From enjoyable in a Cape Cod coastal city to climbing the rocky shoreline of Maine, discover the very best of New England on these street journeys from Boston!
Boston is likely one of the most well-known cities in america. With a widely known colonial historical past, world-class sports activities groups, and a great deal of leisure and eating choices, Boston is a vibrant and exquisite metropolis.
One of many greatest issues to do whereas visiting the Boston space is strive a street journey or two! Boston is surrounded by quintessential New England surroundings that wows locals and guests alike.
So if you happen to don’t have already got a automotive, hire one and get exploring!
You may street journey as much as New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine. Style contemporary lobsters, hike within the lush mountains, swim in a pristine lake, or simply take pleasure in a scenic drive by way of multicolored fall foliage.
Or head south to Rhode Island or Cape Cod. Superb seashores, charming coastal cities, and offshore islands await.
These with extra time to spare may even strive a street journey exterior of New England. Drive all the way down to New York Metropolis, town that by no means sleeps. Or street journey to the well-known Niagara Falls, or head north to take a look at Canadian gems like Montreal and Quebec.
Boston street journeys are a tremendous strategy to discover the northeast USA. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a weekend getaway or a fast day journey, these improbable locations close to Boston are excellent for a street journey!
The easiest way to get round is to hire a automotive and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of automobiles for the very best worth available on the market.
Desk of Contents
- Greatest Highway Journeys From Boston
- 1. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
- 2. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- 3. Martha’s Winery, Massachusetts
- 4. Stowe, Vermont
- 5. Montreal, Canada
- 6. Newport, Rhode Island
- 7. White Mountains, New Hampshire
- 8. Portland, Maine
- 9. New York Metropolis, New York
- 10. Lake Champlain, Vermont
- 11. Niagara Falls, New York
- 12. Windfall, Rhode Island
- 13. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 14. Quebec Metropolis, Canada
When is the very best time of yr for street journeys from Boston?
New England gives one thing particular always of yr, so you are able to do a street journey from Boston yr spherical.
Nevertheless, every season is totally different and it’s possible you’ll wish to plan your street journeys to swimsuit the climate.
Summer season in New England is sizzling and wealthy with greenery. That is the very best time to street journey north to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Canada. You’ll have splendid circumstances for out of doors actions like climbing, {golfing}, swimming, and sightseeing in nature.
The summer time months are additionally probably the most crowded at touristy spots close to Boston. So the perfect time for street journeys is autumn or late spring.
Autumn round Boston is famously attractive. The leaves change and switch the forests into magical kaleidoscopes of shade. The temperatures additionally begin to get cooler and crowds could reduce as folks return to high school and work, which can be higher for hitting the climbing trails.
Spring additionally has nice climate, although the climate is extra unpredictable. Spring within the Boston space can generally nonetheless really feel like winter, and snowstorms generally seem as late as Could!
And naturally, winter is freezing and more durable for street journeys from Boston. Snow and ice could trigger some street closures. Nevertheless, winter remains to be lovely, and you are able to do some enjoyable street journeys to the mountains for snowboarding or snowboarding.
Simply be sure you have an excellent automobile and a few restoration gear in case of tough street circumstances. At all times examine native climate alerts earlier than your street journeys as properly!
Greatest Highway Journeys From Boston
Let’s dive into the very best street journeys from Boston! These street journey locations showcase the very best of New England and the encircling areas. Every street journey results in a well-liked vacation spot, whether or not or not it’s a metropolis, coastal city, nationwide park, pure attraction, or a basic area.
The driving instances and distances from Boston mirror the direct route from downtown Boston to the vacation spot. You may modify any street journey to be longer and cease at close by points of interest alongside the way in which.
So after a couple of days of exploring Boston, seize your rental automotive and prepare to discover the wonder, tradition, historical past, and nature of northeast USA!
1. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
- Distance from Boston: 280 miles
- Driving time: 4.5 hours
Acadia Nationwide Park is the solely nationwide park in New England, and it’s a actual deal with to discover. Filled with granite peaks, dense woodlands, wealthy biodiversity, and picturesque shorelines, this can be a nature lover’s paradise.
Guests can hike Cadillac Mountain, the very best level on the US East Coast that gives unimaginable sunrises. Different fashionable climbing trails embody the difficult Precipice Path or Beehive Path, or the simple Jordan Pond Path or Ocean Path Path.
The street journey from Boston to Acadia Nationwide Park takes you north alongside the New Hampshire and Maine coastlines. Cease in charming coastal cities like Portsmouth, York, Kennebunkport, and Portland alongside the way in which if you’d like a extra leisurely street journey.
Bar Harbor is a well-liked place to cease earlier than or after exploring Acadia Nationwide Park as properly. The city is usually thought-about the gateway to the nationwide park, and it’s a good spot to spend the night time throughout your street journey.
