10 Best Day Trips from Boston for a Quick Getaway

Boston is packed with history, charm, and plenty to keep you busy, but one of the best parts about visiting is how easy it is to escape the city for a day.

From coastal towns and sandy beaches to historic villages and mountain trails, there are so many amazing day trips from Boston to choose from!

Whether you’re craving a seaside stroll in Kennebunkport, a history fix in Plymouth, or a hike in the White Mountains, this list of day trips has something for everyone.

I’ve rounded up my favorite spots that are close enough to do in a day, with tips on how to get there and what not to miss.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Quick Guide to Day Trips from Boston

Best guided day trips from Boston

• Fall Foliage Tour in New Hampshire – Perfect for leaf-peeping without driving
• Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip – Includes transport and highlights of the island
• Kennebunkport and Maine Coast Tour – Coastal towns and scenic views

Easiest car-free day trips from Boston

• Salem (train, ferry, or guided tour)
• Rockport & Gloucester (commuter rail)
• Plymouth (commuter rail or guided tour)

Best for nature lovers

• White Mountains (guided tour or drive)
• Cape Cod (drive required)

Best Day Trips from Boston

1. Salem, MA

Salem is hands down one of the most popular day trips from Boston, and for good reason. Famous for its 1692 witch trials, this historic town has a fascinating mix of history, spooky attractions, and classic New England charm.

You can visit the Salem Witch Museum, wander through the beautiful streets lined with colonial-era houses, and check out the House of the Seven Gables.

If you’re visiting Salem in October, expect the town to be packed with Halloween events and themed tours since it’s Salem’s busiest (and spookiest) season.

Getting here is super easy. Salem is only 30 minutes from Boston by car, or you can take the commuter rail from North Station in about the same time.

In warmer months, there’s even a ferry from Boston Harbor for a scenic ride. If you’d rather skip the planning, you can join a guided day tour from Boston that includes transport and skip-the-line entry to major attractions.

2. Plymouth, MA

If you’re a history lover, Plymouth is one of the best day trips from Boston. Known as “America’s Hometown,” this coastal spot is where the Pilgrims landed in 1620, and it’s full of landmarks tied to the country’s early colonial history.

You can visit Plymouth Rock, tour the Mayflower II (a full-scale replica of the original ship), and explore Plimoth Patuxet Museums for an interactive look at 17th-century life.

Beyond the history, there’s a pretty harbor area with seafood restaurants and scenic waterfront walks.

Plymouth is about 45 minutes from Boston by car, or you can hop on the commuter rail from South Station.

Guided tours to Plymouth are also available if you want an easy, no-stress way to see the highlights.

3. Concord & Lexington, MA

Concord and Lexington are must-visit stops for anyone interested in the stories that shaped America.

These historic towns were the backdrop for the first battles of the American Revolution and are full of landmarks and walking trails that bring history to life.

In Lexington, you can explore the Battle Green and Minute Man National Historical Park.

Then head over to Concord to visit Orchard House, where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women, and take a peaceful stroll around Walden Pond.

The easiest way to visit is by car since the towns are only about 40 minutes from Boston. This gives you the freedom to hop between sites, explore local cafes, and soak in the small-town charm.

4. Cape Cod, MA

For a classic New England coastal escape, you can’t go wrong with a day trip to Cape Cod. While it’s best known as a summer getaway, Cape Cod has plenty to offer year-round, from charming small towns to scenic beaches and lighthouses.

Spend the day exploring Sandwich, the oldest town on the Cape, or head to Falmouth for seaside walks and great seafood.

If you’re up for a longer drive, Provincetown at the very tip of the Cape is full of art galleries, colorful streets, and ocean views that make the extra effort worth it.

The easiest way to visit is by car. Sandwich and Falmouth are about an hour from Boston, while Provincetown at the far end of the Cape can take up to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Starting early will give you more time to explore without feeling rushed.

5. Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Martha’s Vineyard is the kind of place that feels like a true escape, even if you’re only there for a day.

The island is full of colorful gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs, historic lighthouses, and charming villages like Edgartown, where you can shop, stroll, and enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views.

