Boston is a vibrant and historic vacation spot identified for its colonial structure, prestigious universities, and seafood delicacies. However the attraction of Boston doesn’t finish with its metropolis limits.
The encircling areas are full of pure magnificence, small cities, thrilling cities, and landmarks that make for good adventures outdoors town.
So let’s discover among the finest day journeys from Boston!
Finest Day Journeys From Boston
The whole lot on our listing is below 3 hours one-way. When you can actually go additional than that and discover some unbelievable locations, we needed to share precise day journeys from Boston that you possibly can get to, spend time at, and get again in 10 hours or much less.
1. Lexington & Harmony
One-Method Journey Time – 30 min
Lexington and Harmony are two historic cities only a brief drive from Boston. They performed a big function within the American Revolution and are well-known for the battles that occurred there in April 1775.
If you happen to’re planning a go to to Lexington and Harmony, one factor you shouldn’t miss is the Battle Highway Path.
The Battle Highway Path is a 5-mile path connecting nearly all of the necessary historic websites in each cities, together with the place Paul Revere was captured and Previous North Bridge.
Wandering alongside the path is a good way to study in regards to the historical past of the American Revolution and the way it impacted these two cities.
2. Salem
One-Method Journey Time – 40 min
Salem is a vibrant metropolis that draws guests worldwide. It’s best identified for its notorious Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but it surely additionally has an interesting maritime historical past.
Whereas there may be a lot to suggest associated to the witch trials, we advise including a ghost tour to the top of your day. Salem has an extended and spooky historical past; many guests come to the city to study its cursed previous.
Through the tour, you possibly can go to a few of Salem’s most haunted places, together with Previous Burying Level Cemetery and the Witch Home. All of the whereas, a educated information can be offering ghostly legends and folklore related to the websites.
Whether or not you imagine within the paranormal or are simply on the lookout for a enjoyable and spooky expertise, a ghost tour is a should.
3. Gloucester
One-Method Journey Time – 50 min
Because the US’s oldest fishing port, Gloucester doesn’t sound all that thrilling for a day journey. However this coastal city is wealthy with maritime historical past, has unbelievable seashores, and contemporary seafood to chow down on that was caught the identical day.
Prime of your listing when in Gloucester ought to be taking a whale-watching tour. Off the coast of Massachusetts is likely one of the finest locations on the earth to see whales of their pure habitat, and several other firms supply excursions from the harbor.
Through the summer time, you possibly can head out to Stellwagen Financial institution Nationwide Marine Sanctuary to see humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and different marine wildlife. All of the whereas, you’re studying in regards to the whales from naturalists keen about wildlife.
Throughout our tour, we spent high quality time with a 3-year-old juvenile humpback who received so near the boat I couldn’t get him all in a digital camera body!
4. Newburyport
One-Method Journey Time – 50 min
With stunning historic structure, a picturesque harbor, and a quaint downtown space, Newburyport is the proper place to move for the day.
Town has the perfect of every part concerning coastal New England. It has loads of unbelievable seafood eating places, retailers, and galleries to browse. Nevertheless it additionally has loads of outside actions if you wish to expertise boating, fishing, and even beachcombing.
Whereas in Newburyport, cease by the Parker River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge only a few miles outdoors town.
The refuge provides a spread of outside actions, together with climbing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Throughout a go to, search for deer, foxes, coyotes, and numerous hen species that could possibly be residents or migratory, relying on once you go to.
5. Rockport
One-Method Journey Time – 55 min
Rockport is a small coastal city with quaint New England attraction that’s surrounded by stunning seashores and rocky shorelines.
The city has fairly the artwork scene, with a number of galleries and studios showcasing native artists’ work in numerous codecs. One of the vital painted and photographed locations on the town (and the entire US) is the crimson fishing shack often known as Motif #1.
Whereas on the town, stroll alongside Bearskin Neck, the slender stretch of land that juts out into the harbor.
