Best Weekend Getaways from Boston
After a busy week in the city, escaping Boston’s bustle for a peaceful weekend feels like the best form of reset. Whether I'm savoring a picnic by the sea, going for a romantic stroll through historic streets, or having an adventure on the trail with my son, these nearby getaways are made for reconnecting and unwinding. While living on the East Coast for 10 years, I've collected my favorite ways to spend a cozy 48 hours on a perfect weekend getaway and I hope you enjoy them too.
1. 21 Broad Hotel - 3 hours 20 minutes from Boston with ferry
I always find that there’s something about Nantucket that shifts your pace the second you arrive! At 21 Broad Hotel, that feeling came with crisp design, and lovely sunlit common spaces.
We caught the ferry from Hyannis (just over 2 hours on the traditional boat, or about an hour on the high-speed for $89 round-trip) out to Nantucket. From the moment we arrived at 21 Broad I was smitten.
Our King size room for the night was cozy yet elegant with soft coastal tones, natural wood, large windows, walk-in glass showers. We appreciated thoughtful little touches like premium bath products, a mini-fridge, and strong WiFi.
The public spaces let you meet other guests. There's a front porch perfect for people-watching, a courtyard with fire pits, and other common areas that blend Victorian details (period moldings, mantels, wood floors) with fresh, modern design.
I also thought that the 21 Broad Hotel location right in historic downtown Nantucket is ideal for a car-free weekend. We were just steps from the ferry, shops, restaurants, and the harbor.
To book, check availability or prices for 21 Broad Hotel.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlights included a complimentary mixer hour in the evening (mixers, garnishes, and light bites), a fresh breakfast spread in the morning, beach gear, and refillable water stations.
2. The Inn at Weathersfield - 2 hours 45 minutes from Boston
This is my favorite hidden gem in Vermont, a historic 18th-century farmhouse that has been reimagined into a boutique inn! I loved how it blends old New England charm with modern comfort, and it quickly became one of my favorite weekend getaways from Boston when I moved to the East Coast.
My favorite part is the farm-to-table dining experience (the inn’s restaurant is one of the best in Vermont!) with locally sourced ingredients that make every meal unforgettable.
I thought the atmosphere was wonderfully intimate, with only a handful of guest rooms. Our room for two dreamy romantic days was warm, inviting, and private. For me, the fireplace, plush bed, and soaking tub added to our perfect romantic weekend escape.
I also loved exploring the ten wooded acres complete with gardens, trails, and peaceful spots to relax.
Check availability or prices at The Inn at Weathersfield.
What I loved best:
The cooking classes were my personal highlight because they gave me the unique chance to learn from skilled chefs how to create farm-fresh meals.
3. Normandy Farms - 45 minutes southwest from Boston
This place is woodsy and homey, yet so well cared for that comfort is everywhere, from the details in the cabins to the family-friendly amenities.
My husband, son and I drove 45 minutes southwest from Boston to Normandy Farms, and stayed in a cabin for two days with cozy beds, and a sturdy deck that let us enjoy all the outdoors we desperately needed to unplug for 48 hours.
I addition, we loved the huge recreation lodge with indoor pool & jacuzzi, an arcade, fitness center, wellness services (sauna and massage), and a convenient snack bar.
Outdoors at Normandy Farms, you’ve got multiple outdoor pools, a splash pad, ponds for fishing, trails for walking (or biking, of course!), a dog park (yes, you can bring along your dog!), and fields for sports (volleyball, tennis). Playgrounds, shuffleboard, bocce, disc golf—lots of ways to be (or not be) active.
Dining is relaxed, family-friendly with a snack bar, general store, food trucks, casual meals, and sometimes items delivered to sites. You’re not getting white-tablecloth, but everything feels good, satisfying, set for the outdoors.
Check prices at Normandy Farms
What I loved best:
My favorite moment was watching the sunset from our cabin deck.
4. Boardman House Inn - 2 hours from Boston
I was instantly charmed by this stylish mid-range B&B tucked inside a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion in the heart of East Haddam. I loved how it offered an ideal base for exploring the town’s charming riverside, nearby theaters, and scenic trails. At the end of each day, it was so comfortable returning to the historic inn!
I thought the atmosphere was both sophisticated and inviting, with wood tones, vintage accents, and a cool mix of antique and modern décor.
My room for two days, flooded with natural light, had hardwood floors, nice artwork, and a luxurious king bed dressed in crisp linens, along with thoughtful touches (plush robes, local artisan bath products, and a well-stocked minibar). For extra pampering, I recommend asking for a room with a clawfoot tub.
To book, check availability or prices for Boardman House Inn.
What I loved best:
Breakfast was my favorite part because freshly baked pastries, farm-fresh eggs, and locally roasted coffee served in a charming dining room made me feel teleported to a different time.
