Boston is a bustling city with a rich history and plenty of attractions to keep visitors occupied. However, sometimes it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle and explore the surrounding areas. Luckily, Boston is surrounded by picturesque towns and scenic destinations that make for great day trips.

One popular day trip from Boston is to Salem, Massachusetts. Known for its infamous witch trials in the late 1600s, Salem is now a charming town with plenty of historical sites and museums to explore. Visitors can also take a stroll through the town’s quaint streets lined with unique shops and restaurants.

Another great day trip option is to visit the beautiful coastal town of Rockport. Located about an hour north of Boston, Rockport is known for its stunning beaches, charming architecture, and picturesque harbor. Visitors can spend the day relaxing on the beach, exploring the town’s art galleries and boutiques, or taking a scenic boat tour.

Historic Day Trips

For history buffs, Boston and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of sites to explore. From Revolutionary War landmarks to literary landmarks, there is no shortage of historic day trips to take. Here are some must-see destinations for those interested in exploring the past.

Revolutionary War Sites

For those interested in Revolutionary War history, Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, MA is a must-visit. The park encompasses the North Bridge, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired, as well as the Battle Road Trail, which follows the route taken by British soldiers as they retreated from Concord. Lexington’s Battle Green is another important site, where the first battle of the American Revolution took place.

Literary Landmarks

Literary buffs will love visiting the homes of some of America’s most famous authors. The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, MA was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, MA is where she wrote Little Women. And of course, no literary tour of Massachusetts would be complete without a visit to Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau lived and wrote his famous book.

Historic Homes

For those interested in historic homes, there are many options to choose from. The Breakers in Newport, RI is a stunning mansion built by the Vanderbilt family in the late 1800s. The Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport, MA offers a glimpse into the city’s seafaring past. And in Plymouth, MA, visitors can tour the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America, as well as Pilgrim Hall Museum, which houses artifacts from the Pilgrims’ journey.

No matter what aspect of history interests you most, there is something for everyone in the Boston area. From the American Revolution to literary landmarks, visitors can explore the past and get a glimpse into what life was like in centuries past.

Coastal and Beach Day Trips

For those looking to enjoy the sun and sand, Boston has plenty of options for beach and coastal day trips. Some of the best beach destinations in New England are just a short drive away from the city.

New England Beaches

New England is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are many options to choose from. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include:

• Hampton Beach in New Hampshire
• Plum Island in Massachusetts
• Narragansett Beach in Rhode Island
• Old Orchard Beach in Maine

Each of these beaches offers something unique, from the stunning views of the rocky coast at Narragansett Beach to the classic boardwalk at Old Orchard Beach.

Cape Cod Excursions

Cape Cod is a popular destination for Bostonians looking to escape the city for a day. Some of the must-see attractions on the Cape include:

• Provincetown: This charming town at the tip of the Cape is known for its art galleries, restaurants, and beautiful beaches.
• Cape Cod National Seashore: With miles of pristine beaches and hiking trails, the National Seashore is a great place to spend a day outdoors.
• Hyannis: This bustling town is the largest on the Cape and is home to many shops, restaurants, and museums.

Island Adventures

For those looking for a unique coastal experience, there are several islands off the coast of Massachusetts that are worth a visit. Some of the most popular include:

• Martha’s Vineyard: This island is known for its picturesque towns, beautiful beaches, and excellent seafood restaurants.
• Nantucket: With its charming cobblestone streets and historic homes, Nantucket is a great place to explore on foot.
• Block Island: Located off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is a great place to go hiking, biking, or kayaking.

No matter which beach or coastal destination you choose, there are plenty of options for a fun and relaxing day trip from Boston.

Culinary Day Trips

Boston is known for its food scene, but there are also plenty of culinary gems to be found just outside the city. Here are a few day trips that foodies won’t want to miss:

Salem

Salem, Massachusetts is known for its witch trials, but it also has a thriving food scene. Visitors can take a food tour of the city, which includes stops at local restaurants and markets. Some must-visit spots include:

• The Lobster Shanty: This casual seafood spot is known for its lobster rolls and clam chowder.
• Gulu-Gulu Cafe: This eclectic cafe serves up coffee, craft beer, and a variety of small plates.
• The Cheese Shop of Salem: This gourmet cheese shop has a wide selection of cheeses from around the world.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a charming coastal town with a vibrant food scene. Some top restaurants include:

• Moxy: This modern American restaurant serves up creative small plates and craft cocktails.
• Cava: This Mediterranean restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and homemade pasta.
• Black Trumpet: This farm-to-table restaurant focuses on local ingredients and seasonal dishes.