Nestled between the sapphire waters of Frenchman Bay and the forests of Acadia, Bar Harbor is a picturesque place to go whale watching, kayaking, and exploring. Take a look at the city’s historic streets lined with distinctive retailers, artwork galleries, and seafood eating places.
E-book a self guided audio tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia Nationwide Park to make your street journey even simpler!
2. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Distance from Boston: Between 60 and 115 miles, relying on the place you go
- Driving time: Between 1-2 hours
One other one of the crucial fashionable street journeys from Boston is Cape Cod.
This iconic peninsula lined with sand bars, coastal marshes, and quaint cities is a well-liked vacation and retirement spot for New England locals. Should you’re on the lookout for the right summer time street journey from Boston, Cape Cod is a good alternative!
Your entire peninsula is filled with cute cities and idyllic seashores. From Bourne and Sandwich on the prime of Cape Cod to Provincetown and the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore on the finish, you may spend days driving round Cape Cod and by no means tiring of the surroundings and points of interest.
Go bicycling alongside the Cape Cod Rail Path, snap an image of a historic lighthouse, or go to points of interest just like the Cape Cod Museum of Pure Historical past and the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
You might spend a couple of days road-tripping alongside your complete peninsula and stopping in fashionable cities alongside the way in which resembling Falmouth, Mashpee, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Chatham, and Eastham.
Cape Cod is a well-liked weekend journey from Boston, so attempt to go in the course of the week if you wish to escape the crowds! It’s additionally a street journey that’s greatest accomplished in summer time. Cape Cod’s seashores are nonetheless lovely within the lifeless of winter, however a lot of native institutions shut when summer time ends so that you’re choices are extra restricted.
3. Martha’s Winery, Massachusetts
- Distance from Boston: 93 miles
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
Martha’s Winery, together with different New England islands like Block Island, Plum Island, and Nantucket, are like little slices of paradise on the chilly Atlantic Coast.
As a result of they’re islands, any of those street journeys would require a ferry trip. Martha’s Winery is likely one of the hottest island journeys to take from Boston. Merely drive all the way down to Falmouth or Woods Gap in Cape Cod and get the ferry over.
When you arrive, spend a while exploring the historic homes of Oak Bluffs, the elegant streets of Edgartown, and the great thing about Aquinnah’s clay cliffs.
Martha’s Winery additionally incorporates a vibrant arts scene, beautiful eating choices with a give attention to contemporary seafood, and quite a few out of doors actions resembling biking, climbing, and crusing.
You don’t essentially want a automotive to discover islands like Nantucket and Martha’s Winery, but it surely does present extra flexibility in your journey. Verify the ferry schedules on-line and e-book your ticket prematurely to make sure it doesn’t promote out. Or if you happen to’re simply taking the ferry over for a couple of hours to discover on foot, you should buy your ferry ticket once you arrive on the terminal.
4. Stowe, Vermont
- Distance from Boston: 200 miles
- Driving time: 3.5 hours
Probably the greatest street journeys from Boston in winter is to Stowe, Vermont. It is a lovely street journey yr spherical, however Stowe is particularly fashionable in wintertime for snowboarding and snowboarding.
Plus, driving by way of the distant forests and cities of Massachusetts and Vermont is magical in winter when the area is blanketed in contemporary snow.
When you arrive in Stowe, spend a couple of days having fun with this city within the north of the Inexperienced Mountains.
Stowe is close to Vermont’s tallest mountain, Mount Mansfield, which gives distinctive snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter. Go to Stowe Mountain Ski Resort, the hottest ski resort within the space, to strive winter sports activities on Mount Mansfield or Spruce Peak.
Through the hotter months, the world transforms right into a haven for climbing, biking, and tenting. The charming downtown space of Stowe is full of boutique retailers, artwork galleries, and quite a lot of eating choices.
5. Montreal, Canada
- Distance from Boston: 307 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours
Southeast Canada is definitely top-of-the-line street journey locations close to Boston! A street journey to Montreal will take you thru New Hampshire and Vermont till you cross the border into Canada. Be sure you have your passport for this street journey!
Stowe, Vermont is barely on the way in which to Montreal so you may mix the 2 locations into an extended street journey. If you’re hoping to make some stops on the way in which to Montreal, you’ll even be passing by way of two state capitals: Harmony, New Hampshire and Montpelier, Vermont.
However there may be clearly a lot to do within the well-known metropolis of Montreal, so be sure you have at the very least a couple of days right here!
Montreal is the most important metropolis within the Canadian province of Quebec and is understood for its old-world European appeal.
Be sure you try the historic Outdated Montreal with its cobblestone streets and Gothic Revival structure. Plateau Mont-Royal is one other fashionable neighborhood, with its bohemian vibe and colourful murals. Or be part of a St. Lawrence river cruise and benefit from the metropolis from the water!
