8 Great Daytrips from Boston
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After a few exhausting days of exploring all the unique historical sites (The Freedom Trail is iconic!) and admiring the gorgeous architecture around the city of Boston, you may be ready to escape the hectic city congestion for a day or 2. Fortunately, there are plenty of interesting day trips which all offer a refreshing break from the city traffic, congestion, and crowds.
Living in the metro for several years, I enjoyed the daytrips as much as the city itself. There are so many interesting historical sights and beautiful waterfront cities within a really easy drive. Featured below are a few of my favorite daytrips from Boston, all located within an easy 1-1.5 hour max drive. Each featured destination offers a winning mix of historical attractions and scenic beauty, along with great local dining options and ample recreational opportunities.
1. Plymouth, MA
- Distance: 40 miles
- Highlight: Site of the 1st Pilgrims settlement in 1620
- Best for: History buffs
Top Attractions:
- Burial Hill (est. 1638)
- Plymouth Rock
- Mayflower replica
- Whale watching cruises
- Plymouth Night Tour – Ghost tours with a historical touch
- Myles Standish State Forest – 13 miles of hiking & 15 miles of biking trails
- PIlgrim Hall Museum
Plymouth is a gorgeous coastal town located about 40 minutes south of Boston. The town holds much historical significance, making it a great day trip for history buffs. Along with being the site of the first Pilgrim settlement, it is home to one of the oldest cemeteries (Burial Hill) and the oldest continuously inhabited street (Leyden St.) in the US. Pilgrim Memorial State Park along the waterfront is home to Plymouth Rock and a Mayflower replica. More historical monuments can be enjoyed via a self-guided tour. The standout is the 81 foot tall National Monument to Our Forefathers (the world’s largest solid granite monument).
Other activities to enjoy in this beautiful coastal city include dining al fresco along the waterfront (I recommend Mamma Mias and Carmen Cafe Nicole), whale watching (Captain Johns offers guaranteed sightings), enjoying seafood (Wood’s is great!), strolling around the Plymouth Museum of Art, hiking at Myles Standish State Park (the largest recreation area in Southeast MA), and taking a ghost tour (the Plymouth Night Tour is awesome and includes the use of real ghost hunting equipment).
Out of all the daytrips on this list, I would say Plymouth is probably my favorite. There is just so much history to see here, plus the wonderful restaurants and beautiful waterfront!
2. Providence, RI
- Distance: 51 miles
- Highlight: Capital of Rhode Island
- Best for: Foodies & architecture buffs
Top Attractions:
- Federal Hill neighborhood (Little Italy)
- Roger Williams Park Zoo
- East Bay Bike Path
- Rhode Island State House (free tours offered)
- Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
- Benefit Street – One of the largest collections of Colonial homes
- Providence Place Mall – Largest mall in the State
- The Providence Rink (seasonal skating)
- Blackstone Blvd. – Gorgeous walking path near Brown Univ.
Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island, is another one of my favorite daytrips. I lived just minutes away and frequented the city often to enjoy the wonderful restaurant scene, the huge mall, the wonderful parks and zoo, and historical attractions. From a tour of the capitol building, to a self-guided stroll down historic Benefit St. (a mile of beautiful 18th and 19th century Colonial homes), there’s much to do here for history buffs. For the foodies, Federal Hill (aka Little Italy) rivals Boston’s North End. Andino’s is a great local old-school Italian joint which serves delicious shrimp scampi and pumpkin ravioli.
For those more interested in working up a sweat, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Most impressive is the East Bay Bike Path, a 14.5 mile rail trail which runs along the waterfront and features easy access to state parks, great views of the skyline and even a glimpse of a historic lighthouse (Pomham Rocks). If you are willing to take a drive, Narragansett Beach (~half hour away) is so gorgeous. For anyone who loves zoos, The Roger Williams Park Zoo is the best in the region and hosts an amazing Jack O’Lantern festival each Halloween. I travel often to attend holiday events, and this is still one of my favorites around!
Providence offers a great mix of history, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation areas, thereby making it a wonderful day trip destination for just about anyone. I highly recommend visiting the zoo, one of the great Italian restaurants in Federal Hill, and at least taking a stroll down Benefit Street.
3. Fall River, MA
- Distance: 51 miles
- Highlight: Home to the largest collection of US naval ships
- Best for: History buffs
Top Attractions:
- Lizzie Borden house – Tours & overnight stays available
- Battleship Cove
- Copicut Woods
- Fall River Heritage State Park – Waterfront park with an antique carousel
- Freetown-Fall River State Forest – 25+ miles of hiking trails
Fall River is worth a visit if you have any interest in the infamous Lizzie Borden case. I was not very familiar witht he case until I moved to the area and began researching. Lizzie was tried and acquitted of the grisly murders of both her father and stepmother in 1892. The Borden house is located in Fall River and is now operating as a Bed & Breakfast. Many paranormal researchers have found evidence of ghost activity throughout the years. Zak and the crew of Ghost Adventures even recorded a bit of paranormal activity during their stay here. Personally, I was too scared to stay overnight. A tour is a great way to learn more about the case and also listen to some spooky ghost stories.
The other main attraction in Fall River is Battleship Cove, the largest collection of World War II naval vessels. Most notably, it is home to the USS Massachusetts. A self-guided tour is a perfect activity for World War II and history buffs. For those not interested in history, a walk along Fall River Heritage State Park (featuring a ~mile long boardwalk) is a great alternative. The scenery is gorgeous and birdwatching is fantastic. You can also take a ride on one of the country’s oldest carousels and enjoy an ice cream treat. Also, while you are in Fall River, do pick up some authentic pierogies at Patti’s!
Overall, I would say Fall River is the perfect daytrip for anyone interested in the Borden murder case and/or the paranormal. The restaurant scene is a bit limited, however, a few local shops do serve excellent periogies!
4. Cape Cod, MA
- Distance: 70 miles
- Highlight: World-renowned beaches
- Best for: Beach lovers & anyone seeking relaxation
Top Attractions:
- Cape Cod Rail Trail – A Rail-to-Trails Hall of Fame recipient
- Coast Guard Beach
- Cape Cod Canal Trail
- Marconi Beach – Whale watching hotspot
- Pilgrim Monument – Commemorates the first landing of the Pilgrims
- Race Point Beach – Best sunset destination
- Commercial Street in Provincetown
Cape Cod, the famous hook shaped peninsula of Massachusetts, has long been a popular summer destination. The Cape is most famous for its’ many beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and quaint inns. The most popular tourist destination is Provincetown, aka “P-Town,” which sits at the very tip of Cape Cod. The Pilgrims first landed in Provincetown before settling in Plymouth. Today, you can learn more about their journey and take in great views at the Pilgrim Monument. More attractions on P-Town’s bustling Commercial St. include local cafes, shops, and galleries.
What I love most about the Cape is the wonderful variety of biking and hiking trails. One of my favorite places is the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 22 mile long biking adventure through dense forests. Cobie’s, one of the top rated clam shacks in New England, can be accessed from the path which is pretty cool. Great Island Trail is my favorite hike as it leads to an amazing secluded beach. As for the best beaches, Marconi is a fabulous seal & whale watching destination and Coast Guard Beach was referred to as “The Great Beach” by poet and philosopher Henry David thoreau.
Overall, Cape Cod is the most quintessential Massachusetts summer getaway destination. Plan a visit if you seek wonderful beaches and hiking trails in a quiet setting.
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