Idyllic coastal towns, 17th-century historical sites, and even several cities in other New England states (!) make the list of top Boston day trip options–but with a city surrounded by so many incredible places to visit, how do you narrow down the very best day trips from Boston for you?
The answer is a bit different for everyone, but we’ve been working on our quest to experience the best places to visit near Boston on and off over the last decade or so, and we have a lot of thoughts!
These Boston day trip ideas reflect our own travel tastes, which lean toward gorgeous beach towns with a historic flair–but they do deviate regularly from that description, too.
Here are our top picks for incredible day trips from Boston, MA!
Table of Contents
Need to Pick a Boston Day Trip Fast?
Want to enjoy an amazing day trip from Boston… without comparing a bunch of different historic towns and navigating transportation?
Here are 3 excellent options that you can’t go wrong with–and we’ll expand on them all more below (plus offer details on how to visit independently, if you prefer).
Salem in a Day By Ferry — You can’t go wrong with a trip to Salem, and booking a tour means that you don’t have to do any planning.
Show up, enjoy ferry views of the North Shore, learn about the city’s witchy history, and see its most famous attractions fast!
Book your day trip to Salem today!
Plymouth and the Pilgrims (Multi-Stop Experience) — Looking for that iconic American history?
This popular tour will allow you to visit the living history museum at Plimoth Patuxet (we LOVED it), see Plymouth Rock (which is better with a guide), step onto a full-size recreation of the Mayflower, and make a few other cool stops along the way–like John Adams’ birthplace.
Book your day trip to Plymouth and beyond today!
New Hampshire Fall Foliage Day Trip — Okay, this one is even more seasonal than the usual Boston day trip–but if you’re planning a fall trip to Boston and want to enjoy the legendary foliage in New Hampshire’s White Mountains without any planning, this guided tour visits the iconic Kancamagus Scenic Byway and gets excellent reviews.
Book your leaf-peeping day trip to New Hampshire today!
A Quick Note on Getting Around From Boston
Want to take on a bit more research and take some independent day trips from Boston instead?
It’s absolutely doable, but unlike in many American cities, the first thing you’ll need to decide when it comes to these day trips is which method of transportation to use to get there!
For many of these destinations, the commuter rail, bus, rental car, and sometimes ferry all have their own pros and cons, so be sure to check the estimated times for each.
For some day trips (like Provincetown), there’s a clear winner, and for others (like Salem), how you get there and back is a matter of personal preference.
If you opt to rent a car for any of your day trips, we recommend shopping with Discover Cars!
They’ll compare prices and inclusions from multiple brands to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your trip.
Check prices + shop rental cars for your day trip(s) from Boston today!
Fun Small City + Town Day Trips Near Boston, MA
Salem, Massachusetts
When it comes to cool day trips from Boston, Salem–AKA Witch City–is at the top of the list!
Located just 30 minutes from Boston’s North Station (or around an hour if you take the longer-but-more-scenic ferry route), the infamous home of the 17th-century Salem Witch Trials* goes all-in on its history–but there’s plenty more to see, as well.
Top things to do in Salem include touring the House of Seven Gables, which we loved, visiting the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point (if you’re familiar with Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, you’ll recognize some of the names on the headstones), and checking out the Witch House, which is the last building in Salem with direct ties to the Witch Trials.
This walking tour is an excellent option for getting acquainted with Salem’s fascinating but dense history!
Looking for a living history museum? The Salem Pioneer Village is a great option.
Don’t miss the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, either!
Fair warning: if you are visiting Boston in the fall and are planning to visit Salem in October, it will be absolutely packed.
If Halloween festivities in Salem are on your bucket list, absolutely go–and if you’re just looking for a pretty historic New England town and want to avoid the crowds, strongly consider picking a different day trip.
*Nearby Danvers, Massachusetts, then known as Salem Village, was where the accusations began, and if you have a deep interest in the trials, you may want to head there as well to check out sights like the Rebecca Nurse Homestead.
How to Get to Salem From Boston
Salem is very close to Boston, and as a result, you have your pick of ways to get there!
The simplest option is to take the commuter rail from North Station (30-35 minutes).
The most scenic way is to take the high-speed ferry, which runs seasonally from late May through Halloween (50-60 minutes).
If you want to combine Salem with other nearby places like Danvers or Marblehead (more on that in a bit), or visit some attractions outside the center, you could also drive.
It takes 35+ minutes to drive between Boston and Salem, heavily dependent on traffic.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Drive north from Boston, and you’ll quickly find yourself heading toward Massachusetts’ “other” Cape: Cape Ann.
And, on the coast of Cape Ann, you’ll find the idyllic town of Rockport, Massachusetts, which is home to–among many other things–“Motif No. 1”, which is said to be the most-painted view in America!
Art galleries, waterfront views, ice cream stands, and beaches make up this quintessential New England seaside town, and its small size means that a day trip is long enough to experience a decent chunk of the top things to do.
Don’t miss exploring the galleries along Bear Skin Neck, walking out onto the breakwater, admiring Motif No. 1 from many angles, and paying a visit to Front Beach!
If you want to experience a bit of quieter nature, Halibut Point State Park is a beautiful place.
If you’re driving, Rockport can also easily be combined with nearby Gloucester and/or Hammond Castle, a European-style property that will make you doubt that you’re still in Massachusetts!
How to Get to Rockport From Boston
You can reach Rockport from Boston on the commuter rail in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or in 50+ minutes by car.
We drove to Rockport and used the town’s free shuttle to travel from the main parking lot to the town center, and found it extremely convenient!
The shuttle also stops at the train station, as well as some beaches.
Lexington + Concord, Massachusetts
If you know one thing about Lexington and Concord, it’s probably that Lexington is where the “shot heard round the world” was fired–in other words, where the American Revolution truly kicked off.
Today, the Lexington Green where British and American forces first faced off is an idyllic lawn, but there are lots of Revolutionary War sites to discover in these 2 towns, from Buckman Tavern (where patriots gathered to wait for the British forces), to the Old North Bridge where the British were overwhelmed in Concord, to the spot where Paul Revere was captured on his midnight ride.
Quite apart from memories of the American Revolution, Concord is also home to Louisa May Alcott’s home (Orchard House), which is a great reason to re-read Little Women before visiting!
The iconic Walden Pond, of Henry David Thoreau’s beloved book Walden, is also located in Concord and is a popular place to visit in town.
How to Get to Lexington + Concord From Boston
Visiting the top things to see in and around Lexington and Concord is best done by car, and it’s a quick ride–under 45 minutes to Concord, which is the further of the two (you can price out rental cars here).
You can get to Concord by commuter rail, and Lexington by a combination of commuter rail + bus, but the major attractions in the area are fairly dispersed from each other, and in some cases, from the town centers (Lexington and Concord are 20 minutes apart by car).
If you’d like to visit independently and avoid driving and/or walking too much, a guided trolley tour like this is a solid way to get an overview (though note that it’s not a hop-on/hop-off trolley).
A private tour like this is definitely a luxurious option, but a treat for history lovers who want to dive into the details and not miss a thing!
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Located just a 15-minute drive or so from the much more crowded city of Salem, Marblehead makes an excellent coastal day trip from Boston!
Mazes of colorful historic homes make up much of the historic district, making Marblehead a delightful place to explore on foot.
Be sure not to miss the 17th-century Fort Sewall, views of the Marblehead Lighthouse at Chandler Hovey Park, the beautiful views from Castle Rock, or the Marblehead Museum (or part of it–it’s made up of a few dispersed museums).
Hocus Pocus fans should be sure to visit Old Burial Hill, one of a few Marblehead filming locations for the movie!
How to Get to Marblehead From Boston
The best way to take a day trip to Marblehead from Boston is to rent a car and drive. Luckily, it’s less than an hour away!
There are no train connections to Marblehead.
You can take a combination of 2 buses into town, but it takes longer, and if you would like to visit Castle Rock and Chandler Hovey Park (and the views are gorgeous), you’ll want a car to get there.
massmatt, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Ask a dozen Bostonians for their favorite coastal town near Boston, and odds are at least a couple of them will say Newburyport.
All cobblestone streets and gorgeous views, this is New England charm at its best.
And, as a bonus, it’s located right on the commuter rail, making it easy to visit!
The best things to do in Newburyport include browsing the shops in and around Market Square and Tannery Marketplace, enjoying the Harborwalk and Waterfront Park, admiring the Newburyport Lighthouse (or even eating a meal on top of it, if you’re looking for a splurge), and checking out the Custom House Maritime Museum.
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, you’ll find beautiful Plum Island–the northern portion of which is actually within Newburyport’s boundaries!
Top things to do on Plum Island include visiting Plum Island Beach, checking out the Plum Island Lighthouse, and strolling through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
How to Get to Newburyport From Boston
For travelers looking to spend the day within the town center, the commuter rail is an excellent way to get to Newburyport from Boston for the day.
