem, and here are a few of the must-dos that balance the old and new. Something wicked (read: awesome) this way comes.

The Merchant Arrow

This hotel has all the history you want from a boutique New England property. Built in 1784, as a home occupied by a prominent Salem merchant dealing rum and Sumatran pepper. The bedroom where president George Washington stayed during his visit to Salem in 1789 is now one of the hotel's most treasured suites and the Colonial floating staircase is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind. Each room is decorated differently, yet all have classic American touches and contemporary finishes. It's an adorable, charming, historic place to hang your hat if you choose to spend an overnight in Salem.

The Hotel Salem Arrow

Salem is known for the 1692 witch trials , but it's about time that a boutique hotel brings the town into the 21st century. Whether you are staying the night or just trying to have a quick meal or a drink on the seasonally open rooftop—one of a scant number of rooftop bars in town—any traveler should stop here for a few minutes. The rooms, most of which overlook Salem's historic buildings, are comfortable and clean with a mid-century design. That aesthetic, contemporary food and drink, and friendly environment make it a lovely, welcome counterpoint to the more traditional and historical stops in Salem.

Kokeshi Arrow

Kokeshi serves up excellent, whimsical takes on Asian street food in a decidedly non-New England space that eschews a Colonial aesthetic for colorful murals and communal tables. A ramen menu sets this place apart from the American restaurants that dominate Salem's dining scene. The shared plates are equally as satisfying, especially the Shaolin seaweed salad with crispy lotus root, and the steamed pork buns with shaved carrots, cilantro, and house-made chili mayo. In summer, try the chilled ramen with extra furikake.

Jessica Chapel

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

Ledger Arrow

Before opening Ledger, chef and owner Matt O'Neil made waves by winning a number of local burger competitions at his first restaurant (Blue Ox in Lynn), and Ledger's burger is no exception. House ground beef, sharp cheddar, and charred onion aioli on a molasses brioche make for a burger you won't forget. For dinner, Ledger offers some New England-inflected favorites. The lobster spaghetti, in particular, is a perfect summation of Ledger's classic meets contemporary vibe: hunks of fresh-from-the-trap lobster meat are enveloped by house-made corn pasta and finished with fresh tomato, butter, and chili. This popular brunch and dinner spot inside the former Salem Savings Bank has breathtaking details. Among them, a restored original plaster ceiling, a vault repurposed as a walk-in refrigerator, and a dividing wall built from safe deposit boxes. You can practically smell the 19th century fisherman coming in to run errands (in a good way).

Pickering Wharf Arrow

If you're looking for a cute waterfront setting in which to stroll around, shop , and grab a bite to eat, Pickering Wharf will do the trick. There's every sort of hand-dyed, hand-woven, hand-dipped, hand-poured gift and souvenir you can imagine here. Ocean Chic Boutique is a must-visit, and the rare finds at RJ Coins & Jewelry are worth a look even if those aren't your passion. Waite & Peirce, always a mainstay, is a terrific curio shop filled with trinkets, jewelry, home goods, and historical reproductions. For dinner, Sea Level Oyster Bar is especially good; you can also see which restaurant or pub is offering live music. After dinner, grab a pint at Longboards or Regatta Pub before calling it a day.

Peabody Essex Museum Arrow

Thanks to a new building in 2003 and one of the country's most ambitious capital campaigns, the Peabody Essex Museum is now one of the largest museums in the country in terms of both gallery space and endowment. It is has some of the country's most important American and Asian art collections. Natural light streams into the galleries, ensuring an atmosphere that's always serene and never stuffy. On rainy and sunny days alike, this is a worthwhile place to geek out. There are tours available every day, and one of the best is the Two Merchant's Houses tour. It compares two of the museum's greatest treasures, both built around the same time: the Gardner-Pingree house, built in Salem in 1804, and the Yin Yu Tang house, home to a single family in southeastern China for 200 years.

Salem Willows Arcade and Park Arrow

Just a short stroll from downtown, Salem Willows has been one of Salem's most beloved spots since the town's Colonial days. Today it's the perfect way to kill an hour or two—the small park is packed with plenty to do. You can grab a snack at one of the restaurants along the southern edge, ride the carousel, or play a round of skeeball with the kids (or a fun-loving date) at the arcade. Do as the locals do: grab a bag of fudge from E.H. Hobb's candy shop, located on the park's eastern edge; snag a bench overlooking the water; and watch the sunset before heading to dinner.

Salem Witch Museum Arrow

The Salem witch trials carved out an enduring and powerful niche in American history for this little town, and this intimate, kitschy museum does an excellent job telling the story. Whether you're visiting Salem for the restaurants, the ocean, or just some New England history, you owe it to its most infamous legacy to spend an hour learning more about what landed it on the map. This is an essential Boston-area school-trip destination , so make sure you come first thing in the morning or toward the end of day to avoid the school busses.

NEWBURYPORT, MA

Few New England coastal towns have been as well-preserved as Newburyport. Settled in 1635 at the mouth of the Merrimack River, it was an important center for shipbuilding, shipping, and silversmithing. Today, it’s an adorable little town with great restaurants, art galleries, shops, and plenty of recreational paths for long walks and bike rides. Plus, the proximity to the preserved beaches on Plum Island is a huge draw—part beach town, part walkable foodie destination, there’s plenty to love in Newburyport, and more than enough going on to fill up a day or two.

