24 Best Day Trips from Boston, Massachusetts

Want to go out of Boston for a day? Looking for top destinations to travel to? Here is the list of the best day trips from Boston.

While Bostonians have a lot to do in the metropolis, heading out for the day occasionally allows you to enjoy the many attractions just a stone’s throw away from the city. 

If you want to sit by the beach, Cape Cod is just 70 miles away and can be reached via a bus or a ferry. Those who enjoy history will have a wonderful time in Salem, about an hour’s drive away. Meanwhile, Rhode Island, a little over an hour’s drive away, is the hub of early 20th-century architecture.

You can plan all sorts of day trips from Boston, owing to the city’s convenient location in the New England region. This guide lists the best day trips for couples and solo travelers to add to your Boston itinerary.

Day Trips From Boston, Massachusetts

Explore the Historic Witch Town of Salem, Massachusetts

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Day trips to Salem from Boston are very popular among people who want to get home before nightfall. The city’s folklore about witches and their persecution never ceases to be enticing. Apart from this, Salem also has a lot of other attractions. 

The Peabody Essex Museum showcases the original documents from centuries ago of the witch trials. You can even see a copy of Malleus Maleficarum, a guide for witch hunters. 

The historic downtown area was home to the Salem Witch Trials and features historic homes and buildings. Plus, Salem is just a short drive from downtown Boston.

If you want to get the most out of the city in a day, hop on the Salem Trolley. It goes through the Old Burying Point, Witch Dungeon Museum, House of the Seven Gables, and the Salem Witch Museum. 

You can also ride the trolley at night when it converts into Tales & Tombstones Trolley, revisiting the historical murderers. If you love binge-watching horror movies, this ride will be perfect. 

If it’s too late to return home after the ride, book a vacation rental in the city with Booking.com or VRBO. Did we mention that the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus was filmed in the city?

None of the day trips to Salem from Boston are complete without visiting the film locations, such as the school and Allison’s House. There are plenty of great haunted hotels in Salem if you are up for the overnight challenge of hauntings.

See Related: Boston CityPASS Review

Visit the beachside town of Newburyport, Massachusetts

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Newburyport is another beach-side town north of Boston. Unlike Rockport and Gloucester, which attract crowds, Newburyport remains an overlooked gem in our list of best day trips.

Originally a shipping port, Newburytown has a well-maintained historic center that dates back centuries. The old church lies beside large park areas, and luxury shops and restaurants are expanding by the dozen.

While a modern city, it retains much of the New England coast charm of its past. You can easily spend a day exploring the Newburyport waterfront, parks, and shops. The town is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway.

See Related: Things to Do in Boston

Go Skiing and Snowboarding at Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (drive time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions)

A visit to Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire constitutes one of the best day ski trips from Boston. The region has 66 trails with some of the best grooming and snowmaking experiences on the East Coast.

Since it’s just two hours away, you can make it a skiing road trip experience with kids. With 230 acres of trail area, Mount Sunapee has something for beginners, intermediates, and pros. There’s a designated beginner slope where you can practice skiing if you’re not yet skilled. 

If the skiing tires you out or you want to give it another go the next day, book a hotel from Kayak and rest the night away. This makes for a lovely weekend getaway in winter, where you can enjoy all the best that New England offers during a ski trip.

See Related: Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont

Go skiing and snowboarding at Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Speaking of ski resorts near Boston, a visit to Wachusett Mountain makes one of the best day ski trips from Boston. For one, it’s just an hour away, and you can even take the train. Secondly, there’s a designated bus that will take you to the base lodge of the Mountain.

Here, you’ll find 25 trails, divided according to experience level. Plus, there’s a separate area for newbies. Since the trails stay open until 10 pm, you can even go there after work to enjoy skiing. 

Moreover, Wachusett Mountain also has a huge selection of rental equipment, such as snowshoes, telemark skis, advanced boots, and snowboards. Before you leave, take a picture of the Boston skyline from the summit, as that’s one of the highlights of this location. 

