Travel Discovery

Best Day Trips from Boston in Fall

Destination: Boston

    1. Lexington and Concord
    2. Overview: Start your day by stepping back in time to where the American Revolution began. Lexington and Concord, just a short drive from Boston, are filled with historical sites and idyllic landscapes dressed in fall colors. Visit Minute Man National Historical Park to walk the Battle Road Trail, then explore Concord's literary past at the homes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott.
    3. Duration: Approximately 4 hours

    4. Next Stop: Savor a hearty lunch at Main Street's historic restaurants before heading to Walden Pond for a tranquil walk around Thoreau's famous retreat.

    5. Salem

    6. Overview: Known for its infamous witch trials, Salem embraces its dark history while offering a charming coastal experience. In fall, Salem hosts its famous Halloween festivities, making it a must-visit destination. Explore The House of the Seven Gables, visit the Witch House, and stroll through the Salem Common surrounded by fall foliage.
    7. Duration: Approximately 3 hours

    8. Must Eat: Try some traditional New England clam chowder or seafood at one of the local eateries.

    9. Cape Ann

    10. Overview: Cape Ann, including the towns of Rockport and Gloucester, boasts rugged coastlines and vibrant fishing communities. The fall scenery here is breathtaking, with lighthouses standing tall amidst fiery foliage. Stroll through Rockport's quaint Bearskin Neck for art galleries and sea-inspired souvenirs, then head to Halibut Point State Park for panoramic ocean views.
    11. Duration: Approximately 4 hours

    12. Highlight: Watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, painting the sky in hues that rival the leaves on shore.

    13. White Mountains, New Hampshire

    14. Overview: For those willing to venture a bit further, the White Mountains offer a spectacular display of fall foliage. Take the Kancamagus Highway scenic drive, known for its unspoiled beauty and colorful panoramas. Stop at Flume Gorge for a hike among waterfalls and towering trees, or ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for a bird's-eye view of the mountainside.
    15. Duration: Full Day Trip (Approximately 8 hours)
    16. Note: An early start is recommended for this longer journey.