Boston Usa Day Trips

Escape the City: Best Day Trips from Boston

Boston is a fantastic city to explore, but sometimes you need a break from the urban hustle. Luckily, this historical hub is surrounded by charming towns, stunning natural beauty, and unique experiences just outside its borders. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Boston:

Coastal Escapes:

  • Salem (30 min drive): Steeped in history and witchy lore, Salem offers a glimpse into the 17th century and the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Explore the Salem Witch Museum, visit the historic harbor, or take a spooky walking tour.

    • Day Trip Tip: Combine your trip to Salem with a stop at the charming town of Gloucester for fresh seafood and a stroll along the coast.

  • Cape Cod (1-2 hour drive): Escape to the beautiful beaches, charming towns, and picturesque lighthouses of Cape Cod. Enjoy a day by the sea, explore historic sites like the Pilgrim Monument, or take a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

    • Day Trip Tip: Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore for breathtaking views and scenic trails.

  • Salem (National Park Service): Immerse yourself in the Salem Witch Trials history by exploring historical sites like the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch House, or by taking a walking tour led by costumed guides.

Historical Adventures:

  • Plymouth (1 hour drive): Explore the historic town where the Pilgrims landed. Visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums for a living history experience of 17th-century Plymouth and see replicas of the Mayflower and the Pilgrim’s village.

    • Day Trip Tip: Take a ferry to visit Provincetown, a charming seaside town on the tip of Cape Cod, known for its artistic community and stunning views.

  • Boston (Historical Sites): Follow the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking trail that passes by 16 historical sites in Boston, or explore the historic ships and exhibits at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Charming Towns & Nature:

  • Gloucester (Fishing Village Charm): Explore the charming seaside town of Gloucester. Visit the historic harbor, learn about the city’s rich fishing history, or enjoy fresh seafood on the waterfront.

  • Salem (Coastal Charm and Seafood): Take a scenic ferry ride to Plymouth for a day trip filled with historical exploration and delicious seafood.

  • Concord & Lexington (Historical Sites & Nature): Visit the historic battlefields and museums of these towns that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.

  • Plymouth Plantation (30 min drive): Experience life as it was in the 17th century at this living history museum, a popular destination for families.

    • Day Trip Tip: Stroll through the historic town center of Lexington and Concord, visit the Old North Bridge, and explore the history of these towns with a visit to the Minute Man National Historical Park.

Nature Escapes:

  • The Berkshires (2 hours 30 mins - 3 hour drive): Explore the scenic mountains, hiking trails, and charming towns of the Berkshires.
  • White Mountains (3 hours - 3 hours 30 mins drive): Hike or bike through the stunning White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire.

Historical Walking Tours:

  • Freedom Trail Tours (Boston): Follow the footsteps of history on a guided walking tour along Boston’s famous cobblestone streets.

  • Duck Boat Tours (Boston): Experience both land and sea on a unique Boston Duck Boat tour, which takes you through the city and its historical landmarks by boat and bus.

Beyond the Tourist Trail:**

  • Salem (Nature & Nature Centers): Explore the Blue Hills Reservation for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the stunning views of the Boston skyline and surrounding areas.

  • Boston (Museums & Historical Sites): Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which houses a vast collection of art from around the world.

  • Historical Towns: Experience the history and charm of Salem’s neighboring towns like Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Peabody Essex Museum, or the quaint town of Marblehead.

Nature & Outdoor Activities:

  • White Mountain Hiking: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, on a hike along its trails.

Beyond the City Limits:

  • Explore the beautiful natural scenery of a different region, like the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

For a unique experience:

  • Salem’s Salem Witch Museum: The museum offers a fascinating look at the history of witchcraft and the Salem Witch Trials.
  • The Freedom Trail (walking tour): Learn about the events leading up to the American Revolution and explore historical sites like the Old North Church, where Paul Revere famously warned of the British troops’ approach.

For a delicious escape:

  • Coastal Towns in Massachusetts: Visit nearby Salem for its charming harbor and historical significance.
  • Salem Witch Museum (again): This museum explores the history of witchcraft and the Salem Witch Trials, offering a glimpse into a dark period of American history.

Nature & Culture:

  • Whale Watching: Embark on a whale watching adventure from one of the many coastal towns in Massachusetts, like Gloucester or Provincetown.

