The Boston space is a superb place to reside, however generally you simply have to get away! Earlier than you sit down and wrack your mind for concepts simply to provide you with the identical outdated, usual, or consider locations which can be “too chilly”, “too scorching”, and “too far”, check out this listing of weekend getaways from Boston.
Now we have damaged it down by season to make it straightforward. And since nobody needs to spend their complete weekend in transit, now we have solely included locations which can be about 4 hours or much less from Boston both by automotive or flight (principally direct.) Learn on for concepts on the place to remain, what to do, and tips on how to get to your subsequent Boston weekend getaway — whether or not you might be touring with children or simply the grownups.
Winter Weekend Getaways from Boston
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Jay Peak, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 4 hours driving time
Jay Peak Resort in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom almost bumps up towards the Canadian border. After all, it’s nice in the summertime and fall too, however as a result of it will get a lot snow, it’s a good spot for winter sports activities fans.
You will see that snowboarding, snowboarding, Nordic snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing, fats biking, and extra. If indoor actions are extra your jam, Jay Peak gives a movie show, climbing gymnasium, spa, arcades, and a large indoor water park.
The place to remain: Jay Peak Resort
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Distance from Boston: 2.75 hours driving time to Lincoln, 3 hours to Bretton Woods
The White Mountains of New Hampshire work for a lot of seasons, however actually have one thing particular to supply within the winter. Close to Lincoln, you will discover the attractive Ice Castles set up (verify the web site for dates as they differ by season) and at close by Loon Mountain, you will discover snow tubing, snowboarding, snowboarding, and extra.
For those who head to North Conway, you’ll be able to chill out on the Omni Bretton Woods, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a horse-drawn sleigh journey, snow tubing, or Nordic snowboarding.
See extra choices for snowboarding inside three hours of Boston.
The place to remain: Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, Omni Mount Washington Resort
Stowe, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 3.25 hours of driving time
Stowe gives the small-town attraction that’s good for skiers and people who aren’t such followers of winter sports activities. With an choice of ski resorts and inns inside a brief distance, it’s a good residence base for exploring a few of Vermont’s specialties. These embody sampling native craft beer at Bench, munching on heat apple cider donuts on the Chilly Hole Cider Mill, sampling cheese at Cabot Creamery, or making a pilgrimage to the Ben & Jerry’s Manufacturing facility.
See my strategies for a Vermont street journey and this information to snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort.
The place to remain: Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, Trapp Household Lodge, Topnotch Resort
Bethel, Maine
Distance from Boston: 3.25 hours of driving time
Bethel is residence to one in every of Maine’s largest ski resorts, Sunday River. Sunday River gives as much as 84km of trails throughout 15 lifts, with choices for skiers, boarders, inexperienced persons, and thrill seekers. This resort can be ideally suited for households with ski-in/ski-out lodging, a top-notch ski faculty, and family-friendly actions. People who don’t ski can take pleasure in snowmobiling, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and even canine sledding!
The place to remain: Grand Summit Resort, Fallline Condos
Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage to your journey! You by no means know what’s going to occur with winter climate and diseases.
Berkshires, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 2.25 hours of driving time
The Berkshires could also be most well-known for the Boston Pops summer season concert events at Tanglewood, however these mountain cities additionally make for an amazing winter vacation spot. There’s snowboarding and winter enjoyable at Jiminy Peak with a “Fireplace and Enjoyable Zone” and an exhilarating mountain coaster.
There’s extra journey to be discovered at close by Ramblewild, which is open via the winter. However if you happen to want to remain inside, pop into the various retailers and galleries in Stockbridge and Lenox, or pattern a number of of the realm’s museums, like MassMOCA in North Adams.
The place to remain: The Williams Inn, Wheatleigh, Seven Hills Inn
Nashville, Tennessee
Distance from Boston: Lower than a three-hour direct flight on Southwest, JetBlue, or Delta
Typically you simply have to get away from Boston within the winter, so we’re together with choices which have a direct flight that’s lower than 4 hours. Nashville is commonly a vacation spot in Southwest Airways’ Fare Offers and is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.
Music Metropolis gives a lot from the Nation Music Corridor of Fame, to the Grand Ole Opry, and numerous honky tonks providing reside music on Broadway. Foodies may even love exploring Nashville’s meals scene, which is as scorching as its well-known scorching rooster.
The place to remain: Union Station Resort, The Westin Nashville
Orlando, Florida
Distance from Boston: 3.5 hours direct flight time on Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier
Winter is a superb time to hit the theme parks, when temperatures are cooler and features are shorter (so long as you keep away from vacation breaks). However there’s additionally a lot extra to do past the theme parks in Orlando. Simply attending to see palm bushes and blue skies makes for an excellent weekend away!