After arriving by train, you’ll want to take the bus downtown (or walk the 30 minutes or so each way to Market Square).
However, if you’re hoping to explore Plum Island as well, your day will be much simpler if you drive!
Fletcher, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Yes, like Plymouth Rock!
Plymouth is set right on the seaside, and it makes a wonderful day trip from Boston for history nerds (or just people who like coastal New England towns).
Plymouth Rock itself is famously underwhelming, but we enjoyed it much more than expected–a combination of low expectations paired with an excellent (free) presentation from an on-site interpreter employed by Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
The real stars of the show, though, are the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, which include the Mayflower II (located on the water), the Plimoth Grist Mill, the 17th-century English Village, and the Historic Pawtuxet Homesite.
The final two are located in the same place and include an extremely engaging living history component!
Other things to do in Plymouth (if you have time, that is) include visiting the Pilgrim Hall Museum, admiring views from Burial Hill, touring the Jabez Howland House (the only remaining building in Plymouth that pilgrims set foot in) and visiting Brewster Gardens.
You can also potentially add a stop in Quincy to tour the John Adams home(s) at the Adams National Historical Park if you plan well (and especially if you book a tour that takes care of transportation for you).
How to Get to Plymouth From Boston
With careful planning, you can visit Plymouth from Boston by a combination of train (commuter rail to Kingston) and bus (GARTA).
However, if you want to visit the dispersed Plimoth Patuxet Museum sites, your day will be much simpler if you rent a car and drive to Plymouth from Boston.
Alternatively, this popular organized day trip will take care of all the transportation for you, and includes your (pricey) ticket to the Plimoth Patuxet Museums!
Hingham, Massachusetts
If there’s one thing that this blog post should make clear, it’s that there are lots and lots of adorable seaside towns near Boston that can make excellent one-day getaways, and choosing between them can sometimes feel overwhelming–but for one that scratches that not-too-big, not-too-small itch, we love Hingham.
Located on the South Shore (southeast of Boston instead of northeast, like Salem, Rockport, etc.), Hingham has no international claims to fame on the tourist circuit, but it’s beautiful, historic, and offers excellent views.
Be sure not to miss World’s End, which offers Boston skyline views in an idyllic 251-acre setting designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, nor a chance to stop and admire Hingham’s small harbor.
After, head downtown to stroll, duck into shops, seek out historic buildings (you can tour the Old Ordinary, which dates to 1686!), and generally enjoy an idyllic small town atmosphere.
Don’t miss The Meeting House, AKA Old Ship Church, which is the oldest remaining 17th-century Pilgrim meeting house in the country–and it’s still hard at work as a Unitarian Universalist congregation that welcomes visitors.
If you stop at Nona’s Homemade for ice cream, we can’t recommend the cookie dough more–it may be the best cookie dough ice cream we’ve ever had!
How to Get to Hingham From Boston
You can technically get to Hingham from Boston using a combination of the T and bus service, and if you add in a few long walks and possible waits, even get to World’s End–but realistically, this day trip is much easier if you rent a car and drive.
Driving will also allow you to combine Hingham with another stop, which you can easily save time for.
A couple of great ones to consider would be the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy (home of the 2nd and 6th US presidents and their family), the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum and USS Salem, or Wollaston Beach.
Provincetown, Massachusetts (AKA Cape Cod)
Want to visit Cape Cod on a day trip from Boston?
There’s exactly one way we recommend doing that: by taking the seasonal ferry from Boston to Provincetown, on the far tip of the Cape!
Provincetown, AKA P-Town, is easily one of the top coastal towns in New England, and a fantastic place to visit.
As the original landing site of the Mayflower, a popular whale-watching destination, and a traditional LGBTQ+ and artistic enclave, it is a fishing-village-turned-tourist-town with lots to offer!
Whether your interest in Provincetown’s history leans toward its 17th-century roots, its much more recent status as a hub for LGBTQ+ life, or both, the town has plenty to offer.
While you’re there, be sure to stroll down the vibrant Commercial Street (ideally both during the day and at night!), check out the soaring Pilgrim Monument that stands above the town, sample some of the many delicious restaurants, and of course, enjoy the beaches.
And, of course, no trip to the Cape is complete without enjoying one of the most classic New England coastal activities: whale watching!
How to Get to Provincetown From Boston
There’s exactly one realistic way to take a day trip from Boston to Provincetown: take the 90-minute high-speed ferry!
