Do you ever find yourself wanting a quick escape from campus and Boston? Are midterms getting you down? Do you yearn for the fresh air of the New England coastline? Then I have the perfect day trip recommendations for you!
All centered around the Boston area, this list covers locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine. From iconic historical sites to the best shopping districts, I’ve noted down several locations that will guarantee a day of fun for anyone.
- ROCKPORT, MASSACHUSETTS
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Just an hour and fifteen-minute train ride on the commuter rail from Boston’s North Station is the picturesque beach town of Rockport, Massachusetts. With beautiful beaches perfect for a stroll (even in the fall and winter months), the Bearskin Neck shopping district, and scrumptious coffee shops and restaurants galore, Rockport is a perfect spot for a getaway and ocean view, while being accessible from Boston.
- SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
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Most famously (or infamously) known for the witch trials of the late 1600s is Salem, Massachusetts. Like Rockport, Salem is accessible by the commuter rail departing from North Station in Boston and is only about a 30-minute ride away.
This town is the ideal destination for people intrigued by history and witchcraft, as many historical sites and museums in Salem focus on the city’s history and the witch trials. There are even walking tours you can take where tour guides will point all this out to you. Salem’s downtown area also has an array of spooky stores and restaurants you can enjoy!
- PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
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For those wanting to venture to another city, Providence, Rhode Island, is a great option! Providence is a short one-hour ride away on Boston’s commuter rail from South Station or Back Bay Station. Full of beautiful architecture, Providence is a gorgeous city to explore, with well-known breakfast spots like PVDonuts and The Nitro Bar, museums such as the RISD Museum, and the historical Federal Hill shopping district.
- AN ADVENTURE IN MAINE
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While you would need access to a car for this adventure, it is very much worth it. About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Boston, Portland, Maine, is a charming city with shops lining the downtown area near the harbor, and many delicious restaurants to choose from. Then, on the drive to the next location, I would recommend stopping at some of the lighthouses along Maine’s coastline, perfect for Instagram pictures and sightseeing.
Next, a 25-minute drive from Portland is the town of Freeport. Freeport is a shopper’s paradise, as it is the site of the L.L. Bean Flagship store, which is open 24/7, and many other popular outlet stores. These three stops together would make the perfect New England day!
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations and consider them next time you decide to take a trip away from Boston!
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