19 Best Day Trips from Boston in 2023 (By a Local)

Planning day journeys from Boston intimately will be overwhelming. However with this information, you’ll be simply capable of expertise New England’s appeal, nature, and the wealthy historical past present in cities close to Boston. 

I’m a Boston space native who loves exploring the various locations close to Boston. I’m right here to share my favourite locations to go to in New England. 

There’s a Boston day journey on this checklist for everybody. We’ll cowl iconic landmarks, adventures on the water, historic cities, and escapes to nature. 

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19 Finest Boston Day Journeys

Lincoln Ice Castles, New Hampshire

A must-see winter phenomenon, that includes frozen castles and family-friendly winter actions.

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 1 hour and 58 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Lincoln Ice Castles Website | Common Admission: $29 (12 and up), Ages 4 to 11: $22

Boston is understood to be a wonderland within the winter. However north of town lies magical ice castles that seem like one thing straight out of the film, Frozen. 

The Lincoln Ice Castles make for top-of-the-line day journeys from Boston for households throughout winter. This frozen attraction brings fairy tales to life for all ages. 

To go to the Lincoln Ice Castles, placed on all your layers and head to the mountains of New Hampshire. The castles embody lit-up sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, and fountains. This location additionally gives snow tubing, sleigh rides, and a mystical gentle stroll by an enchanted forest. 

The Ice Castles are open seasonally, with the precise date relying on Mom Nature. 

Plan forward and purchase your tickets upfront online. 

White Mountain Nationwide Forest, New Hampshire

An expansive pure surprise providing year-round actions and an escape from metropolis life. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 2 hours and a pair of minutes | 📍 Google Maps | White Mountain National Forest Website

White Mountain Nationwide Forest (WMNF) is a federally managed forest throughout the states of New Hampshire and Maine. The area is understood for its excessive peaks, together with Mount Washington. It’s a good Boston day journey should you’re searching for breathtaking surroundings and wildlife.

I bought to get pleasure from a household hike over the summer season on today journey. We hid beneath the shade of the timber as we walked a beginner-friendly path. We additionally bought to splash and funky off in its mountain-clear streams. But, this doesn’t scratch the floor of what 800,000 acres of wilderness gives. 

White Mountain Nationwide Forest gives outside enjoyable in all seasons. In summer season, go biking, fishing, climbing, stargazing, hen watching, or scenic driving. You may at all times admire the intense fall foliage on a hike or drive throughout the fall. Get pleasure from snowboarding over the winter. And at last, go tenting throughout the spring and summer season. 

Salem, Massachusetts

Made well-known by the 1692 Salem witch trials, Salem gives spooks, artwork, historical past, and family-friendly video games.  

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 41 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Salem is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys from Boston throughout the fall. It’s well-known for its historic websites of the 1692 Salem witch trials. Salem is dwelling to the wickedly great Sanderson sisters, the Home of the Seven Gables, and the Salem Witch Museum.  

However this seaside city is a lot extra than simply witches. Go to the world-class Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), the longest continuously-running museum within the nation. The Peabody Essex Museum has one thing for everybody, whether or not they wish to be spooked or not. 

Not thinking about an artwork or historical past lesson? Beat the excessive scores on the Salem Willows Arcade. The harborside park is filled with classic video games, which supplies it a nostalgic vibe. The arcade additionally options mini-golf, a number of rides, and all of the greasy meals you may solely discover at an amusement park. 

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket makes a protracted day journey highlighted by blinking lighthouses and an enthralling tempo of life. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 3 hours and 47 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Nantucket is a tiny remoted island situated off the coast of Cape Cod. The island generally known as “The Gray Girl” is wearing salt air and hydrangeas. Nantucket is open to guests all 12 months spherical however turns into energetic in the summertime when Nantucket’s breathtaking seashores take middle stage. 

Nantucket’s three lighthouses present the last word Instagramable backdrop. The Brant Level Lighthouse is the shortest distance from city. You may get pleasure from it with views of the harbor. 

The Bluff Stroll gives guests an expertise harking back to the traditional fairytale The Secret Backyard. The general public walkway runs by the backyards of iconic Nantucket properties. Hike by gardens and lattice archways as you’re taking within the views of the Atlantic Coast. 