The place to remain: Margaritaville Orlando, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
New York Metropolis, New York
Distance from Boston: 3.75 hours on Amtrak’s Acela prepare
Everybody loves New York Metropolis at Christmas, however January is definitely a good time to go to NYC. Certain, the climate could also be depressing however the resort costs are and their lowest and there’s lots to do inside. Simply seize a CityPASS and begin exploring.
Plus, NYC hosts Broadway Week, Restaurant Week, and Resort Week in late January with two for one deal and nice resort charges throughout town.
The place to remain: The Knickerbocker (when seeing a present on Broadway), The New York EDITION
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Distance from Boston: 3.5 hours direct flight on JetBlue, Spirit, and Delta
Whenever you need to commerce gray skies for blue and snow for sand, a direct flight to Fort Lauderdale makes a straightforward weekend getaway. Even when it isn’t heat sufficient to hit the seashore, palm bushes have a manner of placing everybody in an excellent temper. It’s also possible to take pleasure in airboat rides, alligator excursions, kayaking, meals excursions, boat charters, and extra.
The place to remain: B Ocean Resort, W Fort Lauderdale
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Distance from Boston: 4-hour direct flight on JetBlue
Catch a direct flight to San Juan for a weekend within the Caribbean — with out a passport! You possibly can discover Outdated San Juan, stroll the Paseo del Morro, take pleasure in some road meals, or hit the seashore. Plus you can be serving to this group make a restoration from the devastating hurricane that hit in 2017.
The place to remain: Caribe Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan
Spring Weekend Getaways from Boston
Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage to your journey! Irrespective of how lengthy your journey, unexpected circumstances can at all times come into play and it’s higher to be ready!
Bermuda
Distance from Boston: 2-hour direct flight on JetBlue
Bermuda appears like it’s within the Caribbean, however it’s really within the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of North Carolina. But a two-hour flight will put your toes digging into the well-known pink sand of Bermuda’s seashores. It may be chilly within the winter, however spring is prime time for visiting this British Abroad Territory.
Simply keep in mind that vacationers aren’t allowed to hire automobiles, so that you need to choose a resort with seashore entry and lots to do.
The place to remain: Fairmont Southampton
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 1.5-hour ferry journey
In the summertime, a visit to Provincetown means crowds, excessive costs, and restricted availability. However if you happen to go to the low season, you’ll be able to take pleasure in this charming city with out the hustle and bustle. So when the climate begins warming up, hop on the ferry and head to P-town.
Whether or not you e book a mattress and breakfast or one of many seashore motels, it’s straightforward to stroll via city and benefit from the many, many eating places and retailers.
The place to remain: Sandcastle Resort, Lands Finish Inn
Chatham, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 1.75 hours of driving time
In the summertime, you can spend two hours simply sitting in visitors getting all the way down to and throughout the Sagamore Bridge, however within the spring you’ll be able to often do the entire journey in that period of time. There’s nonetheless lots to do on Cape Cod within the low season, from the bike trails to visiting the museums or wildlife sanctuary. Even the whale-watching cruises begin heading out by late April. Plus, you gained’t should struggle as exhausting to discover a parking spot when buying in downtown Chatham.
The place to remain: Wequasset Resort & Golf Membership, Chatham Bars Inn
Beacon, New York
Distance from Boston: 3.25 hours of driving time
Beacon in New York’s Hudson Valley has been a fashionable getaway for New Yorkers, however it’s shut sufficient to nonetheless make an excellent lengthy weekend journey from Boston. This cute and quirky city on the Hudson River gives artwork galleries, boutiques, nice eating places, and close by entry to cultural and historic treasures just like the Dia: Beacon artwork museum and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Presidential Library. If the climate is heat, you may as well take pleasure in boat excursions, kayaking, and extra close by.
The place to remain: Roundhouse
Windfall, Rhode Island
Distance from Boston: ~1 hour by automotive or Acela Amtrak prepare
Windfall is called the “Artistic Capital” for its hip eating and humanities scene. Residence to Brown College, Rhode Island College of Design, and Johnson & Wales College, you’ll be able to usually discover attention-grabbing festivals and occasions happening, and town’s well-known Waterfire artwork set up kicks off in late spring every year.
E book a gondola journey, take pleasure in Saturday morning farmers’ markets, poke via the wares on the Sunday morning Windfall Flea, and spend a night sampling among the metropolis’s new eating places or meals vehicles.
