One of my favorite things about living in Boston is having easy access to the best of New England. From the sandy shores of Cape Cod to the rocky coast of Cape Ann, there are so many great New England day trips from Boston.
I’ve put together a comprehensive list of my favorite New England day trips, less than two hours from Boston. Some of these are accessible by public transit, but I’d highly recommend taking a car so that you can explore with ease. Each has something special to offer in all seasons, so you’re in for a treat no matter what time of year you decide to visit.
Whether you’re a native Bostonian looking to escape the city or a visitor in search of a local getaway, there are so many great things to do outside of the city. Head out of town and hit these great Boston day trip destinations!
Lexington and Concord, MA
Steeped in history and easily accessible from the city, these towns deserve the top spot on my list of day trips from Boston. Whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy exploring the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty to love about Lexington and Concord.
Known as the “birthplace of American liberty,” Lexington is where the first shots of the Revolutionary War rang out. Today, you can retrace the steps of soldiers at Minute Man National Park.
Concord cultivated important American authors, including Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau. Tour their homes, connect with nature at Walden Pond, or explore the quaint downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and of course, bookstores.
Distance from Boston
30-45 minutes by car; 40 minutes by public transit
Favorite Things to Do
- Explore Minute Man National Park in Lexington. See the battlefields and structures associated with the opening battle of the Revolutionary War.
- Shop for fresh produce at Wilson Farm in Lexington. This family-owned farm stand has been in operation since 1884. Especially bountiful in the fall, don’t miss its impressive pumpkin display!
- Tour the homes of literary greats in Concord. Orchard House is where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women over 150 years ago, and The Old Manse was home to Ralph Waldo Emerson and later Nathanial Hawthorne.
- Go for a walk or a swim at scenic Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, which was the home and inspiration for Henry David Thoreau.
Salem, MA
Most of us know Salem for its infamous witch-trial history, but there is so much more to this coastal community. With an ever-deepening arts and cultural footprint as well as a growing foodie scene, more and more young professionals have been flocking to Salem as an alternative place to live outside of the city. Of course, there’s no better place to celebrate Halloween than the Haunted Happenings festival that takes place every October in Salem. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds, this quaint town is just as charming in its off seasons.
Distance from Boston
45 minutes by car; 30 minutes via Commuter Rail; 1 hour by ferry
Favorite Things to Do
- Stop by the Salem Witch Museum. Although a little cheesy, the dioramas and interactive displays are a good starting place to get acquainted with Salem’s bewitching history.
- Take a tour of The House of Seven Gables, the historic merchant house that inspired author Nathanial Hawthorne’s mystery of the same name.
- Visit the Peabody Essex Museum, the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States, to see an impressive collection of art and history from New England and beyond.
- Go shopping on Pickering Wharf and Essex Street filled with quaint independent shops like Wicked Good Books and Partridge in a Bear Tree.
- Sip some seriously good cider at Far from the Tree, featuring a rotating list of local, freshly-pressed varieties in a fun space. Or enjoy views of the South River from the outdoor biergarten at Notch Brewery & Tap Room. Bonus: both are dog friendly!
Explore More: Dog Friendly Breweries in New England
Far From the Tree Cider House in Salem is dog friendly!
Marblehead, MA
The birthplace of the modern American navy, Marblehead has a rich maritime history. It’s easy to see why, as you’re always within walking distance to the sea on this small, rocky peninsula just north of Boston. Stroll past historic homes with plaques naming their original owners and professions, mostly merchants, mariners and sailmakers. Spot the golden cods above almost every home’s door, an homage to the cod fishing industry that made Marblehead one of the biggest towns in colonial America before the Revolutionary War.
Distance from Boston
45 minutes by car; not recommended by public transit
Favorite Things to Do
- Explore the charming storefronts in historic downtown district, like F.L. Woods, a nautical instrument and supply store that has since expanded to include American-made clothing.
- Take in the views of the harbor and city from Old Burial Hill. Founded in 1638, it is the resting place for many Puritans and other early residents.
- Soak up the sun at Devereaux Beach. With miles of sandy shores, it’s one of the North Shore’s most beloved summer spots.
