As New England’s largest city and one of the most historically important destinations in the entire country, Boston is arguably one of the top place to visit in Massachusetts. While you’re in Boston, you’ll have the chance to walk the Freedom Trail, which winds through 16 historic sites, many of which date back to the Revolutionary War.
The city also boasts wonderful markets, scenic parks, amazing breweries and an array of sporting venues and events. While you won’t lack for things to do here, you can also escape on several day trips from Boston that let you see and experience other amazing spots throughout New England.
8. Lexington and Concord
Revolutionary War buffs may already known about the connection between Lexington and Concord, two cities in Massachusetts just seven miles apart from one another. In Lexington, known as the Birthplace of American Liberty, the first shot of the American Revolution was fired.
In neighboring Concord, one of the first battles of the war took place. Both destinations are packed with history, and visitors should absolutely make time to tour the Minute Man National Historic Park, the Concord Museum, the 18th century Buckman Tavern and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, which is the final resting place of authors like Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Getting to Lexington and Concord
- From South Station in Boston, you can get to Lexington in about an hour by public transport. Just hop on the subway and take the red line west to Alewife. Here, you alight and take either bus 62 or 76 on to Lexington, where you’ll find all its interesting Revolutionary War sites just a short walk away. To get to neighboring Concord from Lexington, there is a seasonal trolley throughout the summer that hits most of the historical high points and is perfect for a day trip from Boston.
- A fantastic way to see as much of Boston and the surrounding area as possible in one day is to take a guided tour. These not only take you to Lexington, Concord, and Cambridge but also around the center of Boston. See prices
7. Newport
Head across state lines to Newport, Rhode Island, which is just 70 miles (110 km) south of Boston. Newport is known for its abundance of stately homes and mansions, its beautiful beaches and its charming downtown. Travelers on a budget can enjoy the three-mile Cliff Walk right along the coastline, head to the beach for a swim, spot the famed forty steps landmark or drive along Ocean Drive to see the amazing architecture in the city.
If you would rather steep in Newport’s history and experience life like the rich did, then tour Astor’s Beechwood Mansion or Vanderbilt’s The Breakers before doing some upscale souvenir shopping along Thames Street.
Getting to Newport
- Lying almost directly south of Boston, Newport in neighboring Rhode Island is just an hour and a half away if you take the Peter Pan bus line from South Station. This takes you to the Gateway Center in Newport, from which you can walk or take a bus to its many sights. Alternatively, you can always take a train to Providence then hop on a bus to Newport from there.
- Many people who want to visit Newport from Boston opt to take a guided tour, as this is a very convenient way to see all the main sights, such as the Breakers Mansion, Fort Adams, and the St Mary’s Church complex. See prices
6. Crane Beach, Ipswich
If you’re planning a day at the beach from Boston, you’ll be less than an hour from countless destinations. Arguably one of the best, however, is Crane Beach. Located just outside of Ipswich and overlooking Ipswich Bay, Crane Beach is an enormous coastal destination beloved by beach-goers throughout New England.
Crane Beach offers pristine beaches, beautiful dunes and even maritime forests. Stroll along the five-mile boardwalk, enjoy a packed picnic lunch or stay for the sand-building competitions right on the beach each summer.
Getting to Crane Beach
- To get to Crane Beach from Boston, you first need to take a train to Ipswich; these depart very regularly from North Station. The journey takes about an hour, and once you arrive, you can either take a short taxi ride to Crane Beach or a local bus, although these don’t run very frequently.
5. Plimoth Plantation
If you’re familiar with early American history, then you have probably heard of Plymouth Rock, the spot where the Mayflower arrived on the journey of the pilgrims from Europe to the new world. The city of Plymouth is steeped in history, and one of its most fascinating attractions is Plimoth Plantation.
The landmark is a living history reenactment center, and it helps visitors experience what life was like in the year 1627. You can chat to colonists who lived and worked in Plymouth, asking them about their lifestyles, the foods they eat and where they learned their skills.
You can enter the tiny homes they lived in and even dine on the traditional culinary delights of the early 17th century. The Mayflower II, docked near the Plymouth Rock, is also under the care of the museum.
