5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Boston, My Favorite Included

The city of Boston has so much to offer that lesser-known sites and landmarks beyond its busy borders are often overlooked. Venture out, and you will find beautiful towns and peaceful cities filled with incredible attractions, scenic landscapes, and historical areas. While I could go on for days about these local hidden gems in Massachusetts, I will instead leave you with my top five recommendations for easy day trips from Boston.

1. Concord, Massachusetts

If you are traveling to Boston to experience the attractions related to the events surrounding the Revolutionary War, I highly recommend setting aside some time to visit the Minute Man National Historical Park, the Old North Bridge, and other historical sites in the Concord and Lexington area. Lovers of literature should also stop by Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House and take a stroll around Walden Pond. Concord is a short 20-mile drive from Boston, which makes it a quick destination. If you don’t have a car, you may want to consider taking this private day trip to the area.

2. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts (not to be confused with Salem, New Hampshire) is my top pick for a weekend getaway from Boston. I might be just a little bit biased, but I live here for a reason. Salem is perhaps best known for its spooky tourist attractions, but we also have wonderful historical sites, our very own national park (Salem Maritime National Historic Site), and the Peabody Essex Museum, a world-renowned art venue. Plus, there are so many fantastic restaurants and shops to explore. Salem is just a 40-minute drive from Boston. You can also get to the Witch City via the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line from Boston’s North Station or (seasonally) via ferry from Long Wharf.

3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

A trip down the Cape is clearly a vacation in itself; however, a visit to this gorgeous coastal area is still worth the relatively short trek, even if you have only a day to explore. The Cape is comprised of 15 quaint towns, and each has something special to offer. The area is known for its fresh seafood and beautiful National Seashore. The scenic towns of Yarmouth, Falmouth, and Sandwich are a little over an hour’s drive from Boston. You can also catch a ferry directly to Provincetown from Boston’s Long Wharf.

4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The coastal town of Portsmouth is one of my favorite places to visit in New Hampshire. Overflowing with New England charm, this quaint spot, just an hour's drive from Boston, is chock-full of historical buildings, great restaurants, and quirky specialty shops. A stop at the Strawbery Banke Living History Museum always makes for a fun afternoon, and a trip out to the Isles of Shoals is a wonderful way to spend a summer’s day.

5. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, Massachusetts

You will technically still be in Boston, but feel like you are worlds away from the city when you head out to visit the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Thirty-four islands and peninsulas make up this stunning state and national park, and you can experience a few of them firsthand by taking a Boston Harbor City Cruise ferry from Long Wharf. Spectacle Island is a fantastic place to swim and hike, and George’s Island contains a cool Civil War-era fort that is definitely worth checking out.

Whether you prefer revolutionary history, seaside charm, or something in between, these Boston day trips prove that some of the region's best experiences are hiding just beyond the city limits. So get out there and explore—an easy trip from Boston might just become your favorite adventure yet. For even more inspiration, visit the official Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism to start planning your next getaway.