Gloucester, Massachusetts

One of many nation’s high fishing ports, Gloucester gives seashores and whale-watching excursions.

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 47 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Gloucester Website

Gloucester is a coastal city about 45 minutes from Boston. It’s considered one of America’s oldest fishing ports and is wealthy in seafaring custom. Gloucester gives maritime historical past, fresh-caught seafood, a number of lovely seashores, and an energetic working waterfront. 

I really like a very good journey out at sea. My favourite exercise in Gloucester is whale watching. I’ve been capable of see humpback whales, finback whales, dolphins, and sunfish! 

Join a whale watching tour with Cape Ann Whale Watch to marvel at these majestic giants. On the tour, you’ll probably see whales dive, breach, lay on their again, and flap their fins.  

Gloucester is dwelling to some unbelievable seashores. Take a look at Good Harbor Seaside, the right spot to spend a summer season day. It gives tender white sand and a big space to unfold out. Even throughout the low season, you may nonetheless benefit from the seashore and go for a stroll or run.  

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a metropolis of dwelling historical past, opulent mansions, and yacht-filled harbors.

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 1 hour and 33 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Newport is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Boston for a coastal getaway. Newport is a city wealthy in historical past. Newport options miles of scenic shoreline, colonial-era structure, artwork galleries, and charming outlets. 

Discover the Cliff Stroll, a gorgeous path that runs 3.5 miles alongside the coast. It’s going to take you alongside the gorgeous shoreline, historic mansions, and rocky seashores of Rhode Island. Elements of the path are paved, whereas different components have a rocky shoreline. Both manner, you may nonetheless benefit from the scenic ocean views. 

Take a family-friendly self-guided tour on the Newport Mansions. Every of the mansions gives a step again in time. The Elms, Marble Home, Rose Cliff, and Breakers had been all as soon as generally known as “summer season cottages.” Parking is free in any respect mansions. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod has greater than 500 miles of heat sandy seashores and gorgeous coastlines. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 1 hour and 27 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Cape Cod is the hooked-shaped peninsula of the state of Massachusetts. Cape Cod is without doubt one of the hottest summertime day journeys from Boston. Go to for picturesque ocean seashores, seafood shacks, and lighthouses. 

I really like the serene seashores in Cape Cod. It feels as if I’ve left Massachusetts with out ever stepping foot exterior of the state. There’s nothing like enjoyable on the nice and cozy sandy seashores. 

Do you want extra journey? Discover the various mountaineering and biking trails alongside the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, which supply scenic landscapes. 

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Discover the place the Mayflower got here ashore 400 years in the past at Plymouth. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 57 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Plymouth is an ideal day journey from Boston for historical past lovers. Plymouth was based in 1620 and is the location of the primary Pilgrim settlement and in addition the place you’ll discover Plymouth Rock. Mayflower II is a duplicate of the Mayflower that carried over 100 settlers to the Wampanoag individuals’s land. It’s anchored within the harbor. 

Be taught in regards to the nation’s historical past in dwell motion with Plimouth Patuxet Dwelling Historical past Museum. The tour will take you again to a day within the lifetime of the Pilgrims and Pokanoket individuals. On this dwelling historical past museum, tales are learn by role-playing actors. You may even take a stroll by an precise English Pilgrim settlement in addition to a visit aboard the Might Flower II.

Discover the cranberry bogs with the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Affiliation. Be taught in regards to the shallow areas of water the place the cranberries develop. The bogs are lovely when cranberries are shaken from their vines into the water. 

Portland, Maine

Maine’s most populous metropolis enchants with cobblestone streets, stylish buying, and nautical historical past. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 1 hour and 46 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Portland Website

Portland is a metropolis set on the peninsula of Maine. This coastal space is well-liked throughout the summertime. Vacationers get pleasure from accessing its seashores, forests, and different landscapes. 

Expertise the charming Previous Port, a revitalized warehouse district. The outdated brick buildings have been reworked into eating places, outlets, and residences. The world is now recognized for its stylish buying, famend eating, and bustling nightlife. 

Nautical buffs will get pleasure from a climb to the Portland Observatory. The observatory was in-built 1807 and is the final picket sign tower in North America. It gives nice views of Portland, Again Cove, Casco Bay, and Mt. Washington.

