6 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. I've collected my favorite ways to spend a cozy 48 hours on a perfect weekend getaway, and I hope you'll love them too.
- #1. Normandy Farms - 45 minutes southwest from Boston
- #2. Boardman House Inn - 2 hours from Boston
- #3. High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid, NY - 5 hours from Boston
- #4. Captain's House Inn, Cape Cod - 1 hour 50 minutes from Boston
- #5. Hull-O Farms - 3 hours from Boston
- #6. The Sagamore on Lake George - 3 hours 40 minutes from Boston
Normandy Farms - 45 minutes southwest from Boston
Love the idea of getting out into nature but prefer something more casual and kid-friendly? Check out Normandy Farms Campground, a real standout in Foxborough, Massachusetts!
My husband, son and I drove 45 minutes southwest from Boston to Normandy Farms. We stayed in a cabin for two days with cozy beds, and a sturdy deck. I especially enjoyed the outdoor space we needed to unplug for 48 hours. If you go during the shoulder season, you can even plan a last minute family vacation.
I addition, we loved the huge recreation lodge with a pool & jacuzzi, an arcade, fitness center, wellness services (sauna and massage), and a convenient snack bar.
The whole family can enjoy 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 family dog!). There are even fields for sports. We played volleyball but there are is also tennis as an option. Playgrounds, shuffleboard, bocce, disc golf...all offer lots of ways to be (or not be) active for kids of all ages.
Dining is relaxed and perfect for families. There is a snack bar, general store, food trucks, casual meals, and sometimes items delivered to sites.
Check prices at Normandy Farms
What I loved best:
Watching the sunset from our cabin deck.
Boardman House Inn - 2 hours from Boston
Another great option for a romantic weekend out in the country is East Haddam, CT. You'll find Boardman House Inn in a restored 19th-century mansion, close to the town's river and trails.
We celebrated our anniversary. Our room for two days had natural light, hardwood floors, nice artwork, and a luxurious king bed. I appreciated the 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 included freshly baked pastries, farm-fresh eggs, and locally roasted coffee. The dining room itself made me feel teleported to a different time. The veranda was ideal for morning coffee if you are in a hurry to go outside and explore.
In addition, we thought that the inn’s lush gardens were a hidden local gem.
High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid, NY - 5 hours from Boston
Since it's a good five-hour drive from Boston all the way in upstate New York, I prefer Lake Placid as as a 3-day or even a 4-day weekend getaway. But in a nutshell, Chris and I both absolutely love Lake Placid, and have been many times, usually driving up from the city.
In fact, this is one of my favorite weekend getaways in the Adirondacks because Mirror Lake makes it extra relaxing. Plus you can enjoy all sorts of water sports in the summer!
High Peaks Resort is a great place to stay. I love that it's the kind of place where I can kayak on the lake in the morning, relax by the fireplace in the afternoon, and stroll through Lake Placid Village in the evening.
Chris and I stayed in a lakeview room for two nights. Our room had a private balcony, and a walk-in rain shower.
To book, check availability or prices for High Peaks Resort.
What I loved best:
I especially enjoyed stargazing at night.
Captain's House Inn, Cape Cod - 1 hour 50 minutes from Boston
I find it especially relaxing to get away to Cape Cod with my husband. In fact, I think this Cape Cod gem was absolutely perfect for a romantic couples' escape, a real standout! In addition, there are heaps of unique things to do here!
When I stayed at the Captain’s House Inn for two days this month, we had such a nice time. The inn is 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.
You can enjoy visiting the iconic Chatham Lighthouse, exploring the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, and catch 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:
For me, Captain's House Inn is one of the best weekend getaways from Boston. The landscaped gardens along with their afternoon tea add to the refined atmosphere for romance.
Looking for a good beach alternative to Cape Cod? Check out Gloucester, MA which is surrounded by super beautiful beaches.
Hull-O Farms
For nature and hands-on fun, this is one of my favorite family weekend getaways in the Catskills! In fact, if you loved the idea of Normandy Farms I mentioned earlier but are looking for just a little more creature comforts on your family vacation, then Hull-O Farms is for you! Plus, here you get a true hands-on farm experience!
Our accommodation (a farmhouse room) for two days had antique furnishings, quilted bedding, and big windows overlooking the farm. Hull-O Farms felt like a very authentic experience with hardwood floors and hand-carved furniture.
A highlight for my son was being able to participate in all the farm activities at Hull-O Farms. We got to bottle-feed calves, collect fresh eggs from the chicken coop, and meet goats, sheep, and even horses.
For meals, the focus was on farm-fresh foods like fresh eggs, homemade breads, and jams. You get to sit around the farmhouse table family-style.
To book, check availability or prices for Hull-O Farms.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was watching my son feed baby goats.
The Sagamore on Lake George - 3 hours 40 minutes from Boston
If you loved the idea of a lakeside escape in the Adirondacks but want something more luxurious, head to The Sagamore! This classic Adirondack escape sits on its very own private island on Lake George!
Here you'll find old-fashioned lakeside accommodations, nature everywhere you look, and plenty of outdoor fun.
Our guest room for two days in the historic main hotel was a treat with lovely Adirondack-inspired touches. But you can also choose to stay in one of the lodges, or in a luxury suite. Basically, if you book your vacation early there's tons of choice!
For relaxing, The Sagamore offers both indoor and outdoor pools with lake views. There is a full spa and salon, multiple recreational courts (tennis, pickleball), a 18-hole golf course, a Rec Center, a dock and marina, boats and water sports. The resort has waterfront dining options. On top of that, access to Bolton Landing is easy (we enjoyed the walk but there's a shuttle also).
To book, check availability or prices for The Sagamore on Lake George.
I loved that beyond the resort, there's a lot to see and do. Take a Lake George steamboat cruise if you enjoy being out on the water.
For a bit of local history, Fort William Henry Museum sits right at the southern end of the lake.
What I loved best:
For me, The Sagamore is one of the best weekend getaways from Boston. I especially loved strolling through the gardens with Chris and our son - 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, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
