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Boston is an incredible place, one that I lived in for several years. But every so often, I needed to get out of the city and make a day trip somewhere nearby. Boston is central to a number of places, and here are my suggestions for the best road trips from Boston. I sort them by distance so you can choose the trips that best fit your schedule.
Ready to head to Boston? Here are some handy resources!
Where Can I Drive To From Boston?
If you have a vehicle, I would absolutely recommend leaving Boston, but if you’re going to stay in the city, read my article about Driving In Boston or Best Food in Boston. Within 6 hours of Boston, you can hit the Quebec Province of Canada, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Is driving in Boston hard? Find out here!
What cities are within driving distance from Boston?
We defined driving distance as within 6 hours. That gives you time to make the drive there, explore and make it back in less than a day. So, here is our list of 30 best road trips within driving distance of Boston.
Where can you drive in 6 hours from Boston?
Lancaster, Pennsylvania (6 Hours: 2 Minutes)
In a world in which malls are becoming less common, Park City Center Mall is the largest mall in South Central Pennsylvania, with over 150 stores. Also in town is the Lancaster Central Market, the oldest continuously operated farmers market in the US. Which sells Amish goods not commonly found anywhere else. Finally, for watch enthusiasts, the National Watch & Clock Museum has the largest collection of closes and watches in North America.
Quebec City, Quebec (5 Hours: 58 Minutes)
Located on the north bank of the St Lawrence River, this Canadian city has lots of European designs to it. Areas such as Vieux-Quebec, Chateau Frontenac, and Notre-Dame de Quebec Cathedral have beautiful architecture. Just note that the primary language is French, you’ll still find some English speakers in the more touristy areas.
Atlantic City, New Jersey (5 Hours: 26 Minutes)
Known for its casinos, boardwalks and beaches, this is a popular tourist destination. Additionally the 9 casinos in one city is one of the ways it resembles a smaller version of Las Vegas. They also have 3 large shopping centers, 2 convention centers, and numerous beaches. Lastly, for fans of Monopoly, all of the spaces are named after locations in and around Atlantic City.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (5 Hours: 2 Minutes)
The largest city in Pennsylvania, and one of the leading cities in higher education in our country with 18 universities and colleges. Philadelphia was also our first US Capital which means there is lots of history in it. Additionally, the most famous monument being the Liberty Bell. is found here. The city has the most outdoor sculptures and murals of any US city.
Syracuse, New York (4 Hours: 31 Minutes)
Incorporated in 1825, Syracuse has grown substantially as a major hub and education center of New York with Syracuse University and two SUNY universities. With a huge arts focus, it is home of the Syracuse Jazz Festival and Polish Festival. It also has orchestras, opera companies, several theatres, and 5 museums.
Bar Harbor, Maine (4 Hours: 27 Minutes)
Located on Mount Desert Island and is home to Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park is a beautiful coastal park with hiking trails, boating, and camping. Home of Jackson Laboratory and MDI Biological Laboratories with a focus on marine life research. With over 2 dozen hotels and nearly 200 cruises arriving every year, it’s evident that this is a tourists favorite destination.
Long Island, New York (4 Hours: 12 Minutes)
The longest and largest island in the contiguous United States, Long Island is the most populated island anywhere in the US. With 8 big sports stadiums, golf courses, horse racing, and the national tennis center. It is truly a great place for sports lovers. In addition to theatres, music venues, and other entertainment venues, it’s definitely got the big city feel.
Road Trip Destinations around 3 hours from Boston
New York City, New York (3 Hours: 12 Minutes)
What’s better than a road trip to the Big Apple? With 5 boroughs, hundreds of diverse neighborhoods, skyscrapers, and Broadway, you could spend weeks in New York without getting bored. It is the city that never sleeps for a reason. Just note, that traffic in and near New York City can be a nightmare.
Pro Tip: if the traffic and parking in NYC is stressful, consider taking a train! It takes about as long as driving but you don’t have to worry about a car.