Blue – Inn on the Beach Arrow

To find a hotel that qualifies as more "beachfront" than Plum Island's charming Blue Inn, you'd have to be in the water. Located on a quiet end of the beach, the hotel has Ocean View suites that open directly onto the dunes. Despite its extraordinary location, the Blue Inn manages to avoid throngs of tourists. You're more likely to encounter native New Englanders on a staycation here than rowdy out-of-towners. Most rooms come with private decks, or balconies and fireplaces. Not that you'll be in your room much.

Brine Arrow

The menu at Brine consists of unique interpretations of top-notch meats and fresh seafood ; take, for example, the clam chowder that switches bacon bits for soft slices of pork belly. But whatever you end up ordering, make sure to start with the Power Tower seafood platter—oysters, shrimp, crab, lobster, and littleneck clams—and end with the salted caramel soufflé. The intimate space has just 50 or so seats and an interior that feels more sophisticated than your typical seafood joint—think exposed brick and Carrara marble. Come here for proof that New England's culinary scene has much more than lobster rolls and fried clams.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Arrow

Conservationist Rachel Carson once called Parker River National Wildlife Refuge "New England's most important contribution to the national effort to save the waterfowl of North America." The eight-mile barrier island is accessible from just outside Newburyport, and stretches south all the way toward Ipswich. This is one of the state's best preserved coastal refuges, so you're unlikely to find a more unspoiled spot this close to Boston. Make sure to climb a few of the observation lookouts to find top-notch photo opportunities. There are brochures and helpful staff to guide you at the entrance.

Riverside Cycle Arrow

One of the joys of escaping Boston for the day is immersing yourself in some wide open space. Riverside Cycles, located in the center of town, has a selection of bikes and gear to suit everyone from novices to Tour de France trainees. If you're planning on working up a sweat with a daylong ride before coming back to Newburyport for dinner, reserve a lightweight carbon fiber road bike for $75 a day. Entry-level bikes—perfect for getting to and from the beach —start at $25 for a half day.

Newburyport Whale Watch Arrow

This is by no means a high-gloss affair, but the guys at Newburyport Whale Watch know exactly what they're doing. With all the ease and élan of well-seasoned seamen, they bring groups of whale watchers just a few miles up the coastline to the Gulf of Maine, a hub of whale activity from May through October. The multi-level boat is spacious and never gets so crowded that you'll be clambering over each other to get a good view. The crew is exceedingly aware of safety and sustainability precautions—they'll never bait the wildlife and they always take care to keep a good distance. This delightfully lo-fi boat ride feels like an experience that's been passed down for generations.

Plum Island Beach Arrow

It doesn't get much more quintessential New England than the clean, pristine Plum Island Beach. Make sure to head all the way to the northern end so you can tramp around the Newburyport Harbor Light lighthouse area, and watch the boat traffic go in and out of Newburyport from across the water. Parking fills up quickly, so if you have a car make sure to arrive first thing in the morning.

Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center Arrow

Sometimes a quick, learning-focused pit stop can help make the most of your day trip. This center, operated by Mass Audubon, is a rich resource with plenty of observation decks, touch pools, exhibitions, and guided talks to facilitate a deeper understanding of just how ecologically important this part of the coast is. There's a little bit of everything, all related to promoting information about the area's wildlife: indoor and outdoor observation areas, art displays, and scientific exhibits. Whether you're a birder or not, it's worth dropping in for the guided tours, which are led by Mass Audubon guides. The area has a surprisingly rich biodiversity of avian species, even attracting bald eagles in winter.

PROVINCETOWN, MA

Provincetown means many things to many different people. For some, it’s the historic tip of Cape Cod where the Pilgrims first sojourned before carrying on to Plymouth. For others, it’s a bohemian beach enclave with beatnik roots and an enduringly vibrant art community. Still for others, it’s an LGBT paradise where anyone and everyone is welcome. How about for day trippers? Quirky shopping, gorgeous beaches, and great food await, as well a warm welcome from P-Town locals and regulars.

The Canteen Arrow

Part classic New England clam shop and part millennial catnip, The Canteen has something for everyone. It's difficult to find a place that does a lobster roll as well as it does a quinoa bowl, but this perfect lunch spot hits the mark. There's a short but great list of wines by the glass, as well as some cute cocktails, but the joint is best known for its addictive frosé. Proceed with caution—or you might end up missing your ferry home. A go-to lunch spot for Provincetown locals and day trippers alike, The Canteen is as good for a leisurely sit-down meal as it is for a beach-bound takeout order.

The Red Inn Arrow

It doesn't get more classic New England than this painfully cute red house, which was built in 1805 and serves some of the best food on the Cape. Best of all, the restaurant is located on the quiet West End, far from the maddening crowds on the other side of Commercial Street. Start with a plate of goodies from the raw bar, then try the oyster brochettes with remoulade or the cod with rosemary and potatoes—and it's known throughout Provincetown for its service.

The Lobster Pot Arrow

There's something perpetually charming about the hustle and bustle of a New England seafood shack, and The Lobster Pot is exhibit A as to why: the buzzy atmosphere, efficient service, the scent of steam and butter, and, of course, great local fish. Daytrippers and locals alike swear by the fried clam platters and big steamed lobsters, which are doused with clarified butter. This place improves on the New England classics (steamed lobster, lobster rolls, fried clams) by offering a few globally inspired dishes, like the Shellfish Algarve and the Cajun Bouillabaisse. Hectic atmosphere aside, it is an institution.

