Boston and day trips - looking for feedback

Question

Planning trip Mid May.

4 days in Boston

Day 5 drive to Salem and spend day there to Portland in the evening

Day 6 Portland for the day and drive to Newport and spend night there.

Day7 Newport and Cape Cod

Day 8 back to Boston to fly out.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a fantastic trip through New England! Your itinerary covers some great spots, and I think you’re on the right track for a mix of city exploration, history, and scenic beauty. Here’s some feedback and recommendations for each of the days, plus a few ideas to enhance your experience:

Day 1-4: Boston Boston is a wonderful city with a mix of history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods. Here are a few things you can do during your 4 days in Boston:

Freedom Trail: A must-do for history lovers. It’s a 2.5-mile trail through downtown Boston that covers 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and Boston Common.
Museum of Fine Arts: If you enjoy art, this museum is world-class and a perfect way to spend an afternoon. There’s also the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum nearby, which is unique and beautiful.
North End: For Italian food and history. It’s Boston’s Little Italy, where you can enjoy amazing restaurants and visit the Old North Church.
Fenway Park: If you’re into baseball, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or just tour the historic ballpark.
Seaport District: Great for modern culture, dining, and waterfront views. You can also visit the Institute of Contemporary Art here.

Day 5: Boston to Salem and then to Portland Salem is a short drive (about 30 minutes) from Boston, and it’s a great place for a mix of history and spookiness. Since you’re going in mid-May, the weather should be pleasant, and the town won’t be too crowded.

Salem Witch Museum: Learn about the infamous 1692 witch trials.
House of the Seven Gables: Visit the historic home, which inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel.
Witch Trials Memorial: A poignant and reflective stop to remember the victims of the witch trials.

After Salem, head to Portland (about 1.5 hours by car). Portland is a charming coastal town with great food and scenic views.

Old Port: Wander around this historic district, full of cobblestone streets, boutiques, and restaurants.
Portland Head Light: Visit this iconic lighthouse at Fort Williams Park, offering beautiful views of the coast.
Casco Bay Ferry: If you have time, take a short ferry ride to one of the nearby islands for a unique perspective of Portland’s coastline.

Day 6: Portland to Newport Newport is a 3-hour drive from Portland, but it’s worth it. Known for its stunning waterfront, mansions, and scenic beauty, Newport is a great spot for a relaxing evening.

The Breakers Mansion: This Vanderbilt mansion is one of the grandest and most famous in Newport.
Cliff Walk: A beautiful 3.5-mile walk along the coastline, offering amazing views of the mansions and the ocean.
Waterfront Dining: Newport has plenty of waterfront restaurants for fresh seafood. The views at sunset are perfect!

Day 7: Newport to Cape Cod You’ll have about 1.5 hours to drive to Cape Cod from Newport. Cape Cod is a relaxing place to spend a day, and there are plenty of scenic drives, beaches, and quaint villages to explore. Some options include:

Provincetown: At the tip of the Cape, this charming town is known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and great seafood.
Cape Cod National Seashore: If you enjoy nature, this is a great spot for hiking, biking, and beautiful beach walks.
Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard Ferry: If you have extra time, consider taking a ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard for a day trip (ferries take about 1-2 hours). Both islands have beautiful beaches and quaint towns to explore.

Day 8: Return to Boston On your last day, head back to Boston to catch your flight. If you have some extra time before you leave, you could explore some last-minute spots like the Boston Common, Boston Public Library, or even take a stroll through the Boston Public Garden. If you have time to spare, Fenway Park or the Museum of Fine Arts are good places to wrap up your trip.

General Tips:
- Be sure to check the weather, as it can be unpredictable in New England in May.
- For food, don’t miss clam chowder in Boston, lobster rolls in Portland and Newport, and seafood in Cape Cod.
- May is a great time to visit since the crowds are smaller compared to summer, but it's always good to plan ahead for popular attractions, especially for the ferry to the islands.

Overall, this is a fantastic itinerary for exploring the best of New England. You’ll get a great mix of city, coastal charm, history, and nature. Enjoy your trip!

Boston and day trips - looking for feedback

More Boston Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions