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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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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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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Boston

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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

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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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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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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

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.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mary Beth Skylis

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12+ Best Day Trips from Boston

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

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

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

Planning your trip to Boston last minute?

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

🦞 Top Day Trips from Boston:

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

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels in Buenos Aires:

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

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

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

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

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

This post was last updated in March 2024.

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from Boston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newburyport, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

Provincetown, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want more? See my full Provincetown guide here!

Martha’s Vineyard

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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

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

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

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

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

See more on my sister site, New Hampshire Way:

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

South Coast of Maine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: My Guide to Ogunquit, Maine

Salem, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

25 Spooky, Historic Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts

Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

Rockport, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newport, Rhode Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

White Mountains, New Hampshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portland, Maine

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

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

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

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

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

Providence, Rhode Island

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

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

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

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

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

Cape Cod, Massachusetts*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beach Day Trips From Boston

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

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

Best Beaches North of Boston

Here they are, from south to north:

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

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

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

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

Best Beaches South of Boston

Here they are, north to south:

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

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

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

Museum Day Trips From Boston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shopping Day Trips from Boston

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

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

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

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

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

Boston Day Trips to Avoid

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best of Boston:

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

Cape Cod & the Islands:

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

Western Massachusetts:

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

North Shore:

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

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

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 August 2019 and updated May 2023

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21 Best Day Trips from Boston in 2024

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

United States

Updated On: January 5, 2024

The capital of Massachusetts isn’t somewhere you necessarily think you’ll have to take a day trip from, and it’s true – Boston has tons to do in the city center. There is a rich history, art museums, and even the famous Harvard University. But considering its prime location on the east coast, it would be an absolute crime to visit and not indulge in some trips from Boston. The wider Boston surrounds are well connected by trains and even better connected by highways and back roads. So book a train ticket or rent a car and get going on a day trip.

Table of Contents

Top Day Trips from Boston

Whether you want fresh seafood or to tackle the East Bay Bike Path, these top-day trips from Boston are sure to keep you ticking over throughout your stay. In this guide, we’ll cover Boston’s best day trip options – including day trips you can reach by car and train to keep things accessible for everyone. Let’s get started.

Planning Your Trip To Boston Right Now?

Below are some of the top day trip tours from Boston. Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Boston!

Top Day Trip Activities and Tours from Boston:

• Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston (Most Popular Day Trip from Boston)
• Boston to New Hampshire Fall Foliage White Mountains Day Trip (Our Favorite Day Trip)
• Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip including Quincy, Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II (Likely to Sell Out)
• Martha’s Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option (Best Deal)

1. Plum Island

• 1 Hour From Boston

Plum Island is a lovely day trip from Boston in the summer months. The barrier island is just over an hour’s drive on a bad traffic day and gets its name from the wild plum shrubs that grow along its shores. It also earned the title ‘plum’ from the characteristic purple sand that occurs during low tide thanks to pinkish-tinted garnet crystals mixed in with the sand.

As a day trip, it’s one of the most enjoyable places for a beach day – although visitors should remember that there are no on-duty lifeguards. It might not be the Boston day trip for swimming if you aren’t confident in the water and visiting with a group of strong swimmers.

Plum Island is only 11 miles long, so you could walk the whole island if you really wanted to. Otherwise, stick to organized hiking trails like the Hellcat Marsh Loop Trail, which cuts through the Parker River National Wildlife Reserve. Plum Island wormed its way onto our guide because of its quiet beach vibe and many nature-immersive experiences. It isn’t as busy as the seaside towns, so perfect if you just want to beach bum for one of your Boston day trips.

2. Provincetown

• 2 Hours From Boston

Speaking of beach days, Provincetown is one of those busier seaside towns we recommend. When you want a day trip to somewhere busy and entertainment-filled, Provincetown is where to head. The New England town is right at the tip of Cape Cod and is famous for its arts, food, and pilgrim history. In 1620, Provincetown was actually the site of the Mayflower’s landing, commemorated by the Pilgrim Monument today.

However, it’s not all history; its beaches are the cherry on top. Race Point Beach is the most popular spot for sunbathing in Provincetown – so allow time to visit when you head on this day trip from Boston.

Provincetown is friendly, eclectic, and ideal for an impactful addition to our top Boston day trips. You can drive to Provincetown in around 2 hours, passing little coastal town hotspots like Plymouth and Sandwich en route. Alternatively, use public transport to reach the World Trade Center Pier and catch the ferry in approximately a 2-hour total trip. This is an excellent way to sneakily glimpse Boston from the water.

3. Peabody Essex Museum

• 45 Minutes From Boston

Art lovers, prepare to be blown away by this one. Peabody Essex Museum is easily one of the top art galleries you can visit from or in Boston. And this museum is just a short drive (45 minutes) from central Boston – so easily squeezed into a busy itinerary. If you don’t have a car, you also have public transport options with multiple bus lines connecting the two.

The glitzy modern art museum is renowned for its American and Asian art. It has a rather bizarre collection of artifacts and displays. Be prepared for full-room displays and plenty of head-tilting art pieces. A considerable section is dedicated to the Salem witches, a famous story in the museum’s town of over 20 women who were put to death over baseless allegations of witchery.

If you visit the Peabody Essex Museum, you can easily visit the Salem Witch Museum while you are there. Salem is small but mighty, with quite a few high-quality attractions, so don’t hesitate to bulk your visit to this gallery into a full-day affair. We had to add it to this itinerary because of the witch element to its displays and the glitzy, comprehensive showcasing of such a vast display of quality art. This museum also makes a great rainy-day trip from Boston. Day trips aren’t just for sunny days.

4. Road Trip to Portland, Maine

• 2 hours from Boston

Driving to Portland from Boston takes less than a few hours – approximately 2 hours and 1 minute. But instead of rushing up to Portland and back, make a day trip out of the drive and treat it as a single-day road trip. We suggest driving through the beautiful Middlesex Fells Reservation, detouring slightly to stop by Salem and see all the witch history, stopping for lunch at Portsmouth, and then spending a couple of hours soaking up Maine in scenic Portland.

In Portland, you could ride the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, visit the Portland Museum of Art, or the International Cryptozoology Museum. The last one is enjoyable, with many fictional characters exhibits like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

With all these stops on the first part of your journey, allow around 6 hours for the first leg to thoroughly enjoy each stop. Then, your return journey should be about 2 hours unless you stop anywhere pretty for sunset and dinner. The north shore residents are lucky to have such historic towns and beautiful views on their doorstep, so ensure you get a good taste of this incredible stretch.

5. Salem Witch Museum

• 1 hour from Boston

Salem Witch Museum is one of the most fascinating day trip ideas from Boston, and even better, it is also one of the most feasible. It is just an hour from Boston by car or a 45-minute direct train ride from North Station. The museum takes you back to 1692 when the Salem Witch Trials were fully flowing. Over 200 women stood trial for false claims of witchery, and 19 were convicted and given a death-by-hanging sentence.

The ordeal was catastrophic and considered one of the most tragic events in history. You can relive the experience with life-size mannequins and trial scenes at the museum. You can browse through informative exhibits to learn more about the women prosecuted and about attitudes and examples of witchcraft today.

The Salem Witch Museum might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think of a lovely weekend getaway. However, as a day trip from Boston, it highlights a massively important section of history.

6. Woods Hole

Woods Hole is at the very end of Cape Cod. In fact, it seems closer to the islands than the mainland, despite being on the main peninsula. The tiny village was once a central whaling point, and you can still enjoy a more ethical version of coastal living by walking past the marina and enjoying the waterfront promenade.

There is a lot of science-based entertainment to be had in this village, too; just stop by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Science Discovery Center. This science museum even has Titanic recovery exhibits. And you can take advantage of the daily summer of Woods Hole that departs from the Woods Hole Historical Museum.

Woods Hole is roughly a two-hour drive from Boston. For us, the main draw is its total science and marine focus. But remember that the driving route down to Woods Hole passes Plymouth or Blue Hills Reservation – depending on your route.

7. North Conway

• 3 hours from Boston

North Conway is one of the furthest day trips from Boston, taking 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach by car. So why bother? What grip does this little forest town hold on so many visitors? North Conway is a hot spot for hiking, skiing, and waterfalls. The tiny village has more hiking trails and outdoor adventures in a 10-mile radius than most towns do combined. Head up to North Conway early in the morning to have a full day enjoying its sublime locale before heading back after dinner. It is a full day, but definitely worthwhile.

Must-visits in North Conway include Diana’s Baths Cascade and Echo Lake State Park. The water attractions here are stunning and a great early morning activity. If it is ski season, you could also spend a full day on the slopes. While catching some beautiful views on a time limit, the Conway Scenic Railroad is your best shot.

The 19th-century steam train whisks you around some of the prettiest scenery in North Conway in traditional dining cars. The outdoor adventure in North Conway is unbeatable, so we had to add it to this guide.

8. The House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables  may sound familiar to any literature fans. The novel was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1851 and was a major hit. And in Salem (we are starting to think that everything good is in Salem), you can visit the actual house that inspired the novel.

The House of the Seven Gables is now an up-and-running not-for-profit museum dedicated to the author, his life, and his novel. The house itself dates back to 1668 but was restored in 1910, kept in keeping with as many period elements and features as possible. Located overlooking the water, it is a beautiful spot full of history and worth visiting.

The House of the Seven Gables is an hour away from Boston by car or an hour by train from North Station. If you catch the train, be prepared for a 25-minute walk to the actual museum from the station.

9. Nantucket

Nantucket is an island more isolated than Martha’s Vineyard and located just a little further offshore. For an adventurous day trip, look no further. The island has a little town center with those cobbled streets that you adore despite yourself. The whole thing has that quaint allure and ruggedness from its geographical isolation. In short, Nantucket is an island worth day-tripping and a beautiful example of the Cape Cod region.

Nantucket’s main highlights are its waterfront cottages and traditional buildings in the main town. You can also beach hop and jump between lighthouses, reveling in the fewer tourists than you’d find on the mainland or busier islands. It has a return ferry service that perfectly lines up with enough hours on the island to sightsee.

Besides, it is more a place to experience than tick off loads of specific things. The ferry is an hour long, and it takes around 2 hours to reach Hyannis Terminal by train from South Station, Boston. Bring a good book and some anti-motion sickness tablets, just in case.

10. New Bedford

• 1.5 hours from Boston

New Bedford is one of the top day trips from Boston. With limited time, you can take this trip one of two ways: an opportunity to learn about maritime history or taste loads of delicious seafood. In an ideal world, we’d suggest staying a full day and ticking off both, but if that isn’t an option, get ready to pick one.

First things first, though, New Bedford is located on the south coast, just outside of Providence and Rhode Island. The city was founded by English Quakers and, since then, has entirely revolved around the fishing industry, which should be easy to tell from all the fishing boats in its harbor.

You can stop by (or jump between) the main wharf area and all the seafood retailers just south of the wharves, off MacArthur’s Drive. There are plenty of high-brow seafood restaurants, like The Black Whale and Merrill’s on the Waterfront.

So you can always book in for a sunset dining experience there, as many tables also come with waterfront views. Otherwise, head to the New Bedford Whaling Museum to keep things educational. This somewhat tragic museum tells the story of the global whaling industry. It provides excellent insight into the toils of these beautiful mammals.

New Bedford is just 1.5 hours from Boston or 3 hours by public transport. It is an easy day trip to organize – whichever way you plan it. And if you drive, then you’ll cut straight through Blue Hills Reservation which is a huge plus.

11. Concord

• 40 minutes from Boston

Concord is far more than just a picturesque town. Out of all the small towns in Massachusetts, this spot is one of the ultimate day trip options you could choose from in Boston. Concord is famed for its revolutionary war history, and you can visit the Old North Bridge and Old Hill Burial Ground.

Old North Bridge is particularly famous and is the replica of the 1775 bridge where the first shots of the American Revolution were unleashed. Any history buffs should really prioritize a trip to Concord. Honestly, there is so much history here that it feels like the world revolved around Concord for a long time.

As if all that American history wasn’t enough of a draw, Concord also caters to a slightly different crowd – literature fans. The town is home to Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, where  Little Women  was written and set. You can now take tours around the house, a fully functioning museum commemorating the author and her work.

Ready for the really exciting part? Concord is only a 40-minute drive from Boston. And from North Station, you can also take a direct train in just 40 minutes. So Concord is one of the most public transport-friendly options for Boston day trips.

12. Polar Caves Park

Polar Caves Park does not have polar bears. Instead, it cops its name from the glacial caves formed in the park during the Ice Age – polar bears live near glaciers, get it? There are nine caves in total, and you scramble between them using a mixture of metal ladders and step contraptions and a bit of a squeeze here and there.

Exploring caves that date back to the last Ice Age is really exciting. Polar Caves Park is the sort of place that you can encourage children to enjoy but also get value out of as an adult. The caves are also linked by little wooden trails, which is a nice touch and provides stunning forest views.

Polar Caves Park is approximately an hour and 50 minutes from Boston by car. Getting to Polar Caves Park is a total breeze if you rent a car. You can also stop at brilliant places en route, like Canobie Lake Park, a fun theme park with rollercoasters and water rides. A day trip to Polar Caves Park is easily combined with other attractions to break up the travel time – so don’t let the drive time put you off. Polar Caves Park is one of the most unique day trips you can take from Boston.

13. Old Sturbridge Village

Old Sturbridge Village is another living museum for your itinerary. The 1830s recreation is a settlement by design but an absolute time capsule by effect. The attention to detail is sublime, and you walk through the ‘village’ to meet costumed actors who’ll stop and chat with you about what they’re doing.

The sawmill and blacksmith actors even give demonstrations. Get ready for an incredibly immersive museum experience. You can wander in and out of historic buildings, admiring all the fine details – even down to clothes and table cutlery. For us, Old Sturbridge Village is easily one of the top things to do near Boston. The attention to detail, as we said, is second to none.

The museum is just an hour’s drive from Boston, so a feasible addition to your trip. You could squeeze Old Sturbridge Village into a 5-6 hour slot. We suggest allowing as much time as possible to spend at the museum because there are loads to get involved with, like activities and rides. It is something you want to take your time with. And, if you wanted, you could incorporate it with a stop in Worcester, the nearest major city to Boston.

14. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest spans over 800,000 acres of preserved forestland, which is quite challenging to even begin to picture the scale of. The forest has mountain views and historic sites scattered through its midst, so it combines hiking trails and attractions to sightsee. If you are lucky, you may even spot black bears and moose.

In summer, White Mountain National Forest is an absolute haven for hikers; in winter, ski season takes over. In this sense, it is one of the most seasonally versatile day trips from Boston. In summer, we suggest heading to the forest for its hiking trails for a day of walking and picnicking. While in winter, we propose an exhilarating skiing day trip from Boston. Take your pick – or let your visit dates decide for you.

White Mountain National Forest is just under a 2-hour drive from Boston, so not a massive distance to drive for a day trip. You’ll cut through Concord too, which makes the perfect stopover point to celebrate being halfway.

15. Martha’s Vineyard

Fancy drinking some wine? We hate to break it to you, but Martha’s Vineyard is not what you thought it would be. Instead of wine tastings, a Martha’s Vineyard day trip involves wildlife sanctuaries, marshlands, and plenty of beaches. It is a day out for a rural, remote experience of New England island living.

The British explorer Bartholomew Gosnold named the island after his daughter, so you have him to thank for the whacky name. You can reach Martha’s Vineyard by car from Boston and then a quick ferry crossing. It’s one of the most adventurous places to make a day trip because of the ferry element and island status.

Top things to do on Martha’s Vineyard include visiting the gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs, kicking back on the beach, and admiring the views from Aquinnah Cliffs. The island has three main towns: Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven, all highly walkable.

But otherwise, if you bring your car on the ferry, you can drive around all the best spots. The Flying Horses Carousel, Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook, and Polly Hill Arboretum are significant attractions. Put it this way, you’ll have plenty to do when you aren’t enjoying the most remote sections of Martha’s Vineyard.

16. Jamestown

Jamestown is the sort of New England charm you hope to find. The cobblestone streets give off that quintessential New England town allure and demand you to stop and take photographs if you are social media-inclined. Regarding day trips from Boston, Jamestown is a prime candidate if you like aesthetic destinations. And at just a 1.5-hour drive from Boston or a 2 hours 20-minute public transport trip from South Station, you are onto a winner logistically.