Danbury, Connecticut (3 Hours)
Nicknamed the “Hat City” due to its ties to the hat industry. Danbury is ranked as the most diverse city in New England by WalletHub. With lots of parks, hiking trails, and a railroad museum, there are some fun things to see and do. If you like old buildings, they have 12 on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Schenectady, New York (2 Hour: 59 Minutes)
Settled in 1661, this small (10.98 square mile) city still has lots to offer. With a golf course ranked as “Best places to play” by Golf Digest. This small city also boasts some beautiful architecture, as well as the first planned residential neighborhood and college campus. The Rivers Casino and Resort is worth visiting as well.
Bridgeport, Connecticut (2 Hours: 54 Minutes)
The largest city in Connecticut, and a major shipping port, this city got its start in 1821. Infamous showman P.T. Barnum was a resident and housed his circus in Bridgeport in the winters. Home of the world’s first Subway restaurant and where the electric plug outlet was invented. Additionally with 1,300 acres of green space in 35 community parks, the city has earned the nickname “Park City.”
North Conway, New Hampshire (2 Hours: 52 Minutes)
A small little town in New Hampshire, North Conway was originally chartered in 1765, nestled in the White Mountains. A perfect place for those who love outdoor activities. The Echo Lake State Park provides boating, swimming, and rock climbing. In the winter, Cranmore Mountian Resort provides 200 acres and 54 trails of skiing.
Trumbull, Connecticut (2 Hours: 52 Minutes)
With 20 local parks and one big state park, Trumbull has lots of green space to enjoy. In addition to the parks, they have four sites on the National Registry of Historical Places. If you happen to be around in October 2097, they buried a time capsule to be opened then.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts (2 Hours: 50 Minutes)
About a third of the travel to Martha’s Vineyard includes the ferry ride. However you can take your car over, so it’ll still count as a road trip with beautiful on-ocean views. Technically there are 6 towns on the island, but in a lot of ways they work together as one. With a long list of famous individuals having homes or regularly visiting the island, including 3 former presidents, it has been nicknamed “Hollywood East.”
Killington, Vermont (2 Hours: 47 Minutes)
Chartered in 1761, and then renamed in 1999, Killington is home to the Killington Ski Report. The largest ski area in the Eastern US. Nicknamed the “Beast of the East,” the resort has 155 trails, 21 lifts, and just over 1,500 acres to ski. With the town having less than 2,000 permanent residents, skiing is the only reason to trek out to Killington.
Killington, Vermont is also a great place to visit in the fall for all the incredible fall foliage. Enjoy driving around Vermont to see everything the state has to offer.
Albany, New York (2 Hours: 43 Minutes)
The capital of the state of New York since 1797 when the US was formed. It is also the longest continuously charted city in the United States, starting in 1686. As a major city, it has all of the attractions of a city, without all of the people. 70% of their permanent population comes from the 7 colleges and universities within Albany, including the nationally recognized SUNY Albany.
Road Trip Destinations within 2 hours from Boston?
Newport, Rhode Island (2 Hours: 4 Minutes)
Known as the Sailing Capital of the world, Newport has several big claims to fame in the sports arena. The first U.S. National Tennis Championships, the second is the home of the National Sailing Hall of Fame and finally, the International Tennis Hall of Fame. They also have a close relationship with the navy, housing the Naval War College and Naval Undersea Warfare Center since 1861.
Berkshire, Massachusetts (2 Hours: 2 Minutes)
In Massachusetts, when you want to get away to somewhere quiet and relaxing, it’s often a day trip to the Berkshires. With lots of history, good food, shopping, and lots of outside activities, it’s a great escape from the city. Additionally it has so many cute hotels and AirBnBs for a relaxing getaway.
Enjoy some more great small towns in Massachusetts here!
Kennebunkport, Maine (1 Hour: 45 Minutes)
Originally settled in 1653 as part of Massachusetts, Kennebunkport is another beautiful coastal town. Along with the numerous beachfront hotels, it is also the summer home of former presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. With lots of summer activities and miles of beaches, it’s a popular tourist destination.
Portland, Maine (1 Hour: 41 Minutes)
The largest city in Maine, with ocean views and vibrant nightlife. Old Port hosts dozens of restaurants and bars all within walking distance of each other, it’s known as a destination for foodies. Additionally there’s two big universities, a baseball stadium, a basketball court, an observatory, and a large few large performance venues. They have something for everybody.
