Sometimes we all want to step back from the hectic pace of life and visit a place where time seems to move a little slower. These small towns are within easy driving distance of Boston, but each has an atmosphere so different from the city that you’ll feel like you’ve traveled much further. So, the next time the world feels overwhelming, head to the best small towns near Boston. These are towns where you can switch from a stride to a slow mosey and savor each moment.

1. Scituate
Flickr/C Hanchey
This quaint town offers a Mossing Museum and the whimsical Lawson Tower. But you may be tempted to do little more than order a coffee or bite to eat at the laid-back Lucky Finn Café while you soak in the peaceful harbor views.
2. Rockport
Flickr/rlonpine
Even if you’ve never been here, Rockport is the place that comes to mind when you daydream about coastal New England villages. Charming buildings, beaches, coves, a harbor, and plenty of history can all be found in this gorgeous spot. The year-round population is 6,952, but plenty of people visit in summer, lured to Rockport by the simple pleasures of strolling along Bear Skin Neck, an area lined with picturesque shops and plenty of ice cream stores!
3. Dover
Flickr/Mike Halsall
A scant 2,265 folks live in Dover, a dinky place with more than its share of green spaces, perfect for immersing yourself in nature. Take a walk through Noanet Woodlands, where you’ll discover a series of ponds and the remains of an old mill.
4. Sharon
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
For many, childhood was a simpler time. Relive yours in Sharon with a visit to The Penny Candy Store. Just hand over your credit card to your inner seven-year-old and go wild! While you’re exploring Sharon, check out Ward’s Berry Farm, and the lovely Massapoag Lake.

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5. Concord
Flickr/Marian Dörk
Admittedly, Concord isn’t all that small with a population of over 17,000 people, but its main streets retain a charming, small town vibe. While major events played out here centuries ago, now you can absorb the natural beauty of Walden Pond, take a walk up to Author’s Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery or if you’re so inclined, join the tourists at Minute Man National Historical Park.
6. Duxbury
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Duxbury Beach Park is beautiful any time of year but, if it’s peace you’re after, visit in the off-season – preferably at low tide. Also, Island Creek has its oyster farm out here; if you sign up for a tour you can spend a serene afternoon on the water, learning about the oyster industry.
7. Ipswich
Yelp/Chiara M.
The 13,175 people who live in Ipswich are fortunate. After all, they’re surrounded by stunning and varied scenery, from the sandy expanse of Crane Beach to bucolic places like Russell Orchards. If you prefer liquid relaxation, head to Ipswich Ale Brewery or the 1634 Meadery for artisan honey wine!
8. Hopkinton
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Hopkinton, population 14,925, is where you’ll find a forested state park that centers around a large, spring-fed lake, dotted with islands. The lesser-known Whitehall State Park provides more recreational opportunities. When you’re ready to come inside, amble along the town’s Main Street and refuel at one of the excellent restaurants here.
9. Hingham
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Hingham is another town that perfectly balances outdoor activities with indoor amenities. Get away from it all with a hike at World’s End, go off-grid and camp at Wompatuck State Park, or unwind at Hingham Bathing Beach. Foodies will rejoice upon entering Bloomy Rind - a cheese lover’s paradise – and it's always relaxing to browse through the town’s quaint stores.

How many of these charming spots have you visited? What’s your favorite small town near Boston? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Small towns near Boston

Chris Dodge | September 15, 2022

What are some other amazing towns and small towns near Boston?

New England has a long history in our country and nothing quite touches the historical significance of Boston. It is a great city for many reasons but like most cities, it comes with a fast-paced lifestyle. So, when you want to get a little outside of the city and enjoy the fine towns we have around Boston, then we would like to make a few suggestions.

Our first suggestion is the town of  Franklin. This town is home to an incredible zoo, which is a fun outing for the whole family. Gorillas, camels, and giraffes may not be commonplace in a New England town but you can enjoy these and many more at the Franklin Park Zoo. Our next recommendation is a little town called Ashland. This town has one of the oldest bars and is said to be haunted. So, if you don’t mind having unwelcomed guests join you as you sip wine, then it’s a great place for you.

For a more family-friendly location, you can visit Modelville Hobby. This unsuspecting location hosts many slot car races. They also have one of the biggest slot car tracks in the world. Who knew something like that was hiding in an unexpected industrial building? Around an hour’s drive away from Boston, you can visit Middleborough. This town sits like a doorway to the Cape Cod area and a nice coffee shop downtown that you must visit is Coffee Milano. With tons of coffee options and delicious breakfast items, they are a great place to visit to start off any day. Our last recommendation is to visit Salem because who doesn't love a good ghost story?

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