- Get steeped in history and spectacular views at Fort Sewall, a defensive base that was first established in 1644.
- Enjoy fresh seafood and harbor views at local institutions like The Barnacle, Marblehead’s oldest family-run restaurant.
Rockport, MA
Located at the tip of Cape Ann, this quintessential New England coastal town is one of my favorite day trips from Boston. Once a tiny fishing village, Rockport is now an enclave for artists, many of whom have been inspired by its world-famous landmark Motif No. 1. The red fishing shack at the edge of the harbor is thought to be the most-painted building in the world. Although a popular destination in the summer, I also love visiting around the holidays to shop for unique gifts made by the local artists and craftspeople.
Distance from Boston
1 hour by car; 1 hour, 15 minutes via Commuter Rail
Favorite Things to Do
- See for yourself why Motif No. 1 has been an inspiration for artists around the world for almost a century.
- Browse for local arts and crafts in the charming shops along pedestrian-friendly Bearskin Neck.
- Enjoy fresh seafood from Roy Moore Lobster Co. at one of their two locations: an eat-in restaurant in Dock Square or a little takeout shack further down Bearskin Neck.
- Decide what is more delectable: the super cute storefront or the sweet treats at the Ice Scream Store.
Portsmouth, NH
New Hampshire’s oldest city and only major port has a rich history and tons of coastal charm. Located just over an hour from Boston, Portsmouth offers day-trippers world-class restaurants, vibrant cultural attractions, and bustling boutique shopping. Each time I visit, I find myself thinking, “I could definitely live here!”
Distance from Boston
1 hour drive; 1 hour 45 minutes via C&J Bus Lines from Logan Airport
Favorite Things to Do
- Visit Strawberry Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum that shows what life in Portsmouth would have been like in the 17th century.
- Enjoy tax-free shopping downtown. My must-visits whenever I’m in town are Gus & Ruby Letterpress and Pickwick’s Mercantile.
- Scream for ice cream at Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream. New Englanders are serious about their ice cream, and this local institution offers some of the best.
- Sip local brews and enjoy the lively vibe at Portsmouth Brewery, New Hampshire’s original brewpub.
- Take a tour of Portsmouth Lighthouse. Located just outside the city, pair it with a Day Trip to New Castle, NH.
Duxbury, MA
This upscale seaside enclave just an hour south of Boston has earned itself the nickname “Deluxebury,” but you’ll be surprised to find a relaxed coastal vibe in spite of its wealthy suburban status. If you’re looking for a getaway that’s under the radar, this picturesque town is a wonderful alternative to more popular destinations like Cape Cod or Nantucket, offering just as much charm without the crowds.
Distance from Boston
1 hour by car, not recommended via public transit
Favorite Things to Do
- Take a boat tour of Island Creek Oyster Farm, or just relax and enjoy the raw bar’s scenic waterfront patio. This dog and kid-friendly space offers a food truck, bocce court, corn hole, tether ball and more.
- Soak up the sun at Duxbury Beach, a sprawling barrier beach with rolling sand dunes and beach grass. If you don’t have a resident sticker, pick up your day pass at Blakeman’s.
- Enjoy a decadent brunch at The Oysterman, offering creative cocktails and modern twists on local seafood favorites.
Explore More: Summer Day Trip to Duxbury, Massachusetts.
Newport, RI
Known as the “Sailing Capital of the World,” Newport was also once a popular summer destination for America’s elite. Business tycoons and wealthy families like the Vanderbilts and Kennedys hosted lavish parties in their “cottages” along Bellevue Avenue. Today you can step inside these Gilded Age mansions and imagine yourself part of jet-set society.
Distance from Boston
1 hour 30 minutes driving, 2 hours via Peter Pan bus
Favorite Things to Do
- Tour the Newport mansions. If you’re short on time, don’t miss The Breakers. One of the largest and most opulent, it was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
- Stroll The Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile stunning coastal path that weaves through the backyards of the Newport Mansions.
- Enjoy the surf, sun and sand at Easton’s Beach. Located on Memorial Boulevard at the start of the Cliff Walk, this beautiful stretch of sand known locally as First Beach is one of the largest and most popular.
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