The 10 Best Massachusetts Day Trips in the State and Beyond, Best for Hiking, Shopping and Scenic Views

As the temperatures rise and school ends for the summer, it’s a good time to find new places to explore.

Whether these day trips take you to the Berkshires, east of the coast, or to another New England state, each has its own charm, perfect for anyone looking to get away from it all. escape.

Will your summer take you to any of these places?

Purgatory Chasm State Reserve

City: Sutton, MA

Purgatory Chasm is a unique natural landmark offering countless ways to explore the outdoors. “Follow the trails to rock formations such as The Corn Crib, The Coffin and Lovers’ Leap. After exploring, settle in for an afternoon picnic,” Mass.gov wrote about the park. There is a parking fee for in-state residents for $5 and $20 for out-of-state. Inside the park, guests have access to grills, restrooms, a playground, picnic areas, and the visitor center. The reservation is open from sunrise to sunset.

Mount Holyoke Range State Park

City: Amherst, MA

Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the panoramic view from the heights of the mountains. “The 3,000-acre Mount Holyoke Range State Park includes a 7-mile mountain ridgeline. The park also includes streams, wetlands, woods and thickets. Visitors can explore more than 30 miles of marked trails,” Mass.gov wrote. Parking is free and the park is open Sunday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mystic, CT

The town of Mystic, Connecticut has so much to offer if you don’t mind crossing state lines. The city includes many options of attractions such as the aquarium, restaurants, shopping, recreation and accommodation. With the purchase of a mystical pass, purchasers will get entry to the Mystic Aquarium and entry to the Mystic Seaport Museum. You can browse the Mystic website here.

Mount Greylock State Reserve

City: Lanesborough, MA

For hikers who really want the thrill, Mt. Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet, according to Mass.gov. The park is also one of the best camping sites for hikers. The campground has 27 campsites at the base of the mountain filled with picnic tables, fire pits, hiker shelters, bear-proof food storage lockers, and solar-powered composting toilets. .

wood hole

City: Falmouth, MA

Located on Cape Cod, there are so many things to do here that can fill the day. Take a trip on the Steamship Authority, visit Nobska Point Lighthouse or the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. The town also has an array of beaches and restaurants. Look for a full itinerary list of what to do in Woods Hole here.

Rockport, MA

Just north of Boston, this quaint town is a great option for those looking to spend the day. The town is complete with shops, a small beach, a pier and more. “Visit Rockport for our miles of beautiful beaches, our rock-strewn paths through woods and glades, and that unusually magical light that has inspired painters since Winslow Homer. A pleasant hour’s drive north of Boston, you can enjoy a romantic getaway, exquisite dining, and a unique shopping experience year-round,” Rockport’s website states. For a full overview of the Rockport map, click here.

Lee Premium Outlets

City: Lee, MA

Not everyone wants to be active on a day trip. If hiking isn’t your thing, a leisurely stroll through the Lee Premium Outlets is a great way to spend the day. For shopping enthusiasts, the outlets offer a wide choice of shops and places to eat. The points of sale are open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

City: Ipswich, MA

Castle Hill is a 56,881 square foot Tudor Revival mansion in Ipswich, Massachusetts, built from 1926 to 1928. “Castle Hill is a hiker’s paradise with walking routes that wind through gardens, lawns and trails well maintained,” according to Trustees. House tours are available with both guided and self-guided options. Visitors can even play croquet on the lawn or just hang out inside the guesthouses. The house even overlooks an ocean view of Crane Beach.

Cape Ann Whale Watching

City: Gloucester, MA

Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester “provides guaranteed whale sightings for every whale watching tour at Stellwagen Bank, a National Marine Reserve approximately 12 miles offshore from Gloucester”, according to the See The Whales website. Booking a whale watching session is available here. Day-trippers can also visit Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester if whale watching isn’t enough.

Salem, MA

If Halloween is too spooky, visiting the town of Salem is much quieter in the summer. Known for the witch trials of 1692, this town has a haunting history. Guests can tour the Witch House, Judge Jonathan Corwin’s house and the only structure in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials, according to the house. website. “It’s also packed with colonial architecture, world-class museums, shops and restaurants”, Adventures in New England wrote.

Have a favorite day trip that isn’t on the list? Email [email protected]

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