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Day Trips from Boston
Seeking weekend fun outside Boston? The area around this bustling city teems with enchanting day trips. From maritime adventures in Salem to the coastal allure of Rockport, there’s no shortage of escapes. Dive into history at Plymouth, soar through nature in the White Mountains, or watch whales from Gloucester. Cape Cod beaches and Newport mansions await. Each destination promises unique experiences, just a drive away. Salem stands out as a must-visit for its rich maritime history and year-round magic. Only 15 miles from the airport but so different from city life. Whether you prefer Uber or consider more scenic routes like ferries (seasonally) or trains (with a bit more effort), arriving is part of your adventure.
Here’s a table summarizing the key information for Day Trips from Boston :
| Day Trip Destination | Key Highlights | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Salem | Rich maritime history, vibrant year-round, great food scene, and historic sites like the Witch Trials Memorial. | 15 miles from Boston; Uber or scenic routes via ferry/train for added adventure. |
| Rockport | Coastal charm, artistic galleries, kayaking, and scenic views. Known for Motif #1 and delicious seafood. | Easy access by Commuter Rail; parking is available near the library. |
| White Mountains | Outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, canoeing, and scenic drives on the Kancamagus Highway. Stunning views year-round, especially in the fall. | Ideal for nature lovers; consider staying in rustic cabins for full immersion. |
| Plymouth | Explore the Mayflower, Plimoth Plantation, and Plymouth Grist Mill for a historical experience. Don’t miss local beer and seafood. | Arrive early to avoid crowds; historical sites are a must-see. |
| Gloucester (Whale Watching) | Whale watching excursions, scenic coastal views, and local shops. Great for marine life enthusiasts. | Book whale-watching tours in advance; explore the Cape Ann Brewing Co. afterward. |
| Cape Cod Beaches | Relax on beautiful beaches, visit Provincetown for vibrant shopping, or Sandwich for a more peaceful vibe. Great for a low-key getaway. | 90-minute boat to Provincetown; or drive to towns like Dennis for unique charm. |
| Newport Mansions | Visit historic Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and Marble House, with beautiful ocean views and grand interiors. | 1.5-hour bus ride from Boston; includes mansion tours and a mini-coach tour. |
Explore Maritime History in Salem
Salem, a mere 15 miles from Boston’s airport, is an impeccable choice for a day trip. Despite the drive taking between 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions, I find that using Uber simplifies my journey significantly compared to navigating bus connections needed for train access. This historic town holds charm through every season.
Visiting in less bustling times like September or early November lets you truly enjoy what Salem has to offer without the overwhelming lines and packed streets. Summer visits reveal Salem at its most vibrant with excellent restaurants flaunting seaside patios. Ideal spots for soaking up views of the water accompanied by mouth-watering dishes.
Even winter carries its allure as Christmas decorations transform the town into a picturesque holiday card scene whereas spring breathes life back with blossoming flora around each corner. The culinary landscape here deserves special mention. It’s one place where bad meals seem nonexistent!
Red’s Sandwich Shop offers quick bites, keeping explorations unhindered. Fountain Place delights with perfectly crafted omelets alongside gluten-free offerings, while Gulu Gulu serves unforgettable breakfast sandwiches and coffee perfection, and Lulu’s Bakery captivates with family recipes from Kentucky roots. When hunger strikes later in the day, establishments like Rockafellas stand ready near Essex Street welcoming patrons onto their sunny patios or engaging bar spaces complete with unique drinks including Mystery Shots if daring enough!
Turner’s Seafood may suggest marine fare yet surprises many. With unmatched Chicken Marsala evoking dreams long after tasting it despite not being seafood-inclined originally.
Its building also weaves rich history having hosted Alexander Graham Bell’s first long-distance phone call atop once belonging grounds of Bridget Bishop implicated during witch trials – adding layers beyond food alone. Hawthorne Hotel harbors The Tavern offering inviting coziness perfect for unwinding irrespective of your meal choice complemented by warm decor elements creating memorable dining moments within this quaint spot. Lastly comes Finz, where opting against my usual gluten-conscious diet becomes inevitable faced with exceptional sushi.
This demonstrates why succumbing sometimes proves entirely worth it amidst such compelling settings and flavors, encapsulating the essence waiting for discovery just a short travel away from Boston.
