13 Incredible Trips In Massachusetts That Will Change Your Life

Everyone needs to get away once in a while. A change of scenery is the perfect way to lift your spirits and create awesome memories with the ones you love. If you've been searching for day trips near me in Massachusetts, why not start planning a trip to one of these spectacular places? We've highlighted a few fun and affordable day trips that are sure to make you smile.

1. Smell the roses at the Smith College Greenhouses, Northampton.

(Editor's Note: The Smith College Greenhouses are temporarily closed. Check back on the website for updates on reopening.)

Surprisingly, this is a great trip to take during the winter months! The greenhouses shelter the vibrant blooms all year long, so you can enjoy the beauty of spring even when the snow is piled up high. This is one of the best must-visit places in Massachusetts.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

2. Travel back in time at the charming Williamsburg General Store.

If you're in need of a no-fuss, fun family outing, look no further than a trip to the Williamsburg General Store. This classic country shop has been in business for more than 115 years, and it's been owned by the same family since the 1970s. Stop in for baked treats, old-fashioned candy and gifts, homemade ice cream, locally made cosmetics, and even seasonal decorations. A day trip here is a great way to support local business and connect with a part of Massachusetts history.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

3. Visit the Gingerbread Houses on Martha's Vineyard.

This whimsical gingerbread village by the sea is one of the most enchanting places in the state. Located on the island of Martha's Vineyard, the Oak Bluff Gingerbread Village (officially known as the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association) is filled with over 300 brightly-painted Victorian-style cottages. You'll feel like you're wandering through a storybook as you stroll the streets of this colorful community. Head to the village during the summer to enjoy the sweet smell of the hydrangea gardens, or visit in the off-season to avoid the crowds. This gingerbread village should be at the top of your Massachusetts bucket list.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

4. Wander through the #1 corn maze in America located at Davis Farm in Sterling.

With over three miles of paths spread over eight acres, the Davis Farm Mega Maze has previously been named the best corn maze in America by CNN. There are plenty of twists and turns, not to mention entire playgrounds and ropes courses scattered throughout the maze. It's fun for the whole family, although the maze also offers spookier experiences for the older crowd. This will be one of the best day trips in Massachusetts you can take when it is open in the fall.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

5. Visit Montague.

For those who aren't familiar with the sleepy town of Montague, you're in for a real treat. Nestled out in Western Massaschusetts, this river community boasts some truly gorgeous natural scenery and one of the best bookstores in the world: the famous Montague Bookmill. Curl up with a fascinating tome in an armchair overlooking the river, wander around the shops, or simply take in the beauty of the landscape. It's one of the most charming must-visit places in Massachusetts.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

6. Hike the Stone Ledge Trail on Mount Greylock.

We've profiled this hike as the most gorgeous in Massachusetts, and it definitely lives up to the title. Wander through shady woods, flowering meadows, carpets of moss, and even past waterfalls and babbling brooks. You'll wind up on Stony Ledge, one of the most spectacular vantage points on Mount Greylock. It's about 3.7 miles round trip, so bring your hiking boots and sense of adventure.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

7. Relax in this incredible salt cave at Four Elements Salon and Spa in Westport.

This sparkling cave of pink crystal salt looks like something from another world, but it's actually right here in Massachusetts. Head to the Four Elements Salon and Spa in Westport and spend a few hours in their therapeutic salt cave which is meant to soothe and heal the body and mind. You may want to put this relaxing salt cave at the top of your Massachusetts bucket list!

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

8. Satisfy your cravings at Gould's Maple Sugarhouse in Shelburne Falls.

(Editor's Note: Gould's Maple Sugarhouse is temporarily closed. Check back on the Facebook page for updates on reopening.)

Got a sweet tooth and a love of all things cozy? Head out to Gould's Maple Sugarhouse for one of the most autumnal meals of your life. This place crafts their own maple syrup from local trees, and serves pancakes and pickles that are absolutely to die for. You can't beat the view either.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

9. Visit the bizarre "singing beach" of Massachusetts.

This gorgeous North Shore beach has a musical secret: the beach occasionally sings. Due to the unique makeup of the sand here, moving your feet around produces an odd yet pleasing squeaking sound. When the wind blows over the sand, the sound of ethereal "singing" can fill the air. Head to Manchester-by-the-Sea to experience this place for yourself.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

10. Relax in Rockport.

This quiet fishing village seems frozen in time, and that's a great thing. Rockport is home to some of the most charming shops, restaurants, and views on the North Shore. There's plenty to do and see no matter what your interests, as long as you're a fan of fresh seafood, lovely harbor scenes, and quaint New England beauty. Stop by the Rockport Paper House for an utterly unique experience (the old home is entirely made out of paper), and stroll the docks to spy the famous Motif No. 1. A visit to Rockport is one of the best day trips in Massachusetts you can take.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

11. Hunt for treasures at the Raynham Flea Market.

If you love bargain-hunting and retro treasures, the Raynham Flea Market will be your new favorite haunt. It's one of the largest flea markets in New England, where over 500 exhibitors gather to showcase their eclectic wares. You can score tons of vintage stuff on the cheap, or check out some locally-made products you won't find anywhere else. You'll need at least a couple hours to see everything there is to see!

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

12. Walk with giants at the Holyoke’s Dinosaur Footprints reservation.

This is one of the most unique attractions you'll find in New England. As you may have guessed from the name, this reservation features preserved dinosaur footprints embedded in the sandstone of the park. The best way to understand how cool these footprints are is the see them in person, so plan a trip to this lesser-known state park as soon as possible. Pro tip: make sure there's no snow in the forecast before you go, for obvious reasons.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

13 Live your fairytale at Hammond Castle in Gloucester.

Head to Gloucester for one of the most enchanting attractions around. Hammond Castle has an incredibly romantic history (it was built as a wedding present for an eccentric inventor's wife), and looks like a real-life storybook palace. It comes complete with a grand hall, gorgeous courtyard, and even a secret passageway! This is one of the most spectacular must-visit places in Massachusetts that you are sure to love.

Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.

For more amazing Massachusetts trip inspiration, check out these incredible Massachusetts day trips you can take by train.