5 Fun Boston Day Trips

You owe it to yourself to spend a day discovering fall foliage, rich history, and new places around the city. We’re putting the spotlight on 5 classic day trips you should take out of Boston this fall.

5 Fun Boston Day Trips

Boston itself is full of great walking trails and history, but sometimes you need to get out of the city for an unforgettable weekend. Here are 5 fun and adventure-filled places that are worthy of a day trip:

1.  Salem

Famous for witch trials in the late 1600s, this city is located just north of Boston – making it a great option for a day trip. Once in Salem, most things to do are within walking distance of each other. Sites worth checking out include Salem Witch Museum, The House of the Seven Gables, and the unique shops along Essex Street. Access this historic seaport town via the MBTA Commuter Rail or the Salem Ferry.

2.  Plymouth

Located just a 45-minute drive south of Boston, this settlement town is loaded with beaches, restaurants, and museums. Plymouth is one of America’s first towns. Experience life in the 17th century by visiting the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where there is a recreation of a Wampanoag site and an English village. In downtown Plymouth, the Mayflower II is a full-scale replication of the ship that brought pilgrims to the settlement in 1620. Nearby is Plymouth Rock, which disappoints most visitors because of its small size. Brewster Gardens and Burial Hill, within walking distance of Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II, are also worth a visit.

Mayflower II

3.  Boston Harbor Islands

Get the best views, hike miles of trails, and catch a glimpse of local wildlife by escaping the city and jumping on a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands. Boston Harbor Islands consists of 34 islands and peninsulas. If you purchase a ticket at the terminal (or online) you can hop on and off as much as you like for one day. Some of the islands even have campgrounds. Georges and Spectacle are probably the two most popular islands for tourists. There is a wide range of biodiversity and history to be explored on all of the islands. Definitely plan ahead if you want to check it out, to avoid getting stranded on an island.

Aerial view of Boston Harbor Islands (Getty Images)

4.  Newburyport

Only 40 minutes from Boston, this charming harbor town is full of historical brick buildings, long beaches, and miles of hiking trails. There is a great spread of shopping and seafood in town. Salisbury Beach State Reservation and Plum Island are great places to relax on a beach chair. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate is a massive seaside estate with a storied past and beautiful gardens. Newburyport has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts.

Newburyport at night (Getty Images)

5.  Provincetown

Escape the city by jumping on a Boston Harbor Cruise and head to Provincetown on a quick 90 minute fast ferry ride. Millions of tourists flock to this seaside escape in the summer for shopping, day drinking, and people watching. However, things cool off in the fall and many of the attractions become less crowded. Check out the top of Pilgrim Memorial for some incredible views.

Provincetown, MA (Getty Images)

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