The lazy days of summer are winding down, and fall is right around the corner. Don’t put away the bathing suits and break out the sweaters just yet, though — there is still plenty of summer to enjoy! And what better way to make the most of this glorious season than a late-summer day trip?
Provincetown
Distance from Boston: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by car, or 90 minutes by ferry
Provincetown is full of fun activities for the whole family! Take a tour on the Mayflower Trolley, ride through the dunes, visit one of the gorgeous beaches, enjoy the Circus by the Sea at the Payomet Performing Arts Center, check out the lighthouses and museums, and don’t forget to take the kids to visit Puzzle Me This, an amazing shop full of puzzles and brain teasers for all ages!
York, Maine
Distance from Boston: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you are looking for a quaint New England locale that has something for everyone, look no further than York, Maine! Visit the beautiful York Beach, eat ice cream in one of the many delicious shops, play in arcades, miniature golf, visit the beautiful lighthouses, take a whale watching tour, see how saltwater taffy is made at the Golden Rod, and enjoy the amazing zoo and amusement park at York’s Wild Kingdom!
Mystic Seaport
Distance from Boston: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Mystic, Connecticut, holds far more than just the Mystic Aquarium (though that is reason enough to visit!). Visit the Seaport Museum, explore the many hiking and biking trails, journey along the Mystic River, and wander through the shops downtown in this quintessential New England town!
Dinosaur State Park
Distance from Boston: Approximately 2 hours
Calling all dinosaur lovers! A visit to Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, is the perfect day trip for you! Check out Jurassic fossil prints under the geodesic dome that are more than 200 million years old! The museum presents a bird’s-eye view of the dinosaur tracks that are preserved in the Mesozoic floodplain, dioramas of Triassic and Jurassic environments, and interactive exhibits for all to enjoy. The Dinosaur State Park Arboretum surrounds the exhibit center and contains more than 250 species of plant life that appeared in the time of the dinosaurs!
George's Island
Distance from Boston: Approximately 45 minutes via ferry
If you are looking for a fantastic day trip that is only a hop, skip and jump (over the water!) from Boston, George’s Island is the perfect escape! Visit Fort Warren, learn about the rich history of the island, and take a walking tour! Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the beautiful, scenic areas!
Springfield Museums
Distance from Boston: Approximately 2 hours
There is plenty to do on this trip to Western, Massachusetts! Visit the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss, as well as the four other connected Springfield Museums! Take a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame, be adventurous and ride some roller coasters at Six Flags New England, and say hi to the animals at the Forest Park Zoo!