Savor Coastal Charm at Rockport
Rockport offers a refreshing escape for those of us living in or visiting Boston. Let me share why this coastal town is worth the short trip. First, getting there couldn’t be easier: park at the nearby library or catch the Commuter Rail train straight into Rockport’s heart.
On my recent Thursday visit to beat weekend crowds, I found street parking effortlessly. If you’re considering an overnight stay, Rockport won’t disappoint with its accommodation choices right by the water like Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge and The Seafarer Inn which guests love.
For beach lovers, Captain’s Bounty on Front Beach provides easy access to sand and surf while Tuck Inn BandB delivers cozy bed-and-breakfast charm. VRBO lists several unique vacation homes in Rockport; perfect for longer stays or families needing extra space. Art enthusiasts will appreciate this artist haven filled with galleries ready to explore; photography enthusiasts too can lose hours capturing its scenic views.
I know I did! Adventurers have their fill here as well from boating opportunities within its protected harbor to kayak rentals along quaint beaches. If eating clams first hasn’t made you feel too full for physical activities that is!
And speaking of food. Don’t miss out on Top Dog’s creative hot dogs topped with macaroni cheese among other delicacies following perhaps studio crepe near station offering delectable eats including a Turkey Club crepe I particularly enjoyed. Wandering around Bearskin Neck proved so entertaining that it consumed my whole day, with every corner being engaging from glassy coves’ waters reflecting Motif #1 to lively colorful storefronts adding vibrancy everywhere.
This blend of history conservation meeting tourism resonates deeply, making each visit memorable whether indulging seafood cravings, admiring buoys coloring harbors, or exploring vibrant houses.
Adventure Awaits in White Mountains
On my last trip from Boston, I sought adventure and the White Mountains called my name. Just a drive away, this area spans New Hampshire and Maine with its breathtaking landscapes. Known for towering peaks and lush valleys, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Annually, six million people flock here to explore over 1,200 miles of hiking trails or camp under starlit skies at one of the 23 campsites. Whether you’re into skiing down frosty slopes in winter or canoeing through serene waters during warmer months. There’s something for everyone.
The crown jewel might be driving on the Kancamagus Highway. A scenic route that stretches for almost 35 miles along Route 112 through the heart of these mountains. Each curve offers stunning views no matter when you visit; however, fall presents an unforgettable palette of colors as leaves change.
Opting to stay in a rustic cabin can enhance your experience tenfold by immersiving you directly within this natural beauty day and night. For anyone craving an escape not too far from city life but worlds apart in terms of scenery and serenity. The White Mountains beckon with open arms.
Discover Plymouth’s Pilgrim Legacy
On my day trip from Boston, I started with the Mayflower. This ship feels like a time capsule. Living history actors in period clothes engage you directly, sharing details about their daunting sea voyage and life onboard.
The space is surprisingly small, making me appreciate the difficulty of spending weeks below deck. Some passengers boarded at different ports across England, enduring up to nine months on this vessel. I spent roughly an hour there before heading to Plimoth Plantation and Patuxet Museum early enough to avoid the crowds.
A pro tip worth remembering for anyone planning to visit. Three miles inland from Mayflower lies Plimoth Plantation which vividly brings 1600s settler life into focus through its reconstructed village complete with buildings, gardens, fences. Even livestock are part of this setup!
Walking among living history guides who share their daily routines adds depth to understanding Pilgrim existence firsthand. Not far off is Plymouth’s Grist Mill, originally built in 1636 but meticulously recreated today. It operates just as it would have centuries ago using water power from Town Brook; don’t miss out on grabbing stone-ground cornmeal here!
Lastly, no visit would be complete without tasting local cuisine, particularly the unique beers made by Mayflower Brewing Company.
Savor Italian dishes at Carmela’s Restaurant, where quality ingredients make for unforgettable meals including fresh pasta and flatbread pizzas.
Whale Watching Excursions from Gloucester
As someone with 20 years of writing experience, I’ve discovered that Gloucester is a jewel for those looking to escape Boston’s hustle. My recent visit confirmed it as an ideal spot for whale watching excursions. Located less than an hour from the city by car, this coastal town offers more than just scenic views.