This stretch is full of charming retailers, artwork galleries, and eating places and provides stunning ocean views. It is usually the place you will see Motif #1.
And once you want a break, cease for a candy deal with on the cute Ice Cream Retailer.
6. Plymouth
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 15 min
Positioned on the coast, Plymouth is known for being the positioning of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America, established by the Pilgrims in 1620.
There’s loads of historic significance within the metropolis to expertise, from Plymouth Rock to Burial Hill Cemetery.
Whereas we predict it’s best to actually see these issues, we will even recommend you not miss the Mayflower II.
The Mayflower II is a full-scale reproduction of the unique Mayflower, the ship that transported the Pilgrims to the New World.
The reproduction was constructed within the Nineteen Fifties in England and sailed throughout the Atlantic to the US, the place it has been on show ever since.
You’ll be able to board the ship and study what life was like for the Pilgrims throughout their journey to America. The boat is furnished with reproduction interval gadgets and displays, and there are guides readily available to share the historical past and tales of the Pilgrims.
7. Previous Sturbridge Village
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 15 min
Previous Sturbridge Village is a residing historical past museum that recreates a rural New England village from the 1830s and gives a glimpse into day by day life throughout this era.
The village covers over 200 acres and contains greater than 40 historic buildings. This contains houses, retailers, farm buildings, and extra which have all been rigorously recreated to offer you an genuine expertise.
The workers portrays villagers and demonstrates conventional crafts and abilities, like blacksmithing, woodworking, and textiles.
Take a while to speak to those costumed interpreters, as they’ll present attention-grabbing insights and reply all of your burning questions on what life was like throughout the 1800s.
8. Falmouth
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 55 min
On the southwestern tip of Cape Cod, Falmouth has stunning seashores, historic landmarks just like the Nobska Lighthouse, and scenic nature trails.
Whereas there may be loads to maintain you busy on this quaint city, we advise you discover the Shining Sea Bikeway. This 10.7-mile paved path winds its approach via among the most scenic areas of Falmouth.
Following alongside a former railroad line, the path passes by saltwater marshes, wooded areas, seashores, and provides breathtaking views of the ocean in spots alongside the best way.
You’ll be able to hire a motorbike from one of many native retailers or carry your individual and spend the day leisurely pedaling alongside the path.
9. Provincetown
One-Method Journey Time – 2 hours, 35 min
Like our final suggestion, Provincetown can also be positioned on Cape Cod. Almost on reverse ends from one another, this picturesque city is positioned on the northeastern tip as an alternative.
You’ll be able to’t come to a spot like Provincetown and never hit the seaside.
Once we consider iconic seashores in New England, we image sand dunes, patches of tall grass blowing within the breeze, and picket picket fences. You’ll actually discover that right here, with Race Level Seashore being a preferred alternative.
However if you wish to discover a quieter location, there are 45 miles of seashores to select from. So whether or not you wish to be within the coronary heart of all of the motion or quietly calm down with a very good ebook in solitude, there can be a spot for you.
10. Martha’s Winery
One-Method Journey Time – 3 hours (give or take on account of ferry experience)
Martha’s Winery is a well known island simply off Cape Cod’s coast. With gorgeous seashores, charming cities, and a laid-back ambiance, Martha’s Winery is a well-liked vacation spot for guests worldwide.
We advise heading to Oak Bluffs, the place you will see colourful Victorian-style houses and quaint retailers.
Wander via the city and admire the charming gingerbread cottages adorned with intricate particulars and colours.
See the historic Flying Horses Carousel, the nation’s oldest constantly working platform carousel, which dates again to 1884. The carousel options hand-carved horses, a standard band organ, and a brass ring recreation that has entertained riders for over a century.
Day Journeys From Boston To Maine
Let’s transfer on from Massachusetts and speak about among the finest day journeys from Boston to cities in Maine.
11. York, Maine
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 10 min
York in southern Maine has some nice historic websites to take a look at on a day journey.
