Boston is so centrally located in New England that it’s the perfect spot for a family vacation. There, you’ll be able to see various family attractions, including cultural and historic spots. In addition, you can stay at a hotel in Boston and take several different day trips – seeing different attractions and maybe even a different state. Within a short driving distance, you’ll find historic towns, coastal cities, family attractions, and sandy beaches. While there are many options, here are some of our favorite day trips from Boston.
Disclosure: We have received some complimentary admissions, but all opinions are my own.
Boston Harbor Islands, MA
This is one of the easiest day trips from Boston. You won’t even need a car to get there. You can head to the ferry at Long Wharf in Boston during summer. You can board a short trip to one of the several islands that make up the Boston Harbor Islands State and National Park. These islands offer a variety of amenities and programs, so review everything before deciding where to go. There’s no “best” Boston Harbor Island—it will really depend on what you want to do.
Portsmouth, NH
Right over the New Hampshire border is Portsmouth NH, a coastal town filled with shops and restaurants. There’s also the Water Country water park and several outdoor parks. It’s located about an hour outside of Boston. Despite its location in another state, it’s pretty close to Boston and is a great spot for a day trip.
Newport, RI
Less than a two-hour drive from Boston, you’ll find Newport, Rhode Island, where you can enter the Gilded Age. This gorgeous town is a vacation destination in itself. Newport was once the preferred summer vacation spot for rich families, including the Vanderbilts, who owned the Breakers and Marble House mansions as summer homes. To learn more: Things to do in Newport, RI
Mystic, CT
Right over the RI border is Mystic, CT, located less than a two-hour drive from the downtown area of Boston. There, you’ll find Mystic Seaport, the largest maritime museum in the United States. It’s mostly outdoors, so it’s a great place to visit in nice weather. Kids also love the Mystic Aquarium, which is one of my favorite aquariums to visit. Don’t miss the Beluga whales! Mystic Aquarium features the largest outdoor beluga whale exhibit in the United States. The whales are so interactive and fun to watch. Across the street from the Mystic Aquarium is Olde Mistick Village, where you’ll find shops and restaurants in a quaint little historic village. Read more about things to do in Mystic, CT here.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod is one of the most popular vacation destinations in New England. While I’d probably recommend staying overnight (just like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket), you could also go to the Cape for a day trip. It offers beautiful beaches, fantastic outdoor activities, and delicious, fresh seafood.
Plymouth, MA
Any history trip to Boston should include a day in Plymouth, MA. There, you can see Plymouth Rock, and explore the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. If your vacation plans include a trip down to the Cape Cod National Seashore, you’ll find Plymouth on the way. But you only need a day there, so it’s an easy day trip from Boston.
Rockport, MA
North of Boston is Cape Ann, where you’ll find Rockport, MA. This quaint seaside village is one of my favorite places to visit for the day. Bearskin Neck is the perfect spot to visit for an afternoon. It offers shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You’ll also want to photograph Motif #1, an iconic fishing shack that is one of the most photographed buildings. There are also several beaches on Cape Ann – including several in Rockport.
Gloucester, MA
Right next door to Rockport on Cape Ann is Gloucester, MA. Famous from the TV show Wicked Tuna and the movie The Perfect Storm, Gloucester is a fun seaside town known for delicious seafood. In addition to the waterfront restaurants, you’ll also find several beaches in Gloucester (Good Harbor is our favorite). Many whale-watching cruises leave this town as well. In my opinion, Gloucester is the perfect day trip for a beach day.
Salem, MA
Home to the infamous Salem Witch Trials, Salem, MA, is about 50 minutes from the city. Almost everything you’ll want to see in the coastal town of Salem is located in the same area. Once you arrive for your day trip to Salem, you can park and walk around without needing your car. Read more ideas for day trips in Boston in our blog post.