Travel Discovery

Day Trips from Boston by Car

Destination: Boston

    1. Concord and Lexington
    2. Overview: Begin your journey through America's revolutionary past at Concord and Lexington, less than an hour's drive northwest of Boston. Walk the Battle Road Trail where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired, visit Minute Man National Historical Park, and explore the homes of literary giants Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott.
    3. Duration: 4 hours (excluding travel time)

    4. Afterwards: Savor a hearty lunch at one of Concord's quaint cafes before browsing its antique shops.

    5. Cape Ann: Rockport and Gloucester

    6. Overview: Venture north to Cape Ann for a picturesque coastal drive. In Rockport, stroll along the iconic Bearskin Neck lined with galleries, boutiques, and seafood shacks. Continue to Gloucester, America's oldest seaport, to witness working fishing harbors and the famous Fishermen's Memorial. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from Eastern Point Lighthouse.
    7. Duration: 5 hours (excluding travel time)

    8. Must Try Food: Fresh lobster rolls at a local eatery.

    9. Martha's Vineyard

    10. Overview: Take a ferry from Woods Hole (a scenic 1.5-hour drive south of Boston) to Martha's Vineyard, an island oasis known for its gingerbread cottages, pristine beaches, and laid-back charm. Rent a bike to explore the charming towns of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and don't miss the dramatic clay cliffs at Aquinnah.
    11. Duration: Full Day (including ferry travel and exploration)

    12. Highlight: Sunset at Menemsha Beach.

    13. Salem

    14. Overview: Drive northeast for about 30 minutes to Salem, infamous for its 17th-century witch trials. Delve into the town's eerie history at the Salem Witch Museum, then wander the cobblestone streets lined with historic architecture. For a change of pace, visit The House of the Seven Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne's inspiration.
    15. Duration: 3-4 hours (excluding travel time)

    16. Don't Miss: Witch Dungeon Museum reenactments.

    17. White Mountains, New Hampshire

    18. Overview: For a more adventurous day trip, head north to New Hampshire’s White Mountains (approx. 2.5 hours). Explore Franconia Notch State Park, home to the Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Autumn visitors will be rewarded with stunning fall foliage vistas.
    19. Duration: 6-8 hours (excluding travel time)
    20. Activity: Hike the moderate trails of Mount Willard for panoramic mountain views.