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
Wequassett Resort & Golf Club - 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston
This place completely won me over and is one of my favorite weekend getaways from Boston with my family. Why? Honestly, it feels like one of the most underrated luxury escapes in New England with great ocean views, lots of activities on site, and several dining choices.
I love that Wequassett is the kind of place where I can wake up to ocean views, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace with my husband and son, play a round of golf overlooking Pleasant Bay or work out at the fitness center, get a massage, then spend the afternoon sailing or relaxing by the pool.
The design of the resort is classic coastal elegance! Our Premier Water View King guest room for two days was bright, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, complete with a marble bathroom with a rainfall shower and soaking tub.
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!
I love that there is so much to see and do 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 down 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. This restaurant 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 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.
21 Broad Hotel
I thought that this was one of the coolest island hotels when we lived on the East Coast.
If you’re craving a quick coastal escape that feels effortlessly chic, this is one of my favorite places to sneak away to from Boston.
In addition, 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.
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.
The Inn at Weathersfield
I was wowed by the beautiful nature at this hidden gem that few people know about.
Craving a romantic getaway in nature? Head to the small village of Perkinsville, Vermont (population of approximately 120 people). Here you will find The Inn at Weathersfield which used to be a farmhouse in the 18-century. It's been lovinly restored into a boutique New England inn and quickly became one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways while living on the East Coast.
You can look forward to a farm-to-table dining experience (the inn’s restaurant is one of the best in Vermont!). The fact that they use locally sourced ingredients really lets you get in touch with the seasons and the natural environment.
I thought the atmosphere was wonderfully intimate, with only a handful of guest rooms. Our room for two dreamy romantic days had a fireplace and soaking tub.
You can stroll around ten wooded acres complete with gardens which stay beautiful from spring through fall. Winter holds its own magic here, with white snow everywhere.
What I loved best:
The cooking classes. I learned new ways to make farm-fresh meals.
Local tip: I have to warn you that during fall foliage weeks (especially during Columbus Day) rooms sell out months in advance. So you need to plan ahead and book early.
I love that winters are much more quite here if you need a last minute romantic getaway.
Normandy Farms - 45 minutes southwest from Boston
I fell for this natural and affordable getaway 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
I couldn’t help but fall for romantic weekend getaway 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.
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
This resort was another underrated gem right on the shores of the lake!
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.
What I loved best:
I especially enjoyed stargazing at night.
Captain's House Inn, Cape Cod - 1 hour 50 minutes from Boston
This was one of the most romantic and relaxing escapes 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
For me, this scenic resort was a real standout! 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!
Hotel Viking
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.
What I loved best:
My favorite moment was lounging by the indoor pool after a massage.
A downside? Valet parking cost is high for $45 plus tax per night. In addition, there is also an "Urban Destination Fee."
Ocean Edge - 1 hour 15 minutes southeast from Boston
I fell for this stunning resort that quickly became one of my favorite Cape Cod weekend getaways! The Ocean Edge is sprawling, with lush gardens, dunes, water views, forests, and that breezy coastal air.
Our Mansion-Wing King guest room for a long three-day weekend had soft bedding, a private balcony, a walk-in shower, strong WiFi, and thoughtful in-room storage. If you would like a kitchenette on your own weekend getaway or a washer/dryer setup, they offer those kinds of accommodations too!
I though that the grand historic mansion at Ocean Edge is super unique. I appreciated all the amenities, like 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 like at Ocean Edge, including playing golf on a Nicklaus-designed course, enjoy the tennis courts, croquet, biking and walking trails, paddleboarding, kayaking, and beachcombing.
In addition, I loved all the on-site restaurants and bars offering everything from casual bites by the pool to elegant dinners in refined settings. Other conveniences we enjoyed on our weekend trip 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 like terraces, gardens, and lounges!
What I loved best:
For me, Ocean Edge was one of the best weekend getaways from Boston. My favorite moment was heading to the private beach for a calm walk.
