14 Greatest Highway Journeys From Boston, USA (2024 Information)

From stress-free in a Cape Cod coastal city to climbing the rocky shoreline of Maine, discover the perfect of New England on these street journeys from Boston!

Boston is among the most well-known cities in america. With a widely known colonial historical past, world-class sports activities groups, and a great deal of leisure and eating choices, Boston is a vibrant and exquisite metropolis.

One of many greatest issues to do whereas visiting the Boston space is strive a street journey or two! Boston is surrounded by quintessential New England surroundings that wows locals and guests alike.

So for those who don’t have already got a automobile, lease one and get exploring!

You’ll be able to street journey as much as New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine. Style contemporary lobsters, hike within the lush mountains, swim in a pristine lake, or simply take pleasure in a scenic drive by multicolored fall foliage.

Or head south to Rhode Island or Cape Cod. Wonderful seashores, charming coastal cities, and offshore islands await.

These with extra time to spare may even strive a street journey exterior of New England. Drive right down to New York Metropolis, town that by no means sleeps. Or street journey to the well-known Niagara Falls, or head north to take a look at Canadian gems like Montreal and Quebec.

Boston street journeys are an incredible strategy to discover the northeast USA. Whether or not you’re in search of a weekend getaway or a fast day journey, these implausible locations close to Boston are good for a street journey!

One of the best ways to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of automobiles for the perfect worth available on the market.

When is the perfect time of yr for street journeys from Boston?

New England presents one thing particular always of yr, so you are able to do a street journey from Boston yr spherical.

Nevertheless, every season is totally different and chances are you’ll wish to plan your street journeys to go well with the climate.

Summer season in New England is scorching and wealthy with greenery. That is the perfect time to street journey north to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Canada. You’ll have superb circumstances for out of doors actions like climbing, {golfing}, swimming, and sightseeing in nature.

The summer season months are additionally probably the most crowded at touristy spots close to Boston. So the perfect time for street journeys is autumn or late spring.

Autumn round Boston is famously beautiful. The leaves change and switch the forests into magical kaleidoscopes of shade. The temperatures additionally begin to get cooler and crowds might reduce as folks return to high school and work, which can be higher for hitting the climbing trails.

Spring additionally has nice climate, although the climate is extra unpredictable. Spring within the Boston space can generally nonetheless really feel like winter, and snowstorms generally seem as late as Could!

And naturally, winter is freezing and more durable for street journeys from Boston. Snow and ice might trigger some street closures. Nevertheless, winter remains to be lovely, and you are able to do some enjoyable street journeys to the mountains for snowboarding or snowboarding.

Simply ensure you have automobile and a few restoration gear in case of tough street circumstances. All the time verify native climate alerts earlier than your street journeys as effectively!

Greatest Highway Journeys From Boston

Let’s dive into the perfect street journeys from Boston! These street journey locations showcase the perfect of New England and the encircling areas. Every street journey results in a preferred vacation spot, whether or not it’s a metropolis, coastal city, nationwide park, pure attraction, or a common area.

The driving instances and distances from Boston replicate the direct route from downtown Boston to the vacation spot. You’ll be able to modify any street journey to be longer and cease at close by points of interest alongside the way in which.

So after a couple of days of exploring Boston, seize your rental automobile and prepare to discover the sweetness, tradition, historical past, and nature of northeast USA!

1. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine

• Distance from Boston: 280 miles
• Driving time: 4.5 hours

Acadia Nationwide Park is the solely nationwide park in New England, and it’s a actual deal with to discover. Stuffed with granite peaks, dense woodlands, wealthy biodiversity, and picturesque shorelines, it is a nature lover’s paradise.

Guests can hike Cadillac Mountain, the best level on the US East Coast that provides unbelievable sunrises. Different well-liked climbing trails embody the difficult Precipice Path or Beehive Path, or the simple Jordan Pond Path or Ocean Path Path.

The street journey from Boston to Acadia Nationwide Park takes you north alongside the New Hampshire and Maine coastlines. Cease in charming coastal cities like Portsmouth, York, Kennebunkport, and Portland alongside the way in which in order for you a extra leisurely street journey.

Bar Harbor is a well-liked place to cease earlier than or after exploring Acadia Nationwide Park as effectively. The city is usually thought-about the gateway to the nationwide park, and it’s a excellent spot to spend the evening throughout your street journey.

Nestled between the sapphire waters of Frenchman Bay and the forests of Acadia, Bar Harbor is a picturesque place to go whale watching, kayaking, and exploring. Try the city’s historic streets lined with distinctive outlets, artwork galleries, and seafood eating places.

E book a self guided audio tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia Nationwide Park to make your street journey even simpler!

2. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

• Distance from Boston: Between 60 and 115 miles, relying on the place you go
• Driving time: Between 1-2 hours

One other one of the crucial well-liked street journeys from Boston is Cape Cod.

This iconic peninsula lined with sand bars, coastal marshes, and quaint cities is a well-liked vacation and retirement spot for New England locals. In case you’re in search of the right summer season street journey from Boston, Cape Cod is a good alternative!

The complete peninsula is filled with cute cities and idyllic seashores. From Bourne and Sandwich on the prime of Cape Cod to Provincetown and the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore on the finish, you possibly can spend days driving round Cape Cod and by no means tiring of the surroundings and points of interest.

Go bicycling alongside the Cape Cod Rail Path, snap an image of a historic lighthouse, or go to points of interest just like the Cape Cod Museum of Pure Historical past and the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

You would spend a couple of days road-tripping alongside all the peninsula and stopping in well-liked cities alongside the way in which akin to Falmouth, Mashpee, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Chatham, and Eastham.

Cape Cod is a well-liked weekend journey from Boston, so attempt to go throughout the week if you wish to escape the crowds! It’s additionally a street journey that’s greatest accomplished in summer season. Cape Cod’s seashores are nonetheless lovely within the useless of winter, however a lot of native institutions shut when summer season ends so that you’re choices are extra restricted.

3. Martha’s Winery, Massachusetts

• Distance from Boston: 93 miles
• Driving time: 2.5 hours

Martha’s Winery, together with different New England islands like Block Island, Plum Island, and Nantucket, are like little slices of paradise on the chilly Atlantic Coast.

As a result of they’re islands, any of those street journeys would require a ferry journey. Martha’s Winery is among the hottest island journeys to take from Boston. Merely drive right down to Falmouth or Woods Gap in Cape Cod and get the ferry over.

When you arrive, spend a while exploring the historic homes of Oak Bluffs, the elegant streets of Edgartown, and the fantastic thing about Aquinnah’s clay cliffs.

Martha’s Winery additionally incorporates a vibrant arts scene, beautiful eating choices with a give attention to contemporary seafood, and quite a few out of doors actions akin to biking, climbing, and crusing.

You don’t essentially want a automobile to discover islands like Nantucket and Martha’s Winery, however it does present extra flexibility in your journey. Examine the ferry schedules on-line and e-book your ticket prematurely to make sure it doesn’t promote out. Or for those who’re simply taking the ferry over for a couple of hours to discover on foot, you should purchase your ferry ticket if you arrive on the terminal.

4. Stowe, Vermont

• Distance from Boston: 200 miles
• Driving time: 3.5 hours

Top-of-the-line street journeys from Boston in winter is to Stowe, Vermont. This can be a lovely street journey yr spherical, however Stowe is very well-liked in wintertime for snowboarding and snowboarding.

Plus, driving by the distant forests and cities of Massachusetts and Vermont is magical in winter when the area is blanketed in contemporary snow.

When you arrive in Stowe, spend a couple of days having fun with this city within the north of the Inexperienced Mountains.

Stowe is close to Vermont’s tallest mountain, Mount Mansfield, which presents distinctive snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter. Go to Stowe Mountain Ski Resort, the hottest ski resort within the space, to strive winter sports activities on Mount Mansfield or Spruce Peak.

Throughout the hotter months, the realm transforms right into a haven for climbing, biking, and tenting. The charming downtown space of Stowe is full of boutique outlets, artwork galleries, and quite a lot of eating choices.

5. Montreal, Canada

• Distance from Boston: 307 miles
• Driving time: 5 hours

Southeast Canada is definitely probably the greatest street journey locations close to Boston! A street journey to Montreal will take you thru New Hampshire and Vermont till you cross the border into Canada. Ensure you have your passport for this street journey!

Stowe, Vermont is barely on the way in which to Montreal so you possibly can mix the 2 locations into an extended street journey. If you’re hoping to make some stops on the way in which to Montreal, you’ll even be passing by two state capitals: Harmony, New Hampshire and Montpelier, Vermont.

However there may be clearly a lot to do within the well-known metropolis of Montreal, so ensure you have no less than a couple of days right here!

Montreal is the most important metropolis within the Canadian province of Quebec and is thought for its old-world European appeal.

Ensure you take a look at the historic Previous Montreal with its cobblestone streets and Gothic Revival structure. Plateau Mont-Royal is one other well-liked neighborhood, with its bohemian vibe and colourful murals. Or be a part of a St. Lawrence river cruise and benefit from the metropolis from the water!

Montreal hosts quite a few festivals all year long, together with the world-famous Montreal Worldwide Jazz Competition. However the metropolis is beautiful yr spherical, so undoubtedly think about this street journey if in case you have time!

