Once you’ve experienced Boston’s top attractions, there are plenty of nearby destinations and sights to lure you out of the city for a day. From admiring New England’s multicolored fall foliage and exploring historical Salem to visiting New York and Niagara Falls, here are some popular day trip ideas.
New England’s Fall Foliage — about 55 miles (88 kilometers) away
The New England region north of Boston explodes into vibrant foliage during fall: its woodlands and mountains cloaked in stunning oranges, reds, and golds from mid-September to October’s end. Fall foliage tours from Boston showcase colorful hot spots in Massachusetts and New Hampshire state parks on road trips through rolling hills and clapboard towns, all ablaze with color.
Salem — about 25 miles (41 kilometers) away
Situated on the Massachusetts coast near Boston, Salem’s main claim to fame is its witch trials of 1692, when 20 innocent residents were executed for alleged witchcraft. The town’s Witch Museum is a highlight of any visit, as is its House of the Seven Gables—New England’s oldest wooden mansion—and picturesque, restaurant-lined wharfside. Day trips give you free time to explore independently and sometimes include discounted entry to key attractions.
Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard — about 70 miles (113 kilometers) away
One of Massachusetts’ top coastal beauty spots, the Cape Cod peninsula and nearby island of Martha’s Vineyard serve up classic New England villages, dune-fringed beaches, lighthouse-topped headlands, seafood restaurants, and stylish shops. Take a summertime tour to admire the region’s wider highlights, spend a day enjoying Martha’s Vineyard, or catch a fall-foliage tour that showcases the area in all its autumnal glory.
Niagara Falls — about 467 miles (751 kilometers) away
Raging over the US-Canada border, Niagara Falls make a spectacular sight, their waters plunging 190 feet (58 meters) into the River Niagara in a deafening roar. It’s easy to experience the falls on a day trip by air from Boston—enjoying views from the waterspray-soaked Maid of the Mist boat and other observation points.
New York City — about 226 miles (364 kilometers) away
Offering everything from the giant billboards of Times Square to the Empire State Building and leafy Central Park, New York sits within comfortable day-visit radius of Boston, making a trip something of a must for first-timers. Catch a round-trip by rail, air, bus, or private car to experience its world-famous sights in one unforgettable day.
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