Boston is one of the top places to visit in the Northeast United States. This dreamy city has an incredible foodie and craft beer scene, incredible historical sites, and great water activities. But sometimes you want to escape the city.

The Best Destinations in New England

So from rural retreats to coastal towns to historic cities, I’ve rounded up the perfect getaways for your next trip.

Here are the best weekend getaways from Boston!

Cape Cod, MA

Known For: beaches, lobster rolls, laid-back coastal towns, lighthouses.

Distance From Boston: 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

Top Activity Recommendations: bike a portion of the Shining Sea Bikeway, visit the Nobska Lighthouse, visit the Kennedy Museum, go on a whale watching tour, marvel at the Cape Cod National Seashore, visit Rock Harbor, do a wine tasting at Truro Vineyards, explore Provincetown, watch the sunset at Race Point Beach.

Best Accommodations: The Coonamessett (mid-range), Chatham Bars Inn (luxury), AutoCamp Cape Cod (glamping), The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club (ocean views).

Stowe, Vermont

Known For: Mount Mansfield, hiking trails, covered bridges, skiing, and other winter activities.

Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 15 minutes by car.

Top Activity Recommendations: drive up to the peak of Mount Mansfield, hike the Stowe Recreation Path, explore Smugglers’ Notch State Park, chase waterfalls in Sterling Falls Gorge, visit Emily’s Covered Bridge, snowshoe and snowmobile if it’s winter.

Best Accommodations: Trapp Family Lodge (managed by the family that inspired The Sound of Music), The Lodge at Spruce Peak (ski-in/ski-out resort), Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa (spa retreat).

Acadia National Park, Maine

Known For: being one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

Distance From Boston: 4 hours and 30 minutes by car.

Top Activity Recommendations: drive the Park Loop Road, see the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, rent motorized bikes to bike the Carriage Roads, explore Bar Harbor, take a puffin cruise, or go on a sea kayak tour.

Best Accommodations: The Claremont Hotel (off-the-beaten-path), Bar Harbor Inn (luxury), The Primrose (boutique), Balance Rock Inn (historical).

Known For: small towns and villages, outdoor activities, fall foliage viewing, a farm-to-table food scene, its art scene.

Distance From Boston: 2 hours and 15 minutes by car.

Top Activity Recommendations: see a Performance at Tanglewood, hike, chase waterfalls, visit one of the region’s museums, visit Naumkeag, wine and dine yourself.

Best Accommodations: Wheatleigh (Tuscan-style mansion), Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa (wellness retreat), The Williams Inn (boutique), The Kemble Inn (historical).

Newport, Rhode Island

Known For: yacht-filled harbors, Gilded Age mansions, clam chowder.

Distance From Boston: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.

Top Activity Recommendations: see the Castle Hill Lighthouse, bike through town, walk along The Cliff Walk, eat at the White Horse Tavern, have some chowder at the Black Pearl.

Best Accommodations: Castle Hill Inn (luxury), The Chanler at Cliff Walk (my favorite), The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection (historic mansion).

Known For: boat-filled harbors, restaurants, its historic city center.

Distance From Boston: 1 hour by car.

Top Activity Recommendations: visit the outdoor Strawbery Banke Museum, eat at La Maison Navarre, shop in the historic downtown area, get a drink at the Portsmouth Book & Bar, and stroll in the waterfront Prescott Park.

Best Accommodations: Martin Hill Inn (bed and breakfast), The Sailmaker’s House (boutique), Ale House Inn (beer hotel).

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Known For: beautiful coastal towns, incredible restaurants, great bike roads, and dreamy lighthouses.

Distance From Boston: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car, then a 30-minute ferry ride. Or a 40-minute flight.

Top Activity Recommendations: take a boat tour along the island’s coastline, rent a motorized bike to visit Edgartown, Oaks Bluff, and Vineyard Haven via Seaview Avenue, marvel at the views from Prospect Hill, climb up the Edgartown Lighthouse, see the Aquinnah Cliffs

Best Accommodations: The Christopher (my favorite), Harbor View Hotel (luxury), Summercamp Hotel (whimsical summer camp-themed boutique hotel).

Known For: its church steeples, Lake Champlain, fall foliage viewing.

Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 20 minutes by car.

Top Activity Recommendations: shop at the Church Street Marketplace, stroll through Waterfront Park, take a boat ride on Lake Champlain, have a beer at Foam Brewers, visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum.

Best Accommodations: Hotel Vermont (perfect downtown location), Made INN Vermont (bed and breakfast), The Essex Resort & Spa (country retreat).

Portland, Maine

Known For: craft beer, its foodie scene, sailing, parks, the Portland Head Light.

Distance From Boston: 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.

Top Activity Recommendations: visit the Portland Head Light, go on a schooner cruise, explore the Old Port, stroll along the Eastern Promenade, do a craft brewery tour, spend a day at Willard Beach.

Best Accommodations: The Press Hotel (has some of the best rooftop views in the city), Inn By The Sea (waterfront), Portland Harbor Hotel (nautical themed), Blind Tiger (boutique).

Nantucket, MA

Known For: whaling, its remote location, lighthouses, fishing.

Distance From Boston: a 45-minute flight.

Top Activity Recommendations: visit the Whaling Museum, see the iconic steepled churches, shop, wine and dine yourself, go sailing, whale-watch.

Best Accommodations: The Wauwinet (adults-only), White Elephant Hotel (waterfront), 76 Main (boutique).

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