Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Boston is undoubtedly New England’s best and most famous urban hub. But its prime, oceanfront location near the center of the region also makes it an ideal base for a number of island escapes. Here are three of the best island day trips from Boston:
Martha’s Vineyard
Foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and even the Obama family can be seen vacationing on “The Vineyard” as it’s known to locals. The island has a bit of a reputation for attracting an elite clientele of travelers. But New England locals also flock to the island in the summer for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and top-notch waterfront restaurants. For a whirlwind, all-day excursion straight out of Boston, check out this guided day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. The tour includes round-trip coach transportation from Boston to Falmouth and the ferry ride over to the Vineyard.
Block Island
Block Island is Rhode Island’s answer to Martha’s Vineyard. It’s smaller, less pretentious (T-shirt and jeans is almost considered “dressed-up”), and perhaps not as glitzy, but it’s every bit as beautiful. Though it’s only 12 miles off the main land, it feels worlds away. The island is home to only 950 year-round residents and more than 40% of its land mass is picture-perfect nature preserve. More than 17 miles of public beaches and 356 freshwater ponds act as a stopover for countless bird species on the annual Atlantic Flyway migration path.
Whatever your overnight plans, be sure to book at least three months in advance. Tourists take advantage of the island’s extremely short season by packing its hotels and restaurants in the summer months (mainly July and August) when the population balloons to more than 15,000.
Nantucket
Nantucket might play second fiddle to Martha’s Vineyard but the island’s residents don’t seem to mind. Historically, it was a key destination in New England’s burgeoning whale oil economy in the 19th century when sea captains and ship owners built lavish mansions on the island. Today, the town is officially a National Historic District and many of those homes and buildings remain largely intact. Day-trippers typically while away their brief jaunts to Nantucket by taking in the town’s rich architecture and historical tours. It’s a quaint and quintessential New England island experience, with plenty of boutique B&Bs, excellent restaurants, and pricey artisan shops to boot. The season is long here by New England standards – typically April to December – so be sure to book overnight trips well in advance during those months.
- Contributed by Mike Richard
Island Escape: 3 Perfect Day Trips from Boston from Boston Things to Do
