Looking for a getaway from Boston? These are 21+ day trips from Boston that are within a few hours’ drive or train/bus ride. I include everything from adventurous hikes to beautiful beaches to quintessential New England towns.
For your convenience, I organized this list by distance from Boston. At the end, I also include packing essentials for any of these day trips from Boston.
Last Updated: July 17, 2024
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Day Trips from Boston: Within 1 Hour
Rockport, MA
Distance from Boston: 54-minute drive, 42 miles
Located in Essex County, Rockport is a quaint New England town popular among tourists in the summer. The downtown area is filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Head to Halibut Point for breathtaking views of the seaside.
For food, Roy Moore is a super popular lobster shack with outdoor seating along the waterfront.
Another must-do in Rockport is to check out Motif #1. While it may just seem like a fishing shack, it’s a symbol in the town and has been an inspiration to artists for years!
Other things to do in Rockport:
- Ocean kayaking
- Visit an art gallery. There are over 30 galleries with 400+ artists.
- Eat homemade fudge at the Fudgery
NewEnglandWanderlust wrote a lovely article for more Rockport things to do.
Hammond Castle, MA
Distance from Boston: 51-minute drive, 38 miles
Would you believe that there’s a huge European-style castle just outside Boston?! The Hammond Castle Museum is one of my favorite New England hidden gems. It was built in the 1920s by the scientist and art collector John Hays Hammond Jr. Check out the Hammond website for more background on the castle.
From the rustic architecture to the green vines, the views are stunning here. Couples even take their wedding photos.
Salem, MA
Distance from Boston: 42-minute drive, 25 miles
If you’re interested in witchcraft, magic, and history, Salem needs to be at the top of your day trips from Boston list. The town is best known for the 1692 Witch Trials, where locals were executed for allegedly doing witchcraft. Now, there are plenty of wizardry and witchcraft-related stores, restaurants, and museums in their Downtown.
Other things to do in Salem:
- House of the Seven Gables
- Witch Dungeon Museum
- Peabody Essex Museum: an art museum
- Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour
If possible, I highly recommend doing this day trip from Boston around Halloween. Every year, Salem hosts their “Haunted Happenings” event for the entire month of October! Haunted Happenings includes vendors, performers, street vendors, and more.
Blue Hills, MA
Distance from Boston: 18-minute drive, 11 miles
Blue Hills in Milton is the shortest day trip from Boston on this list. I’ve been over ten times now since it’s so convenient to get to and the hikes are great exercise. The reservation spans over 7,000 acres and hiking trails for all skill levels.
I particularly enjoy the skyline trail that’s marked by a blue line. The trail lasts two hours and ends with a watchtower to get a view of the Boston skyline (I’ll admit that it’s pretty far in the distance, though).
There are a few steep areas on the hike, so definitely bring hiking shoes! I would label this as a relatively difficult hike for the average person. Also, don’t forget the bug spray.
Further Reading: 23+ Best Boston Summer Things to Do
Newburyport, MA
Distance from Boston: 46-minute drive, 42 miles
Similar to Rockport, Newburyport is another small town with the New England charm. One of the top things to do is check out the Maudslay State Park. It’s the perfect place to have a leisurely stroll, picnic, or go biking. Another fantastic green space is Waterfront Park.
Other things to do in Newburyport:
- Visit Oldies Marketplace, a fun antique store filled with old toys, games, vintage clothing, and more.
- RiverWalk Brewing Co
- Whale Watching
Plymouth, MA
Distance from Boston: 49-minute drive, 40 miles
For all history lovers, Plymouth is one of the best day trips from Boston. It’s the town of the first Pilgrim settlement back in 1620 and has plenty of historical landmarks like the Plymouth Rock (Spoiler: it’s small and underwhelming, but then again.. It’s a rock), and the Plymouth Patuxet Museum. The living history museum makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time!
Other things to do in Plymouth:
- A full-scale replica of the Mayflower II
- Brewster Gardens
- National Monument to the Forefathers
Don’t have a car but still want to see Plymouth? The Boston to Plymouth guided tour picks you up and drops you off in Boston.
Concord, MA
Distance from Boston: 32-minute drive, 26 miles
Concord is a historical town just Northwest of Boston. It’s most famous for its role in the American Revolutionary War, where a key battle took place at the town’s North Bridge.
Nowadays, you can visit historical sites in Concord such as the Minuteman National Historical Park, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, and Concord Museum.
For more nature-y things to do, the Walden Pond Reservation has beautiful trails for a stroll.
If you’re doing your day trip from Boston in the summertime, head to Verrill Farm to go strawberry picking!
Day Trips From Boston: 1-2 Hours Away
Newport, RI
Distance from Boston: 1 Hour 29-minute drive, 72 miles
One of the most visited places for tourists is this small town nested in the Aquidneck Island of Rhode Island. Newport is best known for its natural beauty, history, and grand mansions including the Breakers!
For your day trip to Newport, I recommend heading to the town center Bowen’s Wharf. The lively harbor is filled with local boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. A popular restaurant among visitors is The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar. They sell all your New England classics like raw oysters, clam chowder, and lobster rolls.
