21 Best Weekend Getaways from Boston

Boston enjoys a great location in the heart of New England which gives residents plenty of quick weekend getaway options. Plan a relaxing trip to Cape Cod or Nantucket, explore the beautiful coast of Maine, head to Rhode Island, or spend a few days getting to know the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. If you are looking for unique beaches and weekend getaways in New England, this list is a great place to start. Photo: rolf_52/Fotolia

Wequassett Resort & Golf Club is a scenic getaway from New York City and from Boston, set on 22 landscaped acres which overlook Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Cod. While the resort is especially popular during the summer, it is a fun year-round vacation destination. There are 120 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, two pools, two sandy beaches and an 18-hole golf course. The newly designed Children's Center features a pirate ship playground and other activities for kids. Other activities include boating, water sports and tennis. Request one of the guest rooms from the Signature Collection which offer incredible coastal views and are beautifully decorated. The property is located next to Cape Cod National Golf Club which is only open to members and guests of the resort. Rates at Wequassett Resort & Golf Club start at $195 in the winter, and from $525 in the summer. Photo: Wequassett Inn Resort and Golf Club

From ocean views and whale watching to museums and art galleries, Provincetown offers couples plenty to explore on their weekend trip from Boston. Stay at the centrally located Sage Inn & Lounge and you will be close to cafes, shops and restaurants in the center of town. The inn has 19 guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. The Lounge has a gas fireplace and serves a light food menu, as well as creative drinks such as herb-infused cocktails and craft beer. Rooms start at $95 per night (Phone: 508-487-6424). Best Things to Do in Providence, Rhode Island. Photo: Sage Inn

21 Broad Hotel on Nantucket is contemporary hideaway with plush guest rooms and a central location on Broad Street. You will be just steps from the whaling museum, great restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops. The hotel is located in a historic building which used to be the Nesbitt Inn. Choose from 27 guest rooms with modern furnishings, 40-inch TVs, iPod docking stations, Vitamin C showers and blackout shades so that you can sleep in on your weekend getaway. Guests can request a room with a four-poster bed, or a circular sitting alcove next to large windows overlooking the street below.

Amenities include Waffle Kimono robes as well as bags & chairs for the beach. The guest lounge has cozy chairs and a game table where you can hang out with other guests. The property has an outdoor courtyard with a fire pit, perfect for summer barbeques. Spa treatment services are available upon request. Rooms start at $129 per night, including free breakfast and Wi-Fi. The hotel is open from late April through December (508-228-4749). Things to Do in Nantucket Photo: 21 Broad Hotel

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A cool alternative to traditional country inns in the Catskills region of New York, the Roxbury offers uniquely designed rooms, beautiful scenery and affordable rates. The hotel is located 3 hours from New York City and 5 hours from Boston. When booking your stay, choose from colorfully decorated guest accommodations with names such as Samantha's Cloud (#16) with a light blue ceiling with clouds, and Fred's Lair (#12) which is decorated with 7 different kinds of faux fur. Shimmer Spa offers diverse treatments and a relaxation area with a hot tub, a dry sauna and a fireplace. The Catskills offer many activities and attractions, from cross-country skiing and fishing to shopping and train rides. VacationIdea.com Tip: Ask about weekend packages. Rates start at $90 on weekdays and from $99 on weekends. Read more or other places to visit in New England Photo: The Roxbury

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Get away for a weekend of spa pampering and historic ambiance at Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island. This New England getaway was originally built in 1926. The property has been recently completely renovated and offers luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. Newport offers many activities and attractions, including boat tours, the historic Prescott Farm, lighthouses, and historic mansions. You can get married in two stylish ballrooms and a chapel. Choose from 13,400 square feet of banquet space. Say "I do" in the historic Kay Chapel and hold your reception in the 5,880-square-foot Viking Ballroom or the 4,032-square-foot Bellevue Ballroom. The property has a team of wedding services professionals that can help you plan every detail of your special day.

