The Boston space is a good place to dwell, however generally you simply have to get away! Before you sit down and wrack your mind for concepts simply to give you the identical outdated, standard, or consider locations which are “too cold”, “too hot”, and “too far”, check out this record of weekend getaways from Boston.
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 are about 4 hours or much less from Boston both by automobile or flight (principally direct.) Read on for concepts on the place to remain, what to do, and how one can get to your subsequent Boston weekend getaway — whether or not you’re touring with children or simply the grownups.
Winter Weekend Getaways from Boston
This submit was written in partnership with Allianz Travel. I’ve bought Allianz Travel Insurance for my whole household for the final three years and so they haven’t let me down but!
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Jay Peak, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 4 hours driving time
Jay Peak Resort in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom practically bumps up towards the Canadian border. Of course, 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 fanatics.
You will discover snowboarding, snowboarding, Nordic snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing, fats biking, and extra. If indoor actions are extra your jam, Jay Peak affords a movie show, climbing health club, spa, arcades, and an enormous indoor water park.
Where 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. Near Lincoln, you will see the attractive Ice Castles set up (examine the web site for dates as they differ by season) and at close by Loon Mountain, you will see snow tubing, snowboarding, snowboarding, and extra.
If you head to North Conway, you’ll be able to calm down 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.
Where to remain: Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, Omni Mount Washington Resort
Stowe, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 3.25 hours of driving time
Stowe affords the small-town appeal that’s good for skiers and people who aren’t such followers of winter sports activities. With an possibility of ski resorts and inns inside a brief distance, it’s a good dwelling base for exploring a few of Vermont’s specialties. These embrace sampling native craft beer at Bench, munching on heat apple cider donuts on the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, sampling cheese at Cabot Creamery, or making a pilgrimage to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
See my recommendations for a Vermont highway journey and this information to snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort.
Where to remain: Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, Trapp Family Lodge, Topnotch Resort
Bethel, Maine
Distance from Boston: 3.25 hours of driving time
Bethel is dwelling to one in all Maine’s largest ski resorts, Sunday River. Sunday River affords as much as 84km of trails throughout 15 lifts, with choices for skiers, boarders, learners, and thrill seekers. This resort can also be excellent for households with ski-in/ski-out lodging, a top-notch ski college, and family-friendly actions. Those that don’t ski can take pleasure in snowmobiling, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and even canine sledding!
Where to remain: Grand Summit Hotel, Fallline Condos
Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage to your journey! You by no means know what will occur with winter climate and sicknesses.
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 awesome winter vacation spot. There is snowboarding and winter enjoyable at Jiminy Peak with a “Fire and Fun Zone” and an exhilarating mountain coaster.
There is extra journey to be discovered at close by Ramblewild, which is open by the winter. But for those who choose to remain inside, pop into the various retailers and galleries in Stockbridge and Lenox, or pattern a couple of of the world’s museums, like MassMOCA in North Adams.
Where to remain: The Williams Inn, Wheatleigh, Seven Hills Inn
Nashville, Tennessee
Distance from Boston: Less than a three-hour direct flight on Southwest, JetBlue, or Delta
Sometimes 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 Airlines’ Fare Deals and is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.
Music City affords a lot from the Country Music Hall of Fame, to the Grand Ole Opry, and numerous honky tonks providing dwell music on Broadway. Foodies may also love exploring Nashville’s meals scene, which is as scorching as its well-known scorching hen.
Where to remain: Union Station Hotel, The Westin Nashville
Orlando, Florida
Distance from Boston: 3.5 hours direct flight time on Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier
Winter is a good time to hit the theme parks, when temperatures are cooler and contours are shorter (so long as you keep away from vacation breaks). But there may be additionally a lot extra to do past the theme parks in Orlando. Just attending to see palm timber and blue skies makes for a superb weekend away!
Where to remain: Margaritaville Orlando, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
New York City, New York
Distance from Boston: 3.75 hours on Amtrak’s Acela practice
Everyone loves New York City at Christmas, however January is definitely a good time to go to NYC. Sure, the climate could also be depressing however the resort costs are and their lowest and there may be lots to do inside. Just seize a CityPASS and begin exploring.
