Boston is a vibrant and historic vacation spot identified for its colonial structure, prestigious universities, and seafood delicacies. However the appeal of Boston doesn’t finish with its metropolis limits.
The encircling areas are crammed with pure magnificence, small cities, thrilling cities, and landmarks that make for excellent adventures exterior the town.
So let’s discover a few of the greatest day journeys from Boston!
Finest Day Journeys From Boston
All the pieces on our checklist is beneath 3 hours one-way. When you can actually go additional than that and discover some unbelievable locations, we wished to share precise day journeys from Boston that you might get to, spend time at, and get again in 10 hours or much less.
1. Lexington & Harmony
One-Manner Journey Time – 30 min
Lexington and Harmony are two historic cities only a quick drive from Boston. They performed a big function within the American Revolution and are well-known for the battles that befell 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 Street Path.
The Battle Street Path is a 5-mile path connecting the vast majority of the vital historic websites in each cities, together with the place Paul Revere was captured and Previous North Bridge.
Wandering alongside the path is an effective way to study concerning the historical past of the American Revolution and the way it impacted these two cities.
2. Salem
One-Manner Journey Time – 40 min
Salem is a vibrant metropolis that pulls guests worldwide. It’s best identified for its notorious Salem Witch Trials of 1692, nevertheless it additionally has a captivating 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 a protracted and spooky historical past; many guests come to the city to find out about its cursed previous.
Through the tour, you’ll be able to 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 shall be offering ghostly legends and folklore related to the websites.
Whether or not you consider within the paranormal or are simply in search of a enjoyable and spooky expertise, a ghost tour is a should.
3. Gloucester
One-Manner 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 recent seafood to chow down on that was caught the identical day.
Prime of your checklist when in Gloucester must be taking a whale-watching tour. Off the coast of Massachusetts is without doubt one of the greatest locations on the planet to see whales of their pure habitat, and a number of other firms provide excursions from the harbor.
Through the summer season, you’ll be able to 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 might be studying concerning the whales from naturalists captivated with wildlife.
Throughout our tour, we spent high quality time with a 3-year-old juvenile humpback who bought so near the boat I couldn’t get him all in a digicam body!
4. Newburyport
One-Manner Journey Time – 50 min
With stunning historic structure, a picturesque harbor, and a quaint downtown space, Newburyport is the right place to go for the day.
The town has the perfect of every part concerning coastal New England. It has loads of unbelievable seafood eating places, outlets, and galleries to browse. However 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 exterior the town.
The refuge affords a variety of outside actions, together with mountain climbing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Throughout a go to, search for deer, foxes, coyotes, and numerous chicken species that may very well be residents or migratory, relying on whenever you go to.
5. Rockport
One-Manner Journey Time – 55 min
Rockport is a small coastal city with quaint New England appeal 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 pink fishing shack often called Motif #1.
Whereas on the town, stroll alongside Bearskin Neck, the slender stretch of land that juts out into the harbor.
This stretch is crammed with charming outlets, artwork galleries, and eating places and affords stunning ocean views. It is usually the place you’ll find Motif #1.
And whenever you want a break, cease for a candy deal with on the lovely Ice Cream Retailer.
6. Plymouth
One-Manner Journey Time – 1 hour, 15 min
Situated on the coast, Plymouth is legendary 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 expect you must actually see these issues, we can 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 Fifties in England and sailed throughout the Atlantic to the US, the place it has been on show ever since.
You possibly can board the ship and find out about what life was like for the Pilgrims throughout their journey to America. The boat is furnished with reproduction interval objects and displays, and there are guides available to share the historical past and tales of the Pilgrims.
7. Previous Sturbridge Village
One-Manner 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 properties, outlets, 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 fascinating insights and reply all of your burning questions on what life was like in the course of the 1800s.
8. Falmouth
One-Manner 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 a lot to maintain you busy on this quaint city, we advise you discover the Shining Sea Bikeway. This 10.7-mile paved path winds its means by a few of the most scenic areas of Falmouth.
Following alongside a former railroad line, the path passes by saltwater marshes, wooded areas, seashores, and affords breathtaking views of the ocean in spots alongside the best way.
You possibly can hire a motorbike from one of many native outlets or convey your individual and spend the day leisurely pedaling alongside the path.
