Escape Boston for epic New England adventures! From spooky Salem to Cape Cod beaches, discover the best day trips & weekend getaways, Travel Brats style.
Boston is amazing, but here’s the thing: sometimes you’ve gotta escape the city limits to really soak in New England magic. Lucky for us wanderers, Boston sits at the heart of some of the coolest, quirkiest, most historic little towns in the U.S. We’re talking witch trials, fishing villages, patriotic battlegrounds, and even beachy boardwalk sunsets.
Grab a rental car (yes, it’s finally worth it outside the city), load up on Dunkin’ iced coffee, and let’s road trip Travel Brats style. Here are the best day trips and weekend escapes from Boston that’ll make you fall in love with New England all over again.
About an hour north of Boston, Salem is basically Halloween Town year-round. It’s spooky, historic, and surprisingly charming.
For a change of pace, hit the water on the Schooner Fame. You can help hoist the sails, steer the ship, and pretend you’re a pirate for the afternoon. Way more interactive than your average harbor cruise.
If you geek out on history (hi, it’s me ✋), this one’s a must. Just 30 minutes from Boston, these twin towns are where the Revolutionary War kicked off.
Drive between the sites because they’re spread out, but don’t expect Uber to save you here—it’s not very ride-share friendly.
It’s basically a living history lesson, except with better snacks.
Walden Pond is the kind of place that makes you want to throw your phone into the lake and live like Thoreau (minus the whole no-WiFi situation).
Pro tip: Visit in the morning to beat the crowds, especially in the fall when the foliage is next-level.
About 90 minutes south of Boston, Cape Cod is summer in postcard form: sandy beaches, salty air, and clapboard houses.
From here, hop a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Yes, it takes planning—parking, ferry tickets, bus passes—but it’s worth every ounce of effort. Once you’re there, rent bikes or hop the island buses to explore:
It’s laid-back, stunning, and gives you all the coastal New England vibes.
North of Boston, you’ll find Gloucester, one of America’s oldest fishing ports.
Nearby Rockport is like a tiny storybook village with shops, art galleries, and ocean views for days. Perfect for an afternoon stroll with an ice cream cone in hand.
Drive about an hour north and boom—you’re in Portsmouth, NH. This little town is buzzing with cool restaurants, historic homes, and waterfront charm.
Perfect for:
If you’re into football, a trip to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough is basically a pilgrimage.
Even if you’re not a Pats fan, the energy is infectious.
Welcome to America’s hometown—the landing spot of the Mayflower. And yes, the infamous Plymouth Rock is here (spoiler: it’s… underwhelming).
It’s touristy, yes, but in the best way.
If you’re visiting in the fall, New England’s foliage is basically the main event. A quick drive up to Manchester, NH, or even deeper into the White Mountains, will blow your mind with fiery reds, golden yellows, and Instagram gold. Bring a sweater, a thermos of cider, and your camera.
Boston is the hub, but the real magic happens when you venture just beyond. From spooky Salem to sun-soaked Cape Cod, every trip feels like stepping into a different story. The best part? You don’t have to pick just one. With a car, a little caffeine, and a sense of adventure, you can road trip your way through history, beaches, and small-town charm—all within a couple of hours of the city.
So, next time you’re in Boston, don’t stop at the Freedom Trail. Go beyond. The witches, patriots, and fishermen are waiting.