Plus, NYC hosts Broadway Week, Restaurant Week, and Hotel Week in late January with two for one deal and nice resort charges throughout town.
Where 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
When you wish to commerce gray skies for blue and snow for sand, a direct flight to Fort Lauderdale makes a straightforward weekend getaway. Even if it isn’t heat sufficient to hit the seashore, palm timber have a manner of placing everybody in a superb temper. You may take pleasure in airboat rides, alligator excursions, kayaking, meals excursions, boat charters, and extra.
Where 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 no passport! You can discover Old San Juan, stroll the Paseo del Morro, take pleasure in some avenue meals, or hit the seashore. Plus you can be serving to this group make a restoration from the devastating hurricane that hit in 2017.
Where 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! No matter how lengthy your journey, unexpected circumstances can all the time 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 truly within the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of North Carolina. Yet a two-hour flight will put your toes digging into the well-known pink sand of Bermuda’s seashores. It might be chilly within the winter, however spring is prime time for visiting this British Overseas Territory.
Just keep in mind that vacationers aren’t allowed to lease automobiles, so that you wish to choose a resort with seashore entry and many to do.
Where to remain: Fairmont Southampton
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 1.5-hour ferry journey
In the summer season, a visit to Provincetown means crowds, excessive costs, and restricted availability. But for those who go to the off-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 you guide a mattress and breakfast or one of many seashore lodges, it’s straightforward to stroll by city and benefit from the many, many eating places and retailers.
Where to remain: Sandcastle Resort, Lands End Inn
Chatham, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 1.75 hours of driving time
In the summer season, you could possibly spend two hours simply sitting in visitors getting right 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 remains to be lots to do on Cape Cod within the off-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 need to struggle as onerous to discover a parking spot when purchasing in downtown Chatham.
Where to remain: Wequasset Resort & Golf Club, 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 standard getaway for New Yorkers, however it’s shut sufficient to nonetheless make a superb lengthy weekend journey from Boston. This cute and quirky city on the Hudson River affords 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, it’s also possible to take pleasure in boat excursions, kayaking, and extra close by.
Where to remain: Roundhouse
Providence, Rhode Island
Distance from Boston: ~1 hour by automobile or Acela Amtrak practice
Providence is named the “Creative Capital” for its hip eating and humanities scene. Home to Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Johnson & Wales University, you’ll be able to typically discover attention-grabbing festivals and occasions happening, and town’s well-known Waterfire artwork set up kicks off in late spring annually.
Book a gondola journey, take pleasure in Saturday morning farmers’ markets, poke by the wares on the Sunday morning Providence Flea, and spend a night sampling among the metropolis’s new restaurants or meals vans.
Where to remain: Dean Hotel, Graduate Hotel
Newport, Rhode Island
Distance from Boston: 1.5 hours driving time
Spring might be an excellent time to go to Newport, earlier than the yachts begin exhibiting 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 Castle Hill Inn or Brenton Point State Park, lease a three-wheeled Scoot Coupe to discover Ocean Drive, and slurp down some recent oysters at Midtown Oyster Bar.
Where 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 National Airport
Washington D.C. could also be crowded within the spring, particularly when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, however it is usually a particular time to see the nation’s capital. Just plan forward if you wish to go to museums that require reservations, just like the Holocaust Museum or the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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. Leave a while to benefit from the open air with a stroll by the monuments or a motorbike tour alongside the Tidal Basin.
Where 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 rejoice 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 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 Street or having fun with Savannah’s meals scene. If you may have some additional time, head out to Tybee Island for a seashore day.
Where to remain: Hotel Indigo Savannah, Hyatt Regency Savannah
Charleston, South Carolina
Distance from Boston: 2.75-hour direct flight on JetBlue or Delta
Historic Charleston has change 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. When 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 purchasing on King Street or exploring the coastal wetlands in a kayak or on a paddleboard.
