One of the luxuries we take for granted living in New England is the proximity of so many incredible cities. There’s so much to experience in this little region. So it’s time to hit the open road and rotate those tires, here are six day trips around Boston that will take you 60 minutes or less to drive to.
Rockport, MA
Google Maps Driving Time: 52 min
In Rockport you’ll find a seacoast village, a harbor populated by lobster fleets, and the most often-painted building in America – a fishing shack known as Motif No. 1. Bearskin Neck is a quaint little area with great shops and restaurants.
Gloucester, MA
Google Maps Driving Time: 42 min
Gloucester might be the most authentic and picturesque fishing centers you’ll ever have the privilege of seeing. “America’s Oldest Seaport” also doubles as a center for painting and printmaking and an haven for the arts. A little outside the main stretch, check out Dogtown Commons for some of the most unique walking trails in the country.
Providence, RI
Google Maps Driving Time: 59 min
There is so much to see in this little city. Take a walk through the campuses of Rhode Island School of Design and historic Brown University, dine and explore in the Little Italy region of Historic Federal Hill, look through old library stacks at the Providence Athenaeum or explore sites that inspired the famous horror author, H.P. Lovecraft. If you’re looking for something a little more wild, Thayer Street is sure to delight.
Portsmouth, NH
Google Maps Driving Time: 58 min
Portsmouth is a historic seaport with a great combination of old and new flavors. With so many incredible restaurants, breweries, performance venues, and museums, you’ll be surprised that this city can still maintain such a friendly small town vibe.
Lowell, MA
Google Maps Driving Time: 34 min
Take a trip to Lowell and explore the historic mills which once powered this country’s textile industry. Check out The Boott Cotton Mills Museum, National Streetcar Museum, and The New England Quilt Museum. And get lost in the booming arts scene at the local favorite Mill No. 5 converted mill.
Salem, MA
Google Maps Driving Time: 38 min
Salem is known as “The City of Witchesy” and for all intents and purposes, the spooky capital of the world. In the city where it’s always Halloween, you’ll have fun exploring places like The House of Seven Gables, The Witch House, and Gallows Hill Park, which has a direct connection to the witch trials from the 15th century. Don’t forget to also check out the Peabody Essex Museum and the Samuel McIntire Historic District, one of the most impressive concentrations of architecture you’ll ever see.
