Boston summer vacation ideas
Ah, summer. The season when kids get out of school, businesses reduce operating hours, and everyone escapes to the nearest beach or lake. High temperatures and vacation time make vacations memorable — but they can also be expensive. If you’re looking for cheap Boston summer vacation ideas this year, consider the following eight destinations.
Are you from the Boston area and have a vacation planned over the summer? Are you looking to do something a little different than the usual spots you travel to? In this post, we’ll be sharing four unique activities that are perfect for a family vacation or small group getaway.
Boston is a vibrant and diverse city. A city where you’ll find not only a plethora of history, but also activities involving all the senses including delicious food and drinks. I’m sharing with you my personal recommendations for some go-to places to visit in Boston during the summer with kids (for those traveling with their families).
Boston is a great place to spend your summer vacation. The city has a lot of fun activities, and it’s easy to get around town. Here are some great Boston summer vacation ideas:
-Tour the Freedom Trail, which is a 2.5 mile route that connects 16 different sites important to American history. You can start at the Boston Common and take the red line T (Boston’s subway system) to each stop along the way.
-Visit the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum in the Charlestown Navy Yard, where you can learn about how this famous event happened, and see an exact replica of the ship that was used! You can also see exhibits about other events in American history that took place in Boston.
-Go to one of many parks or gardens around Boston—there’s something for everyone! For example, if you have kids with you then check out The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University or Franklin Park Zoo; if you want something more relaxing then take a stroll through The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; if you want an urban experience then check out Charles River Esplanade; if you want something more quiet then go to Jamaica Pond; and finally, if you want something exotic
1. Portland, Maine
Portland has undergone a renaissance of late, becoming a hot spot for travelers looking for a refreshing weekend getaway from Boston. New restaurants are opening, and their chefs are winning awards. With that in mind, it’s a particularly popular spot for those looking for a foodie destination.
This coastal town goes a lot deeper than its remarkable food scene and, depending on your interests, Portland has a little something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of a multitude of water sports. Hiking trails surround the area. Art lovers should head to the Portland Museum of Art, where an impressive number of works from both local and international artists are on display.
Another must-see is the Victoria Mansion, an 1800s-era mansion with a remarkable period interior. The historic “Old Port” is a cobbled-street neighborhood on the waterfront, with plenty of shops and restaurants, many housed in repurposed warehouses.
Outside the city center, excursions to the Casco Bay Islands or Cape Elizabeth are worthy of additional time. Pack a towel, as you’ll want to spend some time at the beach, especially if you’re visiting during summer.
For an overnight stay, good value can be found at the Holiday Inn Portland by the Bay, which offers free Wi-Fi and a pool. Directly on the waterfront is the Portland Harbor Hotel, a boutique property with luxury amenities.
2. Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown is a fun and vibrant city located at the tip of Cape Cod’s “hook.” Chock-full of art galleries, ice-cream stores, eclectic shops, and unique murals, this one-of-a-kind destination is one you really must visit.
While this is a great year-round destination for a weekend getaway from Boston, the best months to visit are July and August. This is when the water is at its warmest and the beaches at their most luxurious, and it’s the time when the town comes alive with tourists of all ages, shapes, and sizes. This is an uber popular spot for a summer vacay, and it’s best to book early if you’re hoping to spend a night or two.
The Pilgrim Monument is a must-see. This iconic landmark can be spotted from pretty much every place in town. From the water, it serves as an opulent white blip on the landscape, marking the landing of the pilgrims in 1620. A climb to the top rewards visitors with remarkable vistas. Looking for some adventure? Rent a kayak or paddleboard in town.
Provincetown is about two hours from Boston, but in the summer, it could take much longer (we’re talking four hours or more) to reach your destination. Travel on a weekday (not including Friday) for a faster drive or, better yet, leave the crowds behind by taking a seasonal ferry. Boston Harbor offers ferries that run to Provincetown in only one hour.
For your weekend stay, the Lands End Inn offers luxurious accommodations with majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the region’s soft, sandy beaches. Additional Provincetown accommodations can be found at the Cape Colony Inn, boasting an above-ground pool among its many amenities.
Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Provincetown, MA
3. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect getaway to leave the hustle and bustle of Beantown behind. This island has long been a prized vacation spot for Boston’s elite and others just wanting to get away, recharge, or enjoy a romantic couples retreat.
While you are here, rent a bicycle so you can explore the island at your leisure. On the southwestern tip of the island is Aquinnah Cliffs, a popular tourist spot, where you can see the impressive clay cliffs. From the top, you can view the Gay Head Light or the Elizabeth Islands.
For animal lovers, head to Island Alpaca, where you can meet one of the friendly Huacaya alpacas and tour the beautiful farm. The main draw to Martha’s Vineyard is the beach, so be sure to enjoy the ocean, sand, and sunshine on your trip.
Martha’s Vineyard is a few hours from Boston, but well worth the drive. If you want to bring your car, make sure to have a ferry reservation booked well in advance (we’re talking months, not days). You can also reach it via plane. In all, there are six main ways to get from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard.
Centrally located in Edgartown, the Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites is a boutique property with modern décor and seaside charm.
4. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Thirty-six miles out to sea, there is an island off Cape Cod that is committed to preserving it’s past while moving into the future. Rose-covered cottages, cobblestone streets, and white picket fences are the norm. Many of the roads are unpaved, and a good portion of the island is devoted to conservation land. It’s a beaut!
Although Nantucket is known for its beaches, culture and history play a big role in the social scene here. The remoteness and simple beauty just adds to the abundance of charm.
For just a weekend visit, leave your car at home and rent a bicycle to get around and see the island’s beauty. There are many spots to do so right off the ferries. Stop by the Brandt Point Lighthouse or one of the many pristine beaches like Ladies or Jetties Beach.
A large selection of restaurants offers many choices, but on summer weekends, make sure to have a reservation. You could also load up on the amazing bounty of seafood or readily prepared sandwiches at Bartlett Farm and have a picnic on the beach.
The easiest way to get to Nantucket is to fly from Boston via Cape Air, or you can drive to Hyannis and take the ferry over. It will take a few hours either way, so this trek is best made on a long weekend.
Most hotels on Nantucket are located in town. The Veranda House along with the historical Jared Coffin House are centrally located and within walking distance to the harbor and a wide selection of restaurants in all price ranges. They’re known as part of the Nantucket Resort Collection.
Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Nantucket
5. Block Island, Rhode Island
Located just off the coast of mainland Rhode Island and Long Island, New York, this nine-square-mile isle is only accessed by ferry from the mainland. Getting here from Boston is easy. Take the hour-and-a-half drive to Kingston and then hop on the Block Island ferry, which takes approximately 15 minutes port to port.
Once there, rent a moped or bike and explore the 17-mile perimeter of some of the most pristine sandy beaches in Rhode Island. Even though Block Island is small, it’s filled with dozens of charming specialty shops, art galleries, and more.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Clayhead Nature Trail, Rodman’s Hollow, and Settlers Rock. Pack comfy shoes, snacks, and plenty of water and sunblock as you’ll want to hit these trails for hours.
The Block Island Maritime Institute is a fun stop, and you’ll likely learn something new about the diverse marine life in this area. If you are looking for a little more adventure, try a fishing excursion with Block Island Fishworks.
National Hotel, within walking distance from the ferry docks, is the epitome of a classic Victorian-styled hotel. The large structure has a front porch made for rocking chairs and binoculars. Breakfast is included in your stay.