Head to the York Historic District, which options a number of well-preserved buildings from the 18th and Nineteenth centuries. Cease by the oldest church within the state or the Previous York Gaol (jail).
A go to to see the Nubble Lighthouse can also be so as. This picturesque lighthouse is taken into account some of the photographed lighthouses within the US.
Because the lighthouse sits on a small rocky island simply off the coast, you can’t truly go to the lighthouse. However from Sohier Park, you possibly can study extra about it and absorb some epic views.
12. Ogunquit, Maine
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 20 min
Ogunquit is an enthralling city with picturesque seashores, many cute restaurant spots, and a thriving arts scene.
One factor it’s best to do when in Ogunquit is stroll on the Marginal Method. The Marginal Method is a scenic footpath that winds alongside the rocky shoreline between Ogunquit and neighboring Perkins Cove.
The trail is simply over a mile lengthy and provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, with loads of spots to sit down and take within the surroundings alongside the best way. It’s a good way to expertise the pure fantastic thing about Ogunquit and is beautiful throughout dawn and sundown.
And should you stroll all the best way to Perkins Cove, you’ll have a further alternative to spend time in a quaint coastal city.
13. Portland, Maine
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 50 min
Portland is a coastal metropolis identified for its Previous Port district, historic structure, and culinary scene.
If you wish to absorb some historical past, wander the Portland Freedom Path. This self-guided path takes you previous greater than 10 places used as a part of the Underground Railroad to maneuver enslaved folks to Canada from Maine secretly.
We advise you go to the Portland Head Mild.
Positioned in Cape Elizabeth, only a few miles south of downtown Portland, this lighthouse dates again to 1791. It’s the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
Not like the Nubble Lighthouse in York mentioned above, this one is a part of the mainland and will be seen up shut. Cease by the museum on a go to.
Or discover Fort Wiliams Park, the place the lighthouse sits. The park is sort of 100 acres and has loads to do, from climbing to beachcombing to discovering a quiet spot to folks watch.
Finest Day Journeys From Boston To Rhode Island
Rhode Island is near Massachusetts, and several other locations within the state make our listing of finest day journeys from Boston.
14. Windfall, Rhode Island
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 35 min
Windfall is the capital metropolis of Rhode Island and has historic attraction and prestigious universities.
If you wish to go to college campuses, Brown College and the Rhode Island Faculty of Design (RISD) are positioned right here.
Head to the RISD museum. It options greater than 100,000 artworks from around the globe, together with historical artwork, up to date artwork, and ornamental artwork. The museum additionally provides workshops and academic applications.
If you happen to can time your go to proper, we will’t recommend visiting WaterFire after darkish sufficient.
WaterFire is an artwork set up that includes a sequence of bonfires lit on the rivers, accompanied by music, artwork, and meals distributors. It’s held each couple of weeks over the summer time months and attracts guests from all around the area.
15. Bristol, Rhode Island
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 50 min
Bristol is only a brief drive from Windfall, so you possibly can most likely match them right into a single journey. You’ll want to head right here for its quaint New England really feel.
One factor to do on a go to to Bristol is to discover the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. This historic property was constructed within the late Nineteenth century and contains a gorgeous mansion surrounded by acres of fantastically landscaped gardens and wooded trails.
Take a guided tour of the mansion to study in regards to the lives of the household who lived there and the historical past of the property itself. The gardens are a real oasis, with numerous plant species and gorgeous views of Narragansett Bay.
16. Newport, Rhode Island
One-Method Journey Time – 2 hours
With historic mansions, scenic ocean views, and wealthy crusing heritage, Newport needed to make our listing.
On a go to to Newport, visiting the well-known Newport Mansions is a should.
These grand estates have been constructed throughout the Gilded Age of the late Nineteenth century by rich industrialists and are actually open to the general public for excursions.