Of course, it isn’t all quintessential aesthetics and cutesy cobblestones. Jamestown has a dark history. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement and a site of a famous 1622 massacre in which nearly a third of the English population was killed. The systematic seizure of Powhatan lands prompted the killings, and Opechancanough led a deadly series of attacks on the settlement.

When you visit Jamestown, you can visit numerous historic buildings and landmarks that tribute English and Powhatan history. Powhatan Indian Village and James Fort are the two most visited. The fact that there is so much history just over an hour from Boston really stands out, and Jamestown’s close links to early American history and the tragedies of New England are the main reasons we are featuring it.

17. Cycle the East Bay Bike Path

The East Bay Bike Path is the best day trip you can take from Boston if you want to go cycling. The 14.5-mile bike path might shadow the rocky coastline between Providence and Bristol. However, the route itself is paved and super easy to navigate. While the distance requires a bit of mental grit, the East Bay Bike Path is technically easy and beginner-friendly. So whether you are an established road biker or just fancy the challenge, this bike path can swing both ways.

The bike path passes through 8 different parks, a bridge, and countless waterfronts. It is a really exciting and diverse way to embrace coastal living, and really eco-friendly as well. Not only does it have rapidly changing scenery, but it also has tons of eating and drinking options en route – to the point where people have started to organize food tours.

You could stop at Narragansett Brewery, the Box East Bay, or the Sowams Cider Works Company, just to name a few. Allow around 3 hours for a return trip with a short, 15-minute break or a full day if you plan to stop lots along the way.

18. Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

• 50 minutes from Boston

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets is the largest outlet shopping spot in New England, and the best part is that it’s set outdoors, so you can enjoy the sun while you shop. The outlet store has over 160 brands and competitively lines up to 65% discounts. It’s the perfect place to snag a bargain and only a 50-minute drive from Boston – what more could you want? Of the over 160 brands it features, you’ll find Gucci, Adidas, Versace, Burberry, and more. It has a luxury spin, but you’ll find some high-street brands, so don’t let that put you off.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets made our list because of its huge discounts and exciting shopping experiences. Shopping in Boston is fun, but saving money and having all the best brands in one convenient space is tons more fun. You can treat yourself to new apparel, shoes, or even jewelry.

19. Newport, New Hampshire

Newport is one of the top day trips from Boston. In just 1.5 hours by car of a few hours by public transportation, you can easily skip over to Newport as a day trip from Boston. Newport is a city set right on the edge of Aquidneck Island on Rhode Island. It is well-known for the America’s Cup, a worldwide famous annual sailing regatta, that was once held continuously in the city.

Newport is the perfect place to embrace coastal living in a trendier way than you’ll find in the seaside town alternatives. Picture luxe yachts in a glossy harbor and a clifftop trail (straightforwardly named the Cliff Walk) that passes Gilded Age mansion after mansion. If you want a trendy place to enjoy the ocean or have an affinity for sailing, then Newport is the day trip for you.

Newport, Rhode Island, has plenty of local history, and you can stop by its museums, which include The Breakers – a summer home of the Vanderbilts and a beautiful example of the Gilded Age architecture. True to its sporting core, there’s also the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which was the home of the first-ever US Open Championship in 1881 and is an absolute memorabilia fest. Newport gives off ‘old money’ vibes, and since it is such a short drive from Boston, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t add it to your list.

20. Blue Hills Reservation

• 30 minutes from Boston

Blue Hills Reservation is a 7,000-acre park just a 30-minute drive or hour public transport scramble from central Boston. It is the haven of green space that everyone flocks to, especially on a busy day, and we’d recommend visiting for its hiking trails and excellent picnic prospects. There are over 125 miles of hiking trails to get stuck into, including Burma Trail and the Blue Hills Skyline Trail. There is a designated swimming area, too, that opens seasonally, so keep that in mind on a hot day.

Blue Hills Reservation is a stunning state park ideal for a day trip. It is somewhere to dash to and escape the inner-city chaos, with many opportunities to relax amongst nature. As a quick extra recommendation, we suggest heading to the 635ft Great Blue Hill – where you can enjoy views of the Boston cityscape skyline on the horizon.

And it’s also worth mentioning that Blue Hills Reservation is just as beautiful in the fall; in fact, a fall day trip to Blue Hills is one of the best things to do in Boston. Especially when walking around the state park’s lakes and seeing the orange and burnt-red reflections in the water. For us, Blue Hills Reservation is so beautiful that it just had to make our list.

21. Josiah Keith House Living History Museum and Homestead

• 50 minute drive from Boston

Josiah Keith House Living History Museum and Homestead is the oldest house in Easton, Massachusetts. And this is one of the most unusual day trips from Boston. Tours are available by appointment only, so you must ring or email beforehand. Self-guided tours are not an option. Josiah Keith House is a living history museum located just a 50-minute drive from central Boston.

The property dates back to 1717 and has all the original furnishings intact, so you can wander through its rooms, getting a realistic impression of earlier lives in Massachusetts. As a ‘living museum,’ it is still a fully functioning homestead and runs a B&B service. Josiah Keith House is lived in and acts as a functioning time capsule to give visitors a glimpse of 18th-century living.

Visiting Josiah Keith House Museum and Homestead is an absolute breeze by car, so make sure to rent a car if this day trip has caught your eye. It has made our list because it offers an off-the-beaten-track experience (not many people have Josiah Keith House on their Boston itineraries) and a sense of immersive history.

FAQs: Day Trips From Boston

So, where are you heading first on your day trips from Boston? As you can now clearly see, Boston’s the perfect launchpad for exploring Massachusetts and beyond. But don’t get carried away; hold fire for a second. Before you settle on one day trip idea, though, check out these essential snippets of info.

What towns are 1 hour from Boston?

Bedford, Plymouth, and Bridgewater are all under an hour away from Boston. These towns all make fantastic day trips from Boston.

What cities are 30 minutes from Boston?

No cities are within 30 minutes of Boston, but the closest, Worcester, is around 50 minutes away. And Providence is an hour and 10 minutes away by car.

What cities are 4 hours from Boston?

New York City is around 4 hours from Boston by car – so definitely list that as one of your most ambitious options for a day trip from Boston. Montreal is a little further at 5 hours by car and will involve crossing the Canadian border.

Is Boston worth visiting for a day?

Yes, Boston is absolutely worth visiting for a day because of its thriving arts scene, Boston Tea Party history, and beautiful Charles River Esplanade. With just a day, you should focus on 2-3 attractions in Boston and stay in the Downtown, Waterfront, and Beacon Hill areas.

What are the Best Day Trips from Boston?

Day trips from Boston range from wholesome visits to a seaside town to indulgent trips to enjoy fresh seafood and whacky historical attractions like the Salem Witch Museum. You’ll love these day trip ideas. Take a break from the art galleries and inner-city attractions in Boston and spread your wings a little.

Got a little bit longer? You could try one of our more ambitious day trip ideas from Boston or even a two-day getaway. There are many  things to do in New York , which is just a 4-hour drive from Boston. Within two days, you could also venture into Canada to visit Montreal or check out  Niagara Falls  (we’ve got a guide on where to stay in Niagara Falls  here ). As we said, Boston has an ideal location on the east coast – so plan a day trip or an overnight trip wherever possible.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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15 Best Day Trips from Boston MA

• Boston / In the City / Massachusetts / Outdoors / USA

Looking for an adventure outside of Boston? Check out these awesome day trips.

Boston is a city full of history and culture, and as one of the major cities in the northeast, it has plenty to explore on its own. But sometimes it’s also nice to have a getaway from the city. Whether you’re looking to explore charming coastal towns or take a hike in nature, here are the best day trips from Boston that highlight why the northeast is such a special place.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: October 13, 2023

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• Best Day Trips from Boston
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More resources, 15 amazing day trips from boston, 1. concord, ma.

58 Main St, Concord, MA 01742,   map

Distance:  20.3 mi / 32 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Minute Man National Historical Park, Walden Pond, Orchard House What to Eat:   Salt & Light Café ,  Smack Noodle ,  Atlantic Sea Grill

The American Revolutionary War began in Concord, MA, in 1775. The famous ‘shot heard around the world’ was fired at the North Bridge. It is now home to the Minute Man National Historical Park (a  national park unit ). Here you can visit the famous site and drive along Battle Road following Paul Revere’s ride to where he was captured by the British.

You can also tour the Orchard House, home to Louisa May Alcott, who wrote the novel, Little Women. If you are still in the literary mood, a 5-minute drive out of Concord takes you to Walden Pond made famous by Henry David Thoreau, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk around its tranquil waters.

2. Salem, MA

2 New Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970,  map

Distance:  24.8 mi / 34 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  The Witch House, House of the Seven Gables, Peabody Essex Museum What to Eat:   Turners Seafood ,  Flying Saucer Pizza Company ,  Ugly Mug Diner

Everyone has either seen a production of The Crucible or read it thanks to high school English, which fictionalizes the Salem Witch Trials that took place in the 1600s. Even though Salem has a reputation as a Halloween destination, there’s plenty to do year-round. We drove up with our Boston friends to check out yet another lobster roll at Turners Seafood.

For US history lovers, a visit to Salem must include a stop at The Witch House, where many “witches” were tried. You can also check out the Old Burying Point Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the US, and see the burial site for Judge John Hathorne, a prominent judge in the Witch Trials.

Not only do you learn about the history of the Salem Witch Trials, but you can also learn about the history of slavery on a tour of the House of the Seven Gables, a stop on the Underground Railroad. If you’re an art lover, visit the Peabody Essex Museum and see their collection of American and Asian art.

3. Rockport, MA

Bradley Wharf, Rockport, MA 01966,  map

Distance:  43 mi / 50 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Motif Number 1, Halibut Point, Stroll through the shops What to Eat:   Roy Moore Lobster ,  Feather & Wedge ,  Red Skiff

Rockport is a seacoast village on Cape Ann under an hour away, which makes it the perfect easy day trip from Boston. You can drive here or take the train, but I will say when we drove, we circled a while before we could find parking.

In Rockport, it’s hard to miss Roy Moore Lobster Co with its long lines. We’ve been trying lobster rolls all over New England, and this one was one of our favorites. They do not skimp on the lobster! It truly felt like a getaway, as we ate heartily in the lively atmosphere as we watched the fisherman carry in the live lobster. The rest of the day, we spent walking along the wharf and browsing the cute shops.

4. Providence, RI

1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903,  map

Distance:  50.9 mi / 56 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  John Brown House, Benefit Street, Providence Athenaeum, Roger Williams Park What to Eat:   Providence Coal Fired Pizza ,  Waterman Grille ,  Tallulah’s Taqueria

When it comes to US history, Rhode Island is sorely overlooked. A visit to the state’s capital, Providence, is easily one of the best day trips from Boston, especially since they’ve gone through a renaissance and have become a Creative Capital.

For a small city, it has a big art scene. If you’re here on the third Thursday, you can join Gallery Night, where you get access to 21 free galleries and museums. The downtown area is also filled with unique boutiques making window shopping an absolute delight (don’t forget to stop in at the Arcade, the oldest shopping mall in America).

Also as one of the oldest cities in the US, you can hear about the city’s (and the US’) history during a tour of the John Brown House. Afterward, walk down Benefit Street, and take in the stunning historical homes.

The Providence Athenaeum is an architecturally stunning library that is still used by the locals. You can also take a leisurely stroll outdoors at the Roger Williams Park. This 435-acre park is also home to the Museum of Natural History and Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Local Tip: Go during WaterFire, a fire sculpture installation on the rivers in downtown Providence. It runs May through November on Saturday evenings twice a month. – Hsiao

5. Manchester, NH

775 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101,  map

Distance:  52.6 mi / 58 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Currier Museum of Art, Frank Lloyd Wright Houses, Bear Brook State Park What to Eat:   Republic Café & Bistro ,  Daw Kun Thai ,  Mr. Mac’s

Once a booming mill town, Manchester, NH combines everything that makes New England special: art, architecture, and the great outdoors.

Not only does the Currier Museum of Art include a large collection of European and American paintings, sculptures, and photographs, but it also serves as the starting point for the Frank Lloyd Wright house tours. You can tour both the Zimmerman and Kalil Houses, which are the only Frank Lloyd Wright houses open to the public in New England.

After spending the morning in the city, a short drive from the city center is Bear Brooks State Park, the largest state park in New Hampshire. With 40-miles of trails of varying difficulty, you can enjoy plenty of fresh air. Popular trails include the Bear Brook Trail, a shaded trail that follows the brook, and the Catamount Trail with amazing views from the top.

6. Cape Cod, MA

41.6863132,-70.2905854,  map

Distance:  70 mi / 1h 21 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Cape Cod National Seashore, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, JFK Hyannis Museum What to Eat:  Old Yarmouth Inn ,  Firestarter Pizza ,  Royal II

You can almost smell the ocean when you hear the words Cape Cod, but this summer destination is much more than the beach.

If it’s the beach you are looking for, then head to the Cape Cod National Seashore with its 40 miles of shoreline. Or at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, you can spend the day wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking. Be sure to check out the many lighthouses in the area too. I’ve always had a thing for lighthouses.

One of Cape Cod’s most famous residents was the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. In Hyannis, you can visit the museum dedicated to the man, his family, and his connection to the area. Edward Gorey is another famous resident, author, and illustrator. Take a tour of his house to learn more about his life and work. All these things make Cape Cod an ideal day trip from Boston.

7. Newport, RI

23 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840,  map

Distance:  72.1 mi / 1h 22 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Mansions Tour, Cliff Walk, Intl Tennis Hall of Fame What to Eat:  Corner Café ,  Brick Alley Pub ,  Mission

Once the summer playground for the rich, Newport transports visitors to the grandeur of the past. Touring the many mansions like Marble House and The Breakers can take all day. If you get mansion overload, you can go enjoy the ocean air while walking the picturesque Cliff Walk. If you’re a tennis lover, don’t miss the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

8. Martha’s Vineyard, MA

29 Church St, Edgartown, MA 02539,  map

Distance:  72.5 mi / 1h 16 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Aquinnah Cliffs (Gay Head), Oak Bluffs, Edgartown What to Eat:   The Red Cat Kitchen ,  Little House Café ,  Waterside Market

Hopping on the ferry at Falmouth, MA, Martha’s Vineyard makes one of the most delightful day trips from Boston. After arriving on the island, take the bus to explore the charming towns.

In Oak Bluffs, enjoy a ride on the oldest carousel in the US and marvel at the gingerbread cottages. In Edgartown, you can enjoy the sophisticated town filled with historic homes and its beaches and lighthouses.

But you can’t leave Martha’s Vineyard without taking in the iconic view at the Aquinnah Cliffs overlook. Afterward, soak in the sun’s rays on the tranquil beaches nearby.

Local Tip: They limit the number of cars on the island, so it’s fun to rent a scooter to get around the island. Menemsha Beach is a great spot to watch the sunset – Hsiao.

9. Kennebunkport, ME

16 Water St, Kennebunk, ME 04043,  map

Distance:  89.6 mi / 1h 29 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Goose Rocks Beach, Goat Island Lighthouse What to Eat:  Village Tavern ,  The Lobster Shack ,  Hurricane Restaurant

The coastal town of Kennebunkport has a long tradition of fishing and shipbuilding. Going into Cape Porpoise, you can still see fisherman coming and going with their catch and nets. You can also relax and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean from the white sand beach of Goose Rocks Beach.

But, when in Kennebunkport, it’s best to not stay on land as the sea is in the heart of the town. Various boat tours take visitors out on the Atlantic where you can soak in the views, go whale watching, or even learn how to haul in lobsters.

10. Mount Holyoke Range State Park, MA

1500 West St, Amherst, MA 01002,  map

Distance:  93.3 mi / 1h 36 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:   Hiking Trails, Summit View What to Eat:   Frontera Grill ,  Hillside Pizza ,  Master Chef

Looking to spend the entire day outdoors? This 3,000-acre state park features 30 miles of trails passing through wetlands, woods, streams, and a 7-mile ridgeline.

One of the best hikes to do at Mount Holyoke is the Seven Sisters Trail. This moderate, 8-mile trail provides summit after summit and ends at the Summit House with amazing views of the Connecticut River and Pioneer Valleys.

