Are you a nomad by heart? Do you feel compelled to travel often because of your strong wanderlust? People of this generation tend to travel more often. Most times, traveling is a cure for the burnout caused by the routine activities that come with the busy city lifestyle. In order to breathe some fresh air and relax for a while, people tend to look for fantastic destinations such as Boston and its neighboring cities. With a range of accommodations options in Boston, from 5-star hotels to quaint vacation rentals, all sorts of travelers will find it appealing. Some even scout the off-the-beaten-path and spend their holidays in houseboat rentals. To give you an idea for your next vacation stop, here is a list of the best day trips from Boston, Massachusetts. Feel free to browse below.
1. Portland (from USD 36.0)
A day trip from Boston to Portland, Maine can be a delightful and refreshing escape from the city life. The drive is about two hours, passing by picturesque small towns and scenic coastal views.
Once in Portland, there are several attractions to explore, including the Portland Head Light, a historic lighthouse with beautiful ocean views. The Old Port district is a lively area with charming cobblestone streets, unique shops, and seafood restaurants. The Portland Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of American and European art. Additionally, visitors can take a stroll through the Eastern Promenade, a beautiful park with panoramic views of Casco Bay.
You can visit Portland all year round, but the streets look more magical in the snow so it’s worth considering doing this as a winter day trip from Boston.
Portland, Maine Guided 1-Hour Tour on a Vintage Fire Engine
Duration: 50 minutes
2. Newport (from USD 26.0)
If you want to explore New England’s historic seaside charm, Rhode Island is a great option. The scenic drive from Boston is about 1.5 hours, making it an easy day trip option.
Visitors can explore the opulent mansions along the famous Cliff Walk, such as The Breakers and Marble House, which were once owned by America’s wealthiest families. The town’s historic downtown area is also worth visiting, with its cobblestone streets, unique boutiques and antique stores. Visitors can also take a sailboat tour of Newport Harbor or walk along the scenic Thames Street, which offers picturesque views of the coastline. For a bit of history, you can visit Adams State Park, a historic fort offering tours and hiking trails.
Newport: Scenic Trolley Tour
Duration: 1.5 to 3.0 hour
3. Old Sturbridge Village
If you are fascinated by history and the lifestyle of the people that lived before us, Old Sturbridge Village is a fascinating place to visit. Pack your bags and take a day trip the living museum of Old Sturbridge Village and understand the rural lifestyle of New England from the 1970s to the 1980s. It showcases a village featuring old architecture and heritage homes, antique buildings, a working farm, and three water-powered mills. This is a fantastic destination for educational field trips.
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4. Concord
Situated northwest of Boston, Massachusetts, Concord is a town popular for war sites during the American Revolution, especially the Minute Man National Historical Park. It is a beautiful town with rich vegetation and scenic views. While in town, be sure to visit Walden Pond for some hiking and sightseeing. You must also take souvenir selfies at the Concord River Bridge.
You might also be interested in seeing the house where “Little Women” was written and set, or Louise May Alcott’s Orchard House. As you visit this spot for day trips near Boston, be sure to have a handy camera with you as every destination in Concord is just picture-perfect.
Boston Tour Guide
Naim Benmayor
As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this uniq... Read more
5. Falmouth
Found in Cape Cod, Falmouth is a coastal town that is popular to tourists for its breathtaking beaches and charming landmarks. If you have a deep connection with the oceans and extreme liking to exciting water sports, pack your bags and book a day trip to Falmouth. There is just so much to do in this laid-back town aside from swimming in the breathtaking Falmouth Heights. While in town, enjoy a morning of biking at the Shining Sea Bikeway. Get to see the Nobska Lighthouse and marvel at its architecture. You may also bring your family to the Woodhole Science Aquarium and be thrilled by the sight of lovely water creatures.
6. Provincetown
Situated on the Northern part of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a seaside town that boasts of breathtaking beaches and offers fantastic watersports activities and excellent local cuisine. It is a wonderful vacation spot for tourists who need a break from the tiring city life. Aside from a popular destination to beach-goers, it is also a place for artists for its various museums and vibrant art scene. While in this area, be sure to visit the Pilgrim Monument, Race Point Beach, Herring Cove Beach, and other exciting attractions.
