Day Trips from Boston. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Many captivating spots are within day-trip distance: Cambridge, MA; Salem, MA; Concord & Lexington, MA; Plymouth, MA; Provincetown, MA (Cape Cod).

Transportation varies: MBTA for Cambridge, Commuter Rail for Salem, car recommended for Concord/Lexington. Plymouth has bus service or traveling by car. Provincetown features seasonal high-speed ferry from Boston Harbor.

Travel Styles & Time

Organized tours simplify travel for destinations like Salem, Concord/Lexington, and Plymouth, including expert commentary.
Independent travel offers flexibility, specifically for Cambridge (easy public transit) or personal pace exploration.
Suggested itineraries: Cambridge (half to full day), Salem (full day), Concord/Lexington (full day), Plymouth (full day), Provincetown (full day including whale watch).
Find and schedule day excursions: GetYourGuide Day Trips

Natural Escapes

Discover serene parks, scenic coastlines, and perfectly preserved natural areas a short journey from Boston.

Parks & Reserves

Blue Hills Reservation (Milton/Quincy) is a large state park with hiking trails and picturesque views of the Boston skyline. Walden Pond State Reservation (Concord) features a historic pond, swimming (seasonal), and hiking paths.

Access & Activities

Blue Hills accessible by car or MBTA bus from Forest Hills.
Walden Pond for swimming and reflecting on Thoreau''s lasting impact.
Numerous trails suitable for various skill levels.

Coastal & Mountain Views

Coastal drives north or south of Boston, like Scenic Route 127 in Cape Ann, reveal charming views of the New England coastline.

Exploration Ideas

Scenic drives perfect for photography and ocean breezes.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire (2-3 hours drive) are excellent for hiking and skiing.
Revere Beach (MBTA Blue Line) or Crane Beach (Ipswich – car needed).

Seasonal Beauty

Fall Foliage

Central and Western Massachusetts are prime locations.
New Hampshire and Vermont offer spectacular autumnal colors.
A scenic drive out of Boston is typically needed for the best views.
Peak season usually occurs from late September to mid-October.

Outdoor Activities

Whale watching tours depart from Boston Harbor in warmer months.
Biking paths along the Charles River Esplanade.
Consider weather conditions and seasonal access for certain parks.
Always check forecasts before heading out for outdoor adventures.

Points of Interest

Blue Hills TrailsHiking, Views
Walden PondSwimming, History
Cape Ann CoastlineScenic Drives
Revere BeachAmerica's First Public Beach

White MountainsHiking, Skiing
Crane BeachBarrier Beach
Charles River EsplanadeBiking, Walking
Boston HarborCruises, Whale Watching

Traveler's Insight

A car opens many natural escapes, offering flexibility beyond public transport routes.

Cultural Excursions

Go back in time or explore rural The Northeastern us states life with these cultural day trips.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

A living history museum depicting 17th-century Pilgrim life and a Wampanoag homespot in Plymouth.

Old Sturbridge Village

A recreated 19th-century New England village, providing a look into rural life (approximately 1-hour drive west).

Nashoba Valley

Located west of Boston, this area features wineries and apple orchards (seasonal) for leisurely drives and tastings.

Revolutionary War Sites

Concord & Lexington, MA, contain sites of the first battles of the American Revolution, including Walden Pond.

Locations

Battle Green in Lexington.
Old North Bridge in Concord.
Orchard House (Louisa May Alcott's home) in Concord.

Maritime History

Plymouth, MA, offers a window into early American maritime and colonial history.

Sites

Plymouth Rock.
Mayflower II replica.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums.

Cultural Insights

Salem Witch Trials1692 History

Peabody Essex MuseumArt & Culture

House of the Seven GablesHistoric Home

Walden Pond Literary TiesThoreau's Legacy

Winery ToursNashoba Valley

Apple PickingSeasonal Fun

Consider a Day Trip

These sites offer deep dives into New England's past.
Booking tours sometimes simplifies logistics for various stops.
Check seasonal opening hours, especially for living history museums.
Wear comfortable shoes, as much exploration involves walking.
Numerous locations feature gift shops with local crafts and historical replicas.

Multi-Day Extensions

Add a few extra days to explore more of New England, combining Boston with other regional highlights.

Cape Cod

Add 2-3 days for its beautiful beaches, quaint towns (Chatham, Hyannis), biking trails, and fresh seafood.

Activities

Relax on sandy shores.
Discover charming boutiques.
Savor local seafood delicacies.

Newport, Rhode Island

Add 1-2 days for its Gilded Age mansions, the scenic Cliff Walk, and sailing culture (accessible by car or seasonal ferry/bus).

Experiences

Tour opulent historic mansions.
Hike the breathtaking Cliff Walk.
Immerse in sailing and maritime heritage.

Transportation Connections

Boston features excellent connections to other major Northeast cities and beyond.

Options

Amtrak connects Boston to New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Portland (ME).
An extensive bus network links Boston to all major Northeast cities.
A car offers the most flexibility for exploring New England's diverse regions.

Logical Next Destinations

Consider combining Boston with other major urban or international destinations for a wide-ranging journey.

Suggestions

New York City, easily reached by Amtrak Acela train or intercity bus.
Montreal or Quebec City, Canada, for a different cultural experience (bus, train, or flight).
Extend your trip to explore other major East Coast cities.

Suggested Regional Routes

Planning a longer journey around New England?

New England Fall Foliage Road Trip

Boston to White Mountains (NH), then Vermont, Berkshires (MA), Connecticut Coast, returning to Boston.

Coastal New England

Boston to Cape Cod, then Newport (RI), Mystic (CT), and back to Boston.

Historic Corridor

Boston to New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., using Amtrak for a seamless journey.

Maximize Your Adventure

Extended trips reveal the complete charm and diversity of the Northeast region.

Beyond Boston: Regional Highlights

Northern New England

ME

Maine Coast

Lighthouses, lobster, and rugged shorelines. Portland, Acadia National Park.

NH

New Hampshire

White Mountains, scenic drives, tax-free shopping. Lakes Region.

VT

Vermont

Green Mountains, maple syrup, charming villages. Burlington.

Southern New England

Mystic, CT: Famous for its Seaport Museum and Aquarium.
The Berkshires, MA: Mountainous region with cultural attractions and outdoor recreation.
Block Island, RI: A serene island escape with beaches and natural beauty (seasonal ferry).
Thames River, CT: Home to historic naval sites and submarine bases.
Hartford, CT: Mark Twain House, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
Providence, RI: Vibrant culinary scene, historic architecture, WaterFire event.

East Coast Connections

Nyc, NY: Iconic landmarks, world-class dining, theater.
Philadelphia, PA: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, historic sites.
Washington D.C.: A protected national landmarks, Smithsonian museums, government buildings.
Baltimore, MD: Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, historic ships.
Montreal, QC: European charm, diverse cuisine, French-Canadian culture.
Quebec City, QC: Oldest walled city in North America, UNESCO World Heritage site.

Planning Tips for Longer Journeys

Booking & Transport

Book train or bus tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Consider a car rental for flexibility in rural The Northeastern us states.

Accommodation

Look for accommodations that suit your style, from charming B&Bs in small towns to city hotels.

Seasonal Considerations

The Northeastern us states's seasons bring distinct experiences. Fall for foliage, summer for coastlines, winter for snow sports.

Day Trips from Boston