There are 209 guest rooms and suites where you and your guests can be accommodated during your stay. Get a relaxing treatment at the spa, take a boat tour and view charming New England lighthouses. SpaTerre offers exotic Balinese spa treatments and Thai Herbal Therapy. The spa has a menu of services for kids, including massage, facials and pedicures. Hotel Viking has an indoor pool and a fitness center where you can tone your muscles during your weekend getaway. If you are looking for romantic getaways in New England, rooms at this stylish hotel start at $315 per night. Photo: Hotel Viking

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The Stonehurst Manor is a mansion dating from around the turn of the century that has since been converted into a resort. The resort sits on 33 acres in the White Mountains. The upscale rooms include luxury touches like canopy beds, flat-screened televisions, beautiful fabrics, fireplaces, and private whirlpool tubs. There is an outdoor pool with beautiful views of the mountains that is open in the warmer months. This property doesn't have the sparkle and glam that some of the more modern, upscale resorts on our list offer, but it is perfect for those looking for a mid-range option and a bed-and-breakfast feel.

3351 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860, Phone: 603-356-3113 Photo: The Stonehurst Manor

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Wentworth by the Sea on New Castle Island in New Hampshire is an elegant seaside getaway with a golf course and a spa. Located just one hour north of Boston and 45 minutes from Portland, Maine, the property is a beautiful New England getaway. The spa offers health and beauty treatments in a tranquil environment, a great way to rejuvenate. Play on the 18-hole private golf course or head to the nearby Ledges and Breakfast Hill Golf Clusb. The resort has 161 Deluxe Rooms and Suites, many with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Isles of Shoals, Little Harbor, and the Piscatauqua River. For additional space and luxury on your trip, book one of the suites, measuring at least 1,000 square feet in size. Accommodations come with a bedroom, full kitchen, dining/sitting area and a private balcony.

Dine in the Main Dining Room which serves regional favorites or in the marina-side restaurant with views of the ocean. Book your treatments and golf tee times when making your room reservation to make sure that you get the times you want, especially in high season. Fly to Boston's Logan Airport, a one-hour drive away, or Portland, 45 minutes away. The closest airport is Pease International Airport in Portsmouth, NH, 10 minutes away. Room rates start at about $179; from $259 during the summer. Photo: Wentworth by the Sea

Offering open views of the Nantucket harbor, The Cottages at the Boat Basin include 24 guest accommodations with outdoor patios or decks, ideal for summer picnics and clambakes. Woof Cottages are pet-friendly, perfect for those who don't want to travel without their family dog or cat. The 5 new lofts with one, two or three bedrooms are a comfortable option for families who like the option of preparing their own meals. The lofts have kitchens and flat screen TVs. Read more

The nearby Nantucket Town offers an array of shops, museums and restaurants. Guests have access to the White Elephant Spa, offering a selection of massages, body treatments, facials and more. The cottages are closed during the winter months. Rates at the inn start at $195 per night. If you decide to bring your pet, there is a $60 non-refundable pet fee, 10% of which is donated to Nantucket Animal Charities. The fee includes a welcome basket of pet treats and play toys, and other perks. Photo:

A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay is a romantic Cape Cod getaway, offering scenic ocean views. The property is especially popular during summer weekends because it provides a good starting point for exploring the sandy Cape Cod beaches. There are just nine individually decorated guest bedrooms, many with ocean views. In the morning, enjoy a European Breakfast Buffet served on the patio overlooking the bay or the garden. Rooms start from $230 per night. (Phone: 508-255-0780) Photo: A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay

Oakland House Seaside Resort, comprised of individual cottages and guest rooms at the Shore Oaks Seasinde Inn, is a romantic weekend getaway in Maine. Set on 50 beautiful acres acres, the resort offers scenic water views, privacy and relaxed ambiance. The property was originally built in 1907 and has retained its original charm. Old-fashioned rocking chairs on the porch offer scenic views of the Lighthouse and the ocean. During the warmer months, guests enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. You can also rent a sailboat, take a cruise, play golf, visit antique shops, and hike in Acadia National Park. Winter is the most peaceful time - take a sightseeing drive, hike the Carriage Trails at Acadia National Park, cross-country ski, and end your day warming up next the fireplace. The property has ten bedrooms, two with wood burning fireplaces.