The Crown & Anchor Inn Arrow

This grande dame of Commercial Street is an oldie but goodie. It's impossible to miss the columns and porticos outside, and even more impossible to miss the drag queens lingering around the property. There's a full restaurant and bar menu here, but you would be better served by enjoying a couple of drinks by the pool or happy hour specials—later in the day, you can sing along to the live piano music before catching the last ferry back to Boston. Extraordinarily warm and welcoming, most of the bar staff has worked here for years—they're a wonderful resource to ply for local tips and insider info.

Marine Specialties Arrow

Commercial Street is home to a slew of souvenir joints, galleries, and home decor shops—but none hold a candle to this wacky hole in the wall, a Provincetown institution for 55 years. It's difficult to put Marine Specialties into a single category; it's part military surplus, part tchotchke shop, part nautical knick-knack, and everything in between. You can find old life jackets, nautical rope, every sort of shell accessory, Provincetown T-shirts, and all sorts of crazy-cool objets. The antique mermaid-shaped ship figureheads lying around would make for one heckuva of a souvenir.

Pilgrim Monument Arrow

The Mayflower stopped in Provincetown for a couple of weeks before moving on to Plymouth. Pilgrim Monument commemorates its short stint on the Cape, as well as the signing of the Mayflower Compact in Provincetown Harbor in 1620. At 252 feet, it's the tallest all-granite structure in the country. Ask any Provincetown regular, and they'll say that the monument, which rises over the horizon, is a familiar sight that welcomes them again and again to this seaside village.

Long Point Beach Arrow

You'll really feel like you're at world's end at this secluded beach. The literal tip of Cape Cod , it's surrounded by water on three sides and hardly ever gets the tourist throngs that Provincetown's more central beaches do. It takes a bit of effort to get out here but trust us, it's worth it—especially if some uninterrupted sun is your thing. There's no place better place to find it.

KENNEBUNKPORT, ME

Kennebunkport has reinvented itself several times. The earliest, hardiest European settlers explored this region as far back as the 1620’s. Then in the 18th century, this seaside village flourished thanks to the lumber and shipbuilding industries, before eventually a robust manufacturing center. By the 1870’s, it was the posh summer destination of choice for Bostonians looking to escape city streets in favor of the charming Maine coast. Back then, the Boston & Maine Railroad trip took over three hours—today though, Kennebunktpor is just a quick ninety-minute drive north. Explore the town’s rich history, eat your body weight in lobster, or plop your beach chair down on Goose Rocks Beach and try to spy the Bush family compound across the water at Walker’s Point. 

Earth at Hidden Pond Arrow

There's nothing subdued about Earth's vibe; diners at this Kennebunkport hotspot come to have a raucous good time. Of course, the food is as much the point of an evening here as the fun atmosphere. Executive Chef Joe Schafer proves he knows the rules well enough to break them with dishes like handmade ravioli bursting with lobster, crab, and Boursin cheese, and fried heritage chicken, which employs local tomatoes and peaches, luscious burrata, and tangy peach gastrique.

Goose Rocks Beach Arrow

As Maine beaches go, this one is exceptional for one thing: its powdery white sand. You can walk barefoot on the entire three miles here without worry that you'll go home bruised and battered from kicking rocks. The beach is very DIY, unless you're a guest of The Tides Beach Club or one of its sister restaurants (in which case you'll be provided with chaise lounges and umbrellas). You'll have to hit up the Club's restaurant for food, too. 

White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection Arrow

Ever since Kennebunk's White Barn Inn & Spa opened in 1973, the 26-room, 19th-century main house and two renovated barns have attracted couples seeking enchantment and celebrities seeking discretion. They’ve indulged in all the decadent property has to offer—the infamously rich lobster fettuccine with cognac coral butter sauce; the 90-minute Himalayan Salt Stone Massage in the spa ; the hand-packed picnic baskets made for sunrise (or sunset) beach picnics. What's most remarkable about The White Barn Inn is the extent to which they seem to have thought of everything: You walk away from a stay here wondering why all of life can't be this seamless.

Ocean Arrow

New England fine dining doesn't get much better than this. Classic dishes are reimagined with decadent, locally grown touches. Instead of a steamed lobster in a plastic basket with a lemon wedge and some sad French fry situation, your lobster comes butter-poached with black truffle gnudi, morels, and a Maine uni emulsion. Other dishes are given similar treatment, such as the swordfish, which comes with crispy escargot, pea purée, trout roe, and a limoncello emulsion. This is the kind of place where everyone takes a break, showers, and dresses up before dinner. Make sure to get there well before your reservation so you have time to enjoy a cocktail on the veranda before sitting for dinner. Your Blood Orange Cosmo will taste that much better as you sip it while staring at the Atlantic. If you're planning one nice dinner during your visit, make this it.

The Tides Beach Club Arrow

The restaurant at this hotel sits directly across the street from, and looks out to, Goose Rocks Beach , a gorgeous slice of shoreline. From the kitchen, though, you won't find any culinary acrobatics, precious ingredients, or esoteric dishes. The lobster roll comes on a meticulously grilled roll, either cold with a light dress of garlic aioli and scallion, or hot with a pour of tarragon and brown butter. The short ribs are braised in apple cider and fork-tender. The chicken sandwich arrives fried to a light crispiness on the outside, is moist as can be in, topped with pickled green cabbage, and locally made maple mustard.

