Six days in Massachusetts

Question

Hi all,

We'll have six full days in Massachusetts, excluding travelling from New York at the beginning and then the day we have to fly home to the UK. Thinking of the following:

(Day 0 - Arrive in Boston from NYC, half a day exploring)

Day 1 - Boston full day

Day 2 - Day trip to Lexington

Day 3 - Day trip to Concord (or better to combine with previous day into one day?)

Day 4 - Day trip to Salem

Day 5 - Travel to Provincetown

Day 6 - Provincetown and Cape Cod

(Day 7 - Fly home from Boston evening)

Any thoughts on this or alternative suggestions?

Thanks

Answer

Your itinerary looks great for exploring Massachusetts! You’ve planned a wonderful mix of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. Here are some thoughts on your days and a few suggestions to make the most of your trip:

Day 0 – Arrive in Boston:
- Since you’ll be arriving in the afternoon, you could start by taking a walk along the Freedom Trail, which will give you a glimpse of Boston’s rich history. A stroll through the Boston Common and Public Garden would also be a relaxing way to kick off your visit. If you have time, visit Quincy Market for some local food and an energetic vibe.
- If you're in the mood for a drink, consider going to the Seaport District for a great bar scene with views of the harbor.
Day 1 – Full day in Boston:
- Explore the Freedom Trail thoroughly; it’s one of the best ways to see Boston's most important historic landmarks. Start early to get the most out of the day.
- For lunch, check out the North End (Boston’s Little Italy), and enjoy some authentic Italian food.
- If time allows, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the Boston Museum of Fine Arts for some world-class art.
Day 2 – Day trip to Lexington:
- Lexington is a wonderful place to explore early American history. Make sure to visit the Lexington Battle Green and the Minute Man National Historical Park.
- If you’re interested in history, stop by the Buckman Tavern or the Hancock-Clarke House.
Day 3 – Day trip to Concord:
- Combining Concord with Lexington could be a good idea if you enjoy history, as they are so close to each other. In Concord, visit the Old North Bridge and the Concord Museum.
- If you’re a fan of literature, consider visiting the Walden Pond to see the site where Henry David Thoreau lived and wrote his famous work.
- Combining these two towns would give you a full, rich day of early American history, so it’s definitely worth considering.
Day 4 – Day trip to Salem:
- Salem is perfect for a day trip, particularly if you are fascinated by witch trials history. Visit the Salem Witch Museum and the House of the Seven Gables.
- If you’re there in the spring, Salem’s waterfront and historic streets are a great place to stroll.
- Salem is also home to some nice shopping, especially for unique and quirky souvenirs.
Day 5 – Travel to Provincetown:
- Provincetown is a fun and artsy town, perfect for a relaxing day. Once you get there, walk around the Commercial Street area for shops, galleries, and restaurants.
- If you’re a fan of nature, go for a walk or bike ride in Cape Cod National Seashore.
- If you're into art, Provincetown is home to numerous galleries. Consider visiting the Provincetown Art Association and Museum.
Day 6 – Provincetown and Cape Cod:
- Spend your last day soaking up the charming atmosphere of Provincetown. If you’re in the mood for some outdoor adventure, consider taking a whale watching tour (it’s prime season in May!).
- You could also head to nearby Cape Cod National Seashore for a relaxing day on the beach or to explore nature trails.
- If you have time, consider visiting the Cape Cod Canal for a scenic walk or bike ride.
Day 7 – Fly home from Boston:
- If your flight is later in the evening, consider spending the last few hours in Boston exploring areas you might have missed, like the trendy South End or checking out the waterfront area.

Overall, your itinerary looks well-balanced. If you're into American history, you’ve picked some great destinations in Lexington, Concord, and Salem. Provincetown and Cape Cod will provide a nice contrast with their seaside beauty and artsy vibe.

Enjoy your time in Massachusetts, and feel free to adjust based on your interests!