The 15 guest cottages come in different shapes and sizes, depending on your needs. The largest has five bedrooms. We like the cottages that are located along the shore because they offer spectacular water views. If you are planning a romantic trip, book the Boathouse which was built right at the ocean's edge. The living room has a stone fireplace and a window wall that looks out to the ocean. There is a stairway that leads to the ocean from the outdoor deck. For those who like to cook, there is a small kitchen that will allow you to prepare your own meals. Rent the cottage for a week and feel the stress melt away.

The restaurant serves dishes prepared using organic and local ingredients on Victorian oak tables and Blue Onion china. Flowers and candles complete the ambiance. The property has its own organic herb and vegetable gardens. In spring and fall when the restaurant is closed for the season, meals are served in the dining room. Guest can also order take-out and dine in the privacy of their cottage. The resort is a 3.5-hour drive from Portland, Maine, and 5 hours from Boston, Massachusetts. If you are flying, Bangor International Airport in Maine is about one hour away, while the Bar Harbor Airport is a 50-minute drive.

During the summer, doubles start at $385 per night, including including full breakfast and a five-course dinner. In the off-season, rates start at $185 per night, including full breakfast and dinner. Cottage rates start at $5,500 per week with meals for a family of four in high season. During the off-season, cottages start at $475 per week without meals. In spring and fall, look for special weekend and mid-week packages (207-359-8521). Photo: Oakland House Seaside Resort

Plan a romantic getaway in Lenox, Massachusetts and stay at the historic Elm Court, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests are accommodated in spacious suites with jacuzzis and fireplaces. In your suite, you will find environmentally-friendly shampoo, conditioner and soaps. The estate has 90 acres for hiking and romantic walks. The staff can help you plan your dream wedding. King room rates begin at $265 per night during the off-season. Suites start at $475 per night, including breakfast and traditional afternoon tea (413-637-1133). Photo:

The Mountain View Grand is a full-service resort located in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire. Guest can choose from a number of activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, golf, swimming, and horseback riding at the Stables. The Tower Spa offers an array of relaxing treatments, including the Japanese-style Ofuro Tower-top hot tub with 360 degree views of the surroundings. The Jumpin' Jack Frost Activity Center, set on 400 acres, offers year-round recreational activities. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsled rides, ice-skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

In the summer, there is a daily children's program from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The resort has 145 recently renovated guest rooms with custom-made mahogany furniture and panoramic mountain views. If you are planning a romantic getaway, ask for one of the the Grand View Rooms which have whirlpool bathtubs. There are many dining options, including the romantic Juliet's Restaurant, private dining in the Hunt Room, casual meals in Nicky Finn's Lounge and the Clubhouse Cafe' and Grill, open during the summer season. Summer rates start at $274 per night; low season rates from $200 (603-837-2100). Photo: Mountain View Grand Resort

Wheatleigh is a luxury getaway offering attentive service and a beautiful setting with views of the Berkshire mountains just two and a half hours from Boston. Since the property has only 19 guest rooms, you will not have to share the retreat with too many other guests on your weekend trip. The property is located in a 22-acre park originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Guests enjoy a heated outdoor pool, tennis court, a fitness room and massage services. Visit the historic Lenox Village, Massachusetts, for shopping and cultural attractions. The area is especially popular during the fall foliage weeks, so be sure to book early.

There are 19 spacious guest rooms and suites with high ceilings, classical furnishings and contemporary art. The suites are ideal for honeymooners. The Dining Room serves innovative dishes prepared by Chef J. Bryce Whittlesey and served by European-trained staff. Book your dinner at sunset and enjoy scenic mountain views. Rooms start at $885 per night (413-637-0610). Photo:

Nestled along the beautiful Nantucket Sound on the Cape Cod coast, the Red Jacket Beach Resort is a family-friendly beachside retreat with comfortable accommodation, excellent dining, and beautiful beach views. Located just a stone’s throw away from the ocean, the resort offers a variety of accommodation to suit every taste, from guest rooms and suites to townhouses and vacation houses, all of which have been uniquely designed to enhance the natural beauty of this seafront oasis with beautiful décor and an array of modern amenities.