Snug Harbor Farm Arrow

There's a saying in Maine , that this state is "the way life should be," and Snug Harbor Farm is one of the purest expressions of that fantasy. Located a few minutes inland from the bustling tourist spots in Kennebunkport lies this bucolic garden center, laid out as an idyllic woodland farm complete with roaming chickens, ducks, and peacocks. It's less like a shop and more like a Martha Stewart dreamscape. And you're going to want to buy everything. If money's no object, peruse the rotating selection of local art on display, whether it's a sculpture to place in your own country garden or a landscape painting to hang up in your city apartment. At a more accessible price point, there is a range of succulents in various sizes and shapes that make great gifts and are easy to carry home.

Rococo Ice Cream Arrow

Mainers take their ice cream very, very seriously. At this pint-sized Kennebunkport mothership (there are a few other locations around the Maine coast), it's not uncommon to see a long line outside the door and down the block—but trust us, this is ice cream worth waiting for. Inspired by her years spent exploring Argentina, founder Lauren Guptill set out to create an ice cream shop that fuses New England dairy with "flavor profiles from every corner of the world." The result is a hole-in-the-wall that has achieved a cult following not only for its chocolate, vanilla, and real mint scoops, but also for its more inventive concoctions: Cuban Coffee, Persian Love Cake, Green Tea Ginger, and Garam Masala, just to name a few. 

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12+ Best Day Trips from Boston

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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!

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

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Boston , Massachusetts , USA

13 best day trips from boston.

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Boston is a great city to visit, with plenty to do and see, but if you are looking for a change of scenery, there are many amazing day trips to take. Boston’s incredible location makes it a great base for exploring the region and trust me when I tell you, there’s a lot to see. Whether you are looking for a cute New England town, a beach getaway, a mountainous region or a place steeped in history, you can find it with a two hour drive from Boston. So no matter what you’d like to experience, this list of day trips from Boston definitely has something for you.

Having lived in the Boston area for more than two decades, I’ve taken a lot of trips in New England, both weekend getaways and day trips. This Boston day trips list includes all the towns I visited personally, some more than once and think they are worth your time.

All of the places on this list are under 2 hours or less drive one way. Anything longer than that might be good for a weekend getaway, but not a day trip. Driving will take up a good chunk of your day, not leaving enough time for enjoying your day trip.

The best and easiest way to reach all these destinations is by car, so my recommendation would be to rent one. Some of these Boston day trips can be done by using public transportation, others not so much. Few can be done with an organized tour, if that is your only option.

If you need to rent a car for your Boston day trips, search Discover Cars for the best rates. It’s a price comparison website, which means it searches all the big rental companies to find the best prices.

Table of Contents

Best day trips from Boston, MA

Rockport, massachusetts.

If you’d like to experience a picture perfect coastal town in New England, Rockport is a perfect choice. Located on Cape Ann, Rockport is one of the best and easiest day trips from Boston to take, with or without a car.

There isn’t a ton to do in Rockport. This quaint, small town is perfect for just strolling around, checking out all the cool galleries and stores, walking around the harbor, enjoying the ocean breeze and the best seafood.

One of the most famous sites in Rockport is Motif #1, the bright red shack, that stands right in the harbor. It’s known as one of the most photographed and painted buildings in the world. What you see today though, is a replica of the original building from 1800s, that got destroyed in the Blizzard of ’78.

On a nice summer day, you can relax on one of Rockport beaches. Right around the corner from the stores and galleries you have a beautiful sandy Front beach.

One of the top things to do in the Boston area from late spring to early fall is taking a whale watching excursion. Right next to Rockport, is another coastal town Gloucester, which is one of the prime spots to take that tour. It’s just a quick ride over and both town can easily be combined in one day. You can book your Whale watching Tour in Gloucester here.

Distance: 43 miles

How to get from Boston to Rockport: You can easily get to Rockport by car in under one hour. Be warned though, that parking on summer weekends can be tough. You could also take the train from North Station in Boston ( Newburyport/Rockport line ), which takes about 1 hour 20 min. Once in Rockport, it’s a 10 minute walk from the train station to downtown.

Newburyport, Massachusetts

Newburyport is another quintessential New England coastal town, that makes for a perfect day trip from Boston. It’s an easy 45 minute drive or one hour train ride from the city.

The town is perfect for those who are looking for a getaway, that is not jam packed with activities. Newburyport is best enjoyed by just strolling around the beautiful downtown, popping into a few of the fun shops and taking a leisurely walk along the waterfront, which is my personal favorite thing to do. Oldies Marketplace , steps away from the waterfront, is a fun, warehouse like store to visit, full of antiques and unusual items. Whether you want to buy something or just look around, be sure to check it out.

For more time on the water, you can hop on the scenic boat ride offered by. They have several boat rides to choose from and the season runs through October.

There are plenty of great dining options in Newburyport, both waterfront and downtown. The Grog, Loretta and Michael’s Harborside are some of the favorite restaurants. Or if you’d like to sample several different local places, you might enjoy this 2.5-3 hour Taste of Newburyport food tour. Beer lovers will be happy to know, Newburyport is home to a few breweries ( RiverWalk Brewing Co , Newburyport Brewing Company and House Bear Brewing ).

Newburyport was once an important fishing and trading port, also known for shipbuilding. If you are interested to learn more about its maritime history it, be sure to visit Custom House Maritime Museum , which is right in downtown.

