There’s so much to do in Boston that you might not bother to explore what’s outside its city limits. But don’t forget: Boston is located in a convenient location that’s perfect to explore the rich history and scenic beauty of New England. Make sure you plan a day trip to one of these locations to broaden your Boston experience.
ROCK ON IN PLYMOUTH
This is the site of the first Pilgrim settlement of 1620. The landing is commemorated with the Plymouth Rock Memorial site near the heart of town. A replica ship, the Mayflower II, is docked nearby. Visitors can check out the Plimoth Plantation and experience what life was like for the early settlers.
GOTHIC TALES IN SALEM
Salem’s history will always be tied to the infamous witch trials of 1692. There are plenty of sites and shops to explore in the center of town. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s House of the Seven Gables offers a tour for a nominal fee. If you have a sweet tooth, check out the Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, dubbed America’s oldest candy company.
FIRST SHOTS OF A REVOLUTION AT LEXINGTON/CONCORD
If you’re a history buff, head over to the Lexington and Concord areas. Here, the first military engagements of the American Revolution took place. Every April, the American victory is celebrated with Patriots’ Day activities. For fans of literature, it’s a great chance to go explore Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord; the cemetery’s Author’s Ridge is the final resting place for Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau.
GO EXPLORE AT CAPE COD
Cape Cod is a peninsula off the coast of Massachusetts. The most famous town in the peninsula is Hyannis, which was the residence of the Kennedy family. You can take a walk from downtown on the Kennedy Legacy Tour with the first stop at the John F. Kennedy Museum. If lighthouses pique your interest, there are plenty to view along the coast and some are even open for public tours. For nature lovers, the Cape Cod National Seashore offers over 40 forty miles of pristine beaches to explore.
HOP A FERRY TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD
You can catch a ferry from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard. The island is the fifth largest in the United States. Martha’s Vineyard is only accessible by boat or air and is famous for being an exclusive summer getaway for the wealthy. Everyone from presidents to film stars have vacationed here. The Oak Bluffs area even includes a centuries-old carousel known as the Flying Horses.
These day trips from Boston can really expand your understanding of the entire state of Massachusetts and can be the perfect break from the buzz of the city, so don’t forget to plan your adventure in advance.