Getting to the Plimoth Plantation
- If you want to really get to grips with the interesting history behind the Plymouth Colony, you may want to take a guided tour; this takes you to see some of colonial America’s most important sights. As well as seeing the plantation, the cemetery, and the spot where the colonialists first landed, historical reenactments will bring the events to life before your very eyes. The day culminates with a stop at the Craft Center, where you can see how tools, clothing, and housewares used to be made in the 1600s. See prices
4. Rockport
Just 40 miles (65 km) north of Boston, on Cape Ann, is the city of Rockport, Massachusetts. Like many coastal New England destinations, Rockport is home to plenty of wonderful seafood restaurants, a stunning rocky coastline and beautiful scenery. What sets it apart, however, is the fact that Rockport has been an artist’s colony since the 1800s.
Today, that art and culture is alive and well, and you’ll have the chance to tour dozens of art galleries. Whether you’re shopping for a few paintings for your home or you’re just an enthusiast interested in seeing local works, Rockport is the ideal art-lover’s getaway.
Getting to Rockport
- As direct trains run regularly between Boston and Rockport, it is very easy to get to the artsy town from the center of the city. Simply hop on a train at North Station and alight at Rockport around an hour and 15 minutes later. As Salem lies on the same train line if you have time you could always stop off and visit the famous Salem Witch Museum on the way back.
3. Martha’s Vineyard
About 90 miles (145 km) south of Boston is Martha’s Vineyard, the island destination off of Cape Cod that is recognized for being a coastal playground of the rich and famous. Known as Hollywood East, Martha’s Vineyard is absolutely a place that you can enjoy on a day trip from Boston.
Outdoor recreation and scenery are the major pastimes here, so be sure to head to the stunning cliffs of Aquinnah, the Long Point Wildlife Refuge and the many lighthouses that dot the coast. Along with hiking and swimming, the beaches offer opportunities to take part in activities like fishing, horseback riding and golfing.
Getting to Martha’s Vineyard
- Martha’s Vineyard may be an island, but you can still drive to it, as a car ferry runs from Woods Hole./li>
- Another option is to take a tour to Martha’s Vineyard. After arriving by ferry after a relaxing drive to the island, you’re free to explore its amazing beaches, shops, and restaurants at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt to join a three-hour narrated tour, which takes you to Gay Head Cliffs, Edgartown, and Aquinnah, among other places. See prices
2. Provincetown
Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is yet another thriving artist colony on the beach. Progressive, liberal attitudes reflect that artistic spirit, and Provincetown definitely offers something for everyone. Although it is possible to drive to Provincetown, Massachusetts, from Boston, the journey is much more enjoyable by ferry.
You might spend your day here admiring the amazing works of art on display at local galleries, you could go for a swim at Herring Cove, you could catch a theater performance at night or you could set off on a whale-watching expedition if your ferry ride wasn’t quite enough time on the water. Provincetown is also known for excellent cycling trails and amazing views of Cape Cod.
Getting to Provincetown
- The quickest and most scenic way to get to Provincetown from Boston is to take a ferry that gets you there in just an hour and a half. Ferries depart regularly from the World Trade Center Pier in the center of the city; once you alight at MacMillan Pier, you’ll find all of Provincetown’s main sights are just a short walk away.
- If you’re looking for a relaxing and luxurious way to travel to Cape Cod in style, you may want to consider booking a high-speed ferry to Provincetown. As well as enjoying the fantastic views of the Boston skyline from on deck, a concierge can help you plan your trip around Cape Cod, so you make the most of your time there – whether that is shopping, seeing the sights, or lounging on the beaches. See prices
1. Salem
Even if you’ve never been to Massachusetts before, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Salem and the city’s witch trials that famously took place in the 17th century. Halloween collectibles and themed museums abound, and you might be interested in a visit to the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch Dungeon Museum or the walking witch tours.
For the more traditional visitor, it is definitely important to spend some time admiring the 18th century architecture for which Salem is also famed. In the late 1700s, Salem was one of the biggest cities in New England, and areas like the Chestnut Street District, the McIntyre Historic District and the Charter Street Historic District provide the chance to see beautifully restored homes from more than two centuries ago.
Getting to Salem
- As it lies just a short distance to the north of Boston, it takes no time at all to get to Salem via public transport. All you need to do is take an MBTA Commuter Rail train from North Station in Boston to Salem Depot. This journey should only take half-an-hour, with trains departing frequently.
- If you’re interested in learning all there is to know about the Salem Witch trials, you may want to take a guided tour, which will take you around all of Salem’s most famous sights. As well as learning about the trials, you’ll have free time to explore Salem at your leisure, so you can stop off for lunch, go shopping, or continue visiting its many attractions. See prices
Another very interesting trip is to the National Historic Park in Lowell about the industrial Revolution. You can get the train from north station or drive.