Martha’s Winery, Massachusetts

The well-known summer season getaway Martha’s Winery is only a enjoyable ferry experience from Cape Cod.  

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 2 hours and 42 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Martha’s Vineyard Website

Martha’s Winery is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Boston. Martha’s Winery is an island simply 7 miles off the coast of mainland Massachusetts. This well-known New England summer season colony is accessible solely by ferry or by air.

Go to the quirky and photogenic Oak Bluffs. The campground is a set of Victorian gingerbread cottages. The cottages are privately owned. However you may nonetheless benefit from the charming candy-colored exteriors. Maintain a watch out for the Grand Illumination in August. Every porch is hung with Japanese lanterns. 

Essentially the most iconic lighthouse within the Winery is the Edgartown Lighthouse. You’ll find loads of picture alternatives from the bottom. It’s surrounded by a backdrop of greenery and flowers. You’re in for a particular deal with while you climb to the highest of the lighthouse. The reward is breathtaking views of the encompassing space of Martha’s Winery. 

Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts

Historical past runs deep within the city of Sturbridge, that includes dozens of historic buildings and a large flea market. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 1 hour and three minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Sturbridge Village Website

Sturbridge gives small-town appeal within the coronary heart of New England. Sturbridge is dwelling to many historic websites and outside actions. Sturbridge gives over 30 miles of mountaineering trails for nature lovers. 

The preferred attraction in Sturbridge is the Previous Sturbridge Village, a historic dwelling museum. It’s a recreated 1830s rural New England City. You may discover greater than 40 historic buildings and work together with costumed historians. You’ll be impressed by the tales of the early nineteenth century and see duties from the previous at work. 

Peruse by three ranges of bargains on the Sturbridge Flea Market. This iconic flea market is housed in a mill from the 1800s. It has three flooring filled with distributors. You’ll find all the pieces from vintage jewellery to home equipment. 

Rockport, Massachusetts

Rockport will take your breath away with its rocky shores, lighthouses, and charming downtown. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 53 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Rockport is situated north of Boston and is an ideal place for a day of leisure. Rockport is stuffed with intriguing historical past and wonder, together with a way of serenity. This seaside city is a superb getaway and can be considered one of my private favourite day journeys from Boston.

I really like to walk by their charming and eclectic downtown. Bearskin Neck is a one-of-a-kind buying expertise. Discover the quaint outlets to search out handcrafted jewellery, artwork galleries, regionally made crafts, and specialty-housed objects.

You’ll additionally discover a ton of leisure actions to do round Rockport. Go swimming, diving, crusing, or kayaking. And don’t miss probably the most magical sunsets at Thacher Island’s Twin Lighthouses.

👉 Learn Subsequent: Finest Issues to Do in Massachusetts

Woodstock, Vermont

Charming Woodstock is a paradise for leaf-peepers and foodies. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 2 hours and quarter-hour | 📍 Google Maps

Woodstock is a small charming city surrounded by inexperienced mountains and babbling streams.

Woodstock has some lovely coated bridges which are well worth the go to. Center Lined Bridge is situated within the coronary heart of downtown Woodstock. This lattice-truss bridge might be probably the most photographed bridge within the space. Park your automotive on the town and discover the Center Lined Bridge on foot. 

Pattern tasty cheeses at Sugarbush Farms without spending a dime. This farm is the maker of award-winning cheddar cheese and maple syrup. For those who’re a foodie, this cease is a should! Go to with the cows and wander within the woods. Get pleasure from this little slice of Vermont heaven. 

Hampton Seaside, New Hampshire

Hampton Seaside is without doubt one of the widest seashores on the Atlantic coast. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 59 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Hampton Beach Website

Hampton Seaside is a well-liked Boston day journey attributable to its energetic boardwalk. The Hampton Seaside boardwalk is lined with memento outlets, ice cream parlors, and arcade video games. Hampton Seaside incorporates a full season of leisure and actions for all ages. 

There’s a lot outside exploration to do out of the Marina. Go paddle boarding by the marshes and participate in deep-sea fishing. Finish a day of enjoyable within the solar with a splendid sundown over the water. 