If you’d like to get your nature fix, Plum Island is just a short drive away. It’s a 11 mile long barrier island, that is “shared” with several nearby towns ( Ipswich being one of them ). Plum Island is especially popular among bird lovers, as Parker River National Wildlife Refuge , is an excellent spot to spot many species of birds, as well as other wildlife.

Another fun place to visit while in Newburyport is the sunflower field at Colby Farms . Although you do have to be there at the right time, some time at the end of August/beginning of September. The opening time is weather dependent and sadly doesn’t last long. BUT, if you are lucky to be there at the right time, it’s absolutely worth a visit. The sunflower field is located a few minute drive from downtown Newburyport, it’s free to visit, but the parking costs $10.

Distance from Boston : 42 miles

How to get from Boston to Newburyport: Newburyport is one of those Boston day trips, that can easily be done by both by a car and public transportation. If you drive, it will take you about 45 minutes. Once in Newburyport, there’s plenty of public parking downtown ( both lots and a garage ) for $1/hour. If you’d like to take the train, head to North Station in Boston and hop on the Newburyport/Rockport line for a one hour train ride. Keep in mind though, that if you’d like to visit Plum Island, you’ll need a car to get there.

Ipswich, Massachusetts

If you are visiting Boston in the summer and are looking for a beach getaway, you want to head to Ipswich. This coastal town north of Boston is home to Crane beach, which has been voted one of the best beaches in New England. And it’s hard to argue with that. The beach is large, with white sand and beautiful dunes.

If you don’t want to spend an entire day at the beach, Ipswich has several other attractions. Not far from Crane beach is Crane Estates, a stunning property with a hilltop mansion overlooking the ocean. Between May and September, the ground floor of the Great House is open to public and you can get a peak of it. The house is quite impressive, but so is the rest of the property. Set aside some time to walk through the beautiful gardens and the rolling hills. While you do not have to book tickets in advance, I would recommend doing so, if you are there during summer weekends.

When in town center, be sure to stop 1634 Meadery . Open from Thursday – Sunday, this small craft-winery makes mead, which is honey wine, with fruits and spices. You can sample several different meads in their small tasting room and also take a look at how mead is made. And if you like it, they have bottles for sale, so you can bring one or two home.

But possibly one of my favorite places in Ipswich is Wolf Hollow . It’s a non-profit wolf sanctuary, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wolves in our ecosystem. During the one hour guided tour, you’ll get to know all the resident wolves ( there are seven of them at the moment ) and see them interact with the staff. Wolf Hollow is open for tours on a limited schedule, so do book in advance and keep checking for new dates.

When it comes to food, The Clam Box of Ipswich is an iconic place for fried seafood. If you like craft beer, Ipswich Ale Brewery is a great stop and has a full menu as well.

Distance from Boston : 30 miles

How to get from Boston to Ipswich : getting to Ipswich by car is much easier than using public transportation. There is a direct train, that runs from North Station in Boston to Ipswich ( Newburyport/Rockport line ) and the journey takes 50 minutes. However, you arrive at the train station in downtown Ipswich, so you will need a taxi to get to Crane beach.

Concord, Massachusetts

If you are a history buff, a visit to Concord will be right up your alley. Concord and the nearby Lexington was where the American Revolution War began in 1775. Located just 20 miles away, it’s one of the easiest and closest day trips from Boston to take.

To retrace the steps of the battle, head to Minute Man National Historic Park. There’s a 5 mile Battle Road Trail, that runs through the park, and the scenic walk takes you past a lot of historical homes and monuments. One of the highlights of the walk is right at the start, the Old North Bridge. That was the sight of the very first battle.

Concord was also home to many American writers like Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne or Henry David Thoreau, and their homes are open for tours.

Just a short drive away from Minute Man Park is Walden Pond. Made famous by Henry David Thoreau, who lived in a cabin by the Pond while writing his novel Walden, Walden Pond is a popular recreational spot. You can take a scenic hike around the pond on one of the trails ( it’s a 1.7 m loop ), enjoy some beach time or kayak. Walden Pond is a popular spot in the summer and parking fills up, especially on the weekends.

Distance : 20 miles

How to get from Boston to Concord : Concord is one of the Boston day trips, that is best done by car. You could take the train from North Station ( Fitchburg line ) and arrive in Concord in 40 minutes or so. While downtown is a 15 minute walk from the train station, all the other places to mentioned above are a bit spread out, so it will be hard to visit without a car.

Salem, Massachusetts

If there’s one place from this Boston day trips list you’ve heard of before, it’s Salem . This coastal city, north of Boston, is best known for the infamous Witch Trials, which took place in 1692. It’s also one of the top Halloween destinations in the world.

As expected a lot of the things do in Salem revolve around those events, with some being better than others. Salem Witch Museum, which usually tops the list of best things to do in Salem , is just OK, and I’d personally save your time and money. Visit one of the historical houses instead. The Witch House, The House of Seven Gables, The Ropes Mansion and The Pickering House are all great and open to public.

You cannot go to Salem without going on a ghost tour. History & Hauntings of Salem Guided Tour is a fantastic 2 hour walking tour, which is a perfect blend of history of the Witch City and spooky stories. It’s one of the highest rated walking tours in Salem, MA and makes for a perfect introduction to the Witch City.

Take a picture with the Bewitched Statue, then walk down Essex Street and visit some of the fun stores. Peabody Essex Museum is excellent and one of the top museums in the country. Besides the permanent collections, there are also temporary exhibits.

