Single-day road trip ideas for nature lovers near Boston
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Summer is the season for road trips in the Northeast. Check out three awesome itineraries for nature lovers looking to get out of the city for a day.
TO THE NORTH
The basic idea: Take a train to the highest point in the Northeast and explore the Granite State’s scenery on the ground.
Morning: Pack a lunch in advance and hit the road early. Head north on Interstate 93 towards Mount Washington in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Book a trip on the Mount Washington Cog Railway, a mountain-climbing train that takes passengers to the highest peak in the Northeast during a three-hour tour.
Please note that many GPS systems have trouble locating the Cog Railway, so following written directions is highly recommended. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled ride.
Lunch: Once you’ve scaled Mount Washington enjoy the lunch you packed for your trip.
Afternoon: You should have plenty of time to continue to explore New Hampshire’s wildlife offerings. Head south on I-93 towards White Mountain National Forest in Campton.
The forest includes about 148,000 acres of wilderness and the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway, one of the most interesting ways to explore the forest. It’s especially famous for views of the fall foliage.
Dinner: Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include the Little Red Schoolhouse, Mad River Tavern, Squam Lake Inn and Italian Farmhouse.
Once you’ve had your dinner, head south again on I-93. Boston is about two hours away.
TO THE WEST
Tower Hill Botanic Garden is a year-round 132-acre botanical garden featuring a wide array of New England plant life and spectacular views.
The basic idea: Visit some secret nature gems nestled in the Worcester region.
Morning: Head west on the Massachusetts Turnpike towards Worcester.
Stop at Moore State Park in Paxton, a 400-acre retreat in Central Massachusetts that was once the site of a mill town and features a restored sawmill.
In addition to the remains of a bygone structure, the park features walking and hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking options and beautiful views of the azaleas, rhododendrons and mountain laurel that cover the surrounding landscape.
Lunch: Head into Worcester for lunch. Popular spots include Fatima’s Café, Corner Grille and Lucky’s Café.
Afternoon: Head north on Interstate 290 towards Boylston, about 15 minutes north of Worcester. Stop by the Tower Hill Botanic Garden, a year-round 132-acre botanical garden featuring a wide array of New England plant life and views of Mount Wachusett and the Wachusett Reservoir
Dinner: When you’re ready to eat, head to a nearby community like Worcester, Hudson or Clinton. Some favorite restaurants include Brown Rice Thai Cuisine and the Mill Restaurant and Lounge in West Boylston, Zaytoon in Clinton or 110 Grill in Berlin.
When you’ve finished your meal get on the Mass. Pike heading east back to Boston, about an hour away.
TO THE SOUTH
World’s End in Hingham is a 251-acre conservation site with views of the Boston skyline and walking trails that span 4.5 miles.
The basics: Take a trip to a South Shore town and see Boston from an entirely different perspective.
Morning: Head south on I-93 and get off in Hingham, about 30 minutes from Boston.
Head to World’s End, a 251-acre conservation site along the Massachusetts coast with walking trails that span 4.5 miles. From here, enjoy both views of nature and of the Boston skyline located about 15 miles away.
Lunch: Hingham has several local establishments that can offer a great lunchtime meal, including Bloomy Rind, Burtons Grill & Bar of Hingham and Crow Point Pizzeria.
Afternoon: Continue your tour of Hingham’s natural offerings and stop by Wompatuck State Park, which features 12 miles of paved bike paths and several walking trails.
Be sure to visit Mt. Blue Spring, which offers fresh drinking water. The park invites visitors to help themselves to the water.
Dinner: Stop by one of several well-respected South Shore eateries for dinner. Recommended options include Lime Leaf in Weymouth and the Lobster Stop or Punjab Café in Quincy.
Get back on I-93 and you’re about 30 minutes away from Boston.
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