If you are looking for a shorter hike, a trek up Mount Norwottuck (3.4 miles) provides you with views over the Pioneer Valley too.

11. Deerfield, MA

Old Main St, Deerfield, MA 01342,  map

Distance:  94.1 mi / 1h 52 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Historic Deerfield, Mount Sugarloaf What to Eat:   Hillside Pizza ,  The Lady Killigrew Café ,  Hope & Café

Ever wonder what life was like in the 1800s? You can step back in time by touring the historic houses and museums in Historic Deerfield.

If you love the outdoors, you can take in the views of the Connecticut River Valley from the summit of Mount Sugarloaf. To get to the summit, you have the option of driving or hiking up via the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail.

12. Portland, ME →

84 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101,  map

Distance:  112 mi / 1h 43 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:   Portland Head Lighthouse , The Historic House Museum, The Old Port What to Eat:   Hot Suppa ,  The Highrolller Lobster ,  Duckfat

Nestled along the shores of Casco Bay, Portland is full of historic charm and atmosphere. Venture to the iconic  Portland Head Lighthouse , the oldest lighthouse in Maine.

Stroll along the Old Port with its cobblestone streets and trendy stores, and admire the pre-Civil War architecture and design of the Victoria Mansion at the Historic House Museum.

Portland Maine was my very first day trip from Boston. I still have fond memories of my girls-only trip, where we spent the day visiting lighthouses and eating lobster.

Next, we need to check out the seaside hiking trails of the Fort William Park or hop on a ferry to explore the six islands of Casco Bay.

See More: 5 Beautiful Lighthouses in Portland Maine

13. The Berkshires, MA

42.166815,-73.1583548,  map

Distance:  123 mi / 2h 8 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Jacob Ladder’s Scenic Byway, Monument Mountain What to Eat:  Comfort Kitchen & Bar ,  Chester Common Table ,  Brava

To experience the best of the Berkshires, plan on a day trip in fall to see the changing colors of the leaves. That is not to say that summer isn’t worth visiting. If you love a good scenic road trip, follow the Jacob Ladder’s Scenic Byway through the foothills of the Berkshires. It’s a glorious 35-mile scenic drive.

If you want to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the landscape, take a hike up to the top of Monument Mountain. Standing at 1,642 feet, there are several trail options to get to the top with stunning views over the Housatonic River Valley.

14. Stockbridge, MA

42.3036962,-73.3619899,  map

Distance:  131 mi / 2h 5 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Norman Rockwell Museum, Chesterwood, Naumkeag, The Mount What to Eat:   Once Upon a Table ,  Pleasant and Main ,  Berkshire Mountain Bakery

Norman Rockwell’s illustrations define Americana to this day, and you can find the largest collection of his original work at the Normal Rockwell Museum.

Another symbol of America is the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. At Chesterwood, you can tour the home of the sculptor, Daniel Chester French. If you love touring old mansions, check out Naumkeag, which was built in 1886 and designed by the famed architect Stanford White. There are also large gardens to enjoy.

Less than 15-minutes away is The Mount, the home to famed writer Edith Wharton. You can take tours of the house and gardens designed by Edith Wharton.

15. White Mountains, NH

44.1643949,-71.4413121,  map

Distance:  137 mi / 2h 2 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  The Flume, Cannon Aerial Tram, Mount Lafayette What to Eat:   Black Mtn Burger Co ,  Flapjack’s Pancake House ,  Sunny Day Diner

The White Mountains in New Hampshire offer a variety of activities for families and adventurers. While basking in the landscape of the Franconia Notch State Park, you can explore the Flume, a gorge full of waterfalls. Or, take in views from above on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.

If you love hiking, a challenging but massively rewarding hike is Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette ridgeline to take in views.

We took a detour here on the way back from Acadia, and unfortunately, it was a few days late for the foliage. Apparently, it was one of the best years for foliage too.

More Boston Day Trip Ideas Under 3 Hours

• Quincy, MA (11.7 mi / 21 min,  map )
• Lowell, MA (30.1 mi / 33 min,  map )
• Plymouth, MA (40.5 mi / 42 min,  map )
• Springfield, MA (90.0 mi / 1 hr 29 min,  map )
• Amherst, MA (94.3 mi / 1 hr 44 min,  map )
• Hartford, CT (101 mi /  1 hr 35 min,  map )
• Mount Greylock (154 mi, 2 hr 55 min,  map )
• Bish Bash Falls State Park (160 mi / 2 hr 36 min,  map )

Best Places to Stay in Boston

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Boston hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a New England travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Rand McNally Road Atlas
• New England Travel Guide

How many of these day trips from Boston have you done? Any others we should add to our list?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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23 Best Day Trips From Boston You’ve Got To Take

Boston may be a thriving and vibrant city to live or visit, but a little escape is always lovely. Whether you want to visit within Massachusetts or head into Maine, Rhode Island, or Connecticut, you can see some of the best parts of New England on a day trip. 

Filled with history, culture, and glorious fun, see somewhere that has a completely different vibe than Boston. Whether you sit and relax on coastal beaches, walk around charming towns, pop into unique shops, or eat delicious seafood by the ocean, get away from Bostonian life and breathe in a new hot spot. 

Here are 23 amazing day trips from Boston that we know you’ll love.

MASSACHUSETTS 

PLIMOTH PATUXET MUSEUMS (FORMERLY PLIMOTH PLANTATION)

Take a trip through a living history museum and find out about one of America’s founding areas when you visit the Pilmoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, MA. Wander through authentic villages and understand the Plymouth Colony and this Indigenous homeland. 

With over 400 years of history to be told, understand the native people who previously lived here and how the Pilgrims settled. See inside the homes in the village, learn the secrets of Plimoth Grist Mill, and come aboard the Mayflower II.

This engaging and educational experience is not only memorable, but gives you an insight on how life once was for different communities. Get crafty, pick some of your own veggies, and thoroughly enjoy this immersive experience. 

Read More: 13 FUN THINGS TO DO IN PLYMOUTH MA YOU’LL LOVE

STELLWAGEN BANK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

See one of the most spectacular creatures in the ocean through an amazing whale watching experience at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary . This sanctuary is just 25 miles east of Boston, and within that area you will see an abundance of wildlife that will completely transform you.

Watch as whales breach and feed in their pods and listen to the crew who describe each encounter with such purpose and excitement. See unique whale tales with individual markings, and pinpoint your favorite whale to make the experience more special. 

LEXINGTON AND CONCORD

Easily take a day trip to Lexington and Concord by car, bus, train, or bike and discover small towns filled with historic sites and Revolutionary War history. These Massachusetts towns were originally settled in the 17th century, and the battles of Lexington and Concord kicked off the Revolutionary War in 1775.

Better understand the works of legendary author Henry David Thoreau by visiting Walden Pond in Concord. After a visit here, you’ll understand the love of nature he showed in his writings.

Go biking along Minuteman Bikeway in Lexington and find the historic Battle Green, with plenty of original homes, and a visitor center that’s worth a visit. Don’t miss picking up a sweet dessert at Rancatore’s ice cream shop!

Pack your swimsuit and sunglasses and head to the Cape! From Memorial Day through Labor Day watch as Cape Cod comes alive with tourists and locals, ready for fun, laughter, and sun! Visit gorgeous little towns, support local artists, and dine at delicious restaurants with beautiful views. 

Have a picturesque beach day on Nauset Beach, where you can sit under the warm summer sun, listen to waves crash, play fun beach games, and grab lunch at one of the many delicious and tasty food trucks. If you’re around on a Monday night, make sure to check out the Nauset Beach Concert Series.

If you’re in the market for dramatic coastlines, head to Newcomb Hollow and stop at the famous Beachcomber for lunch and cocktails. Make your way into the small and lovely town of Wellfleet, and try a fresh and local Wellfleet oyster. Oh shucks, you’re going to have a blast in Cape Cod!

Read More: 28 THINGS TO DO IN CAPE COD YOU JUST CAN’T MISS

Get ready to be dazzled by the beauty, history, and prestige that is Cambridge . Home to one of the most esteemed universities in the United States, Harvard, there’s plenty to see here.

With a large population of students, this picturesque town has a youthful feel and a lively energy. Take a stroll through Harvard’s campus, admire the buildings, visit one or all of the Harvard Art Museums, or see the historic exhibits at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Grab a coffee and relax at Harvard Yard before continuing your tour to the historic center of Cambridge at Harvard Square. 

Pop into the Harvard Book Store for some memorable and classic books to remember your trip. Test out fresh and new restaurants, and admire the Charles River and city skyline, before getting a quick Uber or train ride back to Boston. 

With a laid back atmosphere and captivating views, Cape Ann is a wonderful retreat when you’re craving small crowds, fresh air, and a bit of peace and quiet. Cape Ann is made up of  four communities — Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Gloucester, and Essex — with each offering something different and appealing. 

Located just 30 miles north of Boston, this stretch of Massachusetts coastline is known for its beauty, delicious restaurants, classic New England-style homes, beaches, antique shops, and so much more.

Whether you’re looking for amazing shopping, fresh seafood, or days on the water — you’ll find it all on Cape Ann.

It’s all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! –Max, Hocus Pocus

While Salem is a very popular destination for tourists around Halloween, it’s known for a lot more than just famous movies and old town charm. With witch trials dating back to the 1690’s, Salem has a fascinating history that makes it truly iconic. 

Walk the streets of Salem and visit the House of the Seven Gables, which was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne, or see other historical sites around the town. With great restaurants, a spooky atmosphere, and plenty to uncover, Salem is definitely worth the trip.

Read More: 20 WITCHY THINGS TO DO IN SALEM MA YOU’LL LOVE

SALISBURY AND PLUM ISLAND

If you’re looking for pristine beaches, small crowds, and close proximity to Boston, Salisbury and Plum Island is your ideal destination. Salisbury is known as a family-friendly spot, and Plum Island’s barrier beach gives off the ultimate vacation vibes.

With a newly built boardwalk built on parts of Salisbury Beach , make time to visit the local shops and restaurants found along the boardwalk. If you’re day tripping with children, I recommend stopping into Joe’s Playland, where children will play classic arcade games, and the adults may want to play too!

Pack your coolers with sandwiches and cold drinks and spend the day on Plum Island, swimming in the ocean and seeing wild nature all around you. This place will have you wanting to stay longer than a day!

OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

Take a trip into the past and find yourself at a recreated New England village when you visit Old Sturbridge Village . Get up close to some loving farm animals and see craftsmen at work in authentic buildings and structures at this village, located just over an hour away from Boston.

Ask questions of the docents dressed in traditional costumes, wander through original buildings, and discover more about New England living along the way. A visit here makes for one of the best day trips from Boston.

NORTHAMPTON

If you want to see rolling hills and lush forests in Massachusetts, set your sights on the Western Mass. The picturesque city of Northampton is a great place to visit.

Visit the local farmers market for fresh produce, grab a coffee, or visit one of the locally owned shops. Northampton is about a 2-hour drive from Boston, and this creative and artistic area is recognized widely as the Happy Valley. I suggest going to the Tunnel Bar while in town for cool cocktails!

MARTHA’S VINEYARD

If you’re in the mood for an island getaway, Martha’s Vineyard will do the trick. With more than 20 beaches, waterfront dining, and three gorgeous towns, discover why MV is loved so much on your day trip. 

Arrive on the Vineyard in style by ferry, and get your footing before starting your exploration. Rent bikes to see more of the island and make sure to pedal past the Gingerbread cottages in Oaks Bluff. Keep going to West Chop Light, where if you climb to the top, you will have outstanding views of the water.

Don’t forget to play in the water! From relaxing on the beach, to trying surfing and paddle boarding, Martha’s Vineyard has plenty of beach activities for everyone to enjoy. Go for a sail, stroll through the town looking into art galleries, enjoy shopping, and make sure to grab a scoop of delicious ice cream along the way. You’ll never regret a visit to this picturesque spot.

Read More: 36 PHENOMENAL THINGS TO DO IN MARTHA’S VINEYARD

STOCKBRIDGE

In Stockbridge, MA , you’ll find amazing views of the Berkshires and so much more.

With rolling hills and a sweet Main Street, it’s time to celebrate this town that encapsulates Western New England living. Breathe in the fresh air of the Berkshires.

Get ready to be amazed at the magnificent Norman Rockwell Museum! With original paintings and illustrations, you’ll be completely enthralled with art that tells a story. From his own work to his artist studio, get a feel for the world Rockwell was portraying, and see the impacts on the world today. 

PROVINCETOWN

Hit the high seas on your ferry ride to Provincetown . This LGBTQ+ town is vibrant, free, and can’t wait to see you! Surrounded by stunning coasts, choose either the ocean or bayside beaches for a fun day in the sun.

Stop by numerous galleries on Commercial Street, and make sure to reserve a table at the delicious Lobster Pot for a meal overlooking the harbor. Go whale watching, charter your own boat, or simply watch as seals cruise through the harbor looking for a little snack. 

With colorful, quirky, and out-there shops lining the roads, have a laugh in one of the friendliest towns in Massachusetts. Check out PTOWN for many different festivals, or simply fall in love with this creative and happy town. 

CASTLE ISLAND PARK

If you’re just in Boston for a few days and don’t have a car to go off exploring, it’s time to set your sights on Castle Island Park . Explore the Harbor Walk and enjoy amazing views in all directions. I highly suggest taking a guided tour to learn a bit more about this interesting spot. 

Climb Fort Independence and understand the role it played in the War of 1812 and how its location saved the day. From playing games in the park to watching the planes land at Boston Logan Airport, Castle Island is a great place to visit, and makes for an easy day trip from Boston.

The town of Essex is rich in heritage and has strong roots to ship building, making this beautiful coastal town an ideal day trip escape from Boston. Listen to waves rocking the boats in the harbor and try wine tasting with a bit of Massachusetts flair. 

See Essex from the water when you book a boat tour through Essex River Cruises and Charters, where you’ll find marshes, tall grasses, and wildlife all around you. If you are interested in seeing more wildlife while in Essex, I recommend popping over to Crane Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll see many bird species and little critters. 

With small museums and galleries placed around town, take your time meandering through collections and exhibits that have a strong focus on ships and American folk art.

MAINE 

OGUNQUIT 

Head to the quiet beach town of Ogunquit, Maine , where you’ll find stunning beaches, and a serene atmosphere that will send you into total relaxation mode. Walk the sandy shores and set yourself up for a day under a beach umbrella, jumping in the waves, and soaking up the sun!

With a strong focus on the arts, Ogunquit’s art community works with local artists throughout town in galleries and at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Watch a show at the Playhouse Summer Theater and pop in local shops for a lovely souvenir.

Read More: 11 REALLY AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN OGUNQUIT MAINE

PORTLAND ME

Portland, Maine has some real treats up its sleeve! Enjoy a classic New England experience with a lobster bake, sit by the rocky cliffs with a lobster roll in hand, or try something diverse at one of its Mediterranean or Asian restaurants. 

With its creative arts district, which is home to the Portland Museum of Art and many small galleries, it’s time to marvel at art and browse. Go for late night walks along the old ports and see locals enjoy life in Portland. 

Just a 2 hour drive from Boston, this easy and fun adventure will let you see another vibrant New England city. Wander along the cobblestone streets and stop by a brewery or beer garden for afternoon fun! 

Read More: 20 OUTSTANDING THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND MAINE

KENNEBUNKPORT

Let loose in this lovely seaside town in Maine. From leisurely walks along Gooch’s Beach to swimming in the cool ocean, Kennebunkport is the perfect daytime getaway. From whale watching adventures to simply riding intown trolleys, this New England town is spectacular. 

You can’t go to Maine and not have lobster, and Kennebunkport has some of the best lobster rolls around! From taking a food tour, to simply sitting outside and enjoying a rich and buttery lobster roll, get ready to eat some delicious food. 

You’ll find plenty to do in this charming coastal town — watch comedy shows, try flights of beer at cool breweries, or make a quick visit to Goat Island Lighthouse. Whether you’re traveling solo or planning a day trip with friends, Kennebunkport should be your next spot! 

CONNECTICUT 

Walk through the seaport village of Mystic, CT and prepare to witness authentic boats and small town shops that will have you jumping for joy. Head into the Seaport Museum and see maritime history through the years with ships, folk art, and artifacts on display. 