Providence, Rhode Island (1 Hour: 41 Minutes)
The capital and largest city in Rhode Island was settled in 1636. It was also one of the original thirteen colonies. Now it’s a growing city with eight hospitals, eight institutions of higher learning, several museums, the oldest baptist church in America, and a zoo. Of course, you can’t forget the roadside attraction, Nibbles Woodaway, the world’s largest artificial bug atop the Big Blue Solutions building.
Ogunquit, Maine (1 Hour: 31 Minutes)
Another oceanside town settled in 1641, it served as the first sawmill in the United States and grew into a shipbuilding town. Famous for fishing, it currently has a Museum of American Art, a playhouse, and a couple of beaches. With a population of less than 2,000 year-round residents, it’s one of the least populated towns on our list.
Road Trip Destinations about an hour from Boston?
Cape Cod, Massachusetts (1 Hour: 15 Minutes)
A peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean, it includes 15 unique towns. It’s broken into Upper Cape, Lower Cape, and Mid-Cape. If you like seafood or lighthouses (there are 19 of them), this is a beautiful drive with friendly locals.
Wachusetts, Massachusetts (1 Hour: 5 Minutes)
Another great ski destination, and one of the ones listed in our Best Skiing in New England article. With 100% snowmaking capacity and night skiing on most trails, it’s a great local mountain. In addition to the ski resort, there is a Great Wolf Lodge located nearby with indoor pools and water parks.
Want more great ideas for ski resorts in New England? See our article about the Best Skiing in New England.
Hampton, New Hampshire (1 Hour: 3 Minutes)
Heading north from Boston, you’ll the little town of Hampton, NH. While over 2,000 of the homes in town are for “seasonal or recreational use,” meaning that they have lots of rental housing if you wanted to spend the night. They are most popular with summer tourists, with a beach, a state park, and a music venue.
Rockport, Massachusetts (55 Minutes)
One of our favorite places to visit and walk around downtown. Founded in 1840, it’s right on the coast and has beautiful views of the ocean. With a very walkable downtown (and even colored routes marked out on the sidewalk), and lots of cute local stores, you could spend hours and not run out of things to see.
Worcester, Massachusetts (51 Minutes)
The second most populated city in New England, Worcester also has the second largest art museum in New England and the oldest pipe band in the US. It’s also home to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester State University, and College of the Holy Cross, one of the oldest Catholic colleges in America, and 6 other universities. Additionally it has all the activities of a big city without the crowded streets.
Plymouth, Massachusetts (50 Minutes)
Home of Plymouth Rock, where the pilgrims landed in 1620, making it one of the oldest colonies in the United States. Also the home of America’s first thanksgiving feast, this is a town that embraces its history at the start of our country.
Salem, Massachusetts (40 Minutes)
First settled in 1626 by English Colonists, Salem was a major seaport for the North Shore area. Most famously known for the Salem Witch Trials, they take Halloween and all things witches very seriously. They seem to celebrate Halloween all year long, with year-round haunted house tours, psychic conventions, and lots of ghost stories.
Foxborough, Massachusetts (39 Minutes)
Once home to the world’s largest straw hat factory, it’s now known most commonly as the location of the Gillette Stadium. Gillette Stadium is home to the New England Patriots Football team, but is also a FIFA World Cup location in 2026. Outside of the stadium is primarily support businesses, such as the restaurants and shops in The Patriot Place Shopping Plaza.
Enjoy some fun Boston-specific events like Boston First Night or Boston Marathon.
How Far Is It From Boston To The Maine Border?
From downtown Boston to the Maine border is just about an hour, making it a very easy day trip. Maine has some beautiful ocean views and island escapes. If you wanted to continue your drive through Maine, see our Maine Category for some great ideas. If you’re trying to decide between visiting Maine or New Hampshire though, there are definitely pros and cons to both.
How Far Is It From Boston To The New York Border?
From downtown Boston to the New York border is about 3.5 hours, or 183 miles, making it a very easy day trip. New York, Long Island, and New Jersey are all great locations for all of the activities of the big cities.