The other huge tourist attraction in Newport is the Cliff Walk. The 3.5-mile path boasts stunning ocean views, a glimpse of the Salve Regina University campus, and the mansions. You can buy tickets to tour the inside of the mansions – popular ones to check out include the Breakers, the Elms, and Marble House. It’s one of my favorite New England gems to visit.
Last, make time to do the scenic 10-mile ocean drive!
Other epic things to do in Newport:
- Fort Adams: an outdoor fort with a panoramic view of the Narragansett Bay East Passage and Newport Harbor.
- International Tennis Hall Of Fame
- Newport Art Museum
Check out Discover Newport best things to do article for more details.
Providence, RI
Distance from Boston: 1 Hour 6 Minute drive, 51 Miles
With a population of about 180,000 and what used to be known as the textile and manufacturing center of the United States, Providence is a small city home to the prestigious Brown University and Rhode Island Institute of Art.
I also really enjoy walking around the stores in Downtown. However, I’d say this doesn’t have to be a full-day trip from Boston – you can get away for just a half-day exploring. Nonetheless, it’s one of the easier best day trips from Boston on this list.
Other fun things to do in Providence:
- Visit the Athenaeum.
- Indulge in some delicious Italian food in Federal Hill.
- Eat Peruvian food at Los Andes. I LOVE their lomo saltado and chicken curry.
- Admire art at the RISD Museum.
- Enjoy some desserts at the Patisserie. Their fruit tart cake slices are delicious!
Some of my favorite restaurants in Providence are Mokban for Korean food, Tallulah’s Taqueria for well-priced tacos, and baklava.
Portland, ME
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 47-minute drive, 112 miles
If you’re a foodie, you need to add Portland to your day trips from Boston bucket list. There is SO much good food to eat everywhere! I need to make a whole article on that on its own, but here are some of my favorites:
- The Holy Donut for potato donuts! It sounds weird, but the potato flour gives a tender texture.
- Duck Fat: a VERY popular American restaurant. Try the Duck Fat fries poutine.
- The Highroller Lobster for lobster rolls or lobster burgers.
- Eventide for raw oysters.
Besides walking around Portland’s Old Port, every tourist should also visit the Portland Headlight. The lighthouse is located on the shore of Fort Williams Park and is free to visit. It’s famous because it had long protected Portland from British attack centuries ago.
Other things to do in Portland:
- Portland Museum of Art
- Allagash Brewing Company
- Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine
Kittery, ME
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 2-minute drive, 64 miles
Did you know that Kittery is the oldest town in Maine? Neither did I until I wrote this article. Kittery is located close to Portland, so they could likely be combined in the same day trip from Boston. The coastal town is known for its fresh seafood, history, and Kittery shopping outlets.
Other things to do in Kittery:
- Kittery Trading Post to shop
- Kittery Historical and Naval Museum
- Tributary Brewing
- Seapoint Beach
Portsmouth, NH
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 1-minute drive, 61 miles
This New Hampshire port city is a lovely place to enjoy the seaside, shopping, and dining. A popular attraction is Prescott Park, which occasionally hosts concerts and other arts/theater events.
The town is also known for its museums. The USS Albacore Museum allows you to explore and learn more about the USS Albacore (AGSS-569) research submarine. The Strawberry Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum all about New Hampshire!
Cape Cod, MA
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 20-minute drive, 70 miles
One of the most famous day trips from Boston (and my personal favorite as I love the beach) is undoubtedly Cape Cod! The peninsula consists of beaches, cottage houses, and lobster shacks.
Big E in West Springfield, MA
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 38-minute drive, 93 miles
One of my favorite seasonal day trips from Boston is the annual Big E fair in West Springfield, MA. It lasts for about two weekends and is the only fair that includes all 6 New England states. Fun activities at the event include live music performances, horse competitions, and plenty of fair food!
I filmed a full Big E food review, but some of my must-haves every year include the baked loaded potato, giant mozzarella stick (literally the best mozz stick I’ve ever had! I had two in one day), and steak and potatoes.
Six Flags New England in Agawam, MA
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 44-minute drive, 97 miles
For all the thrill-seekers reading this, Six Flags is a day trip from Boston just a town over from the Big E. Located in Agawam, it’s open between April and October. They have thrilling rollercoasters, family-friendly rides, and water rides like the lazy river and wave pool.
Budget Tip: a one-day ticket is already $42, so if you plan to visit Six Flags more than once during the season, it’s more economical to get the season pass for $60.
Kennebunkport, MA
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 23-minute drive, 89 miles
Also located in Maine, Kennebunkport is yet another seaside town with the classic New England Charm. One of the most popular beaches in the town is Gooch’s Beach.
Other things to do in Kennebunkport:
- St. Ann’s Church
- First Families Kennebunkport Museum
- Ganny’s Garden
- Take a guided Maine tour that includes Kennebunkport, York, Nubble Light, and the Bush compound.