See creatures of the sea at the Mystic Aquarium, where you’ll find penguins, seals, and colorful fish. Go shopping at local shops, and dine at the Shipwrights Daughter for a classic Connecticut meal and experience. 

Read More: 29 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN MYSTIC CT YOU CAN’T MISS

Book lovers will love taking a day trip to the Connecticut city of Hartford , where they can tour the homes of Mark Twain and other great novelists too. Wander through the rooms of Mark Twain’s home, and see the home Twain lived in with his family from 1874 to 1891. Twain wrote some of his most important works during the years he lived there.

The kids will love a visit to the Connecticut Science Center, where they can have a hands-on science experience and take part in DIY activities. Tour the Connecticut State Building and get a full history of the state and city. Catch the first bloom at Elizabeth Park Rose Garden or enjoy a picnic at Riverside Park. Hartford is a great town to visit.

Read More: 18 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HARTFORD CT YOU CAN’T MISS

RHODE ISLAND

Providence, Rhode Island is a city with a huge culinary scene. Enjoy fresh seafood, visit the Italian neighborhood for pastas you’ll adore, and treat yourself to pastries and coffee at the local shops.

See the animals at Roger Williams Zoo, catch the WaterFire Festival at Waterplace Park and Riverwalk, or tour the museum at the Rhode Island School of Design. Tie up your laces for a “Mile of History,” and see why this creative city is perfect for a day trip from Boston.

Read More: 13 THINGS TO DO IN PROVIDENCE RI YOU’LL LOVE

While most people visit Newport for its fabulous beaches, there is so much more to see and explore. Go for a 3.5-mile-long trek along the Cliff Walk, where you’ll find some of the world’s most renowned mansions and see some extraordinary views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Take a guided tour of two of the exquisite Gilded Age Mansions. Head into the Breakers to see how some of the wealthiest families in America once lived.

Dine on the water with fresh seafood and watch as boats cruise by at Bowen’s Wharf. With a joyous and upbeat atmosphere, walk around the wharf, stopping into shops and enjoying delicious eateries along the way.

Read More: 13 THINGS TO DO IN NEWPORT RI EVERYONE WILL LOVE

The town of Bristol, RI will be a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Boston. This easygoing and scenic town is known as one of America’s most patriotic towns, so plan a visit here around the 4th of July for a celebration you won’t forget.

Go for a tour at Blithewood Mansion, where you’ll find natural beauty in the gardens and endless history within the walls of this intriguing home. Bring or rent bikes for a leisurely pedal on the East Bay Bike Path, before taking a break at Beehive Cafe with an iced coffee and treat. 

With loads of community spirit and friendly locals, Bristol is ideal for those wanting a quick escape to recharge before heading back to the city.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO MASSACHUSETTS

• YOUR MASSACHUSETTS VACATION
• NANTUCKET:  20 Fun Things To Do In Nantucket You Can’t Miss
• MARTHA’S VINEYARD:  36 Phenomenal Things To Do In Martha’s Vineyard
• SALEM:  20 Witchy Things To Do In Salem MA You’ll Love
• CAPE COD:  28 Things To Do In Cape Cod You Just Can’t Miss

WHERE TO STAY IN BOSTON

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18+ Best Day Trips From Boston For Families

Posted on Published: 12/03/2023

Boston is so centrally located in New England. It’s the perfect spot for a family vacation because you’ll be able to see a wide variety of family attractions, including cultural and historic spots.

In addition, you can stay at a hotel in Boston and take several different day trips – seeing different attractions and maybe even a different state. Within a short driving distance, you’ll find historic towns, coastal cities, family attractions, and sandy beaches. While there are so many different options, here are some of our favorite day trips from Boston.

Disclosure: Note that we’ve received complimentary admission to some of the Boston day trips and attractions mentioned here. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.

The Best Day Trips From Boston

Table of Contents

Boston Harbor Islands, MA

This is one of the easiest day trips from Boston . You won’t even need a car to get there. During the summers, you can head to the ferry at Long Wharf in Boston. There, you can board for a short trip to one of the several islands making up the Boston Harbor Islands State and National Park.

These islands offer a variety of different amenities and programs, so review everything before deciding where to go. There’s no “best” Boston Harbor Island – it will really depend on what you want to do.

There are different ferries going to the different islands, so you’ll want to know which one you are choosing before getting to Long Wharf and purchasing ferry tickets. Food options vary on the islands, so research in advance so you aren’t left hungry.

We’ve enjoyed a trip to Spectacle Island, where my kids were able to explore tide pools and hang out on the small beach. Some of the islands also have great spots for exploring, so plan and pack appropriately. Many families enjoy traveling to Georges Island, which is the most popular island.

There, you’ll find a Civil War-era fort that you can walk around. Georges Island is often the first stop on the ferries to the other islands, so you may be able to combine it with another island.

Portsmouth, NH

Right over the New Hampshire border is Portsmouth NH, a coastal town filled with shops and restaurants. There’s also the Water Country water park and several outdoor parks. It’s located about an hour outside of Boston. Despite its location in another state, it’s actually pretty close to Boston and is a great spot for a day trip.

Grab lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants for some gorgeous views. History lovers may enjoy a trip to Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum. I love shopping around the small town.

Newport, RI

Less than a two-hour drive from Boston, you’ll find Newport Rhode Island, where you can step into the gilded age. This gorgeous town is a vacation destination in itself. Newport was once the preferred summer vacation spot for rich families including the Vanderbilts, who owned the Breakers and Marble House mansions as summer homes.

Both of these properties, as well as other Newport Mansions , are available to tour during your trip to Newport. Arrive early, as these properties get busy, especially during the weekends. They are open seasonally, so check out operating hours before

You can also take a boat ride, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, check out a baseball game, shop, eat, and so much more while you are in Newport. It’s definitely a place that you could visit for more than one day.

But, if you only have time for a day trip, I’d focus on seeing one mansion (probably the Breakers) and then heading to Brick Marketplace/Thames Street. There, you’ll find quaint shops and restaurants right on the waterfront.

Newport is also home to beautiful amazing beaches, as well as the Cliff Walk. If you are doing a day trip from Boston, leave early so that you can enjoy all of these attractions. It’s located on Aquidneck Island which is accessed via bridges.

See more things to do in Newport with kids here .

Right over the RI border is Mystic, CT, located less than a two hour drive from the downtown area of Boston. There, you’ll find Mystic Seaport, the largest maritime museum in the United States. It’s mostly outdoors, so it’s a great place to visit in nice weather.

Kids also love the Mystic Aquarium, which is one of my favorite aquariums to visit. Don’t miss the Beluga whales! Mystic Aquarium features the largest outdoor beluga whale exhibit in the United States. The whales are so interactive and fun to watch.

Across the street from the Mystic Aquarium is Olde Mistick Village, where you’ll find shops and restaurants in a quaint little historic village. It’s fun to walk around there, and there are several restaurants where you can grab lunch.

See things to do in Mystic here. While it’s a great day trip, you could also stay one or two nights here.

Cape Cod is one of the most popular vacation destinations in New England. While I’d probably recommend that you’d stay overnight (just like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket), you could also go to the Cape for a day trip . It offers beautiful beaches, fantastic outdoor activities, and delicious, fresh seafood.

In the busy season, you’ll want to arrive at the beaches early. Cape Cod traffic is notoriously bad, so it’s best to drive at an off-peak time. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, especially in the summer.

Some of the best places to visit on Cape Cod include:

• Provincetown

While you are there, make time for some of the famous ice cream and lobster rolls you can get in the summer months.

Plymouth, MA

Any history trip to Boston should include a day in Plymouth, MA. There, you can see Plymouth Rock, and explore Plimoth Plantation (which was recently renamed Plimoth Patuxet Museums). If your vacation plans include a trip down to the Cape Cod National Seashore, you’ll find Plymouth on the way. But you definitely only need a day there, so it’s an easy day trip from Boston.

There are plenty of delicious restaurants and great shops in Plymouth as well. If you have limited time, I’d recommend only going to Plimoth Plantation. Plymouth Rock, while famous, is pretty disappointing in person.

Rockport, MA

North of Boston is Cape Ann, where you’ll find Rockport, MA . This quaint seaside village is one of my favorite places to visit for the day. Bearskin Neck is the perfect spot to visit for an afternoon.

It offers shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You’ll also want to photograph Motif #1, an iconic fishing shack that is one of the most photographed buildings.

There are also several beaches on Cape Ann – including several in Rockport.

Gloucester, MA

Right next door to Rockport on Cape Ann is Gloucester MA . Famous from the TV show Wicked Tuna, as well as the movie The Perfect Storm, Gloucester is a fun seaside town known for delicious seafood.

In addition to the waterfront restaurants, you’ll also find several beaches in Gloucester (Good Harbor is our favorite). Many whale watching cruises leave from this town as well. In my opinion, Gloucester is the perfect day trip for a beach day.

Kittery, ME

Kittery Maine is the first Maine town that you’ll find right over the New Hampshire border by Portsmouth, NH. It’s mostly known for some fabulous outlet shops. There are several outlet malls, all located on the same street. It’s easy to drive to each plaza, park, and shop.

During your day in Kittery, Maine, you can also explore Fort McClary State Park and be adventurous at Take Flight Adventures. Be sure to stop at one of the many seafood restaurants and stands to pick up a delicious lobster roll.

Options include Bob’s Clam Shack and Robert’s Maine Grill (where the lobster roll and chowder pictured above came from). While in Kittery, you’ll also want to stop at Yummies, a store filled with all kinds of candy.

If you want, you can combine a trip with Kittery with a stop in Portsmouth, NH. They are in different states but are adjacent. It’s easy to visit both.

See things to do in Kittery here.

Concord, MA

If you want to visit Walden Pond , made famous by Henry David Thoreau, you’ll need to head to Concord, MA. Located about 40 minutes from Boston, Concord is also home to Minute Man National Historical Park. If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, there’s also a commuter rail station in Concord.

If you do choose to drive, you can also visit Lexington, home of historic sites from the Revolutionary War. Head to Lexington Common (Battle Green), the start of the American Revolution. History lovers may enjoy the Liberty Ride, a guided tour through Lexington and Concord with costumed guides.

Home to the infamous Salem Witch Trials , Salem, MA is about 50 minutes from the city. Almost everything that you’ll want to see in the coastal city of Salem is located right in the same area. Once you arrive for your day trip to Salem , you can park and walk around without needing your car.

In addition to several museums dedicated to the Salem Witch Trials (the Salem Witch Museum is one popular museuem) and The House Of The Seven Gables (made famous by the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, you can also explore the Peabody Essex Museum right in the city.

The museum features a large collection of Asian art and hosts lots of family activities throughout the year. It’s closed on Mondays, so be sure to visit on a different day.

Salem is located on the waterfront, so you’ll also be able to do a short boat trip or tour. There are also many walking tours of the city if you want some guided narration while you are visiting.

Sturbridge, MA

West of Boston, you’ll find Sturbridge, MA. Anyone interested in history may enjoy a trip to Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum. It’s a little over an hour from Boston and is an easy drive down the Mass Turnpike. Purchase tickets online in advance to save time in line.

Springfield, MA

This city, located about 90 minutes from Boston, features a number of family-friendly attractions. Sports fans will want to visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It’s several floors of sports memorabilia, as well as a full basketball court. You’ll probably want to plan to spend a couple of hours there.

There’s also a relatively new Dr. Seuss Museum that younger kids will enjoy.

Wrentham, MA

Want to shop for bargains on brand names? Wrentham Massachusetts is home to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, where you’ll find high-end outlets including Burberry, Bose, Coach, kate spade, and Tory Burch. It’s a short drive from Boston.

Getting There

For most of these day trips from Boston, you’ll probably want to rent a car. There are other options to getting to some of the places, including Amtrak train (to Mystic and north to Maine on the Downeaster ), commuter rail, and ferry. In most cases, driving is the easiest, and parking isn’t too difficult unless you are going to a beach in the summer.

You may also find that you want to stop at more than one location, making it useful to have a car. Many of these towns are spread out, and walking everywhere isn’t an option. If you don’t have a car rental for your Boston vacation, you should be able to just rent one for the day.

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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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12 Incredible Day Trips from Boston

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Boston, Massachusetts, is an incredible city with so much to see, do, and discover. And although Boston is the most well-known city in New England for good reason—you’ll totally miss out if you don’t adventure outside the city at least once during your visit!

New England has hundreds of charming beach towns, rustic forest getaways, and small historic cities just outside of Boston that offer the perfect opportunities to escape the big, bustling city on a jam-packed day trip. In fact, there are tons of spectacular East Coast vacation spots you can reach right from Boston.

Keep reading to discover some of the best day trips from Boston for every type of traveler, so you can experience all the best that New England has to offer during your vacation.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!

1. Newport, Rhode Island

• Distance from Boston: 71 miles
• Where to Stay: Marriott Newport

One of the best day trips from Boston is the quaint seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island. It’s one of the most romantic destinations in the USA for its quaint hotels, luxury mansions, and beautiful scenery. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Boston, or you can take a Peter Pan bus if you don’t have a car.

Newport is located on Aquidneck Island and is home to breathtaking sea cliffs on all sides. One of the  best things to do in Newport  is a stroll along the Cliff Walk . The 3.5-mile walk is a great way to take in the nature of the area and also see some of the famous Newport Mansions . You can start your walk at The Breakers , which also has tours available throughout the year.

Summer is peak season in Newport because of the variety of water-based activities available. Sailing is a common hobby, and boats line the water almost everywhere you look, especially near Long Wharf and Bowen’s Wharf, two great places to explore. The fall foliage in the area is lovely as well. 

CRU Café on Bellevue Avenue has delicious, locally-sourced food at the heart of their menu. The blueberry stuffed french toast is worth the drive to Newport itself! However, since you’re in New England, seafood is king. The Black Pearl , located on Bannister’s Wharf, has beautiful harbor views and fresh-caught seafood on the menu. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.  The Mooring Seafood Kitchen is another excellent seafood restaurant new Bowen’s Wharf!

If you have time to extend your time in Newport, stay at the Marriott Newport , located downtown near Bowen’s Wharf. It offers the perfect place to explore more of Newport’s nature, history, and great restaurants!

Recommended by Pam from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

• How to Spend a Charming Weekend in Newport, Rhode Island
• 10 Delicious Places to Eat in Newport, Rhode Island

2. Portland, Maine

• Distance from Boston: 112 miles
• Where to Stay: Westen Portland Harborview

It is hard to get more New England than Boston, but somehow Portland, Maine accomplishes the feat. For one of the best day trips from Boston, drive north for just about 2 hours to arrive in one of the most picturesque cities in New England. If you prefer not to drive, it’s easy to take a bus from Boston to Portland with tickets for less than $10.

Summer is peak tourist season, but for good reason! Temperatures don’t get too hot, and it’s ideal weather to explore the waterfront and enjoy a fresh lobster roll at Bite Into Maine . Duckfat offers poutine with duck gravy plus decadent milkshakes sure to impress if you prefer heartier fare.

Start your day at the Portland Head Light for iconic lighthouse photographs and a walk through its accompanying museum. Then head downtown to the surprisingly well-stocked Portland Museum of Art , where Warhol and Renoir’s pieces hang alongside local Maine artists. Then finish the day shopping and exploring Old Port , a bustling neighborhood with boutiques and bars nestled between cobblestone streets and wharf warehouses.

And if your day trip turns into an overnight, the Westin Portland Harborview is an excellent choice to stay in the heart of the city. Plus, it has a rooftop bar, Top of the East, with killer views. No matter how long you stay, Portland is an ideal destination within easy reach of Boston.

Recommended by Mary from Wanderu

• 10 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine
• 4 Awesome Breweries to Visit in Portland, Maine

3. Plymouth, Massachusetts

• Distance from Boston: 41 miles
• Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express – Plymouth, an IHG Hotel

Endearingly known as “America’s Hometown,” Plymouth, Massachusetts, is one of the best day trips from Boston for those who just can’t get enough history!

While you’re in Plymouth, don’t miss the chance to visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museums , consisting of four main attractions: the  Historic Patuxet ,  English Village ,  Mayflower II , and the  Plimoth Grist Mill . These sites will transport you back in time to when the Pilgrims first arrived in America, and you can learn tons of fascinating information about life in America during the 1600s.