The place to remain: Dean Resort, Graduate Resort
Newport, Rhode Island
Distance from Boston: 1.5 hours driving time
Spring might be a super time to go to Newport, earlier than the yachts begin displaying up and the summer season festivals get into full swing. Flowers bloom on the Newport Mansions and you’ll take within the panoramic view at locations like Citadel Hill Inn or Brenton Level State Park, hire a three-wheeled Scoot Coupe to discover Ocean Drive, and slurp down some recent oysters at Midtown Oyster Bar.
The place to remain: Newport Marriott, The Vanderbilt
Washington DC
Distance from Boston: 1.75-hour direct flight on JetBlue, American, and Delta to Washington’s Reagan Nationwide Airport
Washington D.C. could also be crowded within the spring, particularly when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, however it’s also a particular time to see the nation’s capital. Simply plan forward if you wish to go to museums that require reservations, just like the Holocaust Museum or the Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition.
It is also price reserving reservations for locations just like the Library of Congress, so you’ll be able to skip the road upon arrival. Depart a while to benefit from the outdoor with a stroll via the monuments or a motorbike tour alongside the Tidal Basin.
The place to remain: The Darcy, The Mayflower
Savannah, Georgia
Distance from Boston: 2.75-hour direct flight on JetBlue
If you’re Irish or like to have fun St. Patrick’s Day, head to Savannah for the second-largest parade within the U.S. Or, keep away from the crowds and go to later within the spring when the climate is heat however not overly scorching and humid.
You possibly can spend a few days exploring Savannah’s 22 squares, visiting historic houses, or visiting the nation’s solely Prohibition Museum. Evenings are spent strolling alongside River Road or having fun with Savannah’s meals scene. In case you have some additional time, head out to Tybee Island for a seashore day.
The place to remain: Resort Indigo Savannah, Hyatt Regency Savannah
Charleston, South Carolina
Distance from Boston: 2.75-hour direct flight on JetBlue or Delta
Historic Charleston has turn into a little bit of a meals mecca within the south so in your go to, begin off on the Farmer’s Market, then begin sampling the native flavors on a meals tour. Whenever you get bored with consuming and strolling, hop on a carriage journey for a tour of the historic district’s homes and gardens. Spend your additional time buying on King Road or exploring the coastal wetlands in a kayak or on a paddleboard.
The place to remain: Hyatt Home Charleston, Resort Bennett, Belmond Charleston Place
Clearwater, Florida
Distance from Boston: 3.5-hour direct flight on JetBlue, Delta, and Spirit
The white sugar delicate sands of Clearwater Seaside draw guests year-round, however particularly in April in the course of the city’s Pier 60 Sugar Sands Competition. When not constructing sandcastles or participating within the weekly actions supplied downtime, you’ll be able to hop on a pirate cruise, leap on a jet ski, or go go to Winter the well-known dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The place to remain: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Seaside, Hyatt Regency Clearwater
Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage to your journey! Irrespective of how lengthy your journey, unexpected circumstances can at all times come into play and it’s higher to be ready!
Summer season Weekend Getaways from Boston
Montreal, Quebec
Distance from Boston: 1.25-hour direct flight (or 5 hours driving time)
Montreal is hopping in the summertime. If there isn’t a competition happening, you’ll be able to nonetheless journey bikes alongside the canal, go for a swim in Parc Jean-Drapeau, or partake in among the many actions supplied within the Outdated Port. For those who enterprise past strolling distance, the Botanical Gardens at Jardin Botanique are properly price the additional effort getting there.
Don’t miss a cease on the Biodome throughout the road. If you are there, take pleasure in all of the must-try meals like poutine, bagels, steak, and French pastries which you could.
The place to remain: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Le Westin Montreal
Quebec Metropolis, Quebec
Distance from Boston: <4 hours connecting flight via Montreal on Air Canada (or 6 hours driving time)
Some locations are price both driving a bit additional or taking a connecting flight, and Quebec Metropolis is one in every of them. Quebec in the summertime is host to music competition after competition when everyone seems to be comfortable to be outdoors within the sunshine! Strolling round Outdated Quebec appears like exploring the cobblestone streets of a French city, filled with attraction and magnificence.
The place to remain: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Hilton Quebec
Block Island, Rhode Island
Distance from Boston: 3 hours driving time plus ferry journey
If you’re in search of a low-key summer season weekend getaway, head to the “Block” on the Block Island ferry. Issues might sound a bit loopy on the town while you get off the boat, however hire a moped or a motorbike and head out to the pristine seashores and cliffs that make Block Island so particular. If you end up able to social gathering, head over to Ballards and revel in a Bloody Mary or Mudslide whereas listening to music earlier than heading again to the mainland.