6. Newport, Rhode Island

• Distance from Boston: 71 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

A well-liked day journey vacation spot from Boston, Newport is among the most scenic locations in Rhode Island.

Identified for its opulent Gilded Age mansions, beautiful waterfront views, and wealthy maritime historical past, Newport combines upscale magnificence with coastal appeal.

Usually known as the “Crusing Capital of the World,” Newport’s harbor is full of yachts and sailboats, and the waterfront is enjoyable to stroll round even for those who’re not into crusing.

Guests can discover the historic Newport Mansions, akin to The Breakers and Marble Home, which showcase the grandeur of America’s wealthiest households throughout the late nineteenth century.

The Cliff Stroll, a scenic 3.5-mile pathway alongside the jap shore, presents breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the cool Newport structure. Newport can also be filled with cool outlets, historic streets, and wonderful eating places with contemporary seafood.

This is among the shortest street journeys from Boston because it’s solely about an hour to achieve Newport from downtown. So for those who’re in search of a enjoyable day journey that doesn’t require an excessive amount of journey, it is a nice possibility.

In case you’re hoping to increase the street journey, you possibly can even catch the ferry to Block Island and spend a day being a seaside bum!

7. White Mountains, New Hampshire

• Distance from Boston: 165 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

A street journey itinerary by the White Mountains is beautiful, particularly in autumn. Those that love nature and foliage ought to add this weekend getaway from Boston to their bucket lists!

The White Mountain Nationwide Forest is filled with sloping hills, granite cliffs, towering mountains, lush forests, small cities, and New England appeal.

Travellers flock right here in autumn to witness the magnificent altering of leaves, however summer season can also be a superb time to discover the mountains. Mountaineering, tenting, and backpacking are well-liked methods to journey by the wilderness within the White Mountain Nationwide Forest.

There are many wonderful climbing trails right here, together with the tallest peak in New Hampshire, Mount Washington. Different spectacular hikes embody Flume Gorge, the Franconia Ridge Loop, and the well-known Appalachian Path.

In case you’re not trying to hike, expertise some small city appeal in locations like Lincoln or North Conway. The White Mountains make a stunning day journey, weekend getaway, or prolonged street journey from Boston.

8. Portland, Maine

• Distance from Boston: 112 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

As one of the crucial beloved cities within the Japanese United States, Portland showcases the perfect of New England tradition and the surroundings of the Maine coast.

See iconic coastal landmarks just like the Portland Head Lighthouse, flick through galleries on the Portland Museum of Artwork, or pattern native craft beers on the Allagash Brewing Firm.

Stroll by the historic Previous Port district and take a look at the quaint cobblestone streets, fashionable outlets, road artwork, and native eateries the place you may get a contemporary lobster roll.

Go for a nature stroll or bike journey alongside the scenic Japanese Promenade, or go on a ship cruise by Casco Bay to admire the encircling islands and waterways.

Whether or not you wish to soak up pure magnificence, laid-back tradition, or New England historical past, Portland has all of it!

9. New York Metropolis, New York

• Distance from Boston: 215 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 40 minutes

New York Metropolis is among the hottest street journeys from Boston, although this one is extra concerning the vacation spot than the journey. Driving from Boston to NYC is principally highways that aren’t tremendous scenic.

You’ll be able to cease in small Massachusetts or Connecticut cities alongside the way in which. However most individuals simply take probably the most direct route as a result of it’s simpler. You will get from Boston to New York Metropolis in below 4 hours and have ample time to discover the well-known Massive Apple!

Attempt to full this street journey early within the morning or later within the night to keep away from peak site visitors instances going into town. You most likely received’t have the ability to keep away from all site visitors in NYC, however simply have some good tunes for the automobile to maintain you entertained alongside the way in which.

When you arrive in New York Metropolis, you might be completely spoilt for alternative in the case of actions and points of interest.

NYC is house to a few of the most well-known sights on this planet, from the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Constructing, to Occasions Sq. and Central Park. A CityPASS will help you lower your expenses on the highest museums and points of interest, which is wonderful as a result of metropolis life in NYC is just not low cost!

10. Lake Champlain, Vermont

• Distance from Boston: 216 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 35 minutes

Situated about 3 and a half hours northwest of Boston, Lake Champlain is the sixth largest freshwater lake in america.

The lake spans over 120 miles in size and stretches into northern Vermont, New York, and Quebec, Canada. You would drive to any of the cities surrounding the large lake, however one of the crucial handy lakeside cities to achieve from Boston is Burlington, Vermont.

Burlington is a small city with an enormous vitality. There are festivals, museums, markets, and many leisure, eating, and lodging choices in Burlington.

The city can also be the right gateway to Lake Champlain, particularly in the summertime when water sports activities are pleasurable.