Driving to the end of the Cape and back from Boston in a day is miserable at best and impossible at worst–and if you’re visiting Boston in the off-season and the ferry isn’t running, that’s a sign to opt for a different day trip altogether.
The Crane Estate (Ipswich, Massachusetts)
Want to tour a Gilded Age mansion without heading to Newport?
The Crane Estate, located on the North Shore in Ipswich, has you covered!
With expansive grounds and several tour options, the Crane Estate is a remarkable place to step into the 1920s–and its location in Ipswich means that a day trip there can be combined with Gloucester and/or Rockport and/or Newburyport, too.
(Or you can just stick around and enjoy Crane Beach, located on the estate).
If you’re intrigued by the mansions of Newport or the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, you’ll love the Crane Estate.
How to Get to Ipswich From Boston
The fastest way to visit the Crane Estate from Boston is by car, which takes about an hour.
Traveling by car also leaves you flexibility to visit other North Shore/Cape Ann destinations during your day trip!
Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cool Day Trips From Boston Beyond Massachusetts
Want to see a bit of another state on a day trip from Boston?
Given the size of New England states, that is a much simpler proposition than it is in many regions of the country!
Here are a few great Boston day trip ideas that stretch beyond Massachusetts.
Newport, Rhode Island
As the coastal escape of the wealthiest Gilded Age families, Newport is most famous today for two things: touring ridiculously over-the-top mansions and the gorgeous seaside setting that motivated people to build mansions there in the first place.
On a day trip from Boston, you can tour a mansion or two (The Breakers, built by the Vanderbilts, is the most famous), meander through downtown, admire the boats at Bowen’s Wharf, and enjoy coastal views.
Be sure not to miss a walk along the beautiful Cliff Walk!
How to Get to Newport From Boston
Newport is roughly 2 hours from Boston by either train or car.
If you opt not to drive to Newport (and parking can be difficult in the summer, like in many New England cities), you may want to sign up for a narrated trolley tour that can act as a combination of sightseeing tour (it’s a great way to see the exterior of many of the homes with little effort) and transportation!
Shop trolley tours and historic home tickets in Newport today!
Ogunquit, Maine
Small, beautiful, and known for its beaches and coastal views, Ogunquit is one of the closest Maine beach towns to Boston–and it’s worth a visit.
Top things to do in Ogunquit include enjoying coastal views as you walk along the Marginal Way until you reach the small village of Perkins Cove (yes, complete with an actual cove), visiting the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, and browsing the downtown boutiques.
The Ogunquit Heritage Museum is housed in an 18th-century home and is free to visit, making it a budget-friendly way to step inside a historic home.
And, while it’s a 15-minute-ish drive away in nearby York, don’t miss visiting Cape Neddick to admire views of the beloved Nubble Lighthouse, either!
How to Get to Ogunquit From Boston
If you’re hoping to visit Ogunquit independently, by far the best way to get there is to drive.
Ogunquit is under 2 hours from Boston, traffic dependent.
If you’d prefer a multi-stop coastal Maine trip, this well-reviewed day trip focuses on Kennebunkport, but also includes stops in Ogunquit and at the Nubble Lighthouse.
Kennebunkport, Maine
… and of course, we can’t mention Ogunquit as one of the best day trips from Boston without mentioning the more-famous Kennebunkport!
Kennebunkport is 20-30 minutes north of Ogunquit (AKA further from Boston), which depending on your personal day trip style may mean that you want to combine the two!
The best things to see during a day in Kennebunkport include browsing the shops in Dock Square (Kennebunkport’s town center), visiting Gooch’s Beach (and/or one of many other beaches), strolling along the Parson’s Way Shore Walk, and eating lobster!
Kennebunkport is rightfully famous for its lobster, and it features heavily on this well-reviewed lunchtime culinary tour of the town.
How to Get to Kennebunkport From Boston
If you’re traveling independently, the best way to take a day trip from Boston to Kennebunkport is to drive the roughly 2 hours each way (you can price out rental cars here).
The Amtrak Downeaster will take you as far as Wells, ME, but from there, “ground connections are extremely limited” per the official website. It can be done, but it wouldn’t make for a relaxing day trip!
Prefer not to drive or cobble together a route without a car?
This popular day trip includes stops in both Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, as well as the Nubble Lighthouse!
Providence, Rhode Island
Easily accessible by train and bursting with a personality all its own, the capital of Rhode Island and home of Brown University is one of the best (and easiest) day trips from Boston!
