The 14 Best Day Trips from Boston

1.Boston to Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,162 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $129Our pick

Leave Boston early in a 24-passenger minibus, ride through Cape Cod to Falmouth, and cross Vineyard Sound by ferry. On Martha’s Vineyard, explore independently or add a three-hour tour covering Edgartown, Aquinnah, Gay Head Light, and all six island towns. Guides such as Tom, Elaine, and Johnny Boston may lead the day.

“If I had the option I would give 3 1/2 stars. It is a FULL DAY TOUR! 2 1/2 hours to the ferry and same time getting back from the ferry is the worse part, but not horrible. Once on the ferry and getting to the island is enjoyable and scenic. We opted for the guided tour and Tom was an encyclopedia of the history and culture of the island. Tour is a thorough view of basically the entire island and towns. Not a lot of WOW moments but a few interesting facts and some nice views.”

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2.Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 573 reviews · 13 hours · from $129

Travel from downtown Boston to Martha’s Vineyard by minibus and ferry, then spend about six hours exploring Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Aquinnah. Choose free time or a three-hour island tour with a local guide such as Tom or Anthony. Expect an early start and a long, well-organized day.

“The driver was very personable and professional! Loved her bubbly demeanor”

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3.New England Aquarium Admission Ticket in Boston

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 446 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Book timed admission to Boston’s New England Aquarium and spend about two hours exploring more than 800 marine animals. See Myrtle, the 550-pound green sea turtle, watch penguins and seals, visit the Marine Mammal Center, and get close to rays at the touch tank. Mobile tickets make entry simple.

“Weekend attendance comes with tons of children. For folks with disabilities, this visit might be better during the weekdays and earlier in the day. This was a great place to visit, very informative!”

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4.Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 407 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $130

Travel from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard by coach and ferry, with stops at Falmouth and Nobska Point Lighthouse. You get about six hours on the island, either on your own or with an optional three-hour tour led by local guides such as Mark or Harry.

“if you can take the tour once you get on the island i highly recommend it. The driver and the island driver (tour guide) were awesome. there is a lot to see so it will take the entire day but don't miss this experience. great day!!”

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5.Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip including Quincy, Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 407 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $165Top rated

Ride a small, air-conditioned coach from Boston with guide Chris or another local narrator. Visit Plimoth Patuxet, Plymouth Rock, the Forefathers Monument, Quincy, Scituate Lighthouse, and Mayflower II, with snacks, water, admission fees, and coastal scenery included.

“Excellent guide/driver Chris gave very informative commentaries. Stops were the right length except we would have liked more free time in Plymouth as there is a lot to see in the town and less time at the Plantation. The Plantation is well worth seeing but everyone was back at the bus ready to go 20 minutes early. This is not a complaint. Others may think differently and it is not easy for the organiser to balance the timing.”

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6.Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Marble House Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 266 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $155

Travel from downtown Boston to Newport in a small group of up to 24 people. With guides such as Tim, Chris, or Lucia, you’ll tour The Breakers and Marble House, see Newport landmarks by minibus, walk part of the Cliff Walk, and get free time to explore.

“Very good experience. Very thankful for the driver, I took the wrong bus, he called me and waited for me to get his bus.”

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7.Boston to New Hampshire Fall Foliage White Mountains Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 251 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $150

Leave Boston at 7 a.m. for a full day in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Your guide, often Rory, Matt, or Keith, drives the Kancamagus Highway, stops for waterfalls and photos, allows lunch in North Conway, and visits Omni Mount Washington Resort before returning you to Boston.

“Tour was just the right amount of leaf peeping and sight seeing! Great humor and conversation. I would recommend for solo, couples, or group travel.”

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8.New England Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 223 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $45Best value

Cruise Boston Harbor aboard a 115-foot motor yacht styled after 1920s New England steamships. You’ll see the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Fort Independence, Spectacle Island, and the Seaport District, with moderate narration from the captain and drinks available by credit card.

“Excellent tour on a clean and comfortable vessel. All crew friendly and commentary informative. Whether you stay in the lounge or go on deck you get clear views. The duration is about right and you do get to appreciate Boston from a different perspective”

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9.Provincetown and Cape Cod High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 170 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Take Boston Harbor City Cruises’ high-speed catamaran from Long Wharf to Provincetown in about 90 minutes. You’ll get Boston skyline and harbor-island views, air-conditioned seating, WiFi, restrooms, a bar, snacks, and an onboard concierge to help plan your Cape Cod day.

“Leaves on time. Gets there quickly. The concierge has a cute routine. This time of year September not very crowded and pleasant. The crowded in July was more fun.”

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10.Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 123 reviews · from $120

Travel from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard by minibus and ferry, then spend time shopping, eating, relaxing, or joining an optional three-hour island tour. Guides such as Keith, Matt, Rory, and Harry add local history and practical tips along the way.

“friendly and knowledgeable guides. pickup was easy and the minibus was comfortable.”

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11.Quincy, Plymouth, and Mayflower II Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 102 reviews · 11 hours · from $165

Spend 11 hours touring Massachusetts history from Boston in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. Visit the Adams birthplaces in Quincy, Scituate Lighthouse, Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, and Plimoth Patuxet. Guides such as David add lively stories, local tips, and thoughtful pacing.

“It was excellent. We truly enjoyed it. We had beautiful weather and our guide was great. He explained everything and I feel I really learned a great deal. I did not realize how much history was in Quincy and Plymouth. Enjoyed the tour of the Mayflower. I found this trip very informative and truly historical. I would highly recommend this trip to any of my family or friends. Rita Washam”

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12.Boston to Kennebunkport with Optional Lobster Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $125

Travel from downtown Boston through New Hampshire and coastal Maine with guides such as Matt or Keith. Stop in Portsmouth, see Nubble Lighthouse, explore Kennebunkport, and add a 1.25-hour lobster boat tour. The small group, hotel pickup, snacks, and coastal narration make this an easy full-day escape.

“This was a great tour , mostly because of our guide , Matt. Very informative and added lots of color to the stories. I enjoyed the ride along the coast and the stops to Kennebunkport. I was underwhelmed by the town . But was glad I took the tour”

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13.New England Fall Lunch Cruise in Boston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 44 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $82

You will spend about 90 minutes cruising Boston Harbor aboard a heated boat with a buffet of turkey, pork loin, stuffing, cranberries, squash ravioli, salad, and dessert. Look for seasonal color near Peddocks, Thompson, and Spectacle islands, then return past Fort Independence. Drinks cost extra.

“My new bride is also new to the U.S. and so I decided to take her on a cruise of Boston Harbor for some fun and sightseeing. We had a wonderful time and the gourmet lunch was great. The crew was very kind, informative and helpful. We used Viator to book the trip which was easy to use. I used them to book excursions when in Paris, France and was always a good experience. Will use them for future adventures for sure.”

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14.Boston to Newport: Breakers and Marble House Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $169

Travel from Boston to Newport in a group of up to 12, with stops at The Breakers, Marble House, Cliff Walk, Fort Adams, and the waterfront. Your driver handles the route, while mansion visits use official self-guided audio tours. Guides have included Leo, Willy, Kevin, Amy, and Paco.

“We had a lovely day at the breakers and marble house. Jeffrey made the travel easier and was able to get us where we needed to go.”

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