Providence

Providence, Rhode Island is just a short drive from Boston and has a diverse culinary scene. Some top restaurants include:

• Al Forno: This Italian restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas.
• Olneyville New York System: This casual spot serves up Rhode Island’s famous hot wieners.
• The Grange: This vegetarian restaurant has a creative menu that changes with the seasons.

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Italian, or vegetarian cuisine, these culinary day trips have something for everyone.

Day Trips by Public Transport

For those without a car, Boston has a comprehensive public transport system that can take you to many nearby destinations. Here are some ideas for day trips accessible by public transport:

Salem

Salem, famous for the witch trials of the 17th century, is just a 30-minute train ride from Boston’s North Station. Visitors can explore the city’s history at the Salem Witch Museum or the House of Seven Gables, or stroll through the picturesque streets lined with colonial architecture.

Concord

Concord, a charming town known for its literary history, can be reached by taking the commuter rail from Boston’s North Station. Visitors can tour the homes of famous writers such as Louisa May Alcott and Ralph Waldo Emerson, or take a walk through Walden Pond, made famous by Henry David Thoreau’s book.

Cape Ann

Cape Ann, a scenic peninsula north of Boston, can be reached by taking the commuter rail to Gloucester or Rockport. Visitors can explore the charming fishing villages, walk along the rocky coastline, or visit the historic lighthouses.

Plymouth

Plymouth, the site of the first Pilgrim settlement in the United States, can be reached by taking the commuter rail to Plymouth Station. Visitors can explore the living history museum of Plimoth Plantation, or visit the iconic Plymouth Rock.

Overall, Boston’s public transport system provides easy access to many nearby destinations, making it a convenient base for day trips.

Outdoor and Nature Day Trips

Hiking and Walking Trips

Boston and the surrounding areas offer a variety of hiking and walking trails for nature enthusiasts. The White Mountains in New Hampshire are a popular destination for hikers, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Mount Monadnock, located in southern New Hampshire, is a popular hiking spot with stunning views of the surrounding area.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, Walden Pond, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is a beautiful spot for a peaceful walk. The pond is surrounded by wooded trails and offers a chance to connect with nature.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

Bird watching and wildlife observation are popular activities in the Boston area. The North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts, offers a chance to see local wildlife, including deer and birds. The Cape Cod National Seashore is a great spot for bird watching, with a variety of species to be seen.

For those interested in a more immersive experience, Vermont offers a variety of wildlife tours. The town of Northampton, Massachusetts, is also home to a variety of bird watching tours.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful walk, the Boston area has something to offer for nature enthusiasts.

Cultural and Artistic Day Trips

Boston is a city rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of day trips that allow visitors to explore the region’s artistic and cultural offerings. Whether you’re interested in museums, galleries, or historic sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One popular destination for art lovers is the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. This world-renowned museum features an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including Asian art, maritime art, and contemporary art. The museum’s collection of Asian art is particularly impressive, with over 25,000 objects from China, Japan, Korea, and India.

Another must-see museum in the area is the Concord Museum. Located just 20 miles outside of Boston, this museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Concord and the surrounding region. Visitors can explore exhibits on the American Revolution, the literary history of the area, and the lives of famous Concord residents like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

For those looking to venture a bit further afield, the Portland Museum of Art in Maine is a great option. This museum features an impressive collection of American and European art, as well as a diverse range of contemporary art. Visitors can also explore the museum’s historic home, the McLellan-Sweat Mansion, which dates back to 1801.

Overall, visitors to Boston have a wealth of cultural and artistic day trip options to choose from. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or both, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the region’s many museums and cultural institutions.

Conclusion

Boston is a city that offers a wide variety of day trip options for visitors and locals alike. From historical landmarks to scenic drives, there is something for everyone.

For those looking to stay close to the city, there are plenty of options. The Freedom Trail is a must-see for history buffs, and the Boston Common and Public Garden offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city. For those looking for free things to do in Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts and the USS Constitution Museum are great options.

If you’re willing to venture a bit further out, there are plenty of options for day trips from Boston. The Salem Witch Museum and Plimoth Plantation offer a glimpse into early American life, while the Cape Cod National Seashore and Martha’s Vineyard offer breathtaking views of the ocean.

Overall, Boston is a city that offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just a relaxing day trip, there is something for everyone in and around the city.