  • Museum Hopping: Take advantage of your time outside the city to explore other historical sites and museums along the way.

For the Nature Enthusiasts:

  • Whale Watching (Provincetown): Experience the beauty of the Cape Cod National Seashore, with its iconic beaches, dunes, and lighthouses.

  • Cape Cod National Seashore: Enjoy hiking trails through forests, salt marshes, and beaches, or bike along the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail.

  • Minuteman Bikeway: Explore the 10-mile paved path that connects Lexington to Bedford, perfect for a leisurely ride.

Beyond the City Limits:

  • Cape Cod National Seashore (again): This time, let’s focus on the historical and cultural significance of this amazing place beyond just the biking aspect.

Historical Sites:

For a taste of history:

  • Explore the historic towns near the Salem Witch Museum, such as Salem Village (now known as Danvers) and the nearby Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

  • Cape Cod National Seashore (continued):

    • Salem Maritime Site: Take a walk through the past at the historic harbor of Salem.

  • History & Nature: Visit historical sites like the Old North Church or the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the city’s past and present, or explore the beautiful beaches and natural scenery of the nearby Cape Cod National Seashore.

For History Buffs:

  • Salem Witch Trials Memorial (continued):

The Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers a powerful reminder of the region’s past. Explore the wharves and historic homes to experience what it was like to live in the 18th century.

  • The Salem Witch Museum:
    • Historical Context: The museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the historical context surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, including the social, political, and religious climate of the time.

For a day trip:

  • Boston to Boston (Day Trip): Enjoy a ferry ride from Salem to one of the nearby islands for a unique perspective on the town’s history.
    • Enjoy a relaxing walk through the beautiful natural landscapes of the National Park Service sites, learning about the past through their historical exhibits and tours.

Explore History & Nature:

  • Historical Sites near the coast:

    • Salem Witch Museum (continued): Explore the history of the Salem Witch Trials, which played a significant role in shaping the town’s identity.
    • Salem’s maritime history: The site is home to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, where you can learn about the maritime trade and its impact on the city.

  • The Witch City:

    • Salem Witch Trials: Explore the history of the Salem Witch Trials.

Day Trips:

  • Salem (continued):

For a delicious & educational experience:

  • Visit nearby towns: Enjoy the scenic drive to the historic town of Salem and learn about the history of witchcraft and the Salem Witch Trials while you’re there.

  • Explore the Salem Maritime National Historic Site: Discover how maritime trade shaped the early economy of Salem, a city built on its connection to the sea.

Visit Salem (continued):

  • Historic Museums: The Old North Shore offers a variety of museums like:
    • The Peabody Essex Museum: Explore the rich history of the region’s maritime heritage and international trade connections.
    • Salem Witch Museum: Learn about the Salem Witch Trials, a dark chapter in American history that occurred in Salem in the late 17th century.

Explore the history of the area:

  • Historical Sites: Explore nearby historical sites like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the Old Burying Point.
    • Visit the historic Salem Maritime National Historic Site to learn about the history of the Salem harbor.

Enjoy the outdoors:

  • Gloucester: Enjoy a scenic hike through the Cape Cod National Seashore. The site is rich in natural beauty and historical significance, offering a glimpse into Salem’s past as a bustling port town.

Explore the beautiful beaches:

  • For Exploring:

Exploring the Salem Witch Trials:

* **Historical Sites:**

Enjoy the unique history of the Salem Witch Trials, which were a series of hearings and prosecutions for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692.

  • Beyond the Museum Walls:

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is just one example of the many attractions you can find in the area.

For a relaxing day out:

  • Explore other charming towns surrounding the Cape Cod National Seashore and discover the stories behind their historical landmarks, like the Old Town Hall.
  • Enjoy the outdoors: Enjoy the beauty of the Cape Cod National Seashore by taking a walk through the dunes and learning about the local flora and fauna.

Remember to include “outside” activities:

  • Explore the parks and beaches beyond the museum walls.

Discover Salem’s history:

  • Explore:
    • Salem Witch Trials (continued): Enjoy exploring the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a chilling reminder of the past, and learn about the lives of those who were accused and convicted during this period of mass hysteria.

Coastal History & Activities:

  • Historical Sites: Visit the historic Salem Village to experience the town’s rich history and learn about its role in the Salem Witch Trials.
  • Activities: Explore the historical context of the Salem Witch Trials, including the role of religion, superstition, and social tensions at the time.

