Map Of Towns Around Boston

The Ultimate Travel Guide

Introduction

Boston is a city with a rich history and culture, and its surrounding towns are no different. From the charming coastal towns to the picturesque mountains, there’s something for everyone in this area. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in the towns around Boston.

Top Attractions

The towns around Boston offer a variety of top attractions that are worth visiting. In Salem, you can explore the Witch Trials Memorial and the House of the Seven Gables. In Lexington, you can visit the Lexington Battle Green and the Lexington Minuteman Statue. In Concord, you can see the Old North Bridge and the Walden Pond State Reservation. And in Cape Cod, you can enjoy the beaches and the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Hidden Gems

The towns around Boston are full of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. In Rockport, you can visit the Paper House, a house made entirely out of paper. In Marblehead, you can explore the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, a hidden gem for nature lovers. In Newburyport, you can walk along the Clipper City Rail Trail, a scenic walking trail that offers beautiful views of the Merrimack River.

Food Scene

The towns around Boston are known for their delicious food scene. In Gloucester, you can try the fresh seafood at Woodman’s of Essex or the Lobster Pool. In Portsmouth, you can enjoy the craft beer and delicious food at the Portsmouth Brewery. And in Providence, you can indulge in the Italian food at Al Forno or the seafood at Hemenway’s.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Visiting the towns around Boston doesn’t have to break the bank. In Salem, you can explore the town on foot and visit the Witch House, which only costs $8 per person. In Gloucester, you can visit the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial, a free attraction that offers beautiful views of the harbor. And in Rockport, you can walk along the Bearskin Neck, a charming street filled with shops and galleries.

Outdoor Adventures

The towns around Boston offer plenty of outdoor adventures for nature lovers. In Concord, you can hike along the trails at the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. In Cape Cod, you can go whale watching with Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch or take a kayaking tour with Cape Kayaking. And in Portsmouth, you can explore the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, a scenic walking trail that offers beautiful views of the harbor.

Historical Landmarks

The towns around Boston are full of historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into the past. In Lexington, you can visit the Buckman Tavern, where the Minutemen gathered before the Battle of Lexington. In Salem, you can see the House of the Seven Gables, a historic house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. And in Plymouth, you can visit the Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America.

Family-Friendly Activities

The towns around Boston offer plenty of family-friendly activities that are perfect for kids. In Gloucester, you can visit the Cape Ann Museum or the Maritime Gloucester Museum. In Salem, you can explore the Peabody Essex Museum or the Salem Witch Museum. And in Plymouth, you can visit the Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum that offers a glimpse into the life of the Pilgrims.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The towns around Boston are full of off-the-beaten-path experiences that are worth seeking out. In Salem, you can visit the Salem Willows Park, a charming park that offers beautiful views of the harbor. In Newburyport, you can take a sunset sail on the Yankee Clipper, a historic schooner that offers breathtaking views of the coast. And in Rockport, you can visit the Motif Number 1, a historic fishing shack that has become an iconic symbol of the town.

Natural Wonders

The towns around Boston offer plenty of natural wonders that are worth exploring. In Cape Cod, you can visit the Cape Cod National Seashore, a beautiful stretch of beaches and dunes. In Concord, you can see the Walden Pond, a serene lake that inspired Henry David Thoreau’s writings. And in Marblehead, you can explore the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful nature reserve that offers scenic views of the harbor.

Vibrant Nightlife

The towns around Boston offer plenty of vibrant nightlife options for those who want to let loose. In Portsmouth, you can visit the Portsmouth Gaslight Co., a lively bar that offers craft beer and delicious food. In Salem, you can check out the Howling Wolf Taqueria, a popular Mexican restaurant that offers live music and a fun atmosphere. And in Providence, you can visit the Dorrance, a swanky cocktail bar that offers delicious drinks and live music.

Local Markets

The towns around Boston are home to several local markets that offer a variety of products and foods. In Salem, you can visit the Salem Farmers’ Market, a weekly market that offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. In Portsmouth, you can explore the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market, a year-round market that offers local produce, meats, and cheeses. And in Newburyport, you can visit the Newburyport Farmers’ Market, a seasonal market that offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Beaches and Mountains

The towns around Boston offer both beaches and mountains, so you can choose your preferred outdoor adventure. In Cape Cod, you can enjoy the beaches and the Cape Cod National Seashore. In the White Mountains, you can hike the trails and enjoy the scenic views. And in the Berkshires, you can ski the slopes or explore the charming towns.

Cultural Immersion

The towns around Boston offer plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion. In Providence, you can explore the RISD Museum, an art museum that offers a diverse collection of works. In Salem, you can visit the Peabody Essex Museum, a museum that features art and artifacts from around the world. And in Plymouth, you can visit the Pilgrim Hall Museum, a museum that tells the story of the Pilgrims and their journey to America.

Art and Music Scene

The towns around Boston are home to a vibrant art and music scene. In Northampton, you can visit the Iron Horse Music Hall, a popular music venue that has hosted many famous musicians. In Gloucester, you can explore the Rocky Neck Art Colony, a community of artists that has been around for over a century. And in Portsmouth, you can visit the Music Hall, a historic theater that offers a variety of performances.

Walking Tours

The towns around Boston are perfect for exploring on foot, and there are several walking tours available. In Plymouth, you can take the Pilgrim Path Walking Tour, a guided tour that takes you through the historic streets and sites of Plymouth. In Portsmouth, you can take the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail Walking Tour, a self-guided tour that explores the history of African Americans in Portsmouth. And in Salem, you can take the Salem Heritage Trail, a guided tour that takes you through the historic sites of Salem.

Architectural Marvels

The towns around Boston are full of architectural marvels that are worth seeing. In Concord, you can visit the Old Manse, a historic house that was once home to Ralph Waldo Emerson. In Portsmouth, you can see the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, a historic hotel that has been beautifully restored. And in Newburyport, you can explore the Federal-style homes and buildings that line the streets.

Historical Sites

The towns around Boston are full of historical sites that offer a glimpse into the past. In Salem, you can visit the Witch Trials Memorial and the House of the Seven Gables. In Lexington, you can see the Lexington Battle Green and the Lexington Minuteman Statue. And in Plymouth, you can visit the Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America.

Biking Routes

The towns around Boston offer several biking routes that are perfect for exploring the area on two wheels. In Cape Cod, you can bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a scenic trail that runs for 22 miles. In Concord, you can bike the Minuteman Bikeway, a 10-mile trail that takes you through historic sites and beautiful scenery. And in Portsmouth, you can bike the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, a scenic trail that offers beautiful views of the harbor.

Wellness Retreats

The towns around Boston offer several wellness retreats that are perfect for those who want to relax and rejuvenate. In Lenox, you can visit the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, a retreat center that offers yoga