Newport, Rhode Island

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

About a hundred years ago, the wealthy from New York came to Newport to spend the summers and built the most marvelously extravagant mansions for themselves. 

Today, these summer residences are tourist attractions you must visit when planning family day trips from Boston. If you’re in the mood for a walk with a view, the Cliff Walk is the best place to spend your afternoon. 

It’s a 3.5-mile walk spanning the city’s shoreline. Plus, you’ll have a view of some of the most outrageous mansions in the region. If you enjoy architecture and history, the Breakers Mansion is a must-visit in Newport.

It’s among the most famous homes in America, being a Renaissance-style residence used by the Vanderbilt family for their summer stay in the city. 

See Related: Do You Need a Car in Boston?

Vermont 

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours

A little over three hours drive from Boston, Vermont, is a picturesque location to enjoy a full day. To start your day trip to Vermont from Boston, head over to Lake Champlain. One of its tips is in Canada, and the other is in Vermont. 

Besides the scenic beauty, the lake is near historical attractions and wildlife. The lake is a habitat for 318 bird species and 81 fish species. Meanwhile, some claim to have seen a serpent-like animal in the lake, nicknamed Champy by the locals. 

For those always searching for the best ski resorts near Boston, Stowe should be the ideal place for the day. You can visit the Vermont Ski Museum on your day trip to Vermont from Boston, one of the town’s most prestigious attractions. 

Meanwhile, the Stowe Mountain Resort is among the best ski resorts near Boston for people who want the best ski trips from Boston involving other recreational activities. Some options include biking through the Stowe Recreation Path or visiting the Shelburne Museum to explore America’s traditional fine art and folk.  

See Related: Route 100 Vermont Road Trip

Spend a day at the beach along Cape Cod National Seashore

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes

While skiing near Boston is a prime way to enjoy the snow and terrain, a day trip to Cape Cod allows you to enjoy the beach while going on bike trails and marveling at the wildlife. 

Hailed as one of the region’s finest and most enjoyable bike trails, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is perfect for spending the day. The 22-mile trail takes you through the ecosystems of the Lower Cape. 

Another place to explore in the region is the Cape Cod National Seashore, designated a national park by President John F. Kennedy. Today, you can sit on one of the many beaches, including Marconi Beach, Nauset Beach, and Herring Cove beaches. 

If you can drive to Provincetown, visit the Pilgrim Monument, a 10-mile climb to the top. Apart from satisfying your history-living soul, this will allow you to take a splendid picture of the Provincetown skyline from above.

Provincetown, located on the tip of Cape Cod, features a long sandy beach, Race Point Beach, that attracts thousands of tourists yearly. Race Point Beach is frequently included on the country’s list of top beaches. You will not be upset if you make this trip into a full-fledged weekend getaway.

See Related: Things to do on Nantucket Island

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

• Estimated Ferry Time: The time includes driving to the ferry and the ferry ride, totaling about 2 hours, depending on the departure point and schedules.

Being the most productive biological ocean environment in the world, the Stellwagen Marine Sanctuary is an ideal place for whale watching. 

Don’t worry; you won’t waste your whole day at the sanctuary without a whale in sight. Some cruises in the region guarantee a free trip if you don’t see for a while – that’s how common the sightings are. 

You’ll probably see a female humpback as these whales return to the waters to teach the young ones how to hunt. Furthermore, you’ll also spot other species, such as the harbor porpoise, white-sided dolphins, and seals. 

If you love to go on family day trips from Boston every few months, whale watching should definitely be on your list. Keep your cameras ready while you’re there. 

See Related: Best Tours in Boston

Tour Castle Hill in Ipswich

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour

Castle Hill on Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts, is a beautiful waterfront property famous for its stunning landscape. It is located about an hour from Boston.

The Castle Hill estate was originally purchased by Richard T. Crane in 1909 as an investment, and renowned architect David Alder built the house that stands on the top of Castle Hill today.