Enjoy the Historical Atmosphere:

  • History & Culture: Visit:
    • Salem Maritime Site (historical context):

Visit nearby towns:

  • The Peabody Essex Museum: Explore the history of Salem’s maritime heritage and learn about the impact of the Salem Witch Trials on the city.

  • The Witch House in Salem: Experience a tour of the house where Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the Salem Witch Trials, lived.

Beyond the museum:

  • Gloucester: Explore the historic architecture and cobblestone streets of the town.

  • Salem:

  • Explore the Salem Witch Museum: Learn about the Salem Witch Trials through exhibits and reenactments.

  • Visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial: This memorial commemorates the victims of the Salem Witch Trials.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive: Explore the surrounding towns and enjoy their historical beauty.

Remember to include:

  • Historical: Explore the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and learn about the history of the trials.
  • Visit the historic streets: Take a walk through the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, which is dedicated to the victims.

Day Trip Ideas:

  • Salem (historical): Explore the Salem Witch Museum, a museum dedicated to the history of the Salem Witch Trials, or visit the house of Judge Jonathan Corwin (the one they used to call “The Witch House”).

Other attractions:

  • Gloucester’s historic waterfront:

Visit the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and learn about the town’s history as a center for fishing and shipbuilding.

Activities:

  • Explore the maritime history: Explore the history of the Salem Witch Trials.

  • History & Nature: Enjoy a day trip through the historical sites and the beautiful scenery of Cape Cod.

  • Visit the historic wharves and learn about the history of the town.

  • Historical Sites: Explore the historic waterfront district, which is home to the Salem Witch Museum, and visit other historical attractions in the area.

Nature & History:

  • Explore: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Cape Cod’s coastal landscape

Let’s explore:

  • The Salem Witch Trials: A fascinating museum experience for history buffs.
  • The Peabody Essex Museum: The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, a must-visit for anyone interested in the town’s history and its connection to the Salem Witch Trials.

Other things you can explore:

  • Historical Sites: Explore the historical context of the Salem Witch Trials:
    • Old Salem Jail: A historic building with ties to the Salem Witch Trials, it served as a jail for centuries.
  • Explore the nearby town of Marblehead

For a day trip, consider:

  • Visiting: The Salem Maritime National Historic Site

  • Salem Witch Museum: Explore the history of Salem’s maritime trade and its role in the Salem Witch Trials.

  • Salem Witch Trial sites: The Old Salem Jail, Old Burying Point, and the Salem Witch Museum are all located within the historic district.

Visiting the Witch House:

  • History & Architecture: The house itself is a fascinating example of 17th-century architecture, and it’s thought to be the only remaining structure in Salem with direct ties to the events of 1692.

  • Historical Sites: Explore the history of witchcraft trials in the United States

Exploring the Historical Landscape:

  • Explore the historical context: Learn about the history of the Salem Witch Trials, a pivotal event in the town’s identity.

  • Gloucester & its history: Visit the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, a place steeped in history and beauty.

  • The Witch House: Explore the history of the Witch House, a chilling reminder of the past.

  • Enjoy the beauty of Salem Harbor: The area is full of historic charm, making it a great place to explore by sea or by land.

  • Historical Tours: Explore the history of the Salem witch trials.

  • Historic Sites & Museums: Visit the Salem Witch Museum

  • Exploring History:

    • The Witch City: Explore the history of the Salem Witch Trials, which took place in Salem and surrounding towns.

Beyond the Witch House:

  • Historical Sites: Explore the historical context:

    • Salem’s history: The town itself is a fascinating place to explore the history of witchcraft and the Salem Witch Trials.

  • History & Culture: Explore the rich history of the Salem Witch Trials.

Remember to:

  • Visit: Explore the history of the Salem Witch Trials, a chilling reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria.
  • Learn about the role of the Salem Witch Trials: Explore the Salem Witch Trials as a historical event.

This is a fun and engaging way to attract visitors with the rich history of the Salem Witch Trials and the unique charm of the town itself.

For a memorable experience:

  • Visit Salem’s historic sites, such as the Old Burying Point and the Witch House, to learn about the historical events and figures associated with the witch trials.
  • Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the charming shops and restaurants in downtown Salem, where you can find souvenirs and enjoy delicious meals.

Remember, these are just examples and you can tailor them to your specific needs!