Mystic, CT
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 48-minute drive, 100 miles
This charming small town is best known for the famous Mystic Aquarium, with thousands of sea animals. It’s the only aquarium that has beluga whales in New England and one of two U.S. museums that have stellar sea lions. In addition to their main exhibits, they also currently have the kid-geared gallery called the Dino Seas: An Immersive Journey, Ocean Solutions, and an Undersea Explorer VR.
While you’re in town, eat at the famous Mystic Pizza that inspired the 1988 film.
Other things to do in Mystic:
- Mystic Seaport Museum
- Olde Mistick Village to shop
- Mystic Boat Tour
- Mystic Museum of Art
Day Trips From Boston: 2-4 Hours Away
Martha’s Vineyard
Distance from Boston: 2 hours 35-minute drive & ferry, 91 miles
Located just south of Cape Cod, this island is a beloved summer destination known for its pristine beaches, old-fashioned cottage houses, and scenic cliffs. It’s frequented by many celebrities and national figures, such as the Obama family.
Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard:
- Aquinnah Cliffs
- Oak Bluffs, a small town with decorated “gingerbread houses”.
- Island Alpaca Company of Martha’s Vineyard (an Alpaca farm with kid-friendly activities like a workshop for spinning yarn).
- The island is loaded with restaurants with locally sourced seafood. In Edgartown, a notable restaurant is Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company. I also LOVED Lookout Tavern for their fish & chips and fish tacos — some of the best I’ve ever had!
I want to re-emphasize that it’s an ISLAND, meaning you can’t get there by car. There are no direct ferries from Boston at the moment, meaning you’ll have to park at one of the docks in Cape Cod before boarding the Martha’s Vineyard ferry. Luckily, when you arrive on the island it’s very walkable between port towns and you don’t NEED a car there. There are also buses operating across the island.
Prices vary by the line you take.
Planning a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston without a car? Reserve a seat on the guided Martha’s Vineyard Day trip tour (200+ reviews!). This is how I got there on my most recent trip and it was so seamless!
Provincetown, MA
Distance from Boston: 2 hours 12-minute drive, 116 miles
Located at the tip of Cape Cod, this seaside town is best known for its large artist, gay, and lesbian community. It’s also home to the 252-foot Pilgrim Monument and the Provincetown Museum nearby.
One of the most vibrant areas of Provincetown is the Commercial Street. It’s lined with art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife.
Other things to do in Provincetown:
- Beech Forest
- Long Point Beach
White Mountains, NH
Distance from Boston: 3 hours 30-minute drive, 122 miles
Next on the best day trips from Boston list is the scenic White Mountains! It’s home to Mount Washington, the highest mountain peak in Northern America at 6,288 feet. You can take the Mount Washington Cog Railway to get there, which takes about 3 hours round-trip.
Popular hikes include Flume George, Diana’s Bath, and Mount Washington.
New England is famous for its fall foliage, so take a drive down the Kancamagus highway in the fall. Highway 112 starts from Center Conway to North Woodstock and passes through the White Mountains. Like many scenic drives, there are plenty of viewpoints to pull over and admire the landscape.
In the winter, the hiking trails are replaced by ski resorts!
Other things to do in the White Mountains
- Ice Castles in the winter
- Storyland is an amusement park that’s perfect for those with children!
Block Island, RI
Distance from Boston: 3 hours 30-minute drive, ~125 miles
Block Island is another island on this weekend trips from Boston list that requires more work to get to, but is totally worth it! After driving to the Point Judith ferry terminal and taking the ferry (I recommend booking ahead to snag the faster 30-minute ride than the hour-long traditional one), you’re greeted by an island with soft sand and stunning cliff views. My ideal day at Block Island includes enjoying the beach at the Ballard’s Beach Resort, taking a moped around the island, and checking out the Mohegan Cliffs.
Weekend Trips from Boston
If day trips from Boston aren’t enough, here are two of my favorite overnight trips:
- New York City, New York –> about 3.5-4 hours away from Boston by both bus and car.
- Acadia National Park, Maine –> about 4.5-6 hours away from Boston by car.
Helpful Packing List for Day Trips from Boston
Summer in New England gets super hot and humid, so it’s best to be prepared for these day trips from Boston in the heat! Whether you’re hiking or sunbathing at the beach, here are the essentials:
- Sunscreen
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Sunglasses and/or hat
- Bug Spray
- Umbrella or light rain jacket
- Hiking shoes
- Deodorant
- Swimsuit
- Beach Towels
Summary: Best Day Trips From Boston
That wraps up my guide to the 21+ best day trips from Boston! One last note: A lot of these Boston “day trips” can be combined into the same day to hit multiple places in a shorter period.
While you’re here, check out my other Boston city guides:
- Little Italy in Boston Ultimate Guide
- 25+ Best Restaurants in Boston’s Chinatown
- 25+ Best Indoor Activities in Boston
- 17+ Best Boston Cheap Eats
- Best Boston Southern Food
Other city guides:
- 3 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary
- A Weekend in Atlanta (Itinerary & Travel Guide)
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