The 59-room house offers tours for groups of up to 10 people throughout the summer. The estate is also known for its beautiful gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Castle Hill is a popular destination for travelers seeking a unique and romantic experience.

During the tour, visitors may see many species of animals, including hawks, deer, foxes, and turkeys. The hotel offers a public toilet as well as a snack bar. Guests who prefer staying overnight may book rooms at Castle Hill Inn.

See Related: Things to Do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Gloucester, Massachusetts

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour

Gloucester is a town with an incredibly gritty vibe, and it’s one of America’s largest fishing villages. The town is full of scents, but it’s still an attraction for locals and tourists.

When you arrive in Gloucester during the summer, you’ll be drawn immediately to the beaches, where you can also watch all the fishing boats pass by on a summer’s day.

Good Bay and Wingaersheek Beach are popular beaches, but they’re more for families with young kids because of the smaller waves. Good Harbor on the Northside is my favorite beach.

It has an island you can walk on when the tide is low. Gloucester is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a different vacation. There’s plenty to do and see, and you’ll definitely get a sense of the town’s unique character in a quintessential New England town environment.

Aeronaut Brewery

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Based in Somerville, Aeronaut Brewery is among the best breweries near Boston, as it’s a hub of community and entertainment. Along with beer, the brewery also offers nightly events, such as dance takeovers and live music. 

It was started by MIT graduates who leveraged the science of beer-making to plan their business in 2013. Today, you can enjoy regularly rotating beer drafts at their brewery and make a day trip out of it with friends or family. 

Also, while in Somerville, you can go to Winter Hill Brewing, another of the best breweries near Boston. In the morning, the brewery becomes a coffee shop serving espresso drinks and Counter Culture Coffee brews. You can also get a breakfast sandwich with your coffee. 

Take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard

• Estimated Ferry Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes each way

If you’re looking for a day trip from Boston that offers beautiful beaches, great seafood, and plenty of relaxation, taking a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard is a great option. The island is only about an hour away by ferry, and once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy.

These different towns on Martha’s Vineyard will help you make the most of your day trip excursion:

• Edgartown: This area of Martha’s Vineyard is known for its beautiful beaches, and it’s also home to the island’s only golf course.
• Oak Bluffs: Oak Bluffs is a popular spot for visitors, as it’s home to several hotels and bed and breakfasts. The town also has a number of restaurants and shops.
• South Beach: South Beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
• Vineyard Haven: Vineyard Haven is the island’s ferry port, so it’s a convenient place to start your day trip. The town also has several restaurants and shops.

If you are going out to Martha’s Vineyard, make sure that you pack plenty of sunscreens, beach towels, and a change of clothes if you want to enjoy an evening dinner.

See Related: Where to Stay in Nantucket

Dune’s Edge Campground 

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours

If you’re in Cape Cod and want to explore the region more, the Dune’s Edge is one of the best campgrounds near Boston.  It’s no Marriot when it comes to convenience and ambiance. But the campsite’s proximity to the Cape Cod National Seashore is a sight you shouldn’t miss. 

For forty miles, there’s a stretch of beautiful landscape. It includes outdoor recreational spaces, beaches, ponds, marshes, and wildlife habitats. 

The camping season lasts from May to October, offering a long timeline to plan your trip to the campgrounds near Boston. While you’re there, book a tour with Art’s Dune Tours. They provide an up-close experience of the beaches in the region. 

You can also visit Commercial Street. It has a number of souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants to blow away the big city Bostonian smoke. 

On the other hand, if you’re searching for campgrounds near Boston that are less than an hour’s drive away, opt for the Waterfront Camp. It’s only 10 miles from the city. 

See Related: Best Road Trip Books for Kids

Visit the historic sites of Lexington and Concord

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes

If you’re looking for a great day trip from Boston, visit the historical sites of Lexington and Concord. Both towns are located just a short drive from the city, offering a wealth of historical attractions to explore.