Newburyport, Massachusetts

A small coastal metropolis filled with all of the appeal of a Quintessential New England city. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 1 hour and 6 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Newburyport is a coastal metropolis situated northeast of Boston, nestled the place the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Newburyport historic district is understood for its old-time appeal, wealthy historical past, and scenic magnificence. 

The downtown Waterfront Park is a good place to walk on its scenic boardwalk. It runs alongside the Merrimack River and is a great spot to calm down, people-watch, and take within the view of all of the fishing boats. The boardwalk even options a number of outside artwork installations. 

Newburyport is understood for its waterfront eating scene. Seize one thing to eat at Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar. They focus on artisan coastal Italian delicacies. It’s a lovely location proper on the water with a heat ambiance. They’ve unbelievable meals and drinks paired with breathtaking waterfront views. 

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport is a historic fishing village reworked right into a seaside vacationer vacation spot.

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 1 hour 34 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Kennebunkport Website

Kennebunkport is a dreamy place to calm down and unwind. Kennebunkport is understood for its seashores, lighthouses, and contemporary native seafood.

One of many high issues to do is to go to the bustling middle of Kennebunkport. Dock Sq. is full of nice buying, exceptional eating places, and extra. You may’t go away with out making an attempt the native seafood. Order a lobster roll and a few fried clams on the Clam Shack. 

Need to get on the water? Contemplate a fishing or lobster expedition for an unforgettable expertise. Or go crusing. On this luxurious catamaran crusing tour, you may cruise alongside the waters in a spacious catamaran. 

Lexington, Massachusetts

The birthplace of the American Revolution, Lexington is an iconic vacation spot for historical past lovers. 

🗺️ Distance from Boston: half-hour | 📍 Google Maps | Lexington Website

Lexington is the birthplace of the American Revolution. Simply 20 minutes from Boston, Lexington is wealthy in cultural actions, historical past, charming outlets, and eating places. 

Begin your journey with a experience on the Liberty Ride Trolly Tour. The little trolley travels alongside websites of Revolutionary Warfare historical past. On the tour, volunteer guides inform the story of every historic attraction. The trolly can be a handy technique to get across the metropolis. You may hop on and off at any of the websites with free reboarding. 

A well-liked cease on the trolly tour is the Lexington Inexperienced. That is the place the primary shot of the American Warfare of Independence was fired in 1775. You may see the 18th-century buildings nonetheless standing in addition to the Minute Man Statue.

Plum Island, Massachusetts

Get pleasure from a day journey in a giant sandbox with scenic views overlaying the shoreline.

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 1 hour and a pair of minutes | 📍 Google Maps

Plum Island is situated proper on the coast of Massachusetts. It’s 11 miles lengthy with breathtaking views.

Go to Parker River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary takes up many of the land on the Island. Individuals go to the world for hen watching because of the variety of migratory birds within the space. The sanctuary is open every single day of the week from dawn to sundown. 

Don’t neglect to snap your picture on the Pink House! The Pink Home is without doubt one of the deserted historic properties you’ll discover all through Massachusetts. Individuals confer with it because the Plum Island Pink Home. It’s arduous to overlook as it’s situated proper off of the Plum Island Turnpike. 

Arnold Arboretum, Massachusetts

Escape to nature without having a automotive or having to go removed from town of Boston.

🗺️ Distance from Boston: 26 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Arnold Arboretum Website

Don’t have a automotive to drive out of town and luxuriate in a day in nature? This last entry on my checklist of day journeys from Boston is for you. 

Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre park that’s dwelling to over 16,000 hardy timber, shrubs, and vines. 

The free public park is situated within the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods. Commuters utilizing public transportation can simply entry it from town of Boston. You may seize considered one of Boston’s blue rental bikes, zoom throughout town, and enter one of many eight entrances. 

I’ve loved the attractive landscapes of this arboretum numerous instances. Peters Hills is the best level on the grounds and my favourite spot of all of the arboretum. It offers probably the most superb view of the Boston skyline. 

Harvard Arboretum is totally free to go to and is open to the general public from dawn to sundown. To keep away from getting misplaced, you may obtain the Expeditions app. It incorporates a map that may assist information you alongside trails with audio excursions.   

FAQs About Boston Day Journeys

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Boston’s prime location makes it extra handy to discover different components of New England and its historic cities. 

I hope this information has impressed you to discover a few of the greatest day journeys from Boston!