You can also visit the Howland House , the oldest standing home that the Pilgrims actually lived in, and of course, you have to visit the famous (or, should I say, infamous) Plymouth Rock !

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, stop at Mamma Mia’s on the Plymouth Waterfront for beautiful views of the harbor. You can also go wine tasting at Plymouth Bay Winery to sample some local wines.

• 10+ Things to Do in Plymouth for History Lovers

4. North Conway, New Hampshire

• Distance from Boston: 140 miles
• Where to Stay: White Mountain Hotel and Resort

North Conway is one of New England’s most beloved mountain towns and the perfect remote escape from busy Boston life. One of the biggest calling cards of the area is the Kancamagus Highway , a spectacular scenic byway running from North Conway to Lincoln. During autumn, “The Kanc” bursts with vibrant foliage from the surrounding White Mountain National Forest , attracting leaf peepers near and far. Unsurprisingly, it’s considered one of the top places to see fall foliage in the United States, offering spectacular vistas such as the Sugar Hill Overlook . In fact, the White Mountains are one of the best places to go on a fall foliage weekend trip in New Hampshire .

While autumn draws a crowd,  winter in New Hampshire  is an excellent alternative for those seeking the quiet serenity of a snow-veiled Kanc. During this time, the White Mountain National Forest is a snow lover’s paradise, offering visitors a chance to hit the slopes or take an invigorating winter hike at Franconia Notch State Park in neighboring Lincoln. In fact, the gorgeous snowy scenery makes North Conway one of the most romantic winter getaways in New England .

Another area favorite is the Conway Scenic Railroad . Here, travelers can experience a taste of history by riding in a vintage railroad car from the 1874-Victorian-style station through the New Hampshire mountains. Passengers can choose from three popular excursions for an unforgettable scenic journey.

When it comes time to toast up with some belly-warming food, visitors can enjoy the cozy pub atmosphere and hearty dishes at May Kelly’s Cottage . Travelers will also relish a stay with a view at White Mountain Hotel and Resort . Alternatively, families can enjoy a fun stay at Adventure Suites , a theme hotel offering a one-of-a-kind lodging experience!

Recommended by Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles

5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

• Distance from Boston: 70 miles
• Where to Stay: Chapter House

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a day of relaxation, sun, and sand, look no further than Cape Cod, with over 550 miles of coastline, for one of the best day trips from Boston! Start your day in Cape Cod with a visit to Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, where you can stroll through colorful gardens and view antique cars on display.

Next, head to one of the best beaches on the east coast. The options along the National Seashore are plentiful, with some iconic beaches like Marconi Beach or Coast Guard Beach . The Nauset Lighthouse is another site to see when visiting Cape Cod and is only about a mile from Coast Guard Beach.

The extra hour-long drive to  Provincetown  is well worth it if you have the time! In Provincetown, you can take a stroll on Commercial Street for shopping, go to the top of the Pilgrim Monument for incredible views, or go on an off-road adventure with a dunes tour. If you’re visiting Cape Cod with kids , you can check out the Cape Cod Aquarium or go mini-golfing at Pirate’s Cove.

If you are looking for a tasty meal after a long day of exploring, head over to Victor’s P Town , where you can enjoy some fresh seafood, a wide selection of salads, and some classic American dishes. For the best weather, you will want to visit in June through August.

Recommended by Melissa from Navigation Junkie

6. Northampton, Massachusetts

• Distance from Boston: 104 miles
• Where to Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Springfield Northampton/Amherst 

One of the best day trips from Boston you can take is to what is considered the “other side of Massachusetts.” There are a lot of  fun things to do in Western Massachusetts . It is sprinkled with many cute towns with museums, galleries, gardens, and great restaurants.

Northampton is one such town. One top attraction is the Smith College Museum of Art . It is widely recognized as one of the leading academic museums in the country. The Lyman Plant House and Conservatory is another popular place to visit. Its main greenhouses date back to 1895, and the greenhouse houses 3,000 species of plants.

Northampton also has a lovely downtown area that is great for walking, shopping, and dining. Make sure to stop into The Dirty Truth. This fun beer hall has excellent drinks and delicious food!

Amherst is another cute town in Western Massachusetts. It’s home to the Emily Dickinson Museum , the birthplace of the famous poet that offers guided tours and exhibits to explore. If you’re traveling with kids, you should visit Atkins Farms . They are known for their cider donuts. Downtown Amherst itself is also very nice and has some great architecture.

Recommended by Vicky from Buddy The Traveling Monkey

7. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

• Distance from Boston: 62 miles
• Where to Stay: The Hotel Portsmouth

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is one of the most overlooked hidden gems on New England’s historic coast! This charming city offers plenty to do, but it’s all very manageable in a short amount of time—making Portsmouth one of the best day trips from Boston!

If you miss everything else in Portsmouth, you absolutely have to visit the Strawberry Banke Museum . This museum is situated in what used to be the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Now, it’s a collection of homes, gardens, neighborhood stores, and taverns converted into an interactive museum that spans 300 years of history. It’s truly incredible—you could spend hours here!

If you have time, you should also visit the beautiful gardens in Prescott Park and explore the quaint shops, boutiques, and local restaurants in Market Square . While you’re here, you’ll also see the picturesque North Church of Portsmouth.

When you’re hungry, stop at the Thirsty Moose Taproom for a local brew or the Flatbread Company for a delicious pizza with locally-sourced ingredients.

• How to Spend the Perfect Day in Portsmouth, NH

8. Sandwich, New Hampshire

• Distance from Boston: 118 miles
• Where to Stay: Center Harbor Inn

For a four-season retreat from Boston, escape to Sandwich, New Hampshire, for one of the best day trips from Boston. You can enjoy a charming New England village and hike the  Mount Morgan & Mount Percival Loop Trail .

Once you arrive at the trailhead for the 5.2-mile Mount Morgan & Mount Percival hike , climb clockwise to Mount Morgan and then crossover to Mount Percival. The first two miles of the hike include a steady incline with giant boulders, fallen tree limbs, and wildflowers. At the summit, you will be able to see breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee ringed by alpine forests. This is a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic! For the second part of the hike, you must cross the rugged ridge to arrive at the peak of Mount Percival before climbing back down.

When you’re finished with your hike, Sandwich offers visitors plenty to do, including other outdoor activities like biking and cross-country skiing. You can also explore historic galleries, bookstores, and antique shops, like the Sandwich Historical Society and Hill Country Books. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, look no further than Foothills Café & Curio in Sandwich for small bites, artisanal ice cream, and coffee in a cozy country setting.

You can extend your stay at the luxury Center Harbor Inn just outside of Sandwich in Center Harbor for close access to Lake Winnipesaukee!

Recommended by Terri from Female Solo Trek

9. Salem, Massachusetts

• Distance from Boston: 20 miles
• Where to Stay: Daniel’s House Bed and Breakfast

Salem, Massachusetts, is best known as the site of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, when locals were accused of witchcraft that resulted in the tragic death of 19 people. Since then, the town has become a popular setting for books and movies, like Hocus Pocus, and many of the popular tourist spots are connected to the town’s witchcraft history.

The best time to visit Salem is in October when the Halloween festivities are in full swing. Downtown Salem explodes with decorations and visitors and becomes extremely colorful as the leaves change.

During your time in Salem, some of the best things to do in Salem include taking a photo at The Witch House at Salem and visiting the Salem Witch Museum and Salem Witch Trials Memorial to learn about and pay your respects to the victims of the witch trials in the 1600s. Additionally, a Guided Nighttime Tour is a great way to learn about the town’s history and see famous sites.

When you’re hungry, visit Turner’s Seafood for a taste of New England. The long-standing restaurant boasts of freshly caught seafood, and the quality of the catch shines through with each dish. For those who want to extend their day trip from Boston, you’d love your experience at The Daniels House Bed and Breakfast , a historic building built in 1693 that has been serving travelers since 1963.

Recommended by Bernadette from Book Retreats

10. Nantucket, Massachusetts

• Distance from Boston: 100 miles
• Where to Stay: Jared Coffin House

The small island of Nantucket is certainly one of the best day trips from Boston. The drive from Boston to Nantucket involves a short ferry ride from Hyannis. This tiny island, 16 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, offers a picturesque setting for a fun day trip from Boston. 

As with many beach communities, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the island bustles with tourists. Early May and mid-September may be best if you prefer a quieter visit.

Consider leaving your car in Hyannis as Nantucket is very small and walkable. Stroll around the quaint shops on Water Street , visit the Whaling Museum , or spend the day at Cisco Beach . For nature lovers, there’s Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge with miles of trails and coastline to view the local critters like deer, shorebirds, seals, and horseshoe crabs. Make sure you check out the Great Point  Lighthouse for some beautiful views. 

When you’re hungry, stop in at the Nantucket Tap Room for a delicious lunch and a local brew – it is one of the best restaurants in Nantucket . The delicious fare is similar to the  food in Boston  with a few Nantucket twists. The Tap Room is part of the historic hotel, the Jared Coffin House , Nantucket’s first mansion, in 1845. 

Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise

11. Lexington & Concord, Massachusetts

• Where to Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Concord

If you’re looking for one of the shortest & best day trips from Boston, look no further than Lexington and Concord. These neighboring cities were made famous in the late 1700s because they were the starting point for the American Revolutionary War, but they offer plenty of exciting activities today!

While you’re in Lexington & Concord, you can’t miss the chance to explore the Minute Man National Historical Park . Here, you can walk (or drive!) along a pathway called the “ Battle Road Trail ” that includes important locations from the First Battle of the American Revolutionary War, like Paul Revere’s Capture Site, Buckman Tavern, Concord’s Old North Bridge, and more.

If you’re interested in literature, visit the Concord Museum to observe artifacts belonging to Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, as well as other important colonial-era documents. You can also visit the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House , where Little Women was written, to see famous family artifacts from this famous author’s life.

When you’re hungry, stop at 80 Thoreau in Downtown Concord for upscale New American fare at a rustic-chic local eatery.

12. Amesbury, Massachusetts

• Distance from Boston: 46 miles
• Where to Stay: Fairfield Inn by Marriott Amesbury

If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Boston to take during the gorgeous autumn months, look no further than the quaint town of Amesbury, Massachusetts.

Amesbury is home to one of the most popular orchards in Massachusetts — Cider Hill Farm . Cider Hill is a great place to go apple picking, and on the weekends, they have food trucks and a hard cider bar! They also grow peaches, pumpkins, and berries during other times of the year. Plus, there’s an adorable Farm Store on-site where you can pick up local goods, including tasty cider doughnuts!

Although you could spend most of the day at Cider Hill, Amesbury offers plenty more for visitors to do. You can take a walk in the picturesque Maudslay State Park , try a local brew at Barewolf Brewing , or grab a bite to eat in Downtown Amesbury at Flatbread .

It’s Time to Hit the Road!

Which of these best day trips from Boston sounds the most appealing to you? Let me know in the comments below. If you can’t choose just one—I don’t blame you! I couldn’t either.

Pin the Best Day Trips from Boston for Your New England Vacation!

About the Author

Brittany Sawyer

Hi, I'm Brit! I'm a writer from Phoenix, AZ who loves coffee, golden retriever puppies, and obviously, travel! I help ordinary women (like me!) dream, plan, and do extraordinary travel experiences.

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10 Best Day Trips from Boston by Train 2024 (Using the MBTA Weekend Pass)

Looking for day trips from boston by train here are 10 amazing options to explore.

One of the best things about Boston and its surrounding areas is that you don’t really need a car to get around, which was made possible by the MBTA and its commuter rail. 

For adventurers like us, the MBTA weekend pass opens up options for numerous day trips from Boston to many towns and cities without needing to own or rent a car. 

I partnered with my friends Daphne and Larry from Our French Travels who have lived in Boston for over 3 years and have deep knowledge of the city to share about their favorite getaways from Boston by train! 

Let’s jump in! 

Day Trips from Boston by Train

10 best day trips from boston by train.

In 2018 the MBTA unveiled a $10 unlimited commuter rail pass. It was initially a pilot program for the summer, but it was so successful the MBTA made it a permanent weekend offering. Now we can all take advantage of inexpensive day trips from Boston by train.

After living several years in Boston and exploring its many neighborhoods , we decided to take on some exploring of the local areas. These day trips vary from cities to coastal towns to the countryside. 

✅ Download the MBTA Weekend Pass to Your Phone.

Salem is known for its 17th-century witch trials. Nowadays the whole town likes to lean into the witchy vibes, which is why October is the most fun time to visit Salem! 

The whole town is dressed up and they have a month-long festival, which is hosted in the town center. 

There are many museums that will teach you about the very real witch history of Salem, especially the Salem Witch Museum . Salem has more to offer than just witches, though!

Situated on the water, you can take a stroll along the shore. About 1.5 miles off the peninsula there’s a fun arcade.

Salem Willows Park is a great place to spend time. You’ll find many vendors selling comfort food walking around and it’s perfect for a picnic by the water. 

The town center is about 3 blocks from the Commuter Rail Station with the most stores, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll also find many guided walking tours like this History and Hauntings of Salem one!

>> Check availability for the History and Hauntings of Salem Walking Tour! <<

• Best times to visit: October is the best time of year to visit Salem. The whole town dresses up for Halloween. Every weekend there is a festival and many different spooky tours.
• How to get there: take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Newburyport or Rockport
• Train station in Boston: North Station
• Distance: 30 minutes

2. Providence (RI)

The capital city of Rhode Island is a quick train ride over from Boston. The Commuter Rail station drops you off in the middle of downtown and has extensive public bus transportation though the city is very walkable. Just be prepared for some hills.

There is a river that runs through the middle of Providence. For a quick day trip from Boston by train, Providence has a lot going on to spend the whole day.

A fun thing to do in Providence is a narrated boat tour . This is a great way to learn more about the history and architecture of Providence.

>> Check availability for the Providence Narrated Boat Tour! <<

In the river, you’ll see the metal containers that are used for the WaterFire event.

WaterFire is probably one of the most famous things about Providence. This event generally kicks off in April. The “braziers” or metal containers with wood are lit up. 

Music is played in the background and a group of people in black cloaks light up each brazier. It is a little creepy, but a beautiful sight of the river. These events bring together the community with vendors, locals, and tourists. 

Some other favorite things we enjoy in Providence are the 10,000 Suns sunflower field in the summer, walking up to Brown University , and wandering through Providence Athenaeum , which is free for visitors.

Like Boston , Providence has many great places to eat. Some of our favorite places to eat are New Rivers, Dune Brothers, Al Forno (a great romantic place), and Hot Club . 

• Best time to visit: Spring or Fall. Since you’ll be walking around a lot I’d avoid going when the weather is too hot or too cold.
• How to get there: take the Providence/Stoughton line towards Wickford Junction; get off at Providence
• Train station in Boston: South Station, Back Bay, Ruggles
• Distance: 1 hour

This is my second favorite town near Boston. The number one thing to do once you exit the train is to go to Bedford Farms Ice Cream for a nice large ice cream before walking into town. 

Concord offers a lot of history. Many famous writers spent time here and are buried here. 

Once you’ve hit up Bedford Farms ice cream, there are great options for things to do in Concord. 

• Walden Pond: Walden Pond is a great place to spend a hot summer day. 
• Minute Man National Historical Park: The first battles of the American Revolution were fought in Lexington and Concord. Minute Man National Historical Park preserves this history.

>> Be sure to check out the most immersive self-guided walking tour of America’s history! <<

• Old North Bridge: Old North Bridge is part of the route followed by British Troops to Boston.
• Historic Houses: Many famous writers called Concord their homes such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott. You can visit these! 
• Sleepy Hollow Cemetery: Not only did many famous literary people live in Concord, but many of them are also buried here as well. You can visit their graves at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. 

Check out the free Concord Trolley that can work as your “Hop on Hop off” bus while you’re in Concord. It will take you through the famous sites, houses, and Walden Pond. You can also explore concord by wheels with this bike share service .

Concord has many different walking tours . My personal favorite is the “ Chocolate with a History Twist ” . Given all of Concord’s historical ties to the American Revolution and many literary writers there truly is something for everyone. 

Honestly, one day is not nearly enough time to experience everything Concord has to offer.