Montreal hosts quite a few festivals all year long, together with the world-famous Montreal Worldwide Jazz Competition. However the metropolis is gorgeous yr spherical, so positively contemplate this street journey you probably have time!
6. Newport, Rhode Island
- Distance from Boston: 71 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
A preferred day journey vacation spot from Boston, Newport is likely one of the most scenic locations in Rhode Island.
Identified for its opulent Gilded Age mansions, gorgeous waterfront views, and wealthy maritime historical past, Newport combines upscale class with coastal appeal.
Typically referred to as the “Crusing Capital of the World,” Newport’s harbor is full of yachts and sailboats, and the waterfront is enjoyable to stroll round even if you happen to’re not into crusing.
Guests can discover the historic Newport Mansions, resembling The Breakers and Marble Home, which showcase the grandeur of America’s wealthiest households in the course of the late nineteenth century.
The Cliff Stroll, a scenic 3.5-mile pathway alongside the jap shore, gives breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the cool Newport structure. Newport can also be filled with cool retailers, historic streets, and superb eating places with contemporary seafood.
This is likely one of the shortest street journeys from Boston because it’s solely about an hour to succeed in Newport from downtown. So if you happen to’re on the lookout for a enjoyable day journey that doesn’t require an excessive amount of journey, this can be a nice possibility.
Should you’re hoping to increase the street journey, you may even catch the ferry to Block Island and spend a day being a seashore bum!
7. White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Distance from Boston: 165 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
A street journey itinerary by way of the White Mountains is gorgeous, particularly in autumn. Those that love nature and foliage ought to add this weekend getaway from Boston to their bucket lists!
The White Mountain Nationwide Forest is filled with sloping hills, granite cliffs, towering mountains, lush forests, small cities, and New England appeal.
Travellers flock right here in autumn to witness the magnificent altering of leaves, however summer time can also be a superb time to discover the mountains. Climbing, tenting, and backpacking are fashionable methods to journey by way of the wilderness within the White Mountain Nationwide Forest.
There are many superb climbing trails right here, together with the tallest peak in New Hampshire, Mount Washington. Different spectacular hikes embody Flume Gorge, the Franconia Ridge Loop, and the well-known Appalachian Path.
Should you’re not trying to hike, expertise some small city appeal in locations like Lincoln or North Conway. The White Mountains make a beautiful day journey, weekend getaway, or prolonged street journey from Boston.
8. Portland, Maine
- Distance from Boston: 112 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
As one of the crucial beloved cities within the Jap United States, Portland showcases the very best of New England tradition and the surroundings of the Maine coast.
See iconic coastal landmarks just like the Portland Head Lighthouse, flick through galleries on the Portland Museum of Artwork, or pattern native craft beers on the Allagash Brewing Firm.
Stroll by way of the historic Outdated Port district and take a look at the quaint cobblestone streets, stylish retailers, avenue artwork, and native eateries the place you may get a contemporary lobster roll.
Go for a nature stroll or bike trip alongside the scenic Jap Promenade, or go on a ship cruise by way of Casco Bay to admire the encircling islands and waterways.
Whether or not you wish to take up pure magnificence, laid-back tradition, or New England historical past, Portland has all of it!
9. New York Metropolis, New York
- Distance from Boston: 215 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
New York Metropolis is likely one of the hottest street journeys from Boston, although this one is extra concerning the vacation spot than the journey. Driving from Boston to NYC is principally highways that aren’t tremendous scenic.
You may cease in small Massachusetts or Connecticut cities alongside the way in which. However most individuals simply take probably the most direct route as a result of it’s simpler. You may get from Boston to New York Metropolis in beneath 4 hours and have ample time to discover the well-known Massive Apple!
Attempt to full this street journey early within the morning or later within the night to keep away from peak visitors instances going into town. You in all probability gained’t be capable of keep away from all visitors in NYC, however simply have some good tunes for the automotive to maintain you entertained alongside the way in which.
When you arrive in New York Metropolis, you’re completely spoilt for alternative in relation to actions and points of interest.
NYC is house to a few of the most well-known sights on this planet, from the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Constructing, to Instances Sq. and Central Park. A CityPASS may also help you lower your expenses on the highest museums and points of interest, which is superb as a result of metropolis life in NYC isn’t low cost!
10. Lake Champlain, Vermont
- Distance from Boston: 216 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 35 minutes
Positioned about 3 and a half hours northwest of Boston, Lake Champlain is the sixth largest freshwater lake in america.
The lake spans over 120 miles in size and stretches into northern Vermont, New York, and Quebec, Canada. You might drive to any of the cities surrounding the huge lake, however one of the crucial handy lakeside cities to succeed in from Boston is Burlington, Vermont.
Burlington is a small city with an enormous vitality. There are festivals, museums, markets, and plenty of leisure, eating, and lodging choices in Burlington.
