• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Relax on Cape Cod National Seashore (1 hour 45 minutes) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Relax on Cape Cod National Seashore (1 hour 45 minutes)
© Courtesy of Patricia - Fotolia.com

2. Visit shops and museums in Kennebunkport (1.5 hours) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Visit shops and museums in Kennebunkport (1.5 hours)
© Courtesy of Enrico Della Pietra - Fotolia.com

3. Head to the Beaches of Rockport, MA (50 minutes)

Category: Beaches
Head to the Beaches of Rockport, MA (50 minutes)
© Courtesy of Mary Lane - Fotolia.com

4. Enjoy the relaxed vibe of Stonington, CT (2 hours)

Enjoy the relaxed vibe of Stonington, CT (2 hours)
© Stonington Borough

5. Take the kids to the water park in Portsmouth (1 hour Day Trip from Boston)

Take the kids to the water park in Portsmouth (1 hour Day Trip from Boston)
© Courtesy of Sean Pavone Photo - Fotolia.com

6. For Kids and Nature Lovers - The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA (45 minutes from Boston)

Category: Activities
For Kids and Nature Lovers - The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA (45 minutes from Boston)
© Courtesy of Wesley - Fotolia.com

7. If you want to spend the day indoors, visit the Peabody Essex Museum (40 minutes)

Category: Museums & Culture
If you want to spend the day indoors, visit the Peabody Essex Museum (40 minutes)
© Peabody Essex Museum

8. To help your kids understand the old ways, visit Old Sturbridge Village (1 hour)

To help your kids understand the old ways, visit Old Sturbridge Village (1 hour)
© Courtesy of Jeff Schultes - Fotolia.com

9. Don't Forget the Norman Rockwell Museum in the Berkshires (2 hours)

Category: Museums & Culture
Don't Forget the Norman Rockwell Museum in the Berkshires (2 hours)
© Norman Rockwell Museum

10. If you love old movies, Tour The House of the Seven Gables also in Salem (40 minutes)

Tours
If you love old movies, Tour The House of the Seven Gables also in Salem (40 minutes)
© Courtesy of Pierrette Guertin - Fotolia.com

11. Take a Scenic Drive to Good Harbor Beach (50 minutes from Boston)

Category: Activities
Take a Scenic Drive to Good Harbor Beach (50 minutes from Boston)
© Courtesy of Eric BVD - Fotolia.com

12. Get to know Provincetown (2.5 hours)

Get to know Provincetown (2.5 hours)
© Courtesy of luna marina - Fotolia.com

13. Stop at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (1 hour)

Category: Museums & Culture
Stop at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (1 hour)
© New Bedford Whaling Museum

14. While in Provincetown, Admire the View at Race Point Beach (2 hours 14 minutes)

Category: Activities
While in Provincetown, Admire the View at Race Point Beach (2 hours 14 minutes)
© Courtesy of cindy goff - Fotolia.com

15. Take kids hiking in Wompatuck State Park (30 minutes)

Category: Activities
Take kids hiking in Wompatuck State Park (30 minutes)
© Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com

16. While in Rockport, Tour a Granite Quarry in Halibut Point State Park (1 hour)

Tours
While in Rockport, Tour a Granite Quarry in Halibut Point State Park (1 hour)
© Courtesy of Satoshi Kina - Fotolia.com

17. Concord has several claims to fame (35 minutes)

Concord has several claims to fame (35 minutes)
© Courtesy of Christian Delbert - Fotolia.com

18. For basketball fans - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1 hour 45 minutes)

Category: Attractions
For basketball fans - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1 hour 45 minutes)
© The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

19. Explore the beaches and historical attractions in Plymouth, MA (50 minutes)

Category: Attractions
Explore the beaches and historical attractions in Plymouth, MA (50 minutes)
© Courtesy of m heston - Fotolia.com

20. Learn about the Revolutionary War in Lexington (30 minutes)

Learn about the Revolutionary War in Lexington (30 minutes)
© Courtesy of spirit of america - Fotolia.com

21. Admire and Photograph Glendale Falls (2 hours 10 minutes)

Category: Activities
Admire and Photograph Glendale Falls (2 hours 10 minutes)
© Courtesy of Kisa_Markiza - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Massachusetts contains an array of unique attractions and beautiful natural areas for all types of travelers. Boston is perfectly positioned for day trips to the beach as well as inland to parks and waterfalls.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.