• Best time to visit: Spring, Summer, or Fall. Since you’ll be walking around a lot I’d avoid going when the weather is too hot or too cold. But definitely visit Bedford Farms Ice cream.
• How to get there: take the Fitchburg line towards Wachusetts; get off at the Concord station
• Distance: 40 minutes

4. Rockport 

Rockport is my favorite town to visit on a day trip from Boston. Every time my friends and family came over to visit us in Boston, we’d bring them to Rockport. 

This small town found at the end of the Rockport Line is situated right on the water. When you get off the train there is a map right near the exit of the station that shows different painted paths on the sidewalk to downtown. 

The paths are very easy to follow and drop you right downtown, then you can take them back to the commuter rail station when you’re ready to leave. 

Wait until you make it downtown to grab a coffee or a snack. Once you’re on Main St. head to Brother’s Brew Coffee or Beans & Leave Cafe . From here we like to take our coffee to the beaches to enjoy our breakfast. 

Next, explore downtown and see all there is to offer. There are cute candy shops, fresh lobster stands, and an incredible ice cream store on Bearskin Neck. Once you reach the end of the downtown peninsula you can walk on the beach and water break. 

Rockport is not known for its beaches which means that they are generally a lot less crowded than Glouscter or Maine. The beaches are also a little rockier. 

There are lots of kayak, canoe, or sailboat rentals if you prefer to be on the water.

• Best time to visit: Spring or Summer. Being on the coast the fall and winter get very cold and gray plus the majority of restaurants and stores are closed in the off-season.
• How to get there: take the Newburyport/Rockport line towards Rockport
• Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes

5. Worcester

Worcester is the second biggest city in Massachusetts and is well known for its arts and sciences. It’s home to 8 universities and colleges, including UMass Medical School and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Places to visit include the Worcester Art Museum , with more than 35,000 works of art. The Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall both have regular shows worth visiting. 

For history lovers like us, the Worcester History Museum is all about the history of the area. There’s also the EcoTarium which is a mixture of a museum and a zoo. 

Since it’s a big city, Worcester has a great transportation network so you don’t need a car to get around. The MBTA commuter rail station is right in the middle of the city with a bus station across the street.

• Best time to visit: Any time really. Stuff to do indoors all year round, and a great transportation network will get you there without a lot of walking outside
• How to get there: take the Worcester line toward Worcester

6. Wachusett

Wachusett is a perfect place to visit in winter. You get to go to the mountains in just under 2 hours as a day trip from Boston by train. If you like skiing, then this is the trip you want to take. Wachusett is one of the many skiing options available in New England .

In winter there are “ski trains” that head out to Wachusett on the MBTA that has slots for your skis. In summer there’s one that has a slot for bikes.

Wachusett offers a free round-trip winter shuttle from the commuter rail station to the mountain. You get to go skiing without exerting energy to drive. 

In the summer Wachusett has some festivals and food truck roundups. The main problem is in the summer they don’t have a shuttle from the station to the mountain so you’re left needing to get an uber. I would not recommend walking because it is far and steep. 

Not far from the commuter rail station is Great Wolf Lodge. As a fun activity, they allow people to purchase day passes or ½ day passes to enjoy the indoor water park and adventure games.

• Best time to visit: Winter for skiing, fall for leaf peeping, and Summer for hiking
• How to get there: take the Fitchburg line towards Wachusett. This requires a 10-ish minute Uber ride to the mountain. During the Winter there is a shuttle on Saturdays.
• Distance: 1 hour 40 minutes

7. Plymouth

Plymouth most famously is known for Plymouth Rock where the pilgrims arrived at the “New World.” I will say it is a rock and not really interesting.

But since you’re in Plymouth, take a quick photo of it then move on to see the rest that this wonderful town has to offer! 

If you’re particularly interested in the Pilgrims’ history and settlement in Plymouth, head to Plimoth Plantation , a live museum that brings the Pilgrims’ daily life to life.

>> Check availability for Plimoth Plantation! <<

The main street is a little ways away from the commuter rail station. We took an uber because we did not feel up for the walk. On Main street, you’ll find many wonderful local shops, amazing ice cream, and a scenic walk along the bay. 

For such a small town Plymouth is bustling! You’ll find festivals or a museum on seemingly every corner. There are many lovely parks to walk through and stores with boatloads of locally made saltwater taffy. 

One of the things on my bucket list when we moved to Massachusetts was to go to a Cranberry Bog . Plymouth is the place for that! 

The Cranberry Bog Tours picks the group up, brings everyone to the farm, and teaches everyone about cranberries. Wading in a cranberry bog is such a unique opportunity! 

Try it for yourself. 

• Best time to visit: Spring for fewer crowds
• How to get there: Take the Kingston/Plymouth line towards Kingston then take an uber the final way to Plymouth
• Train station in Boston: South Station

8. Lawrence

Located just below the New Hampshire border, Lawrence is a growing city with lots of fun activities. 

The first stop should be Heav’ly Donut for some incredible donuts. After you’ve gotten your fill of incredible sweets, head to the Canal Street Antique Mall for some exploring. You could spend hours wandering the aisles of all the incredible treasures there. 

The city is also known for its incredible building-sized murals, ranging from the music legends mural to the Food for the World mural . Primarily you’ll find these on Essex Street, but you’ll be surprised to find them all over the city. 

Lawrence is definitely a city you can spend a few hours exploring, from restaurants to the arts and culture scene. 

The city is pretty spread out, but there is a bus system that will help you get around the city. The MBTA Station is centrally located, so there is a lot that you can get to just by walking as well. 

• Best time to visit: A good town to visit year-round
• How to get there: Take the Haverhill line
• Train station in Boston : North Station

9. Newburyport

The MBTA Commuter rail station is situated right on the Clipper City Trail. This 1.1-mile trail connects from the Merrimack River to downtown. Newburyport is located on the water.

Massachusetts is known for having whale migrations between May through October. 

There are at least 3 kinds of whales and a variety of different sea animals. This whale-watching tour takes you from downtown Newburyport through the Merrimack river into the Gulf of Maine on a 149-passenger ship. 

Joppa Flats Education Center teaches students all about wildlife in Massachusetts. This center offers summer activities for adults and children alike. It has helped band, research, and aid over 36,000 birds. 

My favorite festival in Newburyport is the Old Christmas Tree Bonfire . After Christmas is over the Newburyport firefighters will collect Christmas trees. The trees are piled high and then set on fire. 

There are vendors selling hot chocolate and marshmallows. It is cold before the fire is set, but then quickly warms up. This is a fundraiser for the Volunteer Fire Department so there is a small fee to enter.

• Best time to visit: Fall for the whale watching
• How to get there: Take the Newbury/Rockport line towards Newburyport

10. Hyannis

While this stop is not on the Weekend Commuter Rail pass it is definitely a must-visit. From Memorial day through Labor day, you can head to Cape Cod on the CapeFlyer . On weekends a round-trip ticket can be $20. 

The mile-long Main street in Hyannis has 120 shops and restaurants, 3 museums, and some lovely beaches. One of the main attractions is to take a tour of the local glass factory, Sandwich Glass Museum . 

Though you may have taken many MBTA train rides from Boston, check out the scenic historic train ride in Hyannis. Cape Train has many themed rides with stunning views.

The day trip from Boston by train to Hyannis is longer than other trips, but it is by far one of the most scenic. Cape Cod is what Massachusetts is known for and is where many people spend their summer. Expect it to be busy in the summer and mostly closed in winter. 

Hyannis is the “beginning” of the Cape which is formally known to include Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. For a longer trip onto the Cape, you can take a ferry from Hyannis to the islands. 

• Best time to visit: Summer
• How to get there: Take the CapeFlyer
• Train station in Boston : South Station, Braintree, or Brockton
• Distance: 2 hours 20 minutes

How to Take Day Trips from Boston by Train

What is the MBTA Weekend Pass?

Back in the summer of 2018, the commuter rail of Boston launched a pilot weekend pass program. This meant that for $10 you had unlimited rides on the commuter rail on Saturday and Sunday. This was a game-changer.

Typically the commuter rail fares are between $4.60-$26.50 round trip depending on the zone. Each leg of the trip has its own variable cost which makes exploring towns along the route very expensive.

After such a successful pilot, the MBTA decided to make weekend passes a permanent option! Now you can purchase the ticket on the mTicket app and enjoy a weekend of hop-on hop-off train exploration!

How Much Does the MBTA Weekend Pass Cost?

The MBTA Commuter weekend pass costs $10. Keep in mind that this is only for the commuter rail. 

The regular MBTA system does not have a discounted weekend price and those will remain the same. If you need to take the train from your local station to North or South Station that is additional to the $10 unlimited pass.

The local subway is $2.40 one way and the bus is $1.70 one way. There is a free transfer from the subway to the bus.

How to Use the MBTA Weekend Pass

Using the ticket is very simple! You can either download the mTicket app to get your ticket or purchase your ticket at the North and South train stations. 

If you’re not leaving from Boston’s North or South Station, you can purchase the ticket on the train.

Note: Each person in your party will need to download the app to their phone, you cannot have multiple tickets in one app.

After you’re on board and settled, the train conductors will start making their rounds to check the tickets. Activate and show your ticket on the mTicket app or have your physical ticket marked off–don’t worry it’s still for unlimited use.

Personally, we found the app to be the easiest way to travel with the weekend pass. It’s easy to activate, easy to show the conductor, and hard to lose. 

FAQs: Best Day Trips from Boston by Train

When is the best time to take a day trip from boston by train.

Larry and I like to leave on an early commuter train out to our selected location. Since the trains leave Boston and come back on the same track there is a 1-2 hour lag between each time the train leaves Boston. 

By leaving on the first train of the morning, we get to make the most out of the commuter rail’s weekend pass. 

I recommend heading to North or South Station for the 8 AM train out to your destination. If you time it right, you can go to 2-3 places in a day.

Do I need to rent a car when taking a day trip from Boston?

Definitely not! All these towns and cities are very walkable. You can explore easily and let the MBTA Commuter Rail do the transportation while you enjoy the scenery. 

If you have more time, take a 10-day road trip from Boston to Portland, Maine !

Is the train ride from Boston scenic?

Absolutely! The routes can take you along the bay for some beautiful ocean views. Some other routes take you through Massachusetts through forests and peaceful rolling hills. Not only do you get to spend your day trip from Boston in a new place but you get to go by train.

Final thoughts: Best Day Trips from Boston by Train

Boston is a fun city, but the fact that it is centrally located in New England means that there are lots of places easily accessible to visitors. Not only are there many road trips to take , but Boston makes it easy to visit the area by train. 

Massachusetts is dotted with wonderful small towns and cities that are worth visiting. You can really explore so much of Massachusetts when you use the MBTA commuter pass for $10 on unlimited trips for 48 hours.

Ready to get started on your day trip? Check out these travel essentials to make your day trip smooth!

About the Authors: Daphne & Larry French are the married couple writing for Our French Travels . They lived in Boston for over 3 years and share a love of travel. They have collectively traveled to over 70 cities.

More related content:

• 10 day New England Road Trip Itinerary (Portland to Boston Drive)
• The Perfect 3-Day Portland, Maine Itinerary
• Best Travel Products

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My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources

Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page .

• Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
• For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
• When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
• For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas .
• Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
• Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars . They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
• Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
• Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio .
• Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa .
• Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire .
• Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
• Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide .
• Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze !
• Tech : Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
• Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
• What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack . For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.

Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

How to Spend One Perfect Day in Boston, MA (Itinerary + Tips!)

Boston is one of our absolute favorite cities in the USA, and luckily, even one day in Boston, MA is enough to get an overview of what makes the city so special!

We once spent a delightful summer living in Boston, and return visits have continued to leave us increasingly enchanted with the city.

With its gorgeous architecture, deep ties to American history, and impressive walkability, Boston is incredibly fun to explore, whether you have a mere 24 hours in Boston or months to uncover Beantown’s best attractions.

We designed this one day Boston itinerary to help you discover as many of the city’s highlights as possible in a single day–all of which are found along a walkable route!

The famous Freedom Trail, the charming North End (also known as Boston’s Little Italy), stately Beacon Hill, and the bustling Market District are all touched on here, and our hope is that you say goodbye to Boston already excited to plan your next visit.

Here’s how to see the best of Boston in a day!

Table of Contents

The Perfect One Day in Boston Itinerary

What about the freedom trail, where to stay in boston, ma, more than 24 hours in boston, getting around during one day in boston, quick tips for seeing boston in a day, read more about visiting boston (and new england), your one day boston itinerary map.

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Start your morning in the Boston Public Garden.

The Boston Public Garden is one of our favorite places in the city and the perfect place to kick off your day in Boston.

The garden is quiet and beautiful, and it’s a great place to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a bit of peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.

With only 24 hours in Boston (or less, if you’re planning a day trip to Boston) you don’t need to spend long here, but it’s worth stopping by and makes a convenient starting point.

Be sure to check out the Make Way for Ducklings Statue, put in place for the famous children’s book that features Boston, while you’re there! If you’d like to enjoy views of the Public Garden from the water, the swan paddle boats in the garden’s pond are famously inexpensive at $3.00/ride.

Stroll through the Boston Common and enjoy views of the Massachusetts State House.

Located right next door to the Public Garden, the Boston Common is the heart and soul of the city.

Established in 1634, it’s the oldest public park in the USA–though the surroundings are quite a bit different than they were back in the 17th century!

Today, the Common is extremely centrally located, and within a few minutes walk from here you can be in Beacon Hill, in Back Bay, at the Massachusetts State House, in the Theater District, shopping at Downtown Crossing (where you’ll find all the standard chain stores), or exploring a piece of American history (which, of course, the Boston Common itself also is).

The park is gorgeous to walk through–be sure to take in plenty of views of the gold-domed Massachusetts State House while you’re there!

Meander through Beacon Hill, one of the prettiest places to visit in Boston.

Located directly north of the Boston Common (more or less behind the state house), Beacon Hill is widely considered one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Boston and is my personal favorite to explore.

This is where you’ll find the Boston that you see on postcards: redbrick mansions, black shutters, a cobblestone path or two, tree-lined streets.

We recommend walking from Boston Common up to Louisburg Square, which boasts some of the most prestigious addresses in Boston (former Secretary of State John Kerry lives here).

From there, take a quick stroll to Acorn Street to take advantage of one of Boston’s most photogenic spots.

Just be sure to be cognizant of the residents as you snap photos!

Beacon Hill is a very residential neighborhood, and while photos and admirers are generally welcome, blocking doorways and climbing stoops is not.

Stop by Park Street Church and the Granary Hill Burying Ground.

After enjoying a bit of time in Beacon Hill, head back down to Boston Common and pay a visit to the Park Street Church and Granary Burying Ground, which are located right next door to the Common.

While you can see the bulk of the cemetery from the street, it’s a shady, peaceful spot, and worth a quick peek inside (only a quick one, though: this one day Boston itinerary features a somewhat outsized number of burying grounds).

As you step inside, you’ll notice a large monument with a very familiar name in Granary Burying Ground!

Benjamin Franklin’s parents are buried here, and a monument to the family is erected toward the center of the cemetery.

Visit King’s Chapel and Burying Ground.

The King’s Chapel is my favorite church in Boston to go inside–not because it is ornate, but because it is so unusual among US churches.

Built originally as an Anglican Church in the 18th century, the church has enclosed “boxes” instead of rows of pews.

Originally, prominent families who were members of the church would have a box of their own that they would sit in each Sunday.

The King’s Chapel still has an active congregation–but these days, instead of Anglicans, Unitarians call the chapel home.

Sample the original Boston Creme Pie at the Omni Parker House.

Think you need to make a reservation and sit down to a meal to eat the original Boston Creme Pie?

You definitely don’t!

The Omni Parker House has a small shop on the first floor selling the delicious cakes, and stopping to pick one up is a great way to sample the flavor without eating up too much of your one day in Boston (pun intended).

If you want to also try the original Parker House rolls (which are, in fact, delicious), then consider following in the footsteps of Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and many more by planning a meal ( or even an overnight stay ) at the Omni Parker House as well.

Stop to admire the Old Corner Bookstore.

The former home of Anne Hutchinson has acted as a bookstore, an apothecary, a private home, a Boston Globe souvenir shop, a diamond store, and now a Chipotle: talk about evolution!