With a day in town, consider paying a visit to the acclaimed RISD Museum, admiring the gorgeous architecture on College Hill (don’t miss Benefit Street), exploring one of the country’s oldest Little Italy neighborhoods in Federal Hill, or stopping by the country’s oldest shopping center at The Arcade (it’s gorgeous).
If you’re lucky enough to be in town for a WaterFire event, be sure to plan your time in Providence so that you can see it!
To get acquainted with the city while enjoying incredible views from the water, 1-hour boat tours like this are extremely popular and a great way to get to know Providence.
How to Get to Providence From Boston
Hands down, the best way to get to Providence from Boston is by train.
Amtrak is fastest (under 40 minutes each way), but the Commuter Rail is significantly less expensive ($12.25 each way as of the time of writing) and generally takes a bit over an hour.
There’s no reason to book an organized day trip that includes transportation to visit Providence from Boston, but if you want a guide to help you get acquainted with the city on the ground, this sightseeing tour gets excellent reviews!
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s coastline may be small, but thanks to Portsmouth, it is mighty!
As one of the most beloved coastal towns in New England, Portsmouth has a sky-high reputation for charm, historical sightseeing, seaside views, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth include visiting the town’s compelling living history museum, Strawberry Banke, enjoying a house tour or two (the Warner House is among the best-known), meandering through boutiques and restaurants on cobblestone streets, and admiring the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse!
Sadly, the lighthouse is inaccessible to the public due to storm damage, but it’s worth enjoying from the outside all the same (you can check here for any potential updates on reopening).
Portsmouth is small, and as a result, getting around by bike is very popular. You can get to know Portsmouth fast on a guided bike tour around town, or simply rent a bike and explore yourself!
How to Get to Portsmouth From Boston
The simplest way to get to Portsmouth from Boston is to drive, which should take 2-ish hours or less depending on traffic (and you’ll be driving up the North Shore, so you can always stop at other places along the way–you’ll pass close to Rockport and Newburyport, for starters).
You can also take the C&J Bus, which is popular, from South Station to the Portsmouth Transportation Center.
You’ll then need to catch the COAST Bus (Route 42 as of the time of writing) to downtown or pick up a rideshare/Uber, though.
Portland, Maine
It may be the “other” Portland, but as someone who has had a soft spot for lighthouse-and-lobster-loving Portland, Maine since childhood, let me say that this East Coast city is absolutely worth your time!
(And these days, an infatuation with craft breweries is something Portland has in common with its west coast cousin–so if that’s your thing, you’ll have plenty to choose from).
Known for its charming Portland Head Light, its warehouse-district-turned-trendy-neighborhood of Old Port, and its many, many breweries, Portland is an absolute blast to visit.
Of course, no trip to Portland is complete without snapping photos at the Portland Head Light, and Bug Light deserves a quick look, too!
How to Get to Portland From Boston
Portland is about 2.5 hours away from Boston by either train or car.
The train is easiest for avoiding traffic and having a relaxed schedule, and driving is easiest for visiting further-out attractions (like the lighthouses) and/or for adding on additional stops as you explore.
If you drive to Portland from Boston, you’ll pass by Portsmouth, Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit along the way, just to name a few options!
Other Interesting Boston Day Trip Ideas
Pay a visit to the Boston Harbor Islands.
Does it count as a day trip from Boston if you’re only traveling as far as the harbor?
We think so!
The Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is made up of 34 islands and peninsulas located right in the Boston Harbor (okay, and a bit beyond, but the most popular ones to visit are close to the city).
While you can visit most of the harbor islands via private boat, if you’re planning to take the ferry, they’re a strictly seasonal venture, with boats running from mid-May through mid-October (you can check the schedule and plan your route here).
The most popular Boston Harbor Islands to visit include Spectacle Island, which is popular for hiking and city views, Peddocks Island (the largest island), and Georges Island (home to a Civil War-era fort, which is admittedly almost modern by Boston standards!).
Set off on a whale-watching cruise.
It doesn’t get more classic New England than a whale-watching cruise!
While the cruises require a bit of a time commitment (3-4 hours), if you’re hoping to hit the water during your Boston vacation, a whale-watching cruise like this is an incredibly memorable option.
It’s also a great way to feel like you’ve seen beyond the city itself without having to commit to traveling far!
Of course, like all attractions involving animals in the wild, there’s no guarantee regarding how many whales you’ll see.
That being said, so many whales call Boston home that your odds are much better here than in many popular whale-watching ports around the world, to the point that many captains even guarantee at least one sighting during a trip!
Visit one of the most famous islands in the USA.
