Here Are 14 Unique Day Trips In Massachusetts That Are An Absolute Must-Do
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Sophia
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There’s always a little more to explore in Massachusetts. Just when you think you’ve visited every interesting nook and cranny, another must-visit destination pops up on your radar. We wouldn’t have it any other way, so here are 14 more wonderful and unique day trip ideas for your next weekend adventure. These are some of the best day trips in Massachusetts you can take!
MASS MoCA, 1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
No, this isn't a gigantic coffee shop. Mass MoCA is the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in America. What does this mean? It's a great place for the whole family to enjoy awesome music, film, dance, theater, and cool art installations. Even if you don't think you're the art museum type, this place will change your mind. Visiting Mass MoCA in North Adams is one of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts.
For unique day trips in Massachusetts explore the interesting world of the Mass MoCA in North Adams in this video from Eat Drink See Architecture:
For unique day trips in Massachusetts explore the interesting world of the Mass MoCA in North Adams in this video from Eat Drink See Architecture:
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Salem Cross Inn, 260 W Main St, West Brookfield, MA 01585, USA
What better way to get in the spirit of the winter season than an old-fashioned sleigh ride? Hop into the back of this wooden sleigh and take in the beauty of the Salem Cross Inn's 600 acres of tranquil New England countryside. Warm up back inside their 1705 farmhouse with colonial treats like fresh apple pie, cider, and slow-roasted meat. They also offer carriage rides during the warmer months. A trip to Salem Cross Inn is one of the best day trips in Massachusetts at any time of year.
Southwick's Zoo, 2 Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756, USA
Head to the Blackstone River Valley for a combination of beautiful New England countryside and exotic wildlife. Spread over 200 acres, Southwick's Zoo is home to a dizzying array of awesome animals like chimpanzees, camels, giraffes, tigers, lions, mandrill monkeys, and so many more. There are even endangered species to visit such as white rhinos. When you're done communing with your wild side, head over to the Mendon Twin Drive-In for a retro movie experience (in season). Southwick's Zoo is one of the most family-friendly day trips in Massachusetts.
Boston, MA, USA
Sample some of the best beer and grub the city has to offer on this all-inclusive brew tour. You'll be taken to breweries like Harpoon Brewery, Sam Adams, and Cambridge Brewing Company. Along the way, you'll be treated to awesome food from local restaurants. To book your tour, visit the City Brew Tours website.
Bancroft Tower, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
Looking to add a bit of dramatic flair to your day? Head to this miniature feudal castle in Worcester. It's located in Salisbury Park and was built in 1900 by Stephen Salisbury III in honor of his friend, George Bancroft. You couldn't ask for a better place to build snowmen, have a picnic, or just relax. In addition, did you know there are several other hidden castles in Massachusetts? If you don't want to drive to Bancroft Castle, there may be another closer to home.
The Botanic Garden of Smith College, 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA 01063, USA
Escape the chill of the New England winter or a rainy day at the fantastic, flowering greenhouses of Smith College. Best of all, these greenhouses are open and blooming all winter! A trip here is one of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts. To learn more, visit the Smith College website.
Enjoy a tour of the Smith College Botanical Garden in North Hampton, Massachusetts in this video from Keith Garrett for one of the best day trips in MA for plant lovers:
Enjoy a tour of the Smith College Botanical Garden in North Hampton, Massachusetts in this video from Keith Garrett for one of the best day trips in MA for plant lovers:
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Beartown State Forest, 69 Blue Hill Rd, Monterey, MA 01245, USA
This place offers over 12,000 acres of pristine wilderness for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and even snowmobiling. You might even catch a glimpse of some native animals, such as deer, fisher cats, bobcats, and rare birds. Also check out Benedict Pond, a beautiful secluded pond in Massachusetts.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, 37 Corey Rd, Hancock, MA 01237, USA
Jiminy Peak is one of the best places to ski in the state. It's also one of the best places to watch your friends and family ski while you curl up by the fire with a steaming mug and a good book. There's something for everyone at this resort no matter the time of year. In the warmer months, try out the Alpine Super Slide, have fun at the Aerial Adventure Park, or even go mountain biking!