Be sure to stop at the Old Burying Cemetery and the adjacent Salem Witch Trial Memorial. Continue down Derby Street towards the harbor and visit Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Great place to not only learn about Salem’s maritime heritage, but also to take a walk away from the most touristy downtown area.

Either at the end of the day or to take a break from sightseeing, head to The Salem Hotel for a drink at their rooftop bar, the only one in the city.

As far as restaurants go, there are a lot of great places to eat in Salem. Red’s for breakfast, Rockafellas for lunch, Flying Saucer for pizza, Howling Wolf Taqueria for Mexican, Village Tavern , Turner’s Seafood or Ledger for dinner. And that’s just a few of many great restaurants in Salem, MA.

Even though Salem is a year round destination ( well maybe except for the dead of winter ), it’s the fall when it’s truly the most fun and festive. The entire month of October, Haunted Happenings takes place, which is a series of fun events and celebration. If you don’t mind the massive crowds, Halloween night in Salem is crazy fun.

Distance: 25 miles

How to get from Boston to Salem : Salem is one of those day trips from Boston, that is easily done by car, as well as public transportation. I would actually encourage you to take the train, especially if you plan on visiting during the fall and Halloween season. Direct trains depart frequently from North Station in Boston ( Newbury/Rockport line ) and arrive in Salem in just 30 minutes. Salem’s train station is just a short walk to downtown. If you do drive, the MBTA garage is one of your top options for parking. Between May – October, you can also get from Boston to Salem by ferry run by Boston Harbor Cruises.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

There are many reasons why Plymouth is one of my absolute favorite day trips from Boston. The coastal town is the perfect combination of history and the quintessential New England town.

Plymouth is best know as the site of the first colony settlement in the early 1600s and Plymouth Rock is said to be the landing place. Even though you will most likely find the Plymouth Rock underwhelming and much smaller than you imagined, you can’t miss it. You can find it within Pilgrim Memorial State Park, a waterfront park, which is also where you can see the reproduction of the original Mayflower II.

Just across the street from the Park and Plymouth Rock is the Cole’s Hill, where many of the first settlers are buried. Also, you can get beautiful views of the harbor from up there.

Continuing with the historical theme, make sure to visit Plimouth Patuxet ( known before as Plimouth Plantation ), one of the town’s biggest attractions. This outdoor museum is a replica of the original Plymouth settlement with actors in costumes acting like people from that time, never breaking out of the character. Plimouth Patuxet is a seasonal attractions ( March – November ) and you can book your Plimouth Patuxet tickets here.

Aside from all the historical sites, Plymouth has a vibrant and downtown and picturesque waterfront. You can find a lot of cute shops along the main road, as well as plenty of outdoor and waterfront restaurants. Perfect place to grab a lunch mid day and take a break from exploring the town.

Distance : 40 miles

How to get from Boston to Plymouth: Plymouth is about a 45-50 minute drive from Boston, which the the easiest way of getting there. There is a train you can take from Boston’s South Station ( Kingston/Plymouth line ), but the Plymouth train station is a little over 2 miles away from the waterfront and Plymouth Rock, so you’ll need a taxi/Uber.

Boston to Plymouth Tour: if you don’t have a car and don’t want to deal with figuring out public transportation, there is a very highly group tour from Boston which visits Plymouth along with Quincy and Scituate. You can book the Quincy, Plymouth, and Mayflower II Day Trip here.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown is a great day trip from Boston, but ONLY if you get there by the high speed ferry. P-town as it’s often referred to, sits at the very tip of Cape Cod, which is known for very heavy traffic in the summer. Do not even attempt to drive there for a day on the weekends. You’ll spend more time in your car, then exploring Provincetown.

Instead, hop on the very first ferry from Boston’s Long Wharf at 8.30 am for 90 minute boat ride, which makes getting there fun. Enjoy beautiful views of Boston’s skyline as you leave.

Provincetown is a bit different from other Cape Code towns. It’s a great mix of a coastal New England town with a fun, quirky side. It’s a favorite LGBTQ destination, but all are welcome, dogs included. Drag queens strolling up and down the street is a common sight, and you are guaranteed some great people watching in P-town.

Once you are in town, there are plenty of fun things to do to fill your day. Take a stroll down Commercial Street, which is lined with many cute and unique stores, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Climb the Pilgrim Monument for amazing views from the top. Standing at 252 feet tall, this is the tallest all-granite structure in the US.

One of my favorite things to do in Provincetown is to rent a bike and follow the Province Lands Bike Trail for a fun ride through the dunes. You will find several bike store rentals in town. If you’d like to get out on the water, there is a great 2 hour sailing trip on Bay Lady II . I’ve done it on every Provincetown trip and highly recommend it. Bring a cold drink and enjoy the ocean breeze and the views.

If you are looking for a beach day, Provincetown is home to Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach. Keep your eyes out for seals swimming in the water.

At the end of the day, take the last ferry back to Boston and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Distance: 116

How to get from Boston to Provincetown : The drive to Provincetown takes 2.5 hours, without any traffic, which is almost never the case in the summer. That’s why I do not recommend driving to P-town for a day trip. The only way to do it is by taking the fast 90 minute ferry, which leaves from Long Wharf in Boston and runs between May and early October 7 days a week.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport in Rhode Island is yet another seaside New England town, but a little more fancy. It was once called “the playground for rich and famous”. Back in the Gilded Age, a lot wealthy people built their summer homes there, which are now one of Newport’s biggest attraction.