Essentially the most well-known of those mansions embody The Breakers, Marble Home, and The Elms, all of that are positioned alongside the scenic Cliff Stroll.
You’ll be able to marvel on the opulent interiors, expansive gardens, and breathtaking ocean views that make these mansions true American treasures.
Additionally learn: Uncommon and Cool Issues to Do in Boston
17. Jamestown, Rhode Island
One-Method Journey Time – 2 hours, 15 min
One of the vital historic cities in Rhode Island and well-known for its beautiful previous structure, Jamestown is positioned in Narragansett Bay.
Whereas on the town, we advise you head to Beavertail State Park. The park is on the southern tip of Conanicut Island and provides unbelievable views of the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll be able to discover the rocky shoreline, hike on the paths, or have a picnic. One of many park’s highlights is the historic lighthouse, the third oldest within the US.
When completed on the park, swing by the Jamestown windmill. Inbuilt 1787, it was in operation for over 100 years and remains to be in working situation.
Boston Day Journeys To New Hampshire
Up subsequent are a number of locations in New Hampshire that we all know you received’t remorse visiting.
18. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 5 min
Portsmouth is a coastal metropolis identified for its wealthy historical past, scenic waterfront, and vibrant cultural scene.
One factor to do on a go to to Portsmouth is to go to the Strawbery Banke Museum. This residing historical past museum showcases the lives of Portsmouth residents from the late 1600s to the mid-1900s.
You’ll be able to discover greater than 30 historic buildings, together with houses, retailers, and gardens, which were restored to their authentic situation. Costumed interpreters carry the previous to life, demonstrating conventional crafts and trades and sharing tales about those that lived and labored within the space.
Strawbery Banke Museum is a singular and immersive expertise that gives an interesting glimpse into Portsmouth’s historical past and heritage.
19. Harmony, New Hampshire
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 10 min
Harmony is the capital metropolis of New Hampshire, positioned within the coronary heart of the state.
There’s loads to do right here, like go to the New Hampshire Historic Society Museum to study in regards to the state’s historical past. Or, if you wish to get out in nature, you possibly can kayak down the Merrimack River or hike within the forested Winant Park.
We advise you go to the New Hampshire State Home. This gorgeous Greek revival-style constructing was accomplished in 1819 and is likely one of the oldest state capitol buildings within the US.
The State Home options an exquisite dome, spectacular art work, and thrilling displays. You’ll be able to take a guided tour to study in regards to the historical past of the constructing and its significance to New Hampshire’s political previous.
It’s undoubtedly the proper cease for historical past buffs and structure fans.
20. Canterbury Shaker Village, New Hampshire
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 25 min
Canterbury Shaker Village was as soon as residence to a Shaker spiritual group. It’s now a residing museum and common vacationer vacation spot that enables guests to expertise Shaker life and tradition.
You’ll be able to discover the various historic buildings on the grounds, together with the 1792 Assembly Home, the 1823 Schoolhouse, and the 1837 Bee Home, by yourself or on a guided tour.
Guides present perception into the day by day lifetime of the Shakers, sharing data in regards to the group and demonstrating crafts like broom-making.
The village options displays showcasing the Shakers’ distinctive structure, furnishings, and inventive creations.
21. Littleton, New Hampshire (& White Mountains)
One-Method Journey Time – 2 hours, 30 min
You’ll be able to’t say a lot about Littleton apart from it’s quintessential New England. With an cute Principal Road, a close-by coated bridge, and a grist mill, you actually can’t get rather more good by way of what you count on to see within the Northeast.
The quaint downtown space is lined with historic brick buildings that home numerous retailers, eating places, and galleries. It is usually residence to the well-known Chutters sweet retailer, which boasts the world’s longest sweet counter.
Be looking out for the Pollyanna statue, which honors the beloved youngsters’s ebook character created by Littleton native Eleanor H Porter.
If you happen to go to within the fall, heading to the White Mountains is necessary. The colourful leaves are insane and a top-rated attraction that brings guests from locations far and extensive.