The place to remain: Nationwide Resort, Avonlea
Portland, Maine
Distance from Boston: 1.75 hours of driving time
The “different Portland” is a bustling port city in the summertime, filled with vacationers trying to take pleasure in some buying, lobster rolls, and Maine’s craft beer (or blueberry soda.) If you wish to escape the crowds, head out onto Casco Bay on the ferry or take a lobster boat tour (the Portland Lobster Firm will prepare dinner what you catch!) Don’t miss a visit out of city to Cape Elizabeth and Portland Head Mild or a cease in Kennebunkport in your manner again to Boston.
The place to remain: Press Resort, Inn by the Sea
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 2 hours of driving and ferry time
Nantucket is the proper weekend getaway for an important day or only a enjoyable car-free weekend. You possibly can hire bikes to discover the island, take pleasure in Nantucket’s lovely seashores, take a sundown sail, or simply take pleasure in buying on the boutiques and consuming at a lot of Nantucket city’s fabulous eateries.
When exploring the island, don’t miss taking a stroll alongside the Sconset Bluff Stroll and visiting Nantucket’s three scenic lighthouses. See my full 3-day Nantucket itinerary.
The place to remain: Brass Lantern Inn, White Elephant
Burlington, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 3.25 hours of driving time
Discover the most effective of the Inexperienced Mountain state from the northern city of Burlington. This faculty city is positioned on the banks of Lake Champlain (you’ll be able to even take a ferry throughout to NY for a day journey to Ausable Chasm.) Close by, you’ll be able to go to the ECHO Aquarium & Science Heart, Shelburne Museum, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Manufacturing facility, plus many native breweries, dairies, and farms.
The place to remain: Resort Vermont
Moosehead Lake, Maine
Distance from Boston: 4.25 hours of driving time
Whenever you need to get away from all of it, head north to Maine’s Lakes and Mountains area. Moosehead Lake, the biggest in Maine, gives the peace and quiet you might be in search of, whereas nonetheless providing lots to do for outside fans. You possibly can take pleasure in strenuous hikes, boating, and even moose safaris!
The place to remain: Moosehead Hills Cabins, Lodge at Moosehead Lake
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Distance from Boston: 1.5 hours direct flight on Air Canada
Direct flights into Nova Scotia land in Halifax, and you’ll want to spend a while exploring the various museums, galleries, and retailers on the town. Virtually all guests to Nova Scotia will need to head south to see the well-known lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, however head even additional south to the UNESCO World Heritage Website at Lunenburg. In case you have extra time, you’ll be able to drive the Cabot Path or see the altering tides within the Bay of Fundy.
The place to remain: Lord Nelson Resort & Suites
Chicago, Illinois
Distance from Boston: 2.75-3 hours direct flight on JetBlue, United, Delta, American, Southwest, and Spirit
Summer season is a superb time to go to the Windy Metropolis, when the solar is shining over Lake Michigan, making it extra enjoyable to benefit from the outdoor in Maggie Daley Park. Catch the view from the SkyDeck on the high of the Willis Tower, store til you drop on the Magnificent Mile, rating tickets to one in every of Chicago’s many theaters, or seize a CityPASS and head inside to the museums.
The place to remain: The Gwen Resort, 4 Seasons Chicago
SMUGGLERS NOTCH, VERMONT
Distance from Boston: 3.75 hours of driving time
Smugglers’ Notch, affectionately generally known as “Smuggs” is a fun-filled, three-season resort, however you could be stunned how a lot there’s to do in the summertime. From mountain biking to zip lining, canoeing and kayaking, disc golf, and llama treks — the listing of summer season actions goes on and on. There are even some superb summer season camp packages for youths and teenagers.
The place to remain: Smugglers Notch Resort
Fall Getaways from Boston
Mystic, Connecticut
Distance from Boston: 1.75 hours of driving time
The historic seaside city of Mystic is charming within the autumn when the autumn colours are at their peak. It’s straightforward to spend your time exploring the historic Mystic Seaport, buying downtown or at Olde Mistick Village, and visiting close by farms for the fruits of the harvest — and scorching apple cider donuts!
The place to remain: Spicer Mansion (adults solely), Hyatt Place Mystic
Manchester, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 3.25 hours of driving time
Manchester have to be one of many cutest cities in New England, providing one thing for consumers or journey seekers. Fall enjoyable at close by Bromley Mountain consists of the alpine slide, zip line, and different thrilling points of interest. Manchester additionally gives outlet buying, antiques, and the noteworthy Northshire Bookstore.