So as far as best things to do in Newport, RI go, you can’t leave without visiting at least one of the Newport mansions. There are 11 of them in town, with the most impressive and visited ones being The Breakers , The Elms and Marble House.

Cliff Walk is another must do on your day trip to Newport, Rhode Island. It’s a 3.5 mile walk along the coast line, with spectacular ocean views. If you don’t want to do the entire walk, there are several entry/exit points.

IF you’d like to do some shopping, Thames Street is where you want to go. It’s the main street in Newport, lined with many boutique stores, but also bars and restaurants.

If you arrive in Newport by car, you have take a ride down Ocean Drive, which is one of the most scenic drives in New England. The 10 mile drive takes you past beautiful ocean views, with several opportunities to pull over and spend some time taking in the scenery.

At the end of the day you can either take a sunset cruise or head to the Castle Hill Inn for a drink with a view. This is one of the best hotels in Newport, but you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy a drink on the Lawn with some of the best ocean views in town.

Distance: 70 miles

How to get from Boston to Newport: It will take about 1.5 hour if you drive from Boston to Newport, which is the easiest way. Or you can take a bus from Boston’s South Station, but will take closer to 2.5 hours one way.

Boston to Newport, RI Tour : There is a Full day Newport tour from Boston, that combines all the best Newport has to offer. The tour includes a visit to 2 of Newport mansions, Cliff Walk, a ride through Newport’s historical landmarks, as well as free time to enjoy some shopping or one of the restaurants. You can book your Boston to Newport Day Tour here.

Providence, Rhode Island

Out of the Boston day trips, the Capital of Rhode Island might not be the most popular one, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Even though it’s the 3rd largest city in New England, it’s pretty compact and very walkable.

A great way to explore the downtown of Providence is the Providence Independence Trail, which is a 2.5 mile self guided walking tour, passing by many important sites. Find a green line on the sidewalk and follow in either direction. It’s a loop, so there’s no start or finish and you’ll always get back to where you started.

Providence is home to Rhode Island School of Design ( RISD ), a well known art school, and there is a museum associated with it, you can visit Tuesday – Sunday.

If you happen to visit Providence in the summer, you get a chance to catch the WaterFire , one of the biggest events in the city. It’s a fun night of art and music with many vendors and great people watching.

October brings another fun attraction in Providence, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. It’s an amazing display of more than 6,000 carved and illuminated pumpkins, each year with a different theme. It’s held at the Roger Williams Zoo every night in October and usually sells out, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.

The restaurant and craft brewery scene in very impressive, and there are many great places to choose from.

Distance: 51 miles

How to get from Boston to Providence: Providence is an easy, 1 hour ride from Boston. If you are in Boston without a car, there’s a direct train, that runs from the South Station throughout the day and takes just 40 minutes to get there.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

One of the best day trips from Boston is a small seaside city Portsmouth in New Hampshire, right over the border with Massachusetts. Portsmouth is just the right size, not too big nor too small, with just enough to do and see in a day. It’s also very walkable and it’s best explored on foot.

Portsmouth has a great, charming downtown, with Market Square being the center of it. That’s where you will find many great shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. It’s the place to get your shopping done and there is no sales tax in New Hampshire!

One of Portsmouth’s biggest attractions is Strawbery Banke Museum , an outdoor, living museum spread over 10 acres of land. There you can tour 39 historic buildings, gardens and learn about the history of the early settlers in Portsmouth. Strawbery Banke is a seasonal attraction and it’s open from May through the end of October.

If you are up for a more active way of exploring, you could join one of the bike tours. You can choose from the 2 hour Historic City Bike Tour or a scenic 2 hour Islands & Harbor Guided Bike Tour . Both go at a nice pace and are not too strenuous.

Portsmouth sits right on the Piscataqua River and there are several fun boat trips you can take. You can choose from a harbor tour aboard a sail boat with Gundalow Company or a Harbor & Isles of Shoals cruise along the islands with Isles of Shoals Steamboat Company.

Prescott Park is a great waterfront park, that is especially pretty during spring when everything is in bloom. Perfect place to stroll through or take a rest from exploring.

One of the fun things you can do in Portsmouth is walk across Memorial Bridge right into Maine. The bridge connects Portsmouth with Kittery, Maine and has a walking path, so you can say you walked to another state on foot.

If you love craft beer, you will enjoy visiting some of the breweries in Portsmouth. Right in downtown you have Portsmouth Brewery and Great Rhythm Brewery and Loaded Question Brewing Company just a short drive away.

Distance: 61 miles

How to get from Boston to Portsmouth: The easiest and quickest way to get to Portsmouth is by car, which is a solid 1 hour drive. Once in Portsmouth, there are plenty of parking options. The second best option is taking a C&J bus from South Station. It runs every couple of hours and gets to Portsmouth in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

Out of all the day trips from Boston on this list, this is the only one that exceeds the 2 hour drive. Normally, I would not suggest heading to White Mountains just for the day, as there’s just so much to do there. Unless you are visiting Boston in the fall, then making the drive up it’s totally worth it. New England in the fall is spectacular, and White Mountains are one of the top places to visit in the fall.

