10 Of The Best Day Trips From Boston

Mª del Rosario Castro Díaz • May 24, 2021

For when you feel like venturing out of Boston!

We love Boston and all it has to offer but every now and then we also like to leave the city and explore its surroundings. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 awesome day trips just a short distance from Boston. We’ve organized them from closest to furthest to help make the decision of where to go easier. Check these out!

1. Lexington, MA (35 min)

Located just outside of Boston, this historical town can be easily reached by bike, you can just hop on the Minuteman Bikeway which begins in North Cambridge. Lexington is most famous for its historic Battle Green, where Minute Men engaged the British Army on Lexington Common (now known as Battle Green) in bloody battle back in 1775. Many original homes flanking the battleground are still standing, one has even been turned into a visitor’s center.

2. Salem, MA (42 min)

Salem will forever be famous for its 1692 witch trials and is a super popular destination for Halloween. While you can choose to explore the eerie sites linked to the famous trials, Salem’s Peabody Essex Museum has a great art collection. You can also visit the house which probably inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s–a Salem native– famous novel The House of the Seven Gables.

3. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate (1 hr)

This stunning coastal mansion located in the Crane Estate was designed by renowned architect David Alder. While you can choose to tour Castle Hill and all 59 rooms of it, the surrounding grounds are equally breathtaking and are totally worth exploring!

4. Plymouth, MA (1 hr)

What better than spending the day in the birthplace of the USA? Visit Plymouth Rock, check out the Mayflower’s gorgeous replica and the Pilgrim Monument for an all American historic experience. While you’re at Plymouth make sure to also check out Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum that replicates the early settlements of the Plymouth pilgrims. Just keep in mind visiting Plimoth might take the better part of the day.

5. Rockport, MA (1 hr)

This classic New England seaside town is located in Cape Ann. Home to mostly artists and fishermen families, the little town is full of lovely art galleries and great seafood spots to try out during your visit. Finish your day with a stroll by the sea and you’ve got yourself the recipe for a totally awesome New England trip.

6. World’s End Park (1 hr)

If you’re a fan of nature then World’s End probably has an activity for you, all the way from biking and horseback riding to canoeing. Its winding trails, follow the shores of saltwater marshes across woodlands and meadows which play an important part as habitats for the local fauna and flora. Wonder along its beautiful hills and enjoy gorgeous views of the Boston Harbor islands and the city skyline.

7. Providence, RI (1.5 hrs)

Home to Johnson & Wales University’s College of Culinary Arts, Providence is the perfect day trip destination for all foodies. We suggest checking out Yoleni’s 40,000 square-foot space full of amazing Greek goodies. Federal Hill, the town’s Italian neighborhood is also a great destination for top-notch dining. Oh, and while you’re at it, why not check out Brown University’s stunning campus?

8. Newport, RI (2 hrs)

Gilded Age mansions, breathtaking coastal views… Newport is home to the great and the good of the East Coast. Must-see places include The Breakers mansion and Marble House and the International Tennis Hall of Fame which hosted the first-ever US Open back in 1881.

9. Provincetown, MA (2.5 hrs)

This totally awesome and creative town is an LGBTQ+ hotspot. It’s full of art galleries, nightclubs and cabarets that make for a totally fun day. Make sure to check out Commercial Street, the heart of this bustling town.

10. Nantucket, MA (4 hrs)

I know, four hours worth of traveling might be a bit of a stretch for a day trip but Nantucket Island’s gorgeous sunsets are totally worth it. Plus, did you know Nantucket is home to the best beach on the East Coast?