Day Trips & Weekend Getaways: Exploring New England beyond Boston in 2025

Boston is a city of history and innovation, but its surroundings offer many adventures that are well worth a day or weekend trip. You can find anything from coastal retreats to quaint New England towns and historic landmarks. Here, I want to give you some recommendations for the most popular city escapes in the area.

1. Salem: History of the Witch Trials

Salem is just a 30 min train ride from Boston and it offers both history and intrigue. It is famous for the witch trials that happened here in 1692. In the town you can visit the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch House, where you can learn more about the history and myths of the town.

Pro Tip: Most people visit in October for Salem’s famous Halloween festivities. You can avoid the crowds by visiting in the spring or summer months.

2. Cape Cod: Beaches and Coastal Beauty

Cape Cod is a classic weekend and holiday destination in New England. It is just a 90-minute drive from Boston and it has many beaches, seafood shacks, and charming villages. You can spend a day biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, visit one of the many lighthouses, and have some fresh lobster rolls. A must visit is Provincetown, which is located at the very tip of the Cape. It is an artsy community with nice beaches, great restaurants, and whale-watching tours.

Getting There: Take a ferry from Boston’s wharf to Provincetown. The fast ferry gets you there in about an hour and a half. Alternatively, the CapeFLYER train is a stress-free and quick ride from Boston.

3. White Mountains: Outdoor Adventures

For nature lovers, the White Mountains in New Hampshire are a perfect weekend escape. With a car you can get there in under three hours from Boston and you can enjoy the scenic drives, hiking trails, and ski resorts. Take the Mount Washington Auto Road to the summit for breathtaking views, or explore the Kancamagus Highway.

Pro Tip: Visit in the winter for skiing and snowboarding, or in the summer for hiking and camping.

4. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket: Island Escapes

You can take a quick ferry from Cape Cod to these idyllic islands and spend a day exploring Nantucket’s cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and whaling museum, or bike through Martha’s Vineyard’s scenic trails and charming villages.

Getting There: Seasonal ferries depart from Woods Hole and Hyannis.

5. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Seaside Charm

Just an hour north of Boston, Portsmouth combines small-town charm with rich history. Walk through the Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum showcasing life from the 1600s to the 1950s. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the town’s many waterfront restaurants, or take a cruise through the Portsmouth Harbor.

Pro Tip: Combine a visit to Portsmouth with a stop at nearby Odiorne Point State Park for hiking and ocean views.

6. See Reality’s immersive AR Experiences

If you’re unable to travel outside of the city but still want to discover something new, check out the innovative experiences a local Boston startup called See Reality offers. They recently developed an immersive tour in Boston called Relive 1776. Besides their unique tour, they have an exciting tool on their website that allows you to explore lost historical sites from anywhere, whether you’re sitting in your hotel room or enjoying a quiet day in Boston. Explore highlights from destinations all over the world, and see historical sites, lost wonders of the world, or extinct species, like dinosaurs, come back to life right in front of you with augmented reality. It’s a great way to enhance your travels or get inspired for your next adventure.

Learn more about Relive 1776 on See Reality’s website or bring lost sites around the world back to life by checking out their AR clips.

General tips for Planning Your Day Trips

1. Book Ahead: Popular destinations like Cape Cod fill up quickly, especially in the summer.

2. Pack Smart: Layered clothing and comfortable shoes are key for New England’s unpredictable weather.

3. Use Public Transit: Many destinations, like Salem and Portsmouth, are accessible via train or bus from Boston.

Are you looking for more tips to explore Boston and beyond? Check out our Ultimate Guide to exploring Boston in 2025 for additional inspiration!