In addition, we thought that the inn’s lush gardens were a hidden local gem and the veranda was ideal for morning coffee.
5. High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid, NY - 5 hours from Boston
This is one of my favorite weekend getaways in the Adirondacks, and truly, it’s one of the most charming lakeside escapes in upstate New York.
I love that it's the kind of place where I can kayak on Mirror Lake in the morning, relax with a cocktail by the fireplace in the afternoon, and stroll through the boutique-filled Lake Placid Village Main Street in the evening, all without ever needing to drive anywhere!
Chris and I stayed in a lakeview room for two nights, which featured floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a private balcony, plush bedding, a walk-in rain shower, and locally inspired décor. Mornings started with coffee on the balcony and days ended with sunset over the lake - I thought that it doesn’t get better than that.
To book, check availability or prices for High Peaks Resort.
What I loved best:
What I love most is how that there is so much to do here for active travelers, including going for a paddleboard or swim right from the resort’s private waterfront in the summer, and easy access to Whiteface Mountain for skiing in the winter.
6. Captain's House Inn, Cape Cod - 1 hour 50 minutes from Boston
I think this Cape Cod gem was absolutely perfect for a romantic couples' escape!
When I stayed at the Captain’s House Inn for two days this month, it was absolutely perfect, set in a beautifully restored 19th-century sea captain’s estate. I made sure I booked a room with a fireplace since it was getting colder outside. In addition, we loved the four-poster bed and soaking tub.
We loved all the attractions and activities we could enjoy without driving far, including visiting the iconic Chatham Lighthouse, exploring the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, and catching a Chatham Anglers game. You can also relax on the beaches like Harding and Ridgevale, enjoy seafood at the affordable Chatham Pier Fish Market, and explore museums such as the Atwood Museum or the Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum.
What I loved best:
The landscaped gardens along with their afternoon tea add to the refined atmosphere, making it feel like a cozy private retreat especially if you go in the off season like we did.
For me, Captain's House Inn is one of the best weekend getaways from Boston. I loved that it's romantic romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I can’t wait to return to!
7. Hull-O Farms
If you loved the idea of Normandy Farms but are looking for just a little more creature comforts on your family vacation, then Hull-O Farms is for you! This is a warm farm stay tucked away in the rolling Catskills of Durham, New York that lets you have a true hands-on farm experience!
Our accommodation (a farmhouse room) for two days was bright, spacious, and had cozy country vibes, complete with antique furnishings, quilted bedding, and big windows overlooking the farm which made it so easy for me to relax. Hull-O Farms felt homely and welcoming rather than polished or modern, which I thought added to the authentic experience. For me, hardwood floors, floral curtains, and hand-carved furniture created a nostalgic atmosphere that instantly made me settle in for the weekend.
A highlight for my son was being able to participate in all the farm activities at Hull-O Farms, including bottle-feed calves, collecting fresh eggs from the chicken coop, and greeting the goats, sheep, and even horses.
For meals, the focus was on farm-fresh, hearty cooking, including farmhouse-style breakfast with fresh eggs, homemade breads, and jams, all sourced straight from the farm and sitting around the farmhouse table family-style, with the scent of fresh coffee and baked goods in the air, felt like a step back in time to a simpler, more connected way of living.
Beyond the farm activities, there were plenty of serene spots to relax at Hull-O Farms such as rocking chairs on the porch, trails to wander, and wide-open lawns perfect for stargazing at night.
To book, check availability or prices for Hull-O Farms.
What I loved best:
My favorite moment was watching my son feed the playful baby goats, an unforgettable memory he still talks about!
8. The Sagamore on Lake George - 3 hours 40 minutes from Boston
If you're dreaming of a classic Adirondack escape with serious luxury, this place is for you, a stunning resort that sits on its very own private island on Lake George!
My guest room for two days in the historic main hotel was a treat with lovely Adirondack-inspired touches (wood tones, warm textiles, classic furniture) in combination with crisp, contemporary comforts, but you can also choose to stay in one of the lodges, or in a luxury suite so if you book early there's tons of choice!
Public spaces are plentiful and beautiful since The Sagamore offers both indoor and outdoor pools with lake views, a full spa and salon, multiple recreational courts (tennis, pickleball), a wonderfully scenic 18-hole golf course, waterfront dining options, a Rec Center, a dock and marina, boats and water sports, and easy access to Bolton Landing (we walked but there's a shuttle also).
We truly enjoyed The Sagamore's dining variety, from elegant dinners in upscale restaurants to casual lunches by the water or snack bars by the pool, there are multiple bars and food outlets depending on how fancy or relaxed you feel.
To book, check availability or prices for The Sagamore on Lake George.
What I loved best:
I thought that The Sagamore is one of the best weekend getaways from Boston because of great accommodations, tasty meals and spectacular. views. My favorite moment was a stroll through the gardens - simple and grounding!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
