Top 5 Weekend Getaways in Boston

Boston is one of the few places that enjoy an incredible location in the heart of New England which offers residents and visitors plenty of options for quick weekend getaways. In fact, one of the reasons why living in Boston is so incredible is how easy it is to leave the city and quickly be surrounded by beautiful scenery and fun small towns.

It is also a couple of hours away from some of the best vacation destinations on the East Coast. You can plan relaxing weekend getaways to Nantucket, head to Rhode Island, or explore the beautiful coast of Maine. Here are the five best weekend trips and getaways from Boston.

Weekend Getaways

1. Provincetown, Massachusetts

It will take you approximately one and a half hours to reach Provincetown via the Boston Harbor Cruises Ferry. Although the town is part of the larger Cape, it deserves special recognition since it boasts a wide range of exciting attractions. First, if you choose P-town (as it is commonly referred to) for your weekend getaway, there will be no need to drive. The beautiful ferry that departs from downtown Boston offers you a perfect opportunity to skip all that pesky Cape traffic. Provincetown is also an excellent night life destination that is worth your time. If you are looking to combine the big city life and the beach town charm, P-Town is the place for you.

2. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport has a beautiful shoreline where captains of sailboats and captains of industry still congregate. Located about 80 miles from Boston, this gorgeous getaway offers ample romantic attractions that will keep your weekend lit. Something that you will definitely want to do is to visit one of the fantastic Newport mansions where the uber wealthy businessmen used to live many years ago. The 3.5-mile-long Cliff Walk also offers great exercise and views of the bay. You should spare some time to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame that is more than a museum and the beautiful Museum of Yachting which serves as a repository of classic wooden boats that their rich history at Fort Adams State Park.

3. Berkshires, Massachusetts

The iconic Berkshire Mountains have always been the center of attraction for city-slickers, especially during the fall foliage season. This amazing region strategically located in Western parts of Massachusetts is popular for its famous dweller Norman Rockwell, a talented artist, who lived in Stockbridge for more than 25 years and has been honored with his own museum that contains more than 1,000 original painting and drawings which is the artist’s most extensive collection in the entire world. You can also tour Herman Melville’s former home or the extensive Arrowhead farm in the region. There are also lots of affordable hotels where you can check-in and spend a few days as you tour the Berkshires.

4. Portland, Maine

There are lots of reasons to leave Boston for another smaller city that is especially known for its exquisite culinary experience and ambience. Make sure that you plan your tour on a long weekend so that you have enough time to explore the many wineries, breweries, and distilleries, in the beautiful city of Portland. You can only take breaks to try the delicious food at the numerous incredible restaurants. And since it is Maine, don’t leave without ordering lobster at one of the Portland hotspots.

5. Burlington, Vermont

Did you know that much of Burlington’s design and feel mimics that of the famous Boulder in Colorado? However, the good news is that you can enjoy everything without getting on a plane. Burlington also embodies the incredible outdoor culture and unique lifestyle that you will love. Make sure that you climb the nearby Mt. Mansfield, kayak Lake Champlain, and bike the Island Line Trail all in one long and exciting weekend.

If you’re looking from something more low-key, check out 10 things to do in Boston on a budget.