6 Day Trips from Boston

Boston is an amazing city with countless activities for the whole family. But Massachusetts has much more to offer than just Boston. There are historical sites, beautiful beaches and some of the best seafood restaurants around. Explore these 6 day trips from Boston and fall in love with Massachusetts.

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore can be a fun-filled day for your entire family. Plan on some amazing beach time, with miles of coastal beaches. If hiking is your thing, there are several hikes through forests, swamps and coastline. You’ll also find lighthouses to visit, some of which you can ascend for an amazing view.

When it comes time for food, there are several great restaurants throughout the cape. You can also take in some whale watching if you’re there during the right time of year.

Here are 12 things to do at Cape Cod National Seashore.

Distance from Boston: 1 hour 45 minutes southeast

Plymouth Rock

Plymouth, Mass., has several things to explore, including the infamous Plymouth Rock. I had always envisioned Plymouth Rock being a formation the size of Pride Rock from The Lion King Movie. Instead, it was a large boulder near the shore with a shrine built around it. Honestly, I was unimpressed.

However, the entire city is filled with activities the whole family can enjoy. from history tours and museums, to monuments and memorials. You can even explore a replica of the Mayflower – the ship the pilgrims arrived on.

And of course, we were able to find a great little seaside restaurant to enjoy some clams, fries and other seafood.

Distance from Boston: 45 minutes south east

Minute Man National Historical Park

Everyone is familiar with Paul Revere’s historic ride to warn everyone that the red coats were coming. Subsequent to his famous ride is the initial battle of Lexington and Concord and “The Shot Heard Round the World.”

Minute Man National Historical Park commemorates that event. You can take a short hike to the bridge where the shot was heard. Monuments on each side of the bridge show the red coats side v. the minute man’s side. It’s a quiet little place today, but wasn’t as the American Revolution got underway.

The park is pretty large, so there are several things to explore inside and even outside of the park’s borders.

Distance from Boston: 30 minutes west

Lowell National Historical Park

Not all National Parks offer vast landscapes. Some are historical buildings and museums. The Lowell National Historical Park recognizes the age of the Industrial Revolution and the textile industries.

The Boott Cotton Mill Museum is set up as a mill from the 1920s. There are several water-powered looms in operation. It was fascinating to watch how quickly the shuttle could bounce back and forth, weaving the string through the other threads to make the cloth.

A visit to Lowell National Historical Park allows several tours, including boat tours through the canals. Those canals brought water to the mills to power the looms.

Distance from Boston: 40 minutes north

Salem, Massachusetts

Most kids learned about the Salem Witch Trials in school. Salem, Mass. is the place where these took place and offer a glimpse into that historic event.

You can explore the Salem Witch Museum, or take a haunted history tour through the city. If cemeteries are your thing, you can wander among the historic headstones.

You can spend lunch at an oceanside park or spend an evening exploring The House of Seven Gables, which inspired various horror films and stories.

Distance from Boston: 35 minutes north east

Rockport Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

If you’re looking for a scenic drive along the coast, the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is perfect. Stop at some of the lighthouses along the coast or local shops in Rockport.

Beyond the shops in Rockport, there are some seaside restaurants serving delicious food. I enjoyed a lobster at Roy Moore’s Fish Shack and have to say, it was the best lobster I’d ever eaten. Yummy!

Along the road, you’ll find various hotels, so if you want to stay the night in the area – or even a long weekend – find the one that works for you.

While there, take a stroll along the beach, or spend a day frolicking in the ocean waves. You may even find some cool discoveries in tide pools. Activities along the scenic byway abound, so take the whole family and enjoy a day exploring the coastline.

Summary

Boston is filled with activities for the entire family, from historical trails and relaxing parks to science museums and presidential libraries. But just outside of Boston are several other activities worth exploring.

If you’re planning a trip to Boston, or if you live in Boston and need some day trips for your kids, these six days trips are presented for your consideration.

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