If you’re visiting in summer, spend some time at South Beach or take a scenic drive around the island to soak up the coastal vibes. In the shoulder seasons, it’s quieter but still has plenty of charm.

Getting there on your own can be a bit of a hassle since you’ll need to drive about 1.5 hours from Boston to Woods Hole and catch the ferry to the island.

For a stress-free experience, booking a guided day tour is the best way to see the highlights without worrying about transport or logistics.

6. Kennebunkport, ME

Kennebunkport is one of Maine’s most charming coastal towns, known for its historic homes, boutique shops, and fresh seafood.

Dock Square is perfect for a stroll with cute galleries and cafes, while Walker’s Point offers one of the best ocean views along the coast.

In warmer months, you can also relax on Goose Rocks Beach or join a lobster boat tour for a true Maine experience. Fall is another lovely time to visit, with colorful foliage lining the coastal roads.

Kennebunkport is about 1.5 hours from Boston by car, but parking in town can be tricky during peak season.

Booking a guided day tour is a great option if you prefer a hassle-free trip and want to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

It’s also a perfect stop if you’re planning a Boston to Acadia road trip and want to break up the drive with a dose of small-town coastal charm.

7. Newport, RI

Newport is famous for its Gilded Age mansions, coastal scenery, and a lively waterfront packed with restaurants and shops. It’s the perfect day trip if you’re craving a mix of history, architecture, and ocean views.

Start your visit with the Cliff Walk, a scenic 3.5-mile path that winds past dramatic seaside cliffs and grand estates like The Breakers and Marble House.

If you’re into history, touring a few of these opulent mansions gives you a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyles of America’s wealthiest families in the late 1800s.

After exploring, head into town to browse boutique shops and art galleries, grab fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants, or relax at Easton’s Beach.

In summer, you can also visit Fort Adams State Park for more coastal views and picnic spots.

Newport is about 1.5 hours from Boston by car, and the drive is fairly easy. Guided tours from Boston are another great option if you’d rather skip parking and let someone else handle the details.

8. Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is a small coastal city that’s perfect for a low-key day trip. The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, with brick buildings, boutique shops, and plenty of places to grab fresh seafood or a coffee.

Check out the Strawbery Banke Museum if you’re into history, or head to Prescott Park for river views and a quiet spot to relax. When it’s time to eat, Market Square has lots of cozy restaurants and breweries to choose from.

Portsmouth is about an hour from Boston by car. There’s no direct train, so driving is the easiest way to visit and gives you the freedom to explore nearby coastal spots too.

9. Rockport & Gloucester, MA

Rockport and Gloucester are two of the prettiest coastal towns in Massachusetts, and you can easily visit both in one day.

Start in Rockport to wander around Bearskin Neck, a narrow street filled with art galleries, shops, and seafood shacks. Don’t miss Motif No. 1, the little red fishing shack that’s one of the most photographed spots in New England.

In Gloucester, you can visit the harbor, check out Hammond Castle Museum, or even join a whale watching tour in season.

Both towns are great for walking around, grabbing fresh lobster rolls, and soaking up the coastal vibe.

They’re about an hour from Boston by car, or you can take the commuter rail from North Station to either town. The train makes this one of the easiest car-free day trips from Boston!

10. White Mountains, NH

The White Mountains are perfect if you’re craving a nature escape! Even though it’s about two hours from Boston, it feels like a whole different world with scenic drives, hiking trails, and mountain views.

Starting early will give you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Fall is one of the best times to visit thanks to the stunning foliage. One of the easiest ways to enjoy it is with a guided fall foliage tour that picks you up in Boston.

It takes you along the Kancamagus Highway, stops for photo breaks, and visits North Conway before heading back. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with driving.

If you prefer to explore on your own, there’s plenty to see. You can drive the Kancamagus Highway, hike to spots like Artist’s Bluff or Diana’s Baths, or visit places like Flume Gorge, Mount Washington, and Franconia Notch State Park.

For more tips and ideas, check out my guide to the best things to do in the White Mountains, or if you have more time, you might be interested in this New Hampshire fall road trip from Boston too!