The place to remain: Kimpton Taconic Resort, The Equinox
Woodstock, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 2.5 hours driving time
The quintessential city of Woodstock is the proper residence base for exploring Central Vermont. Close by you will discover the extra traditional Vermont experiences like trying to find lined bridges, tasting maple syrup at Sugarbush Farm, watching glass blowing at Simon Pearce, and mountaineering within the Quechee Gorge.
The place to remain: Woodstock Inn and Resort
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Distance from Boston: 2.25 hours of driving time
Lake Winnipesaukee is the biggest lake in New Hampshire, however there are many others to select from within the state’s Lakes Area. The apparent actions embody boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing, however you may as well take pleasure in zip traces, journey programs, and mountaineering close by earlier than it will get too chilly. Make sure to try the early morning reflections of the autumn colours within the lake or watch the sundown over the water.
The place to remain: Mill Falls on the Lake
Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Distance from Boston: 2.5 hours driving time
Hike as much as the highest of Mt. Tom in Litchfield to seek out among the prettiest fall views in Connecticut from the outdated stone tower on the summit. This area of Connecticut is thought for its rolling hills, vintage retailers, artwork galleries, and picturesque cities providing mattress and breakfasts and small inns, good for a weekend getaway.
The place to remain: Mayflower Inn and Spa, Winvian Farm
Bar Harbor, Maine
Distance from Boston: 1.25-hour direct flight on Cape Air or JetBlue or 4.75-hour driving time
Fall comes early in Bar Harbor, so you’ll want to plan your weekend getaway between mid-September and mid-October. Stargazers will benefit from the Acadia Night time Sky Competition in September and hikers can take pleasure in trails which can be usually closed in the summertime to guard nesting birds. Calm down on the finish of the day with a recent lobster and one in every of Maine’s many native craft beers. There are a lot of issues to do close to Acadia Nationwide Park.
The place to remain: Harborside Resort, Terramor Outside Resort
Martha’s Winery, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 2.5 hours driving time + ferry
As pretty as seashore locations are in the summertime, they’re even higher within the early fall when the temperatures are nonetheless nice however the crowds have left them behind till subsequent yr. You might even be capable of get a reservation on a automotive ferry extra simply! Fall is the best time to really discover Martha’s Winery, from the clay cliffs of Aquinnah to sunsets at Menemsha and buying in Edgartown.
The place to remain: Harborside Inn
Raleigh, North Carolina
Distance from Boston: 2-2.25 hours direct flight on JetBlue, Delta, or Spirit
When temperatures begin to drop and also you need to maintain onto summer season, head south to Raleigh, the place Southern attraction meets massive metropolis. You will see that bike trails, lakes, and hikes, plus native breweries, meals halls, festivals, and sporting occasions. See extra concepts on issues to do in Raleigh right here.
The place to remain: Aloft Raleigh, The StateView Resort
Baltimore, Maryland
Distance from Boston: 1.5-hour direct flight on Southwest, Delta, American, United, JetBlue, or Spirit
Baltimore’s Inside Harbor is gorgeous within the fall and if you happen to time it proper, you’ll be able to catch an away sport for the Crimson Sox or Patriots when you are on the town. Discover the Nationwide Aquarium, take a harbor cruise, crack crabs in historic Fell’s Level, and seize breakfast at Miss Shirley’s earlier than heading residence.
The place to remain: Kimpton Resort Monaco, Pier 5 Resort Baltimore
Catskills, New York
Distance from Boston: 4 hours driving time
Whenever you get bored with the mountains nearer to residence, head west to New York’s Catskills. Within the fall you will discover festivals, farms, lovely foliage, and loads of journey together with zip traces, journey programs, and mountain biking. The world’s many cideries and breweries will provide you with loads of excuses to take a scenic drive via the countryside.
The place to remain: Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark (for households), Inn at Lake Joseph
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Even weekend getaways want journey insurance coverage to guard your funding, and your self. My journey insurance coverage supplier of alternative is Allianz Journey. For the previous few years, I’ve insured my household with an annual journey insurance coverage plan and have bought further insurance policies when additional protection was most popular.
I’ve needed to make two claims, one journey cancellation on account of sickness (I acquired the flu!) and as soon as for a visit delay when our authentic flight was canceled and we needed to rebook. Each claims went easily and I can verify the standing and extra on the Journey Good app.
A number of the issues that journey insurance coverage can defend embody: journey cancellation, journey interruption or delay, misplaced, delayed or stolen baggage, worldwide healthcare, and journey help. Plans differ so discover the most effective journey insurance coverage plan to your journey at Allianz Journey.
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