Where to remain: Hyatt House Charleston, Hotel Bennett, Belmond Charleston Place
Clearwater, Florida
Distance from Boston: 3.5-hour direct flight on JetBlue, Delta, and Spirit
The white sugar mushy sands of Clearwater Beach draw guests year-round, however particularly in April throughout the city’s Pier 60 Sugar Sands Festival. When not constructing sandcastles or collaborating within the weekly actions supplied downtime, you’ll be able to hop on a pirate cruise, soar on a jet ski, or go go to Winter the well-known dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Where to remain: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Hyatt Regency Clearwater
Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage to your journey! No matter how lengthy your journey, unexpected circumstances can all the time come into play and it’s higher to be ready!
Summer 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 Old Port. If you 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. While you’re there, take pleasure in all of the must-try meals like poutine, bagels, steak, and French pastries that you could.
Where to remain: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Le Westin Montreal
Quebec City, Quebec
Distance from Boston: <4 hours connecting flight by Montreal on Air Canada (or 6 hours driving time)
Some locations are price both driving a little bit additional or taking a connecting flight, and Quebec City is one in all them. Quebec in the summertime is host to music competition after competition when everyone seems to be completely satisfied to be outdoors within the sunshine! Walking round Old Quebec appears like exploring the cobblestone streets of a French city, filled with appeal and elegance.
Where 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 searching for a low-key summer season weekend getaway, head to the “Block” on the Block Island ferry. Things might sound a little bit loopy on the town while you get off the boat, however lease a moped or a motorbike and head out to the pristine seashores and cliffs that make Block Island so particular. When you’re 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.
Where to remain: National Hotel, Avonlea
Portland, Maine
Distance from Boston: 1.75 hours of driving time
The “other Portland” is a bustling port city in the summertime, filled with vacationers trying to take pleasure in some purchasing, 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 Company will prepare dinner what you catch!) Don’t miss a visit out of city to Cape Elizabeth and Portland Head Light or a cease in Kennebunkport in your manner again to Boston.
Where to remain: Press Hotel, Inn by the Sea
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 2 hours of driving and ferry time
Nantucket is the right weekend getaway for a special day or only a enjoyable car-free weekend. You can lease bikes to discover the island, take pleasure in Nantucket’s lovely seashores, take a sundown sail, or simply take pleasure in purchasing 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 Walk and visiting Nantucket’s three scenic lighthouses. See my full 3-day Nantucket itinerary.
Where to remain: Brass Lantern Inn, White Elephant
Burlington, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 3.25 hours of driving time
Explore the most effective of the Green 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.) Nearby, you’ll be able to go to the ECHO Aquarium & Science Center, Shelburne Museum, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, plus many native breweries, dairies, and farms.
Where to remain: Hotel Vermont
Moosehead Lake, Maine
Distance from Boston: 4.25 hours of driving time
When you wish to get away from all of it, head north to Maine’s Lakes and Mountains area. Moosehead Lake, the most important in Maine, affords the peace and quiet you’re searching for, whereas nonetheless providing lots to do for out of doors fanatics. You can take pleasure in strenuous hikes, boating, and even moose safaris!
Where 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 it would be best to spend a while exploring the various museums, galleries, and retailers on the town. Almost all guests to Nova Scotia will wish to head south to see the well-known lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, however head even additional south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lunenburg. If you may have extra time, you’ll be able to drive the Cabot Trail or see the altering tides within the Bay of Fundy.
Where to remain: Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
Chicago, Illinois
Distance from Boston: 2.75-3 hours direct flight on JetBlue, United, Delta, American, Southwest, and Spirit
Summer is a good time to go to the Windy City, when the solar is shining over Lake Michigan, making it extra enjoyable to benefit from the open air in Maggie Daley Park. Catch the view from the SkyDeck on the prime of the Willis Tower, store til you drop on the Magnificent Mile, rating tickets to one in all Chicago’s many theaters, or seize a CityPASS and head inside to the museums.
