There’s lots to see and do in Boston, but if you fancy a day out of the city here are some easy options!
Boston Harbor Islands
Boston is surrounded by a collection of 34 islands that make up the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Exploring some of these islands makes a perfect day trip! Georges Island with it’s Civil War Era fort, Spectacle Island with it’s swimming beach and lovely views, and Little Brewster Island with the country’s oldest continually operated light house are some of the most popular to visit. Many of the islands can be accessed via ferry.
Salem, MA
With a rich nautical history and a darker past during the witch trials, Salem is an easy day trip from Boston. You can easily reach the town via MTBA commuter train (around 30 minutes) or even take a ferry to enjoy a little time on the water (consider going one way and coming back another!). The town itself is easily walkable or there is an option for a Hop On/Hop Off Trolley if you prefer. While there, you can enjoy the curious shops, tour the House of Seven Gables that inspired Hawthorne’s book of the same name, pay your respects at a memorial to the victims of the witch trials, and visit locations used in filming Disney’s Hocus Pocus.
Lexington and Concord, MA
Though Lexington and Concord are probably best known for their Revolutionary War history, you’ll find a number of literary points of interest as well, including Walden Pond, Louisa May Alcott’s house, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s home, and the final resting places of several authors in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. If you don’t have a vehicle, the easiest to get to from Boston is likely Concord via MTBA commuter train (around 40 minutes). To get to Lexington from Boston, you’ll need to combine the commuter train with a bus ride. Unfortunately, sites in Lexington and Concord are somewhat spread out, so plan on lots of walking (or consider renting a car for the day).
Plymouth Colony
History lovers will appreciate this recreation of historic Plymouth including a 17th century village, artisans, and a reproduction of the Mayflower. Getting there isn’t particularly hard, but does require a vehicle. If you’re planning on visiting from Boston, you may need to rent a car for the day.
Martha’s Vineyard
This quaint retreat is a popular destination with visitors to the Boston area, but getting there can be a little bit of a challenge as there are no tunnels or bridges to connect the island to the mainland. The easiest way to get to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston is via ferry (around 40 minutes). Keep in mind, taking a car on the ferry requires advance reservations and an additional fee. Or you can take an organized bus tour from the city.
Provincetown, MA
Located on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown offers a great day trip option full of beautiful houses, gardens, beaches, artist galleries, and restaurants. The city itself is easily walkable and getting there from Boston is a breeze via ferry (approximately 90 minutes).
Rockport, MA
This seaside town is located at the tip of Cape Ann and features beautiful beaches, walking trails, arts and crafts, and restaurants. From Boston, the easiest way to get to Rockport is via MTBA commuter train (a little over an hour). Once you’re there, the town is easily walkable.
Providence, RI
If you’d like to get out of Massachusetts altogether, Providence is one of the most accessible from Boston. You can get there in about an hour by train (either MTBA commuter rail or Amtrak). While you’re there, you can enjoy touring historic homes, visiting museums, or even watching glassblowers in action.