Upon arrival in Gloucester, my first stop was at 7 Seas Whale Watch on Rogers Street. Known for their expert-guided tours, they offer guests the chance to observe these majestic creatures up close from late April through October. The prime whale-watching season.
They recommend booking your tour ahead of time due to summer demand. After securing my afternoon excursion, I explored downtown Gloucester’s brick sidewalks and local shops where picking up a unique souvenir seemed like part of everyone’s agenda. The Cape Ann Brewing Co., not far off at Commercial Street, was perfect for lunch; their combination of craft beer and fresh seafood never disappoints.
The anticipation built until finally embarking on our boat ride into the Atlantic. It wasn’t long before we spotted humpbacks breaching. Each sighting greeted with gasps and hurried snaps from cameras around me. Besides whales, we learned about life cycles and conservation efforts. A reminder of nature’s delicate balance. For visitors turning one-day trips into overnight stays, options aren’t scarce.
Boutique hotels provide cozy accommodations after day-long adventures. Adding charm are spots like Cape Ann Museum near Pleasant Street, dedicated to America’s oldest fishing port history through maritime art exhibits. Families adore this mix of adventure and leisure, driving down Interstate 93 or Route 1, merging easily onto I-95 North towards new memories waiting right past exit #45.
Relax on Cape Cod Beaches
Relaxing on Cape Cod beaches is my favorite day trip from Boston. It’s simple to start this adventure without renting a car. I just head over to the dock in Boston, catch a 90-minute fast boat to Provincetown, and enjoy Race Point’s stunning beach once there.
The town buzzes with life; shops line Commercial Street inviting exploration. I always make time for an architecture tour which doubles as an engaging history lesson around 9:30 am every week during summer months. But sometimes, feeling more laid-back, I opt for Sandwich instead of Provincetown due its quieter vibe.
A stark contrast but equally engaging experience marked by antique shops and a unique boardwalk that offers serene walks over marshlands toward the beach. A stop at Dunbar’s Tea Room across from the pond becomes inevitable whenever I’m near Sandwich center. Lunch until 4 pm hits just right especially after browsing through local antiques or enjoying tranquil views along their one-of-a-kind boardwalk.
While driving allows exploring quaint towns like Dennis, stops at galleries and “antique alley” in Brewster add charm along Route 6A East towards Orleans. The choice between sedate Sandwich or vibrant Provincetown usually depends on what kind of day I want: quiet relaxation versus bustling streets filled with artsy vibes. Each has its own draw making Cape Cod beaches accessible jewels worth experiencing firsthand anytime you’re looking for easy yet fulfilling weekend fun away from Boston.
Unwind with Newport’s Gilded Age Mansions
I recently took a day trip from Boston to Newport and explored the Gilded Age’s grandeur. This full-day excursion, priced at €129.86 per person, turned out to be an incredible value considering everything it included. The journey began with a 1.5-hour bus ride from one of five pickup locations in Boston.
Upon reaching Newport, our first stop was The Breakers Mansion where we embarked on a self-guided audio tour through its lavish rooms. The Entrance Hall and Great Hall were particularly striking for their opulence. Not long after, we toured Marble House Mansion which magnified the Vanderbilt’s luxury living with features like gilded ceilings and exotic tapestries.
A highlight being the ornate ballroom alongside inspired ocean views that are pure eye candy. A unique addition was the mini-coach tour around Newport giving us glimpses into more historic sites including passing by landmarks such as Trinity Church. Balancing mansion grandiosity with quaint town charm.
Complimentary snacks and bottled water are provided throughout this adventure, along with discount entries like those for the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Transportation concerns are eliminated with organized pickups and drop-offs at specified points, making the experience seamless from beginning to end. Sharing these moments renewed my appreciation for history combined with cozy leisure.
It was an ideal blend of stepping back in time and indulging in luxurious narratives, all without the hassle of planning every detail separately.
Exploring beyond Boston opens up a world of adventure, all within a day’s reach. From the charming streets of Salem with its rich history to the serene beauty of Cape Cod’s beaches, each destination offers something unique. A trip to Concord immerses you in literary heritage, while Provincetown brings artistic flair and maritime charm.
For those seeking natural wonders, the White Mountains beckon with their breathtaking landscapes. These five easy day trips promise memorable weekend fun for everyone looking for an escape without straying too far from Boston.
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