Diving into the myriad things to do in Boston, from walking the historic Freedom Trail to exploring the vibrant arts and culinary scene, might leave you yearning to discover what lies beyond the city’s boundaries. Day trips from Boston offer just that opportunity, connecting you to the rich history, scenic beauty, and cultural diversity of New England.
As you venture from Boston, the landscape of things to do in the United States broadens, with destinations like the quaint towns of Cape Cod, the historic sites of Salem, and the picturesque landscapes of the White Mountains. Each trip enriches your experience, blending the urban charm of Boston with the natural beauty and historical depth of its surroundings.
Selecting where to stay in Boston becomes a strategic decision for travelers eager to explore the city’s wealth of attractions and its accessible New England excursions. The ideal base in Boston not only places you in the heart of its historic, cultural, and culinary delights but also positions you perfectly for embarking on memorable day trips, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of this storied region.
Discover Best Day Trips from Boston, United States
1. Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, famous for its 1692 witch trials, offers a mix of historical sites, museums, and a quaint downtown area. The Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum are key attractions.
Distance: Approximately 25 miles
Travel Time: About 30-40 minutes by car or commuter rail
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Train
Main Attractions: Salem Witch Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, Witch House
Best Time to Visit: October (during the Halloween season)
Entrance Fees:
- Salem Witch Museum: $13
- Peabody Essex Museum: $20
- Witch House: $10
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Pickering Wharf
Travel Tip: October is a festive time to visit, but be sure to book accommodations and attractions in advance due to the crowds.
2. Concord, Massachusetts
Concord is rich in American Revolutionary history, with sites like the Minute Man National Historical Park and the homes of famous authors like Louisa May Alcott. The tranquil beauty of Walden Pond is also a must-visit.
Distance: Approximately 20 miles
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car or 1 hour by public transit
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Train
Main Attractions: Minute Man National Historical Park, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, Walden Pond
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Minute Man National Historical Park: Free
- Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House: $12
- Walden Pond: $8 (parking fee)
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Old North Bridge, Walden Pond
Travel Tip: Visit the Old North Bridge, a significant site in the Battle of Concord, and don’t miss exploring the charming Concord town center.
3. Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown, located at the tip of Cape Cod, is known for its beaches, arts scene, and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The Pilgrim Monument and vibrant Commercial Street are popular spots.
Distance: Approximately 115 miles
Travel Time: Around 2.5 hours by car or quicker by ferry
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Ferry
Main Attractions: Pilgrim Monument, Commercial Street, Herring Cove Beach
Best Time to Visit: Summer months
Entrance Fees:
- Pilgrim Monument: $15
- Herring Cove Beach: $20 (parking fee)
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Race Point Beach, Provincetown Harbor
Travel Tip: Consider taking the ferry for a scenic and relaxing journey, and be sure to enjoy a whale watching tour if you’re visiting in the summer months.
4. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is famous for its stunning Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and its historic waterfront. The Cliff Walk offers breathtaking ocean views alongside these historic homes.
Distance: Approximately 70 miles
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: The Breakers, Cliff Walk, Newport Mansions
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- The Breakers: $26
- Newport Mansions: $30 (multiple mansion pass)
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Ocean Drive, Fort Adams State Park
Travel Tip: Tour a few of the mansions to immerse yourself in the opulence of the Gilded Age, and enjoy a seafood meal on the waterfront.
5. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a charming port city known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culinary scene. The Strawbery Banke Museum and Prescott Park are highlights.
Distance: Approximately 60 miles
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park, Historic Downtown
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall
Entrance Fees:
- Strawbery Banke Museum: $19.50
- Prescott Park: Free
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Prescott Park, Portsmouth Harbor
Travel Tip: Explore the historic downtown area and its many unique shops and restaurants, and don’t miss trying some local craft beer.
6. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is an idyllic island known for its picturesque beaches, lighthouses, and celebrity sightings. The towns of Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown are popular with visitors.
Distance: Approximately 90 miles to ferry terminal, plus 45-minute ferry ride
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours total (car to ferry terminal, plus ferry ride)
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Ferry
Main Attractions: Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Edgartown
Best Time to Visit: Summer months
Entrance Fees:
- Ferry Ride: $22 round trip
- Oak Bluffs: Free
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Menemsha Beach, Aquinnah Cliffs
Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the island’s charming towns and beaches at a leisurely pace.
7. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, the site of the first Pilgrim settlement, is steeped in American history. Key attractions include Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, and Plimoth Plantation.
Distance: Approximately 40 miles
Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, Plimoth Plantation
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Plimoth Plantation: $32
- Mayflower II: $15
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Brewster Gardens, Plymouth Harbor
Travel Tip: Visit Plimoth Plantation for a living history experience of both the English settlers and the Native Wampanoag people.
8. Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, known for its role in the American Revolution, offers historical tours, reenactments, and a charming town center. The Lexington Battle Green and Buckman Tavern are key sites.
Distance: Approximately 20 miles
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car or accessible via public transportation
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Train
Main Attractions: Lexington Battle Green, Buckman Tavern, Hancock-Clarke House
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Buckman Tavern: $10
- Hancock-Clarke House: $10
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Minute Man National Historical Park, Lexington Common
Travel Tip: Try to visit on Patriots’ Day in April for special reenactments and celebrations of the Revolutionary War battles.
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Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/boston-l260?activity_type=dayTrip
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