Five Awesome Day Trips: Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a great place for day trips because you can reach every corner of the state in a few hours. With a little strategic planning, it’s possible to leave Boston in the morning and have lunch on the very tip of Cape Cod or drive west into the Berkshires for an afternoon full of outdoor activities.

Here are five great destinations to visit across the Bay State:

Concord

Concord, the location of the “shot heard around the world” leading up to the American Revolution, is a must-visit for history buffs and literary enthusiasts. The historic small town is located just 25 miles west of Boston. Your visit should include Minute Man National Historic Park to explore the historic sites and events leading up to the Revolutionary War. Just a few miles away, tour the historic sites of the Concord Authors, including Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial House, Thoreau Farm – Birthplace of Henry David Thoreau, and the Old Manse. Before leaving town, have lunch at Concord’s Colonial Inn and take a walk around Walden Pond.

Plymouth

Nicknamed “America’s Hometown” and the location of the colony founded in 1620 by the Mayflower Pilgrims, Plymouth is located just 40 miles southeast of Boston. The town is celebrating it’s 400-year anniversary, so there’s never been a better time to visit Plimoth Plantation, an outdoor living history museum and home to the Mayflower II, a full-size replica of the original tall ship. The downtown area is full of great restaurants and boutique stores, as well as the famous Plymouth Rock on display nearby in Pilgrim Memorial State Park.

Rockport

Rockport is a charming seaside town located about 40 miles northeast of Boston in an area known as Cape Ann. This eclectic small town began as a fishing village, evolved into an art colony, and continues to attract tourists to its picturesque rocky coastline. Spend a few hours visiting the Rockport Art Association & Museum and over 30 art galleries and boutique stores, then walk to the very end of Bear Skin Neck for some great photos before having lunch at one of the local seafood restaurants.

Courtesy: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Salem

Salem, a historic city just 25 miles north of Boston, is well-known for the hysteria caused by the infamous 1692 witch trials. To this day, tourists are attracted to the seaside town to explore the historic attractions and ghost tours that introduce you to the families and stories of the period. Many of the points of interest are in historic districts and feature some of the oldest homes and buildings in the country. Expect thousands of tourists in the weeks leading up to Halloween; however, many of the historic attractions are open year-round and include the world-class Peabody Essex Museum and America’s First National Historic Site, Salem Maritime.

Courtesy: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Springfield

Springfield, the third largest city in Massachusetts, is located in Western Massachusetts along the Connecticut River. Situated 90 miles west of Boston, the city is a little further away than the other day trips, but well worth a visit. Local attractions include The Springfield Museums, a world-class collection of five museums featuring Art, History, and Science, as well as the newest and children’s favorite — The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. The Springfield Armory is a lesser known national park site with the largest collection of historic American firearms in the world. For sports enthusiasts, Springfield is also home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hours at attractions may be limited. Make sure to check the websites and add to your list for future travels!