Boston is so centrally located in New England. It’s the perfect spot for a family vacation because you’ll be able to see a wide variety of 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 so many different options, here are some of our favorite day trips from Boston.
Disclosure: Note that we’ve received complimentary admission to some of the Boston day trips and attractions mentioned here. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.
The Best Day Trips From Boston
Table of Contents
Boston Harbor Islands, MA
This is one of the easiest day trips from Boston. You won’t even need a car to get there. During the summers, you can head to the ferry at Long Wharf in Boston. There, you can board for a short trip to one of the several islands making up the Boston Harbor Islands State and National Park.
These islands offer a variety of different 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.
There are different ferries going to the different islands, so you’ll want to know which one you are choosing before getting to Long Wharf and purchasing ferry tickets. Food options vary on the islands, so research in advance so you aren’t left hungry.
We’ve enjoyed a trip to Spectacle Island, where my kids were able to explore tide pools and hang out on the small beach. Some of the islands also have great spots for exploring, so plan and pack appropriately. Many families enjoy traveling to Georges Island, which is the most popular island.
There, you’ll find a Civil War-era fort that you can walk around. Georges Island is often the first stop on the ferries to the other islands, so you may be able to combine it with another island.
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 actually pretty close to Boston and is a great spot for a day trip.
Grab lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants for some gorgeous views. History lovers may enjoy a trip to Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum. I love shopping around the small town.
Newport, RI
Less than a two-hour drive from Boston, you’ll find Newport Rhode Island, where you can step into 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.
Both of these properties, as well as other Newport Mansions, are available to tour during your trip to Newport. Arrive early, as these properties get busy, especially during the weekends. They are open seasonally, so check out operating hours before
You can also take a boat ride, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, check out a baseball game, shop, eat, and so much more while you are in Newport. It’s definitely a place that you could visit for more than one day.
But, if you only have time for a day trip, I’d focus on seeing one mansion (probably the Breakers) and then heading to Brick Marketplace/Thames Street. There, you’ll find quaint shops and restaurants right on the waterfront.
Newport is also home to beautiful amazing beaches, as well as the Cliff Walk. If you are doing a day trip from Boston, leave early so that you can enjoy all of these attractions. It’s located on Aquidneck Island which is accessed via bridges.
See more things to do in Newport with kids here.
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. It’s fun to walk around there, and there are several restaurants where you can grab lunch.
See things to do in Mystic here. While it’s a great day trip, you could also stay one or two nights here.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod is one of the most popular vacation destinations in New England. While I’d probably recommend that you’d stay 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.
In the busy season, you’ll want to arrive at the beaches early. Cape Cod traffic is notoriously bad, so it’s best to drive at an off-peak time. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, especially in the summer.
Some of the best places to visit on Cape Cod include:
- Provincetown
- Yarmouth
- Chatham
- Orleans
- Falmouth
While you are there, make time for some of the famous ice cream and lobster rolls you can get in the summer months.
Plymouth, MA
Any history trip to Boston should include a day in Plymouth, MA. There, you can see Plymouth Rock, and explore Plimoth Plantation (which was recently renamed 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 definitely only need a day there, so it’s an easy day trip from Boston.
There are plenty of delicious restaurants and great shops in Plymouth as well. If you have limited time, I’d recommend only going to Plimoth Plantation. Plymouth Rock, while famous, is pretty disappointing in person.
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, as well as 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 from this town as well. In my opinion, Gloucester is the perfect day trip for a beach day.
Kittery, ME
Kittery Maine is the first Maine town that you’ll find right over the New Hampshire border by Portsmouth, NH. It’s mostly known for some fabulous outlet shops. There are several outlet malls, all located on the same street. It’s easy to drive to each plaza, park, and shop.
During your day in Kittery, Maine, you can also explore Fort McClary State Park and be adventurous at Take Flight Adventures. Be sure to stop at one of the many seafood restaurants and stands to pick up a delicious lobster roll.
Options include Bob’s Clam Shack and Robert’s Maine Grill (where the lobster roll and chowder pictured above came from). While in Kittery, you’ll also want to stop at Yummies, a store filled with all kinds of candy.
If you want, you can combine a trip with Kittery with a stop in Portsmouth, NH. They are in different states but are adjacent. It’s easy to visit both.
See things to do in Kittery here.
Concord, MA
If you want to visit Walden Pond, made famous by Henry David Thoreau, you’ll need to head to Concord, MA. Located about 40 minutes from Boston, Concord is also home to Minute Man National Historical Park. If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, there’s also a commuter rail station in Concord.
If you do choose to drive, you can also visit Lexington, home of historic sites from the Revolutionary War. Head to Lexington Common (Battle Green), the start of the American Revolution. History lovers may enjoy the Liberty Ride, a guided tour through Lexington and Concord with costumed guides.
Salem, MA
Home to the infamous Salem Witch Trials, Salem, MA is about 50 minutes from the city. Almost everything that you’ll want to see in the coastal city of Salem is located right in the same area. Once you arrive for your day trip to Salem, you can park and walk around without needing your car.
In addition to several museums dedicated to the Salem Witch Trials (the Salem Witch Museum is one popular museuem) and The House Of The Seven Gables (made famous by the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, you can also explore the Peabody Essex Museum right in the city.
The museum features a large collection of Asian art and hosts lots of family activities throughout the year. It’s closed on Mondays, so be sure to visit on a different day.
Salem is located on the waterfront, so you’ll also be able to do a short boat trip or tour. There are also many walking tours of the city if you want some guided narration while you are visiting.
Sturbridge, MA
West of Boston, you’ll find Sturbridge, MA. Anyone interested in history may enjoy a trip to Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum. It’s a little over an hour from Boston and is an easy drive down the Mass Turnpike. Purchase tickets online in advance to save time in line.
Springfield, MA
This city, located about 90 minutes from Boston, features a number of family-friendly attractions. Sports fans will want to visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It’s several floors of sports memorabilia, as well as a full basketball court. You’ll probably want to plan to spend a couple of hours there.
There’s also a relatively new Dr. Seuss Museum that younger kids will enjoy.
Wrentham, MA
Want to shop for bargains on brand names? Wrentham Massachusetts is home to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, where you’ll find high-end outlets including Burberry, Bose, Coach, kate spade, and Tory Burch. It’s a short drive from Boston.
Getting There
For most of these day trips from Boston, you’ll probably want to rent a car. There are other options to getting to some of the places, including Amtrak train (to Mystic and north to Maine on the Downeaster), commuter rail, and ferry. In most cases, driving is the easiest, and parking isn’t too difficult unless you are going to a beach in the summer.
You may also find that you want to stop at more than one location, making it useful to have a car. Many of these towns are spread out, and walking everywhere isn’t an option. If you don’t have a car rental for your Boston vacation, you should be able to just rent one for the day.
