Boston Things to Do

A great day trip from Boston is Martha’s Vineyard. Full of 19th-century architecture, beaches and boutiques, it’s great for outdoor fun and town strolls.

While Boston has much to offer visitors, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Luckily, there are a variety of worthwhile getaways accessible from the city. To help you plan the perfect day trip, here are some suggestions.

Many Boston visitors—and even residents—don’t realize just how close and accessible the seaside wilderness is on the Boston Harbor Islands, which are only a short ferry ride away from downtown.

The history of Salem, Massachusetts has forever left an indelible mark in the psyche of the American public. There is no mention of this town without some remembrance of the macabre Salem Witch Trials of colonial times. The gruesome story goes something like this: In 1692, a group of girls became afflicted with fits and pointed the finger of guilt at various women of the town, accusing them of witchcraft.

City chaos too much for you?

A few miles north of Boston is a 2,500-acre reservation called Middlesex Fells, which brushes against the smaller towns of Malden, Stoneham, Melrose, Medford, and Winchester. There are almost a dozen available hikes of different lengths and difficulties – more than 100 miles of trails!