9. Provincetown
One-Manner Journey Time – 2 hours, 35 min
Like our final suggestion, Provincetown can also be positioned on Cape Cod. Practically on reverse ends from one another, this picturesque city is positioned on the northeastern tip as an alternative.
You possibly can’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 wood picket fences. You’ll actually discover that right here, with Race Level Seaside being a well-liked 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 an excellent guide in solitude, there shall be a spot for you.
10. Martha’s Winery
One-Manner Journey Time – 3 hours (give or take resulting from ferry journey)
Martha’s Winery is a widely 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 propose heading to Oak Bluffs, the place you’ll find colourful Victorian-style properties and quaint outlets.
Wander by 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 conventional 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 a few of the greatest day journeys from Boston to cities in Maine.
11. York, Maine
One-Manner 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 one of the vital photographed lighthouses within the US.
Because the lighthouse sits on a small rocky island simply off the coast, you can not truly go to the lighthouse. However from Sohier Park, you’ll be able to study extra about it and absorb some epic views.
12. Ogunquit, Maine
One-Manner Journey Time – 1 hour, 20 min
Ogunquit is a captivating city with picturesque seashores, many cute restaurant spots, and a thriving arts scene.
One factor you must do when in Ogunquit is stroll on the Marginal Manner. The Marginal Manner 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 affords breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, with loads of spots to sit down and take within the surroundings alongside the best way. It’s an effective way to expertise the pure great thing about Ogunquit and is attractive throughout dawn and sundown.
And when you stroll all the best way to Perkins Cove, you’ll have an extra alternative to spend time in a quaint coastal city.
13. Portland, Maine
One-Manner 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 individuals to Canada from Maine secretly.
We propose you go to the Portland Head Mild.
Situated in Cape Elizabeth, only a few miles south of downtown Portland, this lighthouse dates again to 1791. It’s the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
In contrast to 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 a lot to do, from mountain climbing to beachcombing to discovering a quiet spot to individuals watch.
Finest Day Journeys From Boston To Rhode Island
Rhode Island is near Massachusetts, and a number of other locations within the state make our checklist of greatest day journeys from Boston.
14. Windfall, Rhode Island
One-Manner Journey Time – 1 hour, 35 min
Windfall is the capital metropolis of Rhode Island and has historic appeal and prestigious universities.
If you wish to go to college campuses, Brown College and the Rhode Island College of Design (RISD) are positioned right here.
Head to the RISD museum. It options greater than 100,000 artistic endeavors from around the globe, together with historic artwork, up to date artwork, and ornamental artwork. The museum additionally affords workshops and academic packages.
If you happen to can time your go to proper, we are able to’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 season months and attracts guests from all around the area.
15. Bristol, Rhode Island
One-Manner Journey Time – 1 hour, 50 min
Bristol is only a quick drive from Windfall, so you’ll be able to most likely match them right into a single journey. It would be best 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 encompasses a gorgeous mansion surrounded by acres of fantastically landscaped gardens and wooded trails.
Take a guided tour of the mansion to study concerning 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-Manner Journey Time – 2 hours
With historic mansions, scenic ocean views, and wealthy crusing heritage, Newport needed to make our checklist.
On a go to to Newport, visiting the well-known Newport Mansions is a should.
These grand estates had been constructed in the course of 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 embrace The Breakers, Marble Home, and The Elms, all of that are positioned alongside the scenic Cliff Stroll.
You possibly can 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-Manner Journey Time – 2 hours, 15 min
One of the vital historic cities in Rhode Island and well-known for its attractive outdated 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 affords unbelievable views of the Atlantic Ocean.
You possibly can 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. In-built 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 gained’t remorse visiting.
18. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
One-Manner 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 possibly can discover greater than 30 historic buildings, together with properties, outlets, and gardens, which were restored to their unique situation. Costumed interpreters convey 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 novel and immersive expertise that gives a captivating glimpse into Portsmouth’s historical past and heritage.
19. Harmony, New Hampshire
One-Manner Journey Time – 1 hour, 10 min
Harmony is the capital metropolis of New Hampshire, positioned within the coronary heart of the state.