The building is still worth a nod as you go by, though (and is officially part of the Freedom Trail, despite its concurrent status as a place to grab a burrito).

The Old Corner Bookstore also happens to be set right across from the Irish Famine Memorial–a striking statue worth taking a look at during your day visiting Boston.

Pay a visit to the Old State House and the site of the Boston Massacre.

As the oldest surviving public building in Boston, the Old State House has seen more than its fair share of American history!

This building was once the seat of the colonial government, then became the seat of the Massachusetts state government, and eventually Boston City Hall.

And, of course, it was the site of an important moment in the American Revolution: the Boston Massacre, which is commemorated with a plaque in the exact location of the altercation.

The Old State House has been a museum since the 19th century, after more than 100 years in public service and a brief stint as a commercial building.

As you wander your way through Boston on your way to the Old State House, be sure to note the Old South Meeting House along the way!

Head to the Boston Market District to browse (and snack).

The Market District is easily one of the most iconic places to visit in Boston, and a must-see when sampling Boston in a day!

Made up of several markets that are found in very close proximity to each other, there have been markets operating in this area since at least 1743.

Starting with the most famous (though not necessarily the best place to shop), keep an eye out for:

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Made up of closely located Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, South Market, and North Market, this is the heart of Boston’s historic market district.

It’s also one of the most touristy places in the USA, comparably with places like Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco or Navy Pier in Chicago .

It’s definitely worth stopping by this historic spot during your day in Boston, but we wouldn’t recommend spending long here (and based on the usual levels of crowds, you probably won’t want to).

Boston Public Market

Looking to purchase some New England specialties, whether to devour immediately or to take home as souvenirs?

Boston Public Market is the perfect spot for that: featuring exclusively New England-based products and companies, you can pick up anything from produce to donuts to crafts here.

This is one of my favorite spots in Boston–and not just because of how good the ice cream is!

If you’re lucky enough to have your 24 hours in Boston overlap with a Friday or Saturday, be sure to swing by Haymarket (located right in front of the Boston Public Market) to check out a fabulous farmer’s market!

Pause at the New England Holocaust Memorial.

Right in between the Boston Public Market/Haymarket area and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace sits the sobering New England Holocaust Memorial.

It takes very little time to walk through–no line, no entrance fee–but is absolutely worth taking a moment to slow down and appreciate.

Make your way into the North End for some sightseeing.

Boston’s North End (also known as “Little Italy”, though you won’t catch a local calling it that) is the oldest neighborhood in Boston and a fascinating sort of place.

Once a neighborhood popular with Italian immigrants, today it is more popular with tourists thanks to its beautiful architecture, many historic sights, dozens of restaurants, and famous pastry shops.

Here are a few things to be sure to check out when visiting the North End!

Paul Revere House

The oldest remaining building in downtown Boston once belonged to none other than Paul Revere!

Whether you head inside for a tour as part of your one day Boston itinerary, or simply admire the facade as you stroll by, be sure to note this piece of American history sitting in the North End.

Old North Church

And speaking of Paul Revere…

The whole “one if by land, two if by sea” story?

That lantern was said to have been hung here, at the Old North Church (which also happens to be the oldest church in Boston that is still standing today).

You’ll find a statue of Paul Revere on his horse nearby as well.

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground + The Spite House

Boston’s second-oldest cemetery holds more than 1200 marked graves that include plenty of notable burials from the colonial era… but that’s not the only reason to visit.

Right across the street from Copp’s Hill Burying Ground sits the Spite House (also known as the Skinny House), which is home to one of my favorite Boston stories.

As the story goes, two brothers inherited land from their father.

While one was away serving in the American Civil War, the other brother built a large home, taking over part of the soldier’s inheritance.

When the soldier returned home, he built the “Spite House”–incredibly skinny, and yet incredibly effective at blocking his brother’s view.

The legitimacy of the story is somewhat questionable, but it’s a classic Boston tale.

Enjoy an Italian-American dinner in the North End.

While the North End is indisputably touristy today, it still serves up incredible Italian-American food… if you know where to look.

Like many iconic neighborhoods around the world, you’ll find a mix of mediocre-to-terrible tourist traps and delicious restaurants here, so it’s imperative to check reviews before sitting down!

We have loved our experiences at both Ristorante Euno and Tresca (pictured below: everything was delicious, but their house special of chicken parm made with vodka sauce was a standout!).

Not in the mood for Italian-American food?

I can’t say I understand, but you do have options!

The Bell in Hand Tavern (the burger is one of my favorites) and the Union Oyster House are both Boston classics that you can find nearby, and Neptune Oyster is another excellent option (I’m not an oyster fan and found plenty of tasty options when visiting).

More into ambiance than anything and not ready to hang up your sightseeing hat?

A scenic dinner cruise on the Boston Harbor might be right for you!

Book your dinner cruise on the Boston Harbor today!

… and some classic pastries for dessert!

If you’ve heard one thing about eating dessert (and specifically cannoli) in the North End, it’s probably about how delicious Mike’s Pastry is.

If you’ve heard two things, it’s probably that Modern Pastry is better and more “unknown”.

Here’s what we can tell you firsthand: Modern Pastry is tasty (though it’s no longer unknown and getting more popular every day), and the line at Mike’s Pastry is always too long for us to bother with (though we’ve heard from others it dies down sometimes–if you visit in the winter, you might get lucky!).

Looking for something slightly further off the beaten path?

We found the beautiful Caffé Vittoria thanks to my stepmom (a Boston local of 30 years) and it’s now our go-to pastry spot in the North End, with great prices, a beautiful interior, and delicious desserts.

If you know of one attraction in Boston, it’s probably the Freedom Trail.

This famous 2.5-mile sightseeing trail covers 16 historical sights related to American history in Boston and it is easily (and deservedly!) one of the most popular things to do in the city.

So don’t worry–it’s definitely on the list!

In fact, the vast majority of the  16 sights on the Freedom Trail  are covered as part of this one day Boston itinerary, including the Boston Common, Park Street Church, King’s Chapel, Faneuil Hall, every historical sight I discuss in the North End, and more.

By following this Boston itinerary, you’ll spend quite a bit of time walking the Freedom Trail, and you’ll have tons of opportunities to check out the brick markings that denote where it leads!

Rather than simply list something so vague and malleable as part of the itinerary, though, we wanted to be sure to give specific suggestions.

After all, the trail can be seen in any order and doesn’t need to be seen all at once!

With only 24 hours in Boston, you likely won’t be able to tour the interior of each building, but you’ll see them from the outside and can pick and choose which ones to enter.

With only 24 hours in Boston, we recommend staying somewhere close to a Boston T (metro) stop that is near the center of the action.

The North End is a tempting option, but it is fairly difficult to get in and out of.

Back Bay or the Historic Downtown area along the Freedom Trail are both ideal places to stay.

The Theatre District (near Downtown Crossing and Chinatown) is another solid option with a great central location.

If budget is an issue, you may need to go a bit further out. That’s not a problem–just make sure you’re within walking distance of a T stop!

For budget travelers not willing to sacrifice on location, the HI Boston Hostel is a great option.

Mid-range travelers will love the location (and breakfast) at the Boston Park Plaza .

Want access to a kitchenette in your room? Copley House features some studios and apartments!

For travelers looking to splurge, the Boston Omni Parker House Hotel has it all: history, a prime location on the Freedom Trail, plenty of ambiance, and of course, the original Parker House rolls and Boston cream pie served right on-site.

Check rates & book your stay in Boston today!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 24 hours in Boston, it’s safe to say that you absolutely will not run out of things to do!

With a full weekend in Boston or more, the first things we’d recommend adding on would be plenty of time exploring the neighborhood of Back Bay, getting out on the water with a whale-watching cruise or harbor cruise , and visiting at least one museum.

Boston is chock full of world-class museums, but you can’t go wrong with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (the Venetian-style building alone is worth a visit, and the museum is famously the victim of a heist ), the Museum of Science, or the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum (especially if you’re visiting Boston with kids, but it’s fun for all ages).

Other fun things to do in Boston include visiting Fenway (or even attending a Red Sox game), saying hello to the penguins at the New England Aquarium, or digging into some of Boston’s hidden gems and visiting quirky attractions like the Mapparium (one of the most memorable maps we’ve ever laid eyes on!).

If you’d like to complete the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Memorial are both a bit further from the city center than the attractions covered in this one day Boston itinerary, but they’re well worth a visit!

And, while it doesn’t make sense with only 24 hours in Boston, if you are staying longer and checking out some of the above attractions, be sure to price out a Boston Go Card to see if it can save you money on your trip!

Here’s our full guide to 55 cool things to do in Boston.

Thanks in large part to the fact that Boston’s historic core was built long before horseless carriages took over the roadways, the best things to do with a day in Boston are found surprisingly close together!

This entire one day in Boston itinerary is found along a walkable route that takes about an hour in total to cover, though that depends highly on how much you meander in places like the Boston Common and Beacon Hill (and meandering is truly one of the best parts of visiting Boston).

Walking doesn’t appeal?

If so, the wildly popular Boston Duck Tour or a Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour might be right for you.

If you want to trim just some walking, or need an efficient way to get back to your hotel at the end of the night, Boston’s subway system (the T) has several stops near this route that you can take advantage of.

If you’re driving into the city for the day, there’s a very convenient parking garage right under the Boston Common that will deliver you more or less right to the starting point of this Boston itinerary.

Alternatively, you could park in a garage outside the city center and take one of the commuter rails into the city (less convenient, but generally less expensive and allows you to avoid driving into the city center).

Pick and choose your indoor attractions (weather permitting).

This itinerary for Boston mentions several buildings-turned-small-museums that don’t take long to step inside individually, but add up to eat up a decent chunk of your day (and in the case of some, your wallet).

For places like the King’s Chapel, Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere’s House, etc., we’re assuming that you’ll see each from the outside as you walk the Freedom Trail, and pick and choose which to enter based on your personal sightseeing style.

And, you may be more inclined to spend more time inside museums on a winter day than a summer one!

Tickets generally run between $5 and $15 per adult for each attraction.

Some Freedom Trail attractions, like Faneuil Hall , the Boston Common, and the burying grounds, are free to visit.

Don’t want to walk? Consider a Duck Tour.

Cheesy? Yes.

Entertaining? Absolutely.

Boston’s Duck Tours are famous for the unmistakable truck-slash-boat contraptions that they cart tourists around in by both land and sea, and they’re very popular with visitors of all ages.

Corniness aside, if you’re looking for an excellent way to get an overview of Boston’s most famous sights and history without too much walking, a Duck Tour might be the right choice for you!

The tours do sell out, especially in the summer, so be sure to book in advance if you want to make a Duck Tour part of your 24 hour Boston itinerary!

Book your duck tour in Boston today!

… but wandering is at least half the fun.

I truly can’t overstate this enough: Boston is one of the absolute best cities in the US to explore on foot (personally, I’d say Savannah is the other city closest to its level, with places like New York , Charleston , and New Orleans also ranking extremely close).

If you arrive in Boston with dry weather and no mobility issues, wear your most comfortable shoes and spend the day hitting the pavement!

You’ll see and experience much more on foot in Boston than you would any other way, and hopefully have a lot of fun as you do.

Keep the season in mind.

Boston is an extremely seasonal destination, with sightseeing crowds peaking in the summer and fall (when the fall foliage is at its best in New England, the crowds are plentiful in Boston).

… but Boston can be enjoyed year-round.

Summer and fall may be most popular, but there are benefits to visiting Boston year-round… as long as you’re willing to bundle up!

Winter, while cold and dark, is a much less crowded time to spend a day in Boston (and it’s much easier on the wallet).

Spring brings temperamental weather, but increasingly longer days and the fun of watching the city wake up.

With a big enough coat and thick enough boots, we’d be happy to visit Boston year-round.

Make your dinner reservations in advance.

This itinerary for Boston in a day suggests having dinner in Boston’s famous North End… and while the experience is absolutely worth it, you don’t want to show up without a reservation!

The neighborhood’s restaurant scene is incredibly popular, and without planning ahead, you may end up finding yourself without a table–or worse, at a tourist trap restaurant rather than a delicious one.

Same-day or next-day reservations are generally all that’s needed on weekdays and/or if you’re willing to eat on the early or late side, but ideally, it’s best to plan at least a couple of days in advance (or longer if you’re heading out on a summer Saturday night and are hoping to nab a table at a trendy new place).

Planning a trip to Boston soon, and want to keep reading?

You can browse all of our 100+ USA blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 55 Best Things to Do in Boston (+ Travel Tips!)
• 21 Best Places to Visit in New England
• 17 Fun Weekend Getaways from Boston
• 15 Amazing Things to Do in Acadia National Park
• 15 Wicked Fun Quotes About Boston

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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A New England Traveler’s Guide to Paris, France

What’s left to say about a city that has it all? Turns out, quite a lot in 2024.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

Setting out at sunset on the Seine. / Photo by Prasit Rodphan/Alamy Stock Photo

Few cities in the world instantly entice the senses and inspire the soul like Paris. Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, the Marais—this roll call of enchanting neighborhoods conjures images of quaint sidewalk cafés, verdant gardens, exquisite museums, intimate restaurants, and sun-splashed rooftops. With the Olympics beginning later this summer, the cosmopolitan capital has never looked more vibrant and prepared to welcome visitors. Wait, the French…welcoming? Indeed, even the Seine has undergone a massive cleaning and is set to host aquatic events, mon dieu! Whether you want to witness the Games or visit before the crowds start flowing in, there are a wealth of new attractions, restaurants, and hotels at the ready to experience the “City of Light” like never before.

The Louvre on a sunny day. / Photo by Bruce Beck/Alamy Stock Photo

One of the city’s newest—and most offbeat—attractions is Maison Gainsbourg , a Left Bank museum showcasing the provocative work of famed French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg (add on a visit to his historic house across the street for the full experience). To admire another lesser-known gem, head for Île Saint-Louis , the smaller of the two islands on the Seine. Here you’ll find narrow streets lined with 17th-century buildings featuring elaborate façades and quiet courtyards that offer a glimpse into the Paris of yesteryear. Stopping at Berthillon , which has been serving delicious ice cream since 1954, is a must. Prefer to actually get on the water? Try water skiing or wakeboarding on the river—yes, that’s really a thing—just outside of the city with the Ski Nautique Club .

If you still need to scratch some of the city’s most iconic sights off your bucket list, fear not. Several legendary spots are reopening their doors this year, including the Grand Palais : An architectural masterpiece originally built for the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition will once again host the arts, as well as some Olympic competitions. Speaking of comebacks, Notre Dame Cathedral , which tragically burned in 2019, is set to reopen later this year after a painstaking $900 million-plus renovation.

No French sojourn would be complete without a stroll through the legendary Louvre , of course, but we recommend at least a few hours at the Musée d’ Orsay as it celebrates the 150th birthday of impressionism with an immersive new exhibit, “Tonight with the Impressionists.” Don a virtual reality headset to step back in time to 1874 and witness one of the first exhibitions of the movement featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne.

Strolling the Rue des Francs Bourgeois. / Photo by Lana Rastro/Alamy Stock Photo

On the Right Bank, the Marais is where you can find trendy boutiques lining the Rue des Francs Bourgeois . To seek out the best bargains, peruse the network of stalls, alleys, and showrooms at the Marché aux Puces , open on weekends and Mondays. It covers close to 20 acres and is one of the oldest flea markets in the world.

A Thai crèpe from Restaurant Thiou in Hôtel Norman. / Photo by Yann Deret

Tempting bistros are seemingly around every corner, but why not sample a bit of everything at the new gastronomic hall Communale Saint-Ouen ? This is no ordinary food court—Parisians gather here to listen to live music; sample street food, pastries, and cheeses; and sip fine wine and craft beers. For a more romantic atmosphere, slide into a booth at Le Christine , where chef Mehdi Bencheikh’s inspiring menu features creative French cuisine. Or take it to the next level at Dans Le Noir , which offers a truly unique experience: dining in almost complete darkness. When it’s time for a nightcap, the elegant Bar Hemingway remains a popular haunt, just as it was for F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A plush room at Hôtel Norman. / Photo © MrTripper

Just a short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe, the new Hôtel Norman is a boutique property conceived by architect Thomas Vidalenc. Ideal for couples or families, amenities at the intimate 37-room hotel include the Spa by Omnisens and Restaurant Thiou, which serves up sumptuous Thai dishes from the legendary Parisian chef Apiradee Thirakomen. La Fantaisie is another new boutique property, this one with a rooftop bar, café, and 63 tastefully appointed rooms and 10 suites—many offering breathtaking views of the bustling Montmartre and the city beyond.