Where to remain: The Gwen Hotel, Four 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 it’s possible you’ll be shocked how a lot there may be to do in the summertime. From mountain biking to zip lining, canoeing and kayaking, disc golf, and llama treks — the record of summer season actions goes on and on. There are even some wonderful summer season camp packages for youths and youths.
Where 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 is straightforward to spend your time exploring the historic Mystic Seaport, purchasing downtown or at Olde Mistick Village, and visiting close by farms for the fruits of the harvest — and scorching apple cider donuts!
Where 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 customers or journey seekers. Fall enjoyable at close by Bromley Mountain contains the alpine slide, zip line, and different thrilling sights. Manchester additionally affords outlet purchasing, antiques, and the noteworthy Northshire Bookstore.
Where to remain: Kimpton Taconic Hotel, The Equinox
Woodstock, Vermont
Distance from Boston: 2.5 hours driving time
The quintessential city of Woodstock is the right dwelling base for exploring Central Vermont. Nearby you will see the extra basic Vermont experiences like looking for coated bridges, tasting maple syrup at Sugarbush Farm, watching glass blowing at Simon Pearce, and climbing within the Quechee Gorge.
Where to remain: Woodstock Inn and Resort
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Distance from Boston: 2.25 hours of driving time
Lake Winnipesaukee is the most important lake in New Hampshire, however there are many others to select from within the state’s Lakes Region. The apparent actions embrace boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing, however it’s also possible to take pleasure in zip strains, journey programs, and climbing close by earlier than it will get too chilly. Be certain to take a look at the early morning reflections of the autumn colours within the lake or watch the sundown over the water.
Where 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.
Where 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 it would be best to plan your weekend getaway between mid-September and mid-October. Stargazers will benefit from the Acadia Night Sky Festival in September and hikers can take pleasure in trails which are typically closed in the summertime to guard nesting birds. Relax on the finish of the day with a recent lobster and one in all Maine’s many native craft beers. There are many issues to do close to Acadia National Park.
Where to remain: Harborside Hotel, Terramor Outdoor Resort
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Distance from Boston: 2.5 hours driving time + ferry
As beautiful 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 could even be capable to get a reservation on a automobile ferry extra simply! Fall is the perfect time to actually discover Martha’s Vineyard, from the clay cliffs of Aquinnah to sunsets at Menemsha and purchasing in Edgartown.
Where 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 wish to maintain onto summer season, head south to Raleigh, the place Southern appeal meets huge metropolis. You will discover 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.
Where to remain: Aloft Raleigh, The StateView Hotel
Baltimore, Maryland
Distance from Boston: 1.5-hour direct flight on Southwest, Delta, American, United, JetBlue, or Spirit
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is gorgeous within the fall and for those who time it proper, you’ll be able to catch an away sport for the Red Sox or Patriots if you are on the town. Explore the National Aquarium, take a harbor cruise, crack crabs in historic Fell’s Point, and seize breakfast at Miss Shirley’s earlier than heading dwelling.
Where to remain: Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Pier 5 Hotel Baltimore
Catskills, New York
Distance from Boston: 4 hours driving time
When you get bored with the mountains nearer to dwelling, head west to New York’s Catskills. In the autumn you will see festivals, farms, lovely foliage, and loads of journey together with zip strains, journey programs, and mountain biking. The space’s many cideries and breweries offers you loads of excuses to take a scenic drive by the countryside.
Where to remain: Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark (for households), Inn at Lake Joseph
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Even weekend getaways want journey insurance coverage to guard your funding, and your self. My journey insurance coverage supplier of selection is Allianz Travel. For the previous couple of years, I’ve insured my household with an annual journey insurance coverage plan and have bought extra insurance policies when additional protection was most well-liked.
I’ve needed to make two claims, one journey cancellation because of sickness (I received the flu!) and as soon as for a visit delay when our authentic flight was canceled and we needed to rebook. Both claims went easily and I can examine the standing and extra on the Travel Smart app.
Some of the issues that journey insurance coverage can defend embrace: 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 Travel.
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