Lexington is home to the Minute Man National Historical Park, commemorating the war’s opening battle. It’s a significant location in the history of the Revolutionary War. You can also tour the Buckman Tavern, which was an important meeting place for the colonists during the lead-up to the war.

Concord, meanwhile, is where you’ll find sites like the Old North Bridge and the Concord Museum. The “shot heard round the world” was fired on the Old North Bridge, and the Concord Museum tells the battle story there.

If you want to pay homage to Concord’s famous authors, such as Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Both towns make for a great day trip from Boston and are sure to educate and entertain visitors of all ages.

New York City, New York

• Estimated Drive and Train Time: Approximately 4 hours under normal traffic conditions or 3-4 hours by train

How could we miss New York when discussing the best day trips from Boston? Although it’s three and an hour away from Boston, New York’s irresistible appeal makes the drive or the train worthwhile. 

When on a one-day trip from Boston to NYC, there’s a lot you can do. For instance, catch a movie at the Sidewalk Cinema in East Williamsburg if you’re with your partner or children. 

If it’s your first time in the city, go see the Statue of Liberty in the spirit of being a tourist. Take the free Staten Island Ferry to examine lady liberty closely. 

You can go to the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock for an up-top view of the city. Apart from these common attractions, New York also houses over 80 museums. 

It’s hard to choose one museum to visit during your one-day trip from Boston to NYC, with options like the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Sex. Art lovers can also fulfill their life-long wish of visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

To get some scenic views, go for a walk in Central Park. Just a heads-up that it’s much bigger than it looks in movies. It would be helpful to take a map along if you don’t want to get lost in its winding paths. 

You can’t miss the Theatre District when you go to NYC. You can visit Shubert Alley, a famous alley with two historical playhouses.  Moreover, don’t forget to take in the blinding moving signs of Times Square. Who knows, you might end up experiencing a live mob.

Anyway, there’s only so much that you can fit in your one-day trip from Boston to NYC. If you’d like to explore the Big Apple more, book a hotel from Kayak to spend the night in a city that never sleeps. 

Check out these NYC guides:

• Best Parks in New York City
• Where to Stay Outside of New York City
• CityPASS New York vs New York Pass
• New York Pass Review

See Related: Next Vacay Review

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Finally, we have something for sports lovers looking for something to do near Boston. The Hall of Fame at the Naismith Memorial has over three hundred expert players. It has artifacts and much more to appease your love for sports.

Moreover, the memorial is the largest monument since it spans over 40,000 square feet. You can also buy novelty items from the Fame Store. Items from memorabilia and basket kits are ready to be purchased here.

Providence, Rhode Island

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour

Looking for something different to do on your next trip to New England? Check out Providence, Rhode Island. This beautiful town is home to a small but unique art style.

Providence is a great place to visit and an underrated gem in New England. Yes, there are historical sites, pretty neighborhoods, interesting restaurants, and a number of interesting celebrations.

Despite this, they have kept the news hidden from view for a while. Boston may get all the attention, but Providence is definitely worth a visit. If you visit Providence in the summer, visit Waterfire, where the works from the art galleries spill over the river when local merchants open.

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

White Mountain National Forest is one of the best day trips from Boston for autumn foliage. The park offers great outdoor activities in late spring and summer. The White Mountains are farther north in height than Boston; therefore, the leaves will change earlier.

Peak foliage usually occurs from early October to early November. Some of the best hikes in New Hampshire can be found in the White Mountains. White Mountain National Forest is a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves without the crowds of other popular New England destinations.

Old Sturbridge Village

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour

Old Sturbridge Village is a history museum in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. It recreates early nineteenth-century New England life, making it one of the best Boston day trips for families or history buffs.

The Village includes a variety of buildings and activities that would have been present in a typical New England town of the period. In addition to historic houses and shops, Old Sturbridge Village has a sawmill, barns, churches, and even a hotel for visitors who want to stay overnight.

Old Sturbridge Village hosts special events throughout the year focusing on early nineteenth-century life. Group tours are also available for school groups or other organizations. Admission to Old Sturbridge Village ranges from $14 to $28.