Keep in mind though, that being further up north, leaves start to change colors earlier than in Boston, so be sure to time it right. The peak is usually around the end of September – first week of October, but it does shift a bit depending on weather. You can use the NH Foliage tracker.

To make the most out of your day in the White Mountains, get an early start. This way you’ll be able to hit some of the top attractions in the area. Flume Gorge in Lincoln is a must visit. It’s a 2 mile loop hike with covered bridges, waterfalls and a beautiful gorge. It’s beautiful year round, but even more special in the Fall. That’s when it’s also most crowded, so get there right after it opens and book your tickets in advance.

After Flume Gorge, take a short drive up North and hike up to Artist Bluff, which takes you to a great lookout with amazing views of Echo Lake and foliage. It’s an easy and short hike.

Driving the 56 mile Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains National Forest is another must. With waterfalls, lookouts, hikes and gorgeous fall foliage along the way make this drive one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Your drive will end in North Conway , which is a cute town worth exploring. And honestly, you’ll see a lot of beauty just by driving around. That’s New Hampshire in the Fall.

Distance : 130 miles

How to get from Boston to White Mountains : This is one of the Boston day trips, that can be done pretty much by car only.

Organized Tour : If car is out of the question, your only other option is booking this Fall Foliage tour . It leaves from Boston ( includes hotel pick up ) and takes you on a long day of exploring the White Mountain region during the single most beautiful time of the year. If you are in Boston in the Fall and have never experienced New England Fall , this is a must.

Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Maine. Located right over the Massachusetts border, it makes for perfect day trip from Boston. Like most New England coastal towns, Ogunquit is a popular summer destination, but it’s just as great to visit off season. If you don’t mind colder temperatures and limited dining options, you might enjoy Ogunquit even in the winter months.

The town is also popular with the LGBTQ community, a lot like Provincetown, just a smaller version.

There are a few things to do in Ogunquit to keep your busy, but one you absolutely can’t miss, is taking a stroll on Marginal Way. It’s an insanely scenic 1 1/4 mile walk along the coastline with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The walk is not too hard and there are plenty of benches along the way to rest, people watch and take in the scenery. Marginal Way starts at the Ogunquit Beach and ends at Perkins Cove, a picturesque little village. There, you can pop into one of the many galleries and artisan shops.

If you are visiting in the summer and are looking for a beach day, Ogunquit is one of the best day trips from Boston to take. You have two beaches to choose from, the main, the usually more crowded Ogunquit Beach or the more quieter Footbridge Bridge.

Ogunquit Village is a hopping spot in the summer, although I do not recommend driving there. Leave your car behind and take a walk. If you are looking for lunch, Cornerstone Pizza is a great spot, with lots of great beer, that will satisfy any craft beer lover. Front Porch , right across the street from it, is a staple in town and a fantastic place for a drink. Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove is a fun spot for lunch or just a drink ( try their rum punch ) on the deck with great water views.

A visit to Ogunquit can easily be paired with a stop in the nearby Kennebunkport. The town is less than 30 minutes from Ogunquit and it’s best known as the location of the summer compound of the Bush family.

Distance : 72 miles

How to get from Boston to Ogunquit: Ogunquit is one of the Boston day trips, that’s best done by car. You could take the Amtrak Downeaster train from the North Station to Wells, ME, which is the closest stop ( about 7 miles away and a 12 minute taxi ride to Ogunquit ).

Boston to Ogunquit Tour : If you are in Boston without a car, but would like to check out the south coast of Maine, this Coastal Maine Small Group Day Trip also includes a stop in Ogunquit.

Portland, Maine

Portland in Maine is perfect for a weekend getaway, but can make for a fun day trip as well. It’s an about 2 hour drive from Boston, so if you get an early start, you’ll have time to see quite a bit and do some of the best things in Portland, Maine.

One of the must do’s on your Portland day trip is strolling around Old Port, which is a really charming part of the city, with cobblestone streets, many fun bars, restaurants and galleries. There is a fun speakeasy bar on Market Street called Lincoln’s with $5 drinks ( cash only ). I won’t give away the details on how to get in, as finding the entrance is half the fun.

If you are a foodie, Portland won’t disappoint. There are countless amazing restaurants in the city, fun bars and great breweries for craft beer lovers. Be sure so stop at Duck Fat for the best Belgian-style fries fried in duck fat.

There are several fun boat trips to take around Casco Bay. Both Schooner Tall Ship Cruise and The Lighthouse Scenic Cruise are a great way to spend a couple of hours on the water. You can also hop on the Mailboat Run , which is a true working boat, that delivers mail and passengers to Casco Bay islands. The boat makes 5 stops and you are welcome to get off at any of them and explore. Keep in mind though, that just the round trip ride takes almost 3 hours.

Your day in Portland is not complete until you visit the Portland Head Light, the oldest and also most photographed lighthouse in Maine. With the rocky cliffs and endless ocean views, it looks almost like a painting. The lighthouse is located within the park, just a short drive from Portland’s downtown. There is no entrance fee, but you do have to pay for parking.

Distance: 112 miles

How to get from Boston to Portland: The easiest way to get to Portland from Boston is to drive, which should take under 2 hours. You can also take the Amtrak Downeaster train from North Station in Boston , as well as a bus from the South Station ( bus will take a bit longer, about 2.5 hours )

READ MORE :

• Free things to do in Boston – Visiting Boston on a budget
• Visiting Salem, MA – Best things to do in the Witch City
• Fall in New England – best experiences of the season

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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!

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