Provincetown, MA, USA
There's plenty to do in Provincetown especially in the cooler months when the summer crowds have vanished. Go shopping in the zany and beautiful downtown, pick up bagfuls of tasty saltwater taffy, explore the docks, and check out some of the most popular restaurants and bars (read: The Lobster Pot) without having to wait in crazy summer lines. However, the town really comes to live in the summer. Provincetown is also one of the best getaway spots in Massachusetts.
You might not think of Massachusetts as a wine region, but we actually have dozens of amazing vineyards and wineries just waiting to fill your glass. Although exploring your local vineyard is a great summer activity, many wineries also offer events and activities for the cooler months as well. Just take a look at Truro Vineyards or Hardwicks Vineyard & Winery.
The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
This three-story globe is made completely out of stained glass and has a 30-foot-long view bridge running through it. It's a stunning fusion of art and education, which means that even those who already know their geography will have a great time visiting. The Mapparium is one of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts.
Gunn Brook, Sunderland, MA 01375, USA
The cascading waters of Gunn Brook Falls plummet just over 35 feet through beautiful ferns, moss, and forest. Best of all, reaching these falls requires almost no hiking. Head to Gunn Cross Road in Sunderland from Chard Pond. Continue for about 0.2 miles until you see a small parking area to the right. The falls are just downstream of the road on the right. Visiting a waterfall is one of the best day trips in Massachusetts you can take.
Quaboag Pond, Massachusetts, USA
No matter what the season, kayaking on this tranquil pond will bring a touch of peace and beauty to your day. It's an especially lovely place to paddle at sunset, so plan accordingly. Learn more about Quaboag Pond on Mass.gov.
Quaboag Pond is a wonderful fishing pond and is especially popular for its kayaking fishing tournaments. Take a look at one such outing in this video from Bill Galeckas:
Quaboag Pond is a wonderful fishing pond and is especially popular for its kayaking fishing tournaments. Take a look at one such outing in this video from Bill Galeckas:
Go fruit or veggie-picking at one of our state's gorgeous orchards. You're sure to leave with a full belly and plenty of happy memories. Of course, make sure your local farm has pick-your-own offerings that are in season. Picking your own fruit and veggies (and even flowers) at a farm is one of the most memorable day trips in Massachusetts.
Have you been on any of the day trips in Massachusetts featured here? Let us know which ones in the comments. Or, if you have discovered any fun day trips near you, be sure to share those as well. If you’re looking for more Massachusetts activity inspiration, check out these nine picturesque trails that are perfect for hiking any time of year.
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More to Explore
Best Day Trips In Massachusetts
What are some of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts?
Some of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts are to find the hidden gems around the Bay State.
- Peruse the shelves of the Brattle Book Shop to find your next read
- Check out the oddities at The Warren Anatomical Museum
- Take in the views at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate
What are some of the best road trips in Massachusetts?
Some of the best road trips in Massachusetts include:
- The Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail
- A Hidden Beaches Road Trip
- A Massachusetts Castle Road Trip
- An Abandoned Places Road Trip
There are plenty of road trip ideas around the state but if you don’t want to plan your own, don’t worry. We did some hard work and put together a list of road trips around Massachusetts. Take your taste buds on a tour of the best ice cream shops along an ice cream road trip or, perhaps, check out some of the state’s most beautiful hidden beaches. The world is your oyster!
What are some of the most relaxing getaway spots in Massachusetts?
Some of the most relaxing getaway spots in Massachusetts include:
- A waterfront getaway in Gloucester
- Ocean Edge Resort
- The Harbor View Hotel
Whether you enjoy the beach or mountains, we are so lucky in the Bay State to have the options we do. A relaxing stay by the water may take you to Ocean Edge Resort while a stay at a cabin in the mountains may also sound ideal.