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, I've spent four weeks discovering my favorite ways to spend a cozy 48 hours on a perfect weekend getaway and I hope you enjoy them too.
1. Wequassett Resort & Golf Club - 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston
Wequassett Resort is one of my favorite weekend getaways from Boston in New England. Why? Honestly, it feels like one of the most underrated luxury escapes in the U.S. with great ocean views, lots of activities on site, and several dining choice.
What I love most about Wequassett is how it blends timeless luxury with that breezy Cape Cod vibe, that it's the kind of place where I can wake up to ocean views, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace, play a round of golf overlooking Pleasant Bay or work out at the fitness center, get a massage, then spend the afternoon sailing or lounging by the pool.
The design of the resort is classic coastal elegance and our Premier Water View King guest room for two nights was bright, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, completely with a marble bathroom with a rainfall shower and soaking tub, crisp linens, and natural textures that reflect the coastal landscape all around. For extra luxury on your romantic getaway or family vacation, request one of their waterfront cottages so that you can relax on the private deck with sweeping views of Pleasant Bay on vacation!
In Harwich, MA, you can enjoy beaches like Red River Beach and Bank Street Beach, find family fun at Bud's Go-Karts and Grand Slam Entertainment, explore the Harwich Antiques Center, visit the Cape Cod Lavender Farm, and bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Other activities include various boat tours, fishing charters, and local theaters like the Harwich Junior Theatre.
At the end of the day on vacation, it's such a joy to head to Twenty-Eight Atlantic for an amazing meal with floor-to-ceiling bay views, a restaurant that won the Forbes Five-Star award so you know you are in for a treat with quality service and unique culinary creations! Or get a table at Outer Bar & Grille at Wequassett Resort for a more casual meal.
To book, check availability or prices for Wequassett Resort & Golf Club.
My favorite highlight were the Wequassett Resort grounds which are one of the reasons that the hotel won the AAA Four-Diamond resort award...its lush gardens (a true hidden gem!), a private beach (try the sunrise yoga class on the beach!), a heated waterfront pool (in the picture), and championship golf.
2. 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 and 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 and as I wandered into 21 Broad and was smitten because the place literally feels like a breath of salty island air, historic in bones (a classic Nantucket Victorian), but it’s been refreshed beautifully.
Our King size room for the night was cozy yet elegant with soft coastal tones, natural wood, large windows, walk-in glass showers, and there are thoughtful little touches like premium bath products, a mini-fridge, and strong WiFi.
The public spaces at 21 Broad Hotel are included an inviting front porch perfect for people-watching, a courtyard with fire pits, and 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 with just steps from the ferry, shops, restaurants, and the harbor.
To book, check availability or prices for 21 Broad Hotel.
My favorite highlight was all the goodies you get to enjoy at 21 Broad Hotel that included a complimentary mixer hour in the evening (mixers, garnishes, and light bites), a fresh breakfast spread in the morning, beach gear like chairs and bags, umbrellas, and eco-friendly touches such as refillable water stations.
3. Ocean Edge - 1 hour 15 minutes southeast from Boston
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is another one of my favorite Cape Cod weekend getaways, and I thought it’s a hidden gem for both romantic weekends and family getaways just over an hour by car from Boston.
The Ocean Edge property is sprawling, with lush gardens, dunes, water views, forests, and that breezy coastal air everywhere where historic charm meets resort-scale amenities in a way that feels indulgent without being over-the-top.
My Mansion-Wing King guest room at Ocean Edge had soft bedding, refurbished classic touches, a private balcony, a walk-in shower, great toiletries, strong WiFi, and thoughtful in-room storage, but they have other layouts to choose from with kitchenettes and washer/dryer setups if you want something specific for your family weekend getaway!
The grand historic mansion at Ocean Edge is super unique, and then there are multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and easy access to a private beach with chair and towel service. You can be as active as you have energy for at Ocean Edge, including playing golf on a Nicklaus-designed course, tennis courts, croquet, biking and walking trails, paddleboarding, kayaking, and beachcombing.
Once you work up an appetite, you can choose from on-site restaurants and bars offering everything from casual bites by the pool to elegant dinners in refined settings, while other conveniences include a 24/7 front desk, concierge services, a fitness center, shuttle service around the resort, valet and self-parking, children’s programs, and beautiful public areas liketerraces, gardens, and lounges!
To book, check availability or prices for Ocean Edge.
My favorite moment was heading to the private beach for a calm walk.
4. Hotel Viking - 1 hour 40 minutes from Boston
I was a big fan of this romantic Gilded Age fairytale-like weekend getaway with red-brick Colonial Revival facade, grand entrance, and elegant public spaces in lovely coastal Newport, RI.