Guests to Lake Champlain can take pleasure in boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, with quite a few seashores and marinas alongside its shoreline.

The Lake Champlain Islands, accessible by causeways and ferries, present a tranquil retreat with scenic vistas, orchards, and alternatives for biking and exploring native farms. That is an incredible street journey from Boston for these craving out of doors journey!

View the perfect lodging in Burlington, Vermont on Reserving.com!

11. Niagara Falls, New York

• Distance from Boston: 467 miles
• Driving time: 7 hours

One of many extra formidable street journeys from Boston is Niagara Falls. However the journey is value it for those who’ve by no means seen this pure marvel of the world earlier than!

A direct drive from Boston to Niagara Falls is round 7 hours. You would rapidly full the drive in at some point, or take your time and make some stops alongside the way in which.

This street journey will take you thru western Massachusetts the place you possibly can cease in cities like Amherst or Springfield. Or you possibly can cease in some well-liked New York locations like Albany, Syracuse, and Buffalo.

However ensure you go away ample time to discover Niagara Falls, one of many world’s most well-known waterfalls!

The falls include three main waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian aspect and the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the US aspect. Maid of the Mist is the preferred boat tour on the US aspect the place you possibly can tour the majestic falls from the water and stand up near the cascades.

Past the falls themselves, the encircling Niagara Falls State Park presents climbing trails, gardens, and beautiful views of the Niagara River Gorge, making Niagara Falls a really unforgettable vacation spot.

12. Windfall, Rhode Island

• Distance from Boston: 50 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour

About an hour south of Boston lies Windfall, one other probably the greatest cities to discover in Rhode Island.

Windfall is among the oldest cities in america and has an abundance of cultural richness, historic landmarks, and a vibrant arts scene.

Guests can stroll alongside the energetic waterfront of the Windfall River, indulge within the nightlife downtown, go to an area museum, or be a part of a ghost tour to study concerning the historical past in a singular means.

Households can take a look at the various animal displays at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Historical past fanatics can tour the Rhode Island State Home and Profit Road, referred to as “The Mile of Historical past,” that includes well-preserved colonial properties and museums.

Artwork lovers will recognize visiting the Rhode Island Faculty of Design Museum (RISD Museum), showcasing an in depth assortment of artwork starting from historical to up to date works.

Although it’s only a brief drive from Boston to Windfall, it’s a handy street journey the place you may get to know a really particular metropolis in New England!

13. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Distance from Boston: 311 miles
• Driving time: 5 hours

Enterprise southwest from Boston by Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to discover town of Philadelphia. That is a simple metropolis to go to after NYC as effectively if you wish to mix the 2 into one street journey.

As one of many oldest cities in america, Philadelphia is stuffed with issues to do! Town is thought for its colonial heritage, evident in iconic landmarks like Independence Corridor and the Liberty Bell.

Town’s cobblestone streets within the historic district of Previous Metropolis transport guests again in time, providing a glimpse into the previous by preserved colonial-era buildings and museums such because the Museum of the American Revolution.

Past its historical past, Philadelphia is a vibrant cultural hub, house to world-class artwork establishments just like the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork, with its well-known “Rocky Steps,” and the Barnes Basis, housing a formidable assortment of impressionist and trendy artwork.

Philadelphia’s meals scene is as numerous as its tradition. Town’s Studying Terminal Market, a bustling meals corridor since 1893, is the perfect place to strive native meals together with a well-known Philly cheesesteak.

You don’t wish to rush your exploration of Philly. So if in case you have a couple of days to spare, Philadelphia is among the greatest street journeys from Boston!

Try this 3 Days in Philadelphia Itinerary for extra concepts!

14. Quebec Metropolis, Canada

• Distance from Boston: 397 miles
• Driving time: 6 hours and half-hour

At about 6 and a half hours from Boston, Quebec Metropolis is an formidable however worthwhile street journey vacation spot. You would even mix this with a visit to Montreal, as the 2 Canadian cities are solely about 260km aside.

Each cities are completely value visiting if you wish to expertise the wonders of jap Canada.

Quebec Metropolis particularly is a vacation spot wealthy with historical past and tradition. Begin within the historic Previous Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Website. The charming district is stuffed with slender cobblestone streets, Seventeenth-century structure, and the long-lasting Château Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Guests can discover historic websites such because the Citadel, stroll alongside the scenic Dufferin Terrace, and immerse themselves in Quebec’s French Canadian tradition by its museums, artwork galleries, and energetic festivals just like the Quebec Winter Carnival.

You probably have time to enterprise past town, you possibly can discover Quebec’s pure magnificence within the Laurentian Mountains. Prolong your street journey by the scenic Laurentian and Appalachian roads and take a look at out of doors actions akin to snowboarding, climbing, ice skating, and wildlife watching.

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