10 Best Day Trips from Boston!

Boston has plenty of history, culture, and a unique character, but one of the nicest ways to enjoy it is by heading out to see the nearby places. Living or visiting Boston gives you access to so many wonderful day trips — whether you love nature, history, beaches, or small towns. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best day trips from Boston, explaining what makes each place special and what you can do once you arrive.

1. Salem

A day trip to Salem from Boston is easy and enjoyable since the town is only about an hour away. Salem is best known for its witch trial history, and many visitors start at the Salem Witch Museum or walk through the Witch House to learn about the past. The waterfront area, including Pickering Wharf, is a nice spot to relax, enjoy seafood, or watch boats in the harbor. The Peabody Essex Museum displays many art and cultural exhibits that go beyond the witch story. October is the busiest time with Halloween events, but Salem is worth visiting in any season.

2. Cape Cod

You can begin a day trip from Boston with about a 2 hours drive to Cape Cod, where the coastal towns make for a relaxing visit. Once there, you can spend time on beaches like Mayflower Beach or Coast Guard Beach to walking through small towns such as Sandwich or Chatham. Local restaurants with fresh seafood are always ready that many visitors look forward to trying. On the way, you can stop in Plymouth to see historic landmarks or visit a nearby nature reserve. Families often enjoy simple beach games, and kids love grabbing ice cream from local shops.

3. Worcester

From Boston, a day trip to Worcester is about 45 miles, and the drive usually takes close to an hour. When you arrive, a good place to begin is the Worcester Art Museum, where you can see collections from different periods and cultures. After next, head to the EcoTarium, a science and nature museum with both indoor and outdoor areas. It has hands‑on exhibits, live animals, and even a small train that goes around the museum. For lunch, the Canal District is a popular choice, with local spots such as Birchtree Bread Company serving fresh bread, sandwiches, and other meals.

4. Martha’s Vineyard

Taking a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard usually takes about 2 hours by car before catching the ferry, and it’s a simple way to enjoy an island town. When you get there, you can check out towns such as Edgartown or Oak Bluffs, rent a bike to explore more of the island or relax on the beaches. There are local shops, small museums, and plenty of spots to try fresh seafood. Guided tours are also available if you want to cover more areas and learn about the island’s history. Most trips begin early in the morning and finish by evening, so planning ahead makes the day easier.

5. Providence, RI

Planning a day trip to Providence in Rhode Island takes roughly 1.5 hours drive by car from Boston. Once you arrive, a good place to begin is Benefit Street, where you can walk through old historic buildings. The John Brown House Museum is worth a stop if you want to learn more about Rhode Island’s history, and Providence Athenaeum offers a space with a long tradition. For lunch, Federal Hill is the popular spot, well known for its Italian eateries and local bakeries. If you stay into the evening, you may see WaterFire, a public art event that lights up the river with fire installations and music.

6. Portland, ME

From Boston, a day trip to Portland in Maine takes almost 2.5 hours drive, making it a simple way to enjoy a small city. You can start your trip in the Old Port, where the cobblestone streets take you through local restaurants and shops. Seafood is a highlight here, and trying a lobster roll or a bowl of clam chowder is almost a must. Just outside the city in Cape Elizabeth, the Portland Head Light stands as one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. For those interested in art, the Portland Museum of Art offers collections that include both local pieces and works from across the nation.

7. Manchester, NH

Driving nearly 1.5 hours from Boston can take you to Manchester in New Hampshire. Once there, the Currier Museu m of Art is a good first stop, with collections of paintings, sculptures, and even two houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Families often enjoy the SEE Science Center, where kids can explore hands‑on exhibits and see a large model of the old mill yard. The Millyard Museum is another highlight, sharing the city’s history in the textile industry inside a mill building. In summer, street markets and local events are filled with food stalls, live music, and a cheerful vibe that makes the visit more enjoyable.

8. Nashua

A day trip from Boston to Nashua in New Hampshire takes about an hour by car, making it a quick and easy escape. Nashua is home to Mine Falls Park, a large green space where people can bike, hike, or simply enjoy near the river. Downtown Nashua offers shops, cafes, and local restaurants, giving travelers plenty of choices for lunch or coffee breaks. Families often enjoy Greeley Park, which has open lawns, playgrounds, and space for picnics. The Nashua Historical Society shares simple exhibits about the city’s past, including its textile industry roots.

9. Hartford, CT

Taking a day trip to Hartford in Connecticut takes roughly 2 hours drive from Boston, giving you a chance to see more beyond the city. When you arrive, the Mark Twain House & Museum is a great first stop, where the well‑known writer once lived and wrote his books. Those who enjoy art can spend time at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, known as one of the oldest public art museums in the country. Families traveling with kids often choose the Connecticut Science Center, where kids can watch live demonstrations, take part in hands‑on activities, and explore exhibits with fun.

10. Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park

The Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park includes 34 islands and peninsulas, all just a quick ferry ride away from Boston. Visitors can choose to spend some time on Georges Island, where a Civil War‑era fort still stands, or hike to Spectacle Island, to enjoy the views of Boston. The park also offers guided tours and seasonal activities like lighthouse cruises and evening music events. A few islands allow camping, and visitors can enjoy kayaking or swimming in designated areas. Across the park, sign boards and displays share stories about Indigenous people and early settlers who shaped the region.

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