Massachusetts is a historic New England state in the northeastern United States, home to world-renowned universities, revolutionary history, and stunning natural landscapes. From the cosmopolitan city of Boston to the scenic shores of Cape Cod and the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts offers a remarkable blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Salem
Salem is one of Massachusetts' most rewarding day trips, combining 1692 witch trial history with excellent maritime heritage, outstanding museums, and a charming historic district. The city is at its most spectacular in October when Halloween transforms the streets.
Highlights: Salem Witch Museum · The Witch House (Jonathan Corwin House) · Peabody Essex Museum (world-class maritime and Asian art collection) · Salem Heritage Trail · Charter Street Cemetery (one of America's oldest) · Pioneer Village
Plymouth
The birthplace of English colonial America offers an extraordinary concentration of Pilgrim history. Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, and Plimoth Patuxent (the living history museum) together tell the story of the 1620 landing and early colony with unmatched depth.
Highlights: Plymouth Rock · Mayflower II (replica ship) · Plimoth Patuxent Living History Museum · Burial Hill (colonial cemetery) · Jenney Museum · Plymouth's waterfront and seafood restaurants
Concord & Lexington
The twin towns where the American Revolution began on April 19, 1775. Lexington's Battle Green and Concord's Old North Bridge are among the most sacred sites in American history. Concord also offers Walden Pond (Thoreau), the homes of Emerson, Alcott, and Hawthorne, and outstanding dining.
Highlights: Lexington Battle Green and Minuteman Statue · Minute Man National Historical Park · North Bridge, Concord (first Revolutionary War battle) · Walden Pond (Thoreau's famous retreat) · Orchard House (Louisa May Alcott's home) · Ralph Waldo Emerson House · Old Manse
Cape Cod
Cape Cod's beaches, seafood shacks, lighthouses, and quaint villages make it Massachusetts' most popular day trip destination. Hyannis and mid-Cape are closest; Provincetown at the tip requires an early start or overnight stay.
Highlights: Nauset Beach (Orleans) — Atlantic swimming · Old Silver Beach (Falmouth) — bay swimming · Cape Cod National Seashore visitor centers · Arnold's Clam Bar (Eastham) — fried clams · Wellfleet oyster bars · Provincetown art galleries (if going to tip) · Chatham's Main Street and Fish Pier
Newport, Rhode Island
Rhode Island's jewel, Newport was America's Gilded Age playground where Vanderbilts and Astors built extravagant 'summer cottages' along the Cliff Walk. The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are among America's most spectacular mansions, open for tours.
Highlights: The Breakers (Vanderbilt mansion) · Marble House · Cliff Walk (3.5-mile coastal path past mansions) · Thames Street restaurants and bars · Newport Harbor sailing · Trinity Church (1726)
Berkshires
Western Massachusetts' mountain region offers world-class cultural institutions alongside stunning natural beauty. Tanglewood, Norman Rockwell Museum, MASS MoCA (contemporary art), and the natural wonders of Mount Greylock make the Berkshires one of New England's premier destinations.
Highlights: Tanglewood Music Festival (BSO concerts in summer) · Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge · MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art), North Adams · Mount Greylock — highest point in MA · The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge · The Mount (Edith Wharton's estate), Lenox · Monument Mountain hike
Lowell
America's first planned industrial city, Lowell National Historical Park preserves the original textile mills, worker housing, and canal system of the 1820s-1840s Industrial Revolution. Jack Kerouac was born here; his legacy pervades the city.
Highlights: Lowell National Historical Park (Boott Cotton Mills Museum) · Historic canal boat tours · Kerouac Park and Commemorative Plaques · American Textile History Museum · Lowell Folk Festival (last full weekend in July — free, one of America's largest) · UMass Lowell campus
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Under 30 Miles
Salem
Concord & Lexington
Lowell
30 To 60 Miles
Plymouth
Newport, Rhode Island
Over 60 Miles
Cape Cod
Berkshires
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
Multi-day tours from Massachusetts
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from MassachusettsWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.