As a travel writer, Martha’s Vineyard is the kind of day trip from Boston that I hesitate to recommend, simply because it requires so much travel time (2 hours on a bus and 45 minutes on a ferry each way, assuming no delays/traffic issues/etc.)
… But it’s among the most popular guided day trip options from Boston, which just goes to show that the iconic island is worth the trip to many visitors!
A guided tour like this is the best way to plan a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston, which gives you 6 hours to enjoy the island.
In 6 hours, you can see the gingerbread cottages at Oak Bluffs, check out a couple of lighthouses, hit the sand, explore the gorgeous town of Aquinnah, and possibly rent a bike to explore further afield.
It’s enough for a memorable day out, though you’ll be very tired by the end of it!
If that sounds like a fair trade to you (and especially if you’re the kind of traveler who views ferry rides as part of the fun rather than part of the slog to get there), you may love taking a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard!
Experience New Hampshire’s legendary fall foliage.
If you know one thing about New England, it’s probably that its forests light up with jaw-droppingly beautiful foliage every fall–and if you’re lucky enough to be planning day trips from Boston during the foliage season, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of it!
As peak foliage happens at a bit of a different time each year–and importantly, at a different time in each microclimate/at different elevations–if you’re planning an October trip to New England, there’s a decent chance that there will be beautiful foliage somewhere in the region… but not necessarily in all places.
Are you visiting Boston while the foliage is peaking in New Hampshire?
If so, this popular day trip is an excellent way to get a taste of some of the most beautiful fall colors on the planet… without having to worry about navigating traffic or parking (both of which can be headaches along the Kancamagus Highway in the fall).
You can check the estimated peak foliage here to see if your trip is timed right!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Boston Day Trips
Weigh the pros and cons of how to get to each place.
When it comes to one day trips from Boston, there’s generally no such thing as the perfect way to get there.
If you drive, you’ll contend with traffic, avoiding rush hour, and parking.
If you take public transportation, you’ll be tied to a specific schedule and, depending on the place, may need more time to get there.
For all but a handful of these day trips, you’ll likely also need to navigate a 2-legged journey to get exactly where you’d like to be.
We recommend checking the prices, travel time, and traffic predictions for each route before deciding–and in the case of public transportation, don’t forget to check trains, buses, and ferries!
Take traffic into account when planning transit times.
While there’s no such thing as a city that doesn’t complain about having heavy traffic, Boston truly does–and it can make or break your day trip (just ask my Dad and stepmom, who ended up in a huge traffic jam this summer on our way to Rockport).
For best results, plan your day trips well outside of rush hour. We like to leave around 10:00 AM!
We also do not recommend driving to the Cape for a day trip.
Even driving in the direction of the Cape during the summer can result in increased traffic, especially as the weekend nears–and sitting for hours on Sagamore Bridge waiting to get to the beginning of the Cape is not how you want to spend any day trip.
Seasonality matters a lot when planning a day trip from Boston!
In a region known both for long, hard winters and beach towns, it’s safe to say that which month you visit Boston should have an enormous impact on which day trips you take!
During the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day), beach towns will be bustling and open–but visit in January, and you’ll find closed restaurants and empty main streets.
If you’re visiting Boston in the early spring or late fall, and especially in the winter, we recommend focusing on larger cities like Salem and Portland that will have more going on year-round (though you’ll certainly find some seasonal attractions closed then, too).
If you’re planning a beach day trip from Boston, know what to expect.
New England is home to some beautiful beaches, including but definitely not limited to the dozens of beaches that dot the Atlantic Coast of Massachusetts.
Depending on where you’re from, though, you may or may not want to go swimming in them!
Water temperatures top out in the mid-to-upper-60s°F for most beaches near Boston, including famous Revere Beach (the first public beach in the USA!).
If you’re not used to colder swimming and/or don’t come equipped with a wetsuit, you may or may not want to dive in.
New England natives do plenty of swimming around Boston in the summer, especially the children–we met a grown man on Rexhame Beach in Marshfield this year who said he swims as early as April–but it’s not as common as further south.
Personally, as someone who grew up swimming in warmer waters, I am much more inclined to enjoy a nice walk on the beaches surrounding Boston than I am to plan to swim at one!
Boston Day Trip Ideas Map
This map shows each of the Boston day trip ideas we’ve outlined in this blog post–and as you can see, many of them are grouped closely together, especially along the North Shore (the coast of Massachusetts northeast of Boston, more or less).
If you’d like to visit more than one town during a single day trip from Boston, this map can help you decide what to pair together:
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