Portland, Maine

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

Portland might be one of the newest food destinations in the US, but it’s definitely worth a visit – especially if you love local libations. Portland is the perfect combination of small-town and fishing village, with a bustling city feel.

Its cobblestone streets, incredible views, and amazing food (who doesn’t like a lobster roll) make it the perfect Boston day trip. Portland is an excellent weekend getaway, and the journey is worth it here.

Portland is known for its fresh seafood, so check out some local seafood shacks. And don’t forget to enjoy some of the local libations – Portland has some excellent breweries and distilleries.

New Bedford Whaling Museum

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of whaling, a visit to the New Bedford Whaling Museum is a must. Founded in 1903, the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts documenting the global whaling industry.

Highlights include the world’s largest whale logbook collection, Japanese whale collection, and boat model on display. The museum also features unique artworks from different parts of the globe.

New Bedford was one of America’s most important whaling ports, and the museum does a great job of showcasing this important part of Massachusetts history.

Norman Rockwell Museum

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 2 hour and 20 minutes

The Norman Rockwell Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in American art. Norman Rockwell was born in 1894 and began studying art as an adult. He developed his talents at some of the best museums in American art.

The Norman Rockwell Museum is the largest Rockwell collection on earth. It provides educational programs for the whole family, tours, art events, and educational programs.

The museum contains over 100,000 objects, including photos, letters, business documents, and more. The Norman Rockwell Museum is a great place to learn about this important American artist.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour

Portsmouth has become one of my favorite destinations for visitors from New England for the first time. Portsmouth is a small town with a midsize city, situated within New Hampshire’s short rocky coastline just a stone’s throw from Maine. There’s something funky, almost bohemian, to it.

Portsmouth is positioned in an attractive waterfront area directly from Kittery, Maine, so this location matches southern Maine. The seafood here is fresh, and there are surprisingly few tourists. My favorite restaurant in Portsmouth is Portsmouth Gas Light Co.

Peabody Essex Museum

• Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Peabody Essex Museum is a museum that has an extensive collection of beautiful objects in various genres. In 1797, the first art pilgrimage came to North America from the Pacific Ocean, India, and elsewhere.

In the early 20th century, PEM was known mainly as a “cabinet of natural and artificial wonders.” It is located in Salem, Massachusetts, and was established in 1799. It is affiliated with Phillips Academy and Wesleyan University. 

The Peabody Essex Museum houses more than 340,000 books and 22 historic buildings. It has a vast glass-fronted atrium and ample seating to relax and study. Peabody Essex Museum’s collections are particularly strong in Asian export art, American painting and decorative arts, maritime art and history, Native American art, and dramatic arts.

Notable pieces in the collection include examples of ship portraits, furniture, textiles, and paintings by artists including John Singleton Copley, Gilbert Stuart, Winslow Homer, and Frank W. Benson. Peabody Essex Museum offers many educational programs for families, school groups, and adults.

See Related: Road Trips in America

Why you should take a day trip from Boston

Boston is the perfect starting point for days out exploring New England and the surrounding areas. It is also where you can see spires in one day. Many local people ask me how I get to Boston for a trip. It’s straightforward to narrow down merely a few sightseeing ideas in Massachusetts.

They were sorted according to their vicinity of the city. Public transportation around Boston will never get you to all of these amazing day trips since some are located on islands, some are in remote areas, and some are even in the mountains.

The reasons to take day trips from Boston are many and varied, but here are some of the best:

• To see the fall foliage: New England is famous for its vibrant autumn leaves, and there are few better places to enjoy them than on a drive through the countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for sugar maples, as their leaves turn a particularly stunning shade of red.
• To visit charming small towns: From Cape Cod to the Berkshires, Massachusetts is home to many picturesque small towns worth exploring. Step back in time with a visit to Sandwich on Cape Cod, or explore the lively arts scene in North Adams.
• To experience true New England history: A day trip from Boston is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the region’s most important historical sites. Visit Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims first settled.

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