There’s a lot to do right here, like go to the New Hampshire Historic Society Museum to study concerning the state’s historical past. Or, if you wish to get out in nature, you’ll be able to kayak down the Merrimack River or hike within the forested Winant Park.
We propose you go to the New Hampshire State Home. This gorgeous Greek revival-style constructing was accomplished in 1819 and is without doubt one of the oldest state capitol buildings within the US.
The State Home options an attractive dome, spectacular paintings, and thrilling displays. You possibly can take a guided tour to study concerning the historical past of the constructing and its significance to New Hampshire’s political previous.
It’s undoubtedly the right cease for historical past buffs and structure lovers.
20. Canterbury Shaker Village, New Hampshire
One-Manner Journey Time – 1 hour, 25 min
Canterbury Shaker Village was as soon as house to a Shaker non secular group. It’s now a residing museum and well-liked vacationer vacation spot that enables guests to expertise Shaker life and tradition.
You possibly can 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 concerning the group and demonstrating crafts like broom-making.
The village options displays showcasing the Shakers’ distinctive structure, furnishings, and creative creations.
21. Littleton, New Hampshire (& White Mountains)
One-Manner Journey Time – 2 hours, 30 min
You possibly can’t say a lot about Littleton aside from it’s quintessential New England. With an lovely Fundamental Road, a close-by coated bridge, and a grist mill, you actually can’t get rather more excellent when it comes to what you count on to see within the Northeast.
The quaint downtown space is lined with historic brick buildings that home numerous outlets, eating places, and galleries. It is usually house 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 kids’s guide 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 huge.
Always of the yr, the White Mountains are crammed with the magical pure great thing about peaks, valleys, waterfalls, and forests. And it’s house to quite a few mountain climbing trails, together with a piece 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-Manner Journey Time – 1 hour, 45 min
Situated within the middle 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 web site was the house of the well-known American writer Mark Twain from 1874 to 1891, and the place he wrote a few of his most well-known works, similar to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Take a guided tour of the home and find out about Twain’s life and his work, and see most of the furnishings and private objects that belonged to him and his household.
23. Mystic, Connecticut
One-Manner Journey Time – 2 hours, 15 min
Situated on the coast in southeastern Connecticut, Mystic is widely known for its maritime historical past and small-town appeal. Otherwise you may comprehend it from the film “Mystic Pizza” with Julia Roberts.
Due to the film, most guests get pleasure from 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 choosing up a slice, make your strategy to Mystic Seaport Museum.
The museum encompasses a recreated Nineteenth-century seafaring village and dealing shipyard, the place you’ll be able to study concerning the historical past of maritime life in New England.
You’ll have the chance to see the final wood whale ship on the planet, the Charles W. Morgan. And see demonstrations of conventional maritime crafts similar to blacksmithing, coopering, and sailmaking.
24. Essex, Connecticut
One-Manner Journey Time – 2 hours, 20 min
Essex is house to a pleasant Fundamental Road lined with fantastically preserved colonial and Victorian-era properties and buildings.
After strolling down Fundamental Road, cease on the Connecticut River Museum. The museum showcases the historical past of the Connecticut River and its affect on the encircling area.
It options displays on the river’s ecology, wildlife, historical past, and a set of boats and artifacts associated to the river’s previous.
Then guide a scenic cruise on the Connecticut River itself. The museum and a number of other different choices provide guided boat excursions on the longest river in New England. Benefit from the surrounding countryside whereas in search of wildlife like eagles and ospreys.
25. New Haven, Connecticut
One-Manner Journey Time – 2 hours, 30 min
Final however not least is New Haven. Referred to as the “cultural capital of Connecticut,” the town has loads of museums, theaters, festivals, and unbelievable delicacies to maintain you busy.
If you happen to didn’t get sufficient pizza in Mystic, then that is the place to go. The town even has its personal fashion of pizza known as the “apizza.” Whereas we now 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 house 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.
It’s also possible to stroll by 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 unbelievable metropolis to spend time in, nevertheless it additionally serves as a wonderful start line for exploring the encircling area.
Whether or not you’re in search of a soothing day by the seaside, a hike by the mountains, or a stroll by a quaint New England city, you’ll discover loads of choices inside straightforward attain of the town.
So when planning among the finest day journeys from Boston, take into account 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.