The city can also be the right gateway to Lake Champlain, particularly in the summertime when water sports activities are satisfying.
Guests to Lake Champlain can take pleasure in boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, with quite a few seashores and marinas alongside its shoreline.
The Lake Champlain Islands, accessible by causeways and ferries, present a tranquil retreat with scenic vistas, orchards, and alternatives for biking and exploring native farms. That is a tremendous street journey from Boston for these craving out of doors journey!
View the very best lodging in Burlington, Vermont on Reserving.com!
11. Niagara Falls, New York
- Distance from Boston: 467 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours
One of many extra formidable street journeys from Boston is Niagara Falls. However the journey is value it if you happen to’ve by no means seen this pure surprise of the world earlier than!
A direct drive from Boston to Niagara Falls is round 7 hours. You might shortly full the drive in someday, or take your time and make some stops alongside the way in which.
This street journey will take you thru western Massachusetts the place you may cease in cities like Amherst or Springfield. Or you may cease in some fashionable New York locations like Albany, Syracuse, and Buffalo.
However be sure you go away ample time to discover Niagara Falls, one of many world’s most well-known waterfalls!
The falls encompass three main waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian facet and the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the US facet. Maid of the Mist is the most well-liked boat tour on the US facet the place you may tour the majestic falls from the water and stand up near the cascades.
Past the falls themselves, the encircling Niagara Falls State Park gives climbing trails, gardens, and gorgeous views of the Niagara River Gorge, making Niagara Falls a really unforgettable vacation spot.
12. Windfall, Rhode Island
- Distance from Boston: 50 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour
About an hour south of Boston lies Windfall, one other top-of-the-line cities to discover in Rhode Island.
Windfall is likely one of the oldest cities in america and has an abundance of cultural richness, historic landmarks, and a vibrant arts scene.
Guests can stroll alongside the vigorous waterfront of the Windfall River, indulge within the nightlife downtown, go to an area museum, or be part of a ghost tour to study concerning the historical past in a novel manner.
Households can try the varied animal displays at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Historical past fans can tour the Rhode Island State Home and Profit Road, referred to as “The Mile of Historical past,” that includes well-preserved colonial properties and museums.
Artwork lovers will admire visiting the Rhode Island College of Design Museum (RISD Museum), showcasing an in depth assortment of artwork starting from historical to modern works.
Although it’s only a brief drive from Boston to Windfall, it’s a handy street journey the place you may get to know a really particular metropolis in New England!
13. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Distance from Boston: 311 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours
Enterprise southwest from Boston by way of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to discover town of Philadelphia. That is a simple metropolis to go to after NYC as properly if you wish to mix the 2 into one street journey.
As one of many oldest cities in america, Philadelphia is stuffed with issues to do! The town is understood for its colonial heritage, evident in iconic landmarks like Independence Corridor and the Liberty Bell.
The town’s cobblestone streets within the historic district of Outdated Metropolis transport guests again in time, providing a glimpse into the previous by way of preserved colonial-era buildings and museums such because the Museum of the American Revolution.
Past its historical past, Philadelphia is a vibrant cultural hub, house to world-class artwork establishments just like the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork, with its well-known “Rocky Steps,” and the Barnes Basis, housing a formidable assortment of impressionist and trendy artwork.
Philadelphia’s meals scene is as various as its tradition. The town’s Studying Terminal Market, a bustling meals corridor since 1893, is the very best place to strive native meals together with a well-known Philly cheesesteak.
You don’t wish to rush your exploration of Philly. So you probably have a couple of days to spare, Philadelphia is likely one of the greatest street journeys from Boston!
Take a look at this 3 Days in Philadelphia Itinerary for extra concepts!
14. Quebec Metropolis, Canada
- Distance from Boston: 397 miles
- Driving time: 6 hours and half-hour
At about 6 and a half hours from Boston, Quebec Metropolis is an formidable however worthwhile street journey vacation spot. You might even mix this with a visit to Montreal, as the 2 Canadian cities are solely about 260km aside.
Each cities are completely value visiting if you wish to expertise the wonders of jap Canada.
Quebec Metropolis particularly is a vacation spot wealthy with historical past and tradition. Begin within the historic Outdated Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The charming district is stuffed with slender cobblestone streets, Seventeenth-century structure, and the long-lasting Château Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Guests can discover historic websites such because the Citadel, stroll alongside the scenic Dufferin Terrace, and immerse themselves in Quebec’s French Canadian tradition by way of its museums, artwork galleries, and vigorous festivals just like the Quebec Winter Carnival.
If in case you have time to enterprise past town, you may discover Quebec’s pure magnificence within the Laurentian Mountains. Prolong your street journey by way of the scenic Laurentian and Appalachian roads and take a look at out of doors actions resembling snowboarding, climbing, ice skating, and wildlife watching.
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