GETTING THERE

Nonstop flights from Boston to Paris are available on several carriers, including Air France, Delta, and JetBlue.

First published in the print edition of the May 2024 issue with the headline, “Paris, France.”

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Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary 30th Anniversary Tour 2024 (Boston) | Big Night Live

Get ready to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sunny Day Real Estate's iconic album "Diary" at Big Night Live on May 12, 2024. The venue, located at 110 Causeway Street, Boston, MA, 02114, will host this special event where fans can enjoy live performances of classic hits like "In Circles" and "Song About an Angel". The setlist will also include other beloved tracks such as "Shadows" and "Sometimes". Tickets for Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary 30th Anniversary Tour go on sale starting January 26, 2024, at 3:00 PM and will be available until May 13, 2024, at 1:00 AM. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Sunny Day Real Estate live on stage as they take you on a nostalgic journey through their timeless music. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets early to ensure you don't miss out on this unforgettable night of music and memories.

Provided by Oakley | Published Apr 26, 2024

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14+ Day Trips in Massachusetts With Kids

I t’s a small state, but my home state of Massachusetts is filled with family-friendly activities. From the historic attractions in Boston and Plymouth to the beaches on Cape Cod and the Islands, there’s so much to do. Whether you are visiting Massachusetts on its own, or as a part of a larger New England vacation, here are great day trips in Massachusetts with kids.

We’ve experienced a few of these things at no cost for review. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Things to Do in Massachusetts With Kids

You can’t talk about places to visit in Massachusetts without leading off with the capital city of Boston. Boston is filled with family activities and is one of the best places to visit if you are hoping to see historical sites. You can even choose to stay in Boston and take various day trips from Boston as well as explore the city.

To get an overview of the sites of Boston, consider the popular Duck Boats (book in advance – they sell out!) as well as the trolley tours. This can be a good way to see everything quickly and get a good understanding of the history of Boston.

There are also several great museums to visit in Boston. For younger kids, the Boston Children’s Museum offers so many fabulous hands-on exhibits as well as a large climbing feature that’s perfect for burning off energy. Visit early in the day for lower crowd levels, because it definitely can get busy.

There are other fantastic museums in Boston. These include the New England Aquarium, the Boston Museum of Science , and the Boston Museum of Fine Art. All have elements that kids would enjoy.

Our favorite of these is the Museum of Science because there are so many different hands-on things for kids to do. Stay for an IMAX or planetarium show, and you’ll be there for most of the day. The museum also features traveling and interactive exhibits. It’s a great place to learn about science and have fun and there’s something for kids of all ages.

The New England Aquarium, located on the Boston Waterfront, offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits focused on marine life. It also features an IMAX theater offering nature-themed movies.

The Boston Museum of Fine Art is probably best for older kids. In addition to the art galleries, there is also a popular mummy exhibit that kids enjoy. They do have some kids’ programming throughout the year, so check their website for details.

If you are interested in history, be sure to walk the Freedom Trail. You can book a walking tour, or walk it on your own.

A walking tour is a great option for families looking to learn more about the history of the Freedom Trail. There’s also the Tea Party Museum and the USS Constitution along with other historic sites. Here’s one walking tour that can be booked in advance .

For theater and culture, you can see a show from the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall or a play/musical in the theater district. Several theaters rotate touring productions of national shows.

Local productions, including the Blue Man Group, are also available. There’s also the A.R.T. in Cambridge which offers shows (sometimes pre-Broadway) on a regular basis. There are also several live music venues.

In the summer, you’ll want to spend some time on the water. There are several different boat tours on the Boston Harbor that you can take, including whale watches and the thrilling Codzilla ride . Or take a trip to the Boston Harbor Islands , where you will get a national park experience right near the city.

Sports fans will definitely want to visit Fenway Park. If you can’t get tickets to see a game, take a tour of the park . This behind-the-scenes experience is perfect for fans of baseball.

You may also want to explore the more iconic areas of Boston, including Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and Faneuil Hall.

If you are planning to visit multiple attractions in Boston, it’s a great idea to purchase a Boston CityPASS. With the CityPASS, you’ll pay for one ticket and then get admission to multiple attractions. Here’s what’s included:

• The New England Aquarium
• The Boston Museum of Science
• Boston Harbor Cruises
• A choice of either the Franklin Park Zoo or the Harvard Museum of Natural History

Visit the CityPASS website to purchase .

See where to stay in Boston with kids here .

Salem, which is famous for the Salem witch trials from the 1600s, is located about 40 minutes outside of Boston on the North Shore and is one of the best day trips from Boston. This city offers waterfront views, shops, restaurants, and historic buildings among the Salem Witch attractions. If you’d like to learn more about the trials, the Salem Witch Museum has staged exhibits.

You’ll also find the acclaimed Peabody Essex Museum art museum right in the center of town, the House of the Seven Gables, the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, and more, just a short walk from the center.

As you’d imagine, Salem comes alive during the month of October for Halloween. While it’s a busy place to visit, there’s so much activity and so many great things to do.

Halloween lovers should definitely include a trip to Salem on their bucket list. Public transportation is offered, or arrive early for the best shot at a good parking spot. It gets extremely busy during the entire month of October. Here are some tours in Salem to book .

See hotels in Salem here .

I absolutely love Rockport, located on Cape Ann. Although I grew up in New England, I only started visiting Rockport a few years ago.

Since then, we’ve been a number of times, in summer and winter. It’s one of my favorite small towns. The entire Cape Ann area is a beautiful spot for a scenic drive, and it’s just a short drive from Boston.

If you visit the Rockport area, you’ll definitely want to go to Bearskin Neck. This neighborhood features shops and restaurants (lots and lots of seafood spots) in a quaint setting. You can park in one of the municipal lots or find on-street parking.

While you are there, you’ll definitely want to take a picture of Motif #1, which is rumored to be the most painted building. This iconic building is a replica of an old fishing shack.

Want to be on the water? You can rent kayaks in Rockport, or drive to neighboring Gloucester to take a whale watch or schooner tour. There are also several sandy beaches in the area worth visiting, including Wingaersheek Beach and Good Harbor Beach.

You can stay in Rockport or Gloucester, or make a day trip from another spot in Massachusetts.

See hotels in Rockport here .

Known as America’s Birthplace, Plymouth is a must-visit for anyone who wants to explore US colonial history. Plymouth is located about 75-90 minutes outside of Boston, towards Cape Cod. It’s a great place to stop either for a day trip as part of a road trip down to Cape Cod .

Once you are there, you’ll want to visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museum . This living history museum features several sections, including the Wampanoag Homesite and the 17th Century English village. It’s definitely worth a visit, especially with kids who are just learning about the colonization of America.

There are several different ticket options, which you can either purchase online or at Plimoth Patuxet. You can choose to visit just the plantation or add on visits to the Grist Mill and/or the waterfront exhibit. The Mayflower II was being restored in Mystic, CT, but is now back home in Plymouth.

Of course, if you are interested in history, you probably won’t want to miss Plymouth Rock. In reality, it’s a pretty small spot and isn’t very exciting. If you are already in the area, you may want to visit just to see it. But there are other better places to visit if you are short on time.

See hotels in Plymouth here .

I could dedicate entire articles to all of the kid-friendly things to do on Cape Cod . It’s truly a full vacation experience, especially in the summer.

Best visited in the summer (or early fall), Cape Cod is filled with quaint shops, clam shacks, and other restaurants, family activities, beaches, and great hotels. One popular attraction is the Cape Cod National Seashore , which is part of the National Park Service. The Cape Cod National Seashore includes beaches all the way to the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown . The beaches in Cape Cod, are some of the best beaches on the East Coast.

When we visit Cape Cod for at least an overnight stay, we like visiting the Sea Crest Beach Hotel , which is located right on Old Silver Beach in Falmouth. It’s perfect for that quintessential family beach experience.

Another great resort option is Ocean Edge Resort , located in Brewster. Ocean Edge offers so many family activities, including special programming during school vacations and holidays. It has many different types of lodging, from rooms to villas.

In addition to beaches, you’ll also find museums such as the Whydah Whaling Museum and the Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich. Mini golf is another popular summer activity, and make sure you get a famous lobster roll at some point on your vacation.

See hotels in Cape Cod here .

Take a ferry from the mainland (or fly in) for a getaway to Nantucket. This island is located about 30 miles from the mainland in Hyannis but feels almost like another country. It’s relatively small, about 47 miles total, but there’s lots to do.

Activities include nature walks, biking, beaches, and shopping. We love the Nantucket Whaling Museum, which offers a view of Nantucket’s history as a whaling city. It’s very busy in the summer, but late spring and early fall can also be a great time to visit.

Ferries do book up during the busy season, so make reservations in advance. Car ferries are available, but we prefer to stay right in town and walk around.

There are several different resort/hotel options on Nantucket, including the White Elephant right in town. See more hotel reviews here .

Martha’s Vineyard

Located about 4 miles from the coast of Cape Cod is Martha’s Vineyard. This island, larger than Nantucket, has several different towns to visit.

It has more activities than Nantucket and is a shorter ferry ride. While you are there, you can visit beaches, shop, eat delicious food, bike, take nature walks, and more.

There are several towns on the island, all with different things to offer. These include Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. Like Nantucket, you can bring your car on the island if you book a car ferry. Because Martha’s Vineyard is pretty big, I’d recommend bringing your car if you’d like to explore the island.

See hotels on Martha’s Vineyard here .

Springfield

Closer to Western Massachusetts is Springfield, Massachusetts. While Springfield isn’t a major tourist city in Massachusetts, it’s home to a few places you may want to check out, either for a day trip or on your drive out of Massachusetts.

In the fall, it hosts the Eastern States Exposition, which is one of the top ten fairs in the country. Taking place over 17 days in the late summer/early fall, the Big E (as it’s called) offers agriculture events, concerts, amusement rides, fun amusement-park food/snacks, and more. It’s fun to visit at least once with your family.

Springfield is also home to the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Dr. Seuss Museum. Basketball lovers should definitely visit the Hall of Fame at least once. It doesn’t take too long to tour, although there are events and activities that also take place there.

Six Flags Over New England is located in nearby Agawam and is open in season. Springfield is located about 2 hours from Boston and three hours and fifteen minutes from New York City.

See hotels in Springfield here .

The Berkshires

The mountainous region in Western Massachusetts is a popular summer vacation destination. You’ll find culture, farming, art, and outdoor activities. In the summer, visit the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home, Tanglewood.

See hotels in the Berkshires here .

Fitchburg is home to the Boston-area Great Wolf Lodge resort. Guests of the resort can enjoy a number of fun kids’ activities including a huge indoor water park, an arcade, and a ropes course, among other activities. You’ll have to stay on the property to use the water park, so plan an overnight stay.

Guests can use the water park on both check-in day and check-out day. See our full Great Wolf Lodge New England Resort here.

Sturbridge MA, located west of Boston, features Old Sturbridge Village. It’s New England’s largest outdoor living history museum. You can learn all about life in the 19th century in New England from various historians throughout the exhibits. If you are headed to New York, Sturbridge is on the way.

Want to learn more about the American Revolution? Travel west of Boston to Concord Massachusetts, where you can visit Minute Man National Historical Park. There are various events offered throughout the year, but you can visit at any time to explore the park. Here are some tours of Concord you can book .

South of Boston, near the Rhode Island border, is Fall River. This waterfront city is home to Battleship Cove, an attraction that offers five historic naval ships, including the USS Massachusetts.

Outside of Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a relatively small state, and some of the best day trips can expand beyond Massachusetts. Options include Newport, Rhode Island, where you can explore the Newport Mansions and the beautiful Cliff Walk, as well as Salem New Hampshire, where you can visit the amusement park Canobie Lake Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

I would recommend staying in Boston. If you want to do a lot of things in one particular area, you may want to drive there and spend one or two nights.

Absolutely, you should have a car. If you are only visiting Boston, you may not need one. But if you are going beyond Boston, you’ll want a car.

Boston’s Logan International Airport is a major airport with many daily flights. It’s likely to be the most convenient airport.

The post 14+ Day Trips in Massachusetts With Kids appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

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The art of a road trip

By MINGYUAN SONG | April 25, 2024

COURTESY OF ALLYSON CHIU

Road trips can be fun, even if it’s on the New Jersey turnpike with big trucks and traffic.

Every college student chases after this arbitrary thing called freedom. To some, it means to study whatever they want. To others, it means to say “screw it” and go to Coachella in the middle of the semester. But for me, it looks more like what Chris McCandless did in Into the Wild — to buy a beat-up car after college, sell everything else he owns and vanish into a long road trip into the wilderness. Well (SPOILER ALERT), maybe minus the dying in Alaska part. 

I haven’t graduated yet and don’t have enough money for a car, nor do I have the courage like McCandless did. I did, however, have a badminton tournament in Boston and needed to drive the team up to the venue. 300 miles on I-95 along industrial New Jersey doesn’t quite compare to a tour of the American Wild West but, at this time of my life, it’s close enough. 

So with the Enterprise vans rented by the school, we set out on our eight-hour trip to rural Massachusetts (I admit, the tournament venue was nowhere close to Boston). However, we didn’t make it very far before stopping at the Safeway near Morgan State University, because, after all, road trips are not complete without a backseat full of snacks.

We had a weekend’s worth of badminton matches ahead of us, so it wasn’t like we could stuff ourselves with junk food — most of our shopping cart was filled with bananas, granola bars, bottled water and Gatorade. But of course, to satiate at least some of our cravings, a bag of assorted fun-size Snickers and purple Doritos made it into the mix. 

The first stop of a road trip is always to get a lot of snacks. 

I had a backup driver, but I genuinely enjoyed the sensation of flying down the Interstate (at less than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, of course) and shooting the bull with my buddy in the passenger seat, so I drove the majority of the eight hours there. It was not without breaks, of course. Being from California, I was originally a bit shocked on my way up to Boston last year when I saw the frequent rest stops every 20 minutes or so. On the West Coast, we were used to stopping at a local town with McDonald’s and gas stations scattered along the highway, not government-funded rest stations. 

They were a pleasant surprise, actually. We stopped at a few on the way up, and each of them were incredibly clean and modern, equipped with an assortment of fast food and coffee chains. The food was terrible — it was obvious that they were just warming frozen chicken tenders in the toaster oven. But at least it was convenient. I didn’t have time to stop for other amenities like the massage chairs, but they are probably not the most sanitary anyway.

I didn’t need the coffee to keep myself awake, despite Vishnu threatening to give me a boring lecture on the physics midterm I had coming up. Instead, we talked about literally everything else, from one person’s journey to his PhD to the other person’s experience living in Indonesia. As it turns out, eight hours is about enough time to learn almost everything about four people’s lives. 

To kill time even further, we played all the classic road trip games: punching each other at the spotting of a yellow car or a Volkswagen Bug, 21 Questions and Contact. My dad always stopped me from playing these games since they would “distract me from driving,” but I’ve only found that they help the car bond. This sounds corny, but the best part of road trips is always the conversations that you have in the car, the stupid games you play to pass time and everything that you learn from each other. The destination always matters less in the end. 

People always look at me weird when I tell them that I don’t have a particular desire to travel internationally. Road trips are just my preferred way to spend my vacations. For my high school senior trip, my best friends and I drove from San Francisco to Oregon, then Idaho and back. And to move into college, my family and I drove from California to Baltimore, passing cities and parts of America that we would never otherwise see. 

Sure, seeing the Eiffel Tower and Machu Picchu and the Sydney Opera House would be cool, but the friendships and the relationships that I get to foster on long drives are so much more valuable to me. My friends and I could’ve flown down to Puerto Rico and gotten drunk like the rest of our high school class, but I cherish the memory of chatting around a campfire and playing a game of chess at sunrise over Crater Lake so much more. 

Of course, to each their own. I don’t judge people on how they spend their vacations, and I hope you don’t judge mine. But I hope that one day, when you and some friends find a weekend with nothing to do, you might think about renting a car and driving away as far as you can. You might be surprised by what you find along the way.

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