Always of the yr, the White Mountains are full of the magical pure fantastic thing about peaks, valleys, waterfalls, and forests. And it’s residence to quite a few climbing trails, together with a bit of the well-known Appalachian Path.
Day Journeys From Boston To Connecticut
And final however actually not least are day journeys from Boston to Connecticut.
22. Hartford, Connecticut
One-Method Journey Time – 1 hour, 45 min
Positioned within the heart of the state is the capital metropolis of Hartford. With a lot historical past, stunning metropolis parks, and the oldest public artwork museum within the US, it’s a nice metropolis to go to for a bit.
We suggest popping by the Mark Twain Home and Museum.
This historic website was the house of the well-known American creator Mark Twain from 1874 to 1891, and the place he wrote a few of his most well-known works, akin to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Take a guided tour of the home and study Twain’s life and his work, and see lots of the furnishings and private gadgets that belonged to him and his household.
23. Mystic, Connecticut
One-Method Journey Time – 2 hours, 15 min
Positioned on the coast in southeastern Connecticut, Mystic is widely known for its maritime historical past and small-town attraction. Otherwise you may understand it from the film “Mystic Pizza” with Julia Roberts.
Due to the film, most guests take pleasure in a cease at Mystic Pizza. Whereas this wasn’t the place the precise film was filmed, the restaurant pays homage to the film, and the pizza is fairly good too.
After selecting up a slice, make your strategy to Mystic Seaport Museum.
The museum contains a recreated Nineteenth-century seafaring village and dealing shipyard, the place you possibly can study in regards to the historical past of maritime life in New England.
You’ll have the chance to see the final picket whale ship on the earth, the Charles W. Morgan. And see demonstrations of conventional maritime crafts akin to blacksmithing, coopering, and sailmaking.
24. Essex, Connecticut
One-Method Journey Time – 2 hours, 20 min
Essex is residence to a pleasant Principal Road lined with fantastically preserved colonial and Victorian-era houses and buildings.
After strolling down Principal Road, cease on the Connecticut River Museum. The museum showcases the historical past of the Connecticut River and its influence on the encompassing area.
It options displays on the river’s ecology, wildlife, historical past, and a group of boats and artifacts associated to the river’s previous.
Then ebook a scenic cruise on the Connecticut River itself. The museum and several other different choices supply guided boat excursions on the longest river in New England. Benefit from the surrounding countryside whereas on the lookout for wildlife like eagles and ospreys.
25. New Haven, Connecticut
One-Method Journey Time – 2 hours, 30 min
Final however not least is New Haven. Generally known as the “cultural capital of Connecticut,” town has loads of museums, theaters, festivals, and incredible delicacies to maintain you busy.
If you happen to didn’t get sufficient pizza in Mystic, then that is the place to go. Town even has its personal type of pizza referred to as the “apizza.” Whereas now we have but to strive it ourselves, this thin-crusted pizza baked in a wood-fired brick oven sounds divine.
Whereas in New Haven, drop by the famend Yale College.
One of many US’s oldest and most distinguished establishments is Yale College, based in 1701. Its campus is residence to a number of iconic landmarks and buildings, together with the Gothic-style Sterling Memorial Library and the Beinecke Uncommon E-book and Manuscript Library.
You may as well stroll via the gorgeous courtyards and gardens of the campus and discover the Yale College Artwork Gallery, one of many nation’s most distinguished artwork museums.
Conclusion – 25 Finest Day Journeys From Boston
Boston is a incredible metropolis to spend time in, but it surely additionally serves as a superb place to begin for exploring the encompassing area.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a calming day by the seaside, a hike via the mountains, or a stroll via a quaint New England city, you’ll discover loads of choices inside simple attain of town.
So when planning probably the greatest day journeys from Boston, think about one of many locations talked about right here. And put together to have an unforgettable journey!
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Jenny & John run Touring In Focus.