The resort offers a variety of activities and adventures to enjoy, ranging from two outdoor pools, one indoor heated pool, tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center, and a luxurious full-service spa with state-of-the-art treatment rooms and suites. Dine at one of several excellent restaurants and bars around the resort, which offer a variety of options from casual American fare and prime steaks to fresh seafood, or head to the beach for a day of sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing, and parasailing. A Summer Kid’s Club offers an array of supervised activities for the little ones.

1 S Shore Dr, South Yarmouth, MA 02664, Phone: 1-800-227-3263 Photo: Red Jacket Beach Resort

At over 240 years old, The Birchwood Inn is truly a piece of history. Guests to this inn in Lenox, Massachusetts are invited to enjoy one of the ten guest rooms or choose one of two carriage houses. All of the rooms are named after former owners of the home and each one includes a private bath, air-conditioning, telephone, toiletries, and hairdryers.

Breakfast is served in the 19th century dining room either seasonally by the fireside or overlooking the front garden. It is made fresh daily and includes homemade breads and muffins, fruits, and a hot entrée. For visitors looking for something different, the Birchwood offers "Fun for Foodies" packages that pair the charm of the historic inn with cooking lessons. Read more

7 Hubbard St, Lenox, MA 01240, Phone: 800-524-1646 Photo: Birchwood Inn

Watch Hill Inn first opened in 1845 and continues to host guests along Little Narragansett Bay, giving their visitors easy access to Watch Hill. The inn has 19 romantic suites divided into two separate buildings, each of which has views of either the bay or downtown. Accommodations feature custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, Apple TVs, portable in-room iPads, Wi-Fi, valet parking, continental breakfast, snacks and beverages, and various activities at each site. Lake of Isles is the exclusive golf course 20 minutes away from the Inn with a private course spanning 7,300 yards and a 50,000 square foot club house. The OH! Spa at Ocean House has a relaxation room, herbal steam room, salon, private beach, fitness center, and yoga classes. Guests receive complimentary breakfast either at Ocean House or Weekapaug Inn as well as evening beverages and daily snacks. Rooms start at $555 per night (Phone: 401-584-7400). Photo: Watch Hill Inn

The Orleans Waterfront Inn in Orleans, MA is a romantic hotel that provides tranquil water views and easy accessibility to kayaking, fishing, biking, shopping and dining. The inn is rumored to be haunted, so be prepared to hear some ghost stories on your trip. There are 11 guest rooms, including Standard Rooms, Waterfront Standard Rooms and Waterfront Suites. There are three different Waterfront Suites; the Windmill Waterfront Suite which features a queen bed, the Honeymoon Suite with a king bed, and the Presidential Waterfront Suite with a king size bed in the bedroom and a living room. All rooms have custom bedding, luxury linens, Turkish towels and robes, private full baths, Wi-Fi, cable TV and a refrigerator. The Cove Room, which provides a stunning view of the Town Cove waters, is the perfect place to host weddings, rehearsal dinners, family celebrations andholiday parties. The specialties at Cape Cod Waterfront Restaurant are Cape Cod Lobster Salad Roll, New England clam chowder, Fried Clams and Fish ‘n’ Chips. If you are looking for weekend getaways in New England for couples, rooms at this stylish inn start at $250 per night. Read more Photo: The Orleans Waterfront Inn

Nestled high in the hills of the Adirondack Park overlooking the shores of Mirror Lake, High Peaks Resort is an idyllic mountain escape. Beautifully appointed accommodations range from plush guest rooms with over-sized king beds to exclusive Waterfront suites with direct lakefront access. Upscale Amenities include HD TVs, walk-in showers and in-counter refrigerators. Work out at the fitness center, get massages at Element Day Spa & Salon, soak in the hot tub, and swim in either the indoor or the outdoor swimming pool.

Activities in the area include golf, hiking, mountain biking, scenic flights, fly fishing and horseback riding. You can also spend the day on the lake in one of the kayaks, paddleboats or rowboats. In the winter, there is ice skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Dancing Bears Restaurant at High Peaks Resort serves all-American fare, including mouth-watering daily specials. Rooms start at $129 per night. Read more Photo: High Peaks Resort