My guest room for two days at 4-star Hotel Viking had plenty of historic opulence with pillow-top mattresses, marble bath with rain shower, a fireplace, and ornate furniture, or you can choose a more contemporary room if you prefer it!
I booked a 60-minute massage at Spa Fjör ahead of the weekend so that I could start on a relaxing note with a treatment, followed by a swim in the indoor pool and some time in the sauna.
We spent our days in Newport walking along the Cliff Walk, driving on Ocean Drive, visiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Newport Art Museum, exploring the Newport Mansions, and hiking and Fort Adams State Park.
In the evening, we returned to Hotel Viking for a romantic dinner at One Bellevue Restaurant, and I loved the rooftop Top of Newport Bar & Kitchen for drinks with a view.
To book, check availability or prices for Hotel Viking.
My favorite moment was lounging by the indoor pool after a massage.
5. Normandy Farms - 45 minutes southwest from Boston
Normandy Farms’s 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, clean sheets, sturdy deck that let you enjoy all the outdoors you needed to unplug for 48 hours.
We loved the huge recreation lodge with indoor pool & jacuzzi, an arcade, fitness center, wellness services like sauna and massage, lofts for quiet reading or chilling, and a snack bar so getting something casual is easy.
Outdoors at Normandy Farms, you’ve got multiple outdoor pools, a splash pad, ponds for fishing or relaxing on the shore, trails for walking or biking, a dog park (yes, you can bring along your dog!), and fields for sports (volleyball, tennis, etc.). Playgrounds, shuffleboard, bocce, disc golf—lots of ways to (or not) be active.
Dining is relaxed, family-friendly with a snack bar, general store, food trucks or casual meals, sometimes items delivered to sites. You’re not getting white-tablecloth, but everything feels good, satisfying, set for the outdoors yet thoughtful.
Check prices at Normandy Farms
My favorite moment was watching the sunset from our cabin deck.
6. 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 and I thought that it was one of the best weekend getaways from Boston. Why? First off, it offered the perfect blend of historic elegance and creative flair, an ideal base for exploring the town’s charming riverside, nearby theaters, and scenic trails.
Then, once we entered Boardman House Inn Bed & Breakfast, 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, featured hardwood floors, 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) made it feel super welcoming. For extra pampering at Boardman House Inn, I recommend asking for a room with a clawfoot tub.
We thought that the inn’s lush gardens were a hidden local gem and the veranda was ideal for morning coffee.
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.
7. The Sagamore on Lake George - 3 hours 40 minutes from Boston
If you're dreaming of a classic Adirondack escape with serious luxury, The Sagamore is where it’s at, 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.
My favorite moment was a stroll through the gardens.
8. Hull-O Farms, Durham, NY - 3 hours from Boston
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, a warm and charming farm stay tucked away in the rolling Catskills of Durham, New York that lets you have a true hands-on farm experience! Hull-O Farms is a true countryside retreat, blending rustic farm life with cozy comforts. The setting was idyllic with wide open fields, lush green pastures, and sweeping views of the mountains, all creating a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life.
My 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, and 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.
My favorite moment was watching my son feed the playful baby goats, an unforgettable memory he still talks about!
9. High Peaks Resort - 5 hours from Boston
High Peaks Resort 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. Why? What I love about it is how High Peaks combines Adirondack mountain-lodge warmth with upscale comfort and 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!
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 and crisp mountain air and I thought 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.
10. Captain's House Inn, Cape Cod - 1 hour 50 minutes from Boston
I wanted to wrap up my post about the best weekend getaways from Boston with another Cape Cod favorite of mine, only this one I think is absolutely perfect for a romantic couples' escape: Captain's House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod!
Part of Massachusetts’ Lower Cape, Chatham is celebrated for its white-sand beaches, iconic lighthouse, and vibrant Main Street filled with boutiques, galleries, and seafood restaurants and when we visit family in the area I've always admired its windswept dunes, harbor views, and timeless New England character, so postcard-perfect for a dream coastal getaway.
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, with an amazing blend of historic elegance and modern luxury. I made sure I booked a room with a fireplace since it was getting colder out, and 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 baseball game at 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 at Captain’s House Inn along with their afternoon tea add to the refined yet cozy atmosphere, making it feel like a cozy private retreat especially if you go in the off season like we did.
Conclusion
There you have it, some of my absolute favorite weekend getaways from Boston distilled into one action-packed list. If you are still undecided, narrow it down based on 1) cost (is it high season and rates are too high in a particular place?), 2) drive (do you want a long scenic drive or get there quickly?), 3) amenities (what do you look forward to most on your weekend getaway? A spa, ocean view, beaches or a cool mountain lake?).
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.
