Although Boston is full of charming attractions, excellent bars, and delicious restaurants, sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the city and explore other areas. If you’re planning your escape, take a look at the top destinations to visit on the weekend from the city for families, singles, couples, and people without a car. Weekend Getaways from Boston.
Weekend Getaways from Boston
For families: Provincetown
Located about 2 hours from Boston, Provincetown is a year-round destination for a family weekend getaway. It is found on the tip of Cape Cod and offers kid-friendly, pristine beaches with calm waters for young children to swim in, as well as tours for older children to enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports. Many attractions with educational opportunities can be found in Provincetown, such as the Historic Pilgrim Monument, Pilgrim’s First Landing Park, and Race Point Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse with spectacular views of the ocean and waterfront.
Kids will also love the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum, and the Provincetown Museum, which is home to artifacts from regional maritime history. If you’re looking for unique and memorable experiences, you can try a whale-watching tour, explore artifacts from a pirate ship at the Expedition Whydah Museum, or fascinating marine life at the SEA Space Marine Discovery Center. You can also explore the larger Cape Cod National Seashore area on your weekend getaway, which is home to mound beaches, woodlands, salt marshes, and charming seaside communities with shops, restaurants, cafes, and other entertainment for kids to enjoy. such as the Kennedy Legacy Trail and the John F. Kennedy Museum.
For couples: Martha’s Vineyard
Accessible by car or ferry within hours of Boston, Martha’s Vineyard is a popular island vacation destination for well-to-do visitors, making it a great choice for a romantic getaway. There are many things to do for couples like strolling or biking across the island to see the charming coastal communities.
Aquina Cliffs are one of the top spots for hikers, and you can hike to the summit to take in spectacular sunrise or sunset views of the Elizabeth Islands and Gay Head Light. Martha’s Vineyard also boasts beautiful beaches with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for some intimate couples relaxing and recharging. If you want to experience some of the island’s attractions, you can take a tour of the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge or explore local history artifacts at Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Another romantic experience is visiting the Mytoi Japanese Garden, a traditional Japanese garden preserved with a laid-back atmosphere and walking paths that take you through elaborate landscaping with Japanese sculptures and water features. You’ll also find art galleries and museums, such as the North Water Gallery and the Eisenhower Gallery, where you can view local and global artwork. There are plenty of accommodation options available for couples, all within reach of local restaurants, bars, and shops. Weekend Getaways from Boston.
For singles: Providence
Just an hour’s drive from Boston, Providence is a prime destination for singles on weekend getaways. The small town has an abundance of culture and history, such as the heritage house on Benefit Street and the State House, which boasts a stunning marble dome that is one of the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world.
You can stroll the streets to check out historic sites such as the Sprague Mansion, the State Arsenal, the Touro Synagogue, and the Nightingale-Brown House. If you’re looking for socializing and activities for singles, Providence has several bars, restaurants, and nightclubs for a fun night out, as well as a show-in-performing arts center.
In warmer climates, Waterplace Park offers festivals and arts events. You’ll find an array of art galleries and museums throughout the city, such as the RISD Museum, the Providence Art Club, and the Hafenrefer Museum of Anthropology. For a little fresh air, you can spend some time in parklands like India Point Park, Prospect Terrace, and Newtconnaught Hill Conservancy. Providence has a range of accommodation options for singles, giving you access to the city’s best shopping, dining, and attractions so you can make the most of your trip.
To get outdoors: Berkshires
Located in the western part of Massachusetts, about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Boston, Berkshire is a lush landscape with all kinds of outdoor activities. The Berkshires are part of the Appalachian Mountains and boast a number of trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, which travels through peaks, hills, and woods with waterfalls in places such as Beartown State Forest, Monument Mountain Reservation, and Toland State Forest.
The area is home to many natural attractions, such as the Berkshire Botanical Gardens and Bash Bish Falls. You can find plenty of accommodation options in the Berkshires to get in touch with nature, all within reach of the outdoors. You can hike, bike, climb, go whitewater rafting, or ride a zip line through the woods for a rejuvenating retreat. If you want to experience some indoor fun in quaint communities, you can visit places like Historic Deerfield, the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, and the Norman Rockwell Museum.
There are also some unique attractions, such as the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum. In winter, Berkshire ski resorts such as Ski Butternut and Otis Ridge are popular destinations for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
For the carless: Salem
Boston and Salem are connected by commuter rail, making Salem a great place to visit if you don’t have a car. The journey takes about 30 minutes, making it one of the easiest weekend getaways from Boston. You can also take the Salem Ferry and enjoy the beautiful water views of the city on a one-hour trip. Once you arrive, you will find that Salem is highly walkable and boasts of an extensive public transportation network.
You can use the Salem Harbor Shuttle to travel around the city, rent a bike, or walk from your Salem hotel to different destinations. The city has many exciting attractions for families with kids, singles on sightseeing, and couples looking for a romantic retreat. You can visit the Salem Witch Museum and Witch House in Salem to learn about the city’s famous witch trials, then head to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
The House of the Seven Gables, a famous historic mansion and garden, is also a popular attraction. If you’re looking for things to do with kids, you can visit the recreated Salem Pioneer Village or the Salem Wax Museum, or go on a high seas adventure at the New England Pirate Museum. In the warm season, Salem also has parks and beaches outside for some time.
Plan your weekend getaway
Whether you want to get lost in nature or you are looking for an opportunity to make memories with the family, plenty of destinations around Boston give you everything you need for a fun getaway. When it comes time to plan, take a look at the options for the Providence Hotel, Salem Hotel, and Berkshire Hotel to get you ready for the trip!
Similar Articles