7. Rockport
Found in Essex County in Massachusetts, Rockport is a fascinating laid-back city that is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Expect some breathtaking beaches, exquisite local restaurants, and vibrant nightlife when you visit the beautiful Rockport. While in the city, be sure to visit Cape Ann and enjoy a morning or afternoon of swimming and whale watching.
Don’t miss out on the Bearskin Neck for some local shopping and dining. Also, you may want to test your photography skills on Thatcher Island where you can have the birds and the lighthouse as your subject. All these thrills make the place an exciting stop for any day trip from Boston by car.
8. Lexington
Situated in the north end of Boston, Lexington is a fantastic town popular for Battle Green or Lexington Common which had a significant part in the American Revolution. It is a lovely and peaceful town that is ideal to visit if you wish to be away from the busy city life for a while. It features a range of well-visited destinations and remarkable landmarks. While in Lexington, don’t miss out visiting the Lexington Common National Historic Site. Buy fresh produce at the Wilson Farm, Inc. Book a guided tour at the Hancock-Clark Home. Witness the beautiful displays of educational materials at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library.
9. Wrentham Village (from USD 60.0)
Nesting in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, Wrentham Village is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in some shopping and dining. All in all, there as more or less 170 various retail outlets to shop from. Enjoy amazing deals and discounts when you shop in Wrentham Village. Explore racks and racks of shopping items from clothing to footwear to cosmetics, perfumes, and others. Plus, keep your eyes open for some scheduled events because you just might find your most sought-after shopping items.
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets Shopping Tour
Duration: 7 hour
10. Cape Cod (from USD 89.0)
People flock to the beautiful Cape Cod during summertime but you’ll be surprised to know that it is as equally fascinating during the fall. If you are looking for a wonderful escapade, try this day trip to Cape Cod with a sightseeing cruise and Pirate Museum visit from Boston. This tour package includes a professional guide, a luxurious air-conditioned service vehicle, and selected hotel pick-up and drop-off. Some of the landmarks included in the itinerary are the John F. Kennedy Memorial in Hyannis Port, Sandwich, Lewis Bay, Cape Cod, and others.
Cape Cod From Boston: Autumn Day Trip and Sightseeing Cruise
Duration: 9 hours
11. Salem (from USD 60.0)
Nesting in the north coast of Massachusetts, Salem is popular for the haunting stories of witch trials. A number of locals were burned to death for allegedly practicing witchcraft. This made Salem a destination for thrill-seekers and tourists who are into ghost stories and anything of the sort. While in the city, visit the Peabody Essex Museum and marvel at fascinating Asian and American artifacts. Don’t miss out on the Salem Witch Museum for a thrilling experience. You might also be interested in a guided tour at the Witch House.
From Boston to Salem: Witch City Day Trip, with Guide
Duration: 7 hours
12. Boston Harbor Islands (from USD 24.0)
Looking for a quick getaway? If so, the Boston Harbor Islands might pique your interest. Check out the schedules of day trips and enjoy the ride to Boston Harbor Islands and immerse yourself with the vibrant culture of the city and the fantastic tourist attractions. While in the islands, you may visit the beautiful Long Island, Little Brewster Island, Thompson Island, and a lot more. These islands offer diverse attractions from pristine beaches to exquisite restaurants to remarkable landmarks. Be sure to make your itinerary as detailed as possible because you wouldn’ wanna miss anything good Boston Harbor Islands have to offer.
Boston Harbor Islands: Round-Trip Ferry to Spectacle Island
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Amazing destinations from Boston
Certainly, traveling has become people’s coping mechanism to burnt out, routine life. People would always go to the beach or somewhere peaceful to breathe fresh air and relax for a while. If you are thinking of a quick getaway to break the cycle, use this article about the best day trips from Boston as your guide. May you find your feet on the perfect destination and have a fantastic and relaxing time ahead.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Boston, Massachusetts
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