Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Boston, United States

1. Mystic Seaport

A living history museum by the sea showcasing a collection of historic vessels and New England maritime culture.

Authentic Experience: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to participate in activities such as boat-building, blacksmithing, and rope-making.
Nature Excursions: Surrounded by the beautiful Mystic River estuary, offers opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and birdwatching.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 2 hours from Boston, making it an accessible weekend getaway.

A charming coastal town known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and welcoming LGBTQ+ community.

Arts & Culture: Home to the Fine Arts Work Center, a renowned artist residency program that attracts creatives from around the world.
Nature Activities: Offers scenic bike trails, whale watching tours, and opportunities for birdwatching at the Provincetown Coast Guard Station Beach.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 3 hours from Boston, making it a great weekend escape.

A picturesque coastal city with a rich colonial history and vibrant food scene.

Historical Sites: Features the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum showcasing 17th-century architecture and domestic life.
Food & Drink: Known for its diverse food scene, offering everything from seafood shacks to farm-to-table restaurants.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 1.5 hours from Boston, making it an easy weekend getaway.

A pristine island with beautiful beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Beaches: Boasts beautiful sandy beaches such as Mohegan Bluffs and Mansion Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Nature Activities: Offers activities like bike rentals, boat tours, and birdwatching at the North Lighthouse.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 4 hours from Boston, requiring a short ferry ride to reach.

A charming island known for its historic homes, beautiful beaches, and upscale boutiques.

Historical Sites: Features the Whaling Museum, showcasing the history of Nantucket's whaling industry.
Beaches: Offers beautiful sandy beaches like Jetties Beach and Children's Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 2 hours by ferry from Hyannis, Massachusetts, making it a weekend getaway destination.

A historic coastal town known for its magnificent mansions, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts scene.

Historical Sites: Features The Breakers, a Vanderbilt summer cottage that showcases the opulence of Gilded Age architecture.
Beaches: Offers beautiful beaches like First Beach (Easton's Beach) and Second Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 1.5 hours from Providence, Rhode Island, making it an accessible weekend getaway.

A charming town in the Green Mountains known for its ski resorts, outdoor activities, and historic sites.

Outdoor Activities: Offers year-round outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and hot air balloon rides.
Historical Sites: Features the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, dedicated to the famous poet who lived in Stowe for many years.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 4 hours from Boston, making it a great weekend getaway.

A picturesque region in western Massachusetts known for its cultural venues, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities.

Cultural Venues: Home to the Tanglewood Music Center, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Nature Activities: Offers activities like hiking in the Berkshire Mountains and canoeing on Stockbridge Bowl.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 2 hours west of Boston, making it an accessible weekend getaway.

A unique museum located on the shores of Lake Champlain featuring American folk art, decorative arts, and historic buildings.

Americana Collection: Boasts a vast collection of American folk art, including paintings, pottery, and quilts.
Historic Buildings: Features more than 39 historic buildings that have been relocated to the museum's campus.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 4 hours from Boston, making it a great weekend getaway.

A picturesque village located near the Quechee Gorge in Vermont, featuring shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.

Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by the scenic Quechee Gorge, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and fishing.
Shopping & Dining: Features a variety of shops selling Vermont-made products and restaurants offering local cuisine.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 4 hours from Boston, making it a weekend getaway destination.

A fun and interactive factory tour in Vermont that showcases the process of making world-famous ice cream.

Interactive Experience: Offers a self-guided tour where visitors can see, smell, and taste the ice cream-making process.
Ice Cream Tasting: Includes a free sample of freshly made ice cream at the end of the tour.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 4 hours from Boston, making it a weekend getaway destination.

A living history museum in Massachusetts that showcases the daily life of New Englanders in the 1800s.

Authentic Experience: Features over 40 buildings filled with artifacts and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Nature Activities: Offers opportunities for horse-drawn wagon rides, walking tours, and picnicking on the grounds.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 1 hour west of Boston, making it an accessible weekend getaway.

A museum in upstate New York that showcases the artifacts and history of the French and Indian War.

Historical Sites: Features a vast collection of weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts related to the French and Indian War.
Educational Experience: Offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 6 hours from Boston, making it a weekend getaway destination.

A popular amusement park in western Massachusetts known for its thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions.

Thrill Rides: Features over a dozen roller coasters, including the Wicked Cyclone and the New England SkyScreamer.
Family-Friendly Attractions: Offers a variety of rides, shows, and activities for families with children.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 1.5 hours west of Boston, making it an accessible weekend getaway.

A family-friendly zoo in Connecticut that features a wide variety of animals and educational programs.

Wildlife Exhibits: Features over 200 species of animals, including tigers, giraffes, and penguins.
Educational Programs: Offers a variety of educational programs, including animal demonstrations and keeper talks.
Distance from Boston: Located approximately 2 hours northeast of Boston, making it a weekend getaway destination.