Before moving to Boston I didn’t really do “day trips” mostly because I lived in a state that was so expansive it would take hours just to drive one way – so I didn’t think I could make it (which was not true by the way…you could totally have a day trip in Florida)! Now it’s a completely different story because of how close Boston is in relation to the other New England states!! With long weekends, Summer Friday’s and fun weekends ahead I thought it would be a good time to share some ideas of how to make the most out of your day trip!
//PICK A DESTINATION
//PICK A DESTINATION
This one is quite possibly the easiest part of the plan or hardest depending on how you look at it! My absolute favorite day trip is going to Newport, RI – it’s only about an hour and 20 minutes from the city (with no traffic) and there is plenty to do!! I think it’s important to pick a location that will not require a ton of driving to get to – then you spend all day driving instead of enjoying your getaway! I think two hours is the perfect amount of time to spend in a car going one way! I also believe picking a location that offers you more than just restaurants to visit is key – even though a day spent eating sounds wonderful! If you are having a hard time deciding on where to go – let google help!! Find cities or towns that are no more than two hours away and then let TripAdvisor do the rest!
//LEAVE YOUR HOUSE EARLY
//LEAVE YOUR HOUSE EARLY
I think this one is sort of expected! If you only have a day to explore a new place or travel to a favorite spot, you want to leave early so that you get there early!! Early and late mean different things to different people, I’d say leaving by 8:00 AM ensures that you’ll be at your destination that is no more than two hours away still in time for breakfast or even brunch!
//BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES
//BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES
Maybe you’ll agree with me on this one and maybe you wont!! I usually opt for something slightly more comfortable to wear for sightseeing and car rides. Since we are going to be spending all day somewhere walking and possibly sweating, I want to change before we head to dinner! While we’re on the subject of clothes, be prepared for the beach or even a hike – just be prepared for a little adventure!
//EAT ONE SIGNATURE MEAL
//EAT ONE SIGNATURE MEAL
For me lobster rolls are a must with any New England town I visit if I was going somewhere that was known for hot dogs, I’d probably make sure to have a hot dog!! I don’t want to miss out and neither should you! Seriously though if you come to Boston for a day trip – do yourself a favor and go to James Hook & Co. for some of the best lobster / lobster rolls in the city!
//PICK ONE MUST SEE ATTRACTION OR ACTIVITY
//PICK ONE MUST SEE ATTRACTION OR ACTIVITY
If you’re going to a small sea side town it probably wont be hard to see the entire city in a day, but if you’re going somewhere big like Boston or New York for the day then you’ll probably get a bit overwhelmed trying to do it all – this is why picking just one activity or attraction that you absolutely must knock off your list is a must! If I’m going somewhere known for their beaches – I’m going to spend a large portion of my time exploring that – same goes for a place that has a few great vineyards…I’ll be doing some day drinking! One of my favorite parts of day trips is since these destinations aren’t far – I’ll be back, so seeing it all the first time around isn’t a priority!
//TREAT THIS LIKE A VACATION
//TREAT THIS LIKE A VACATION
Our summers are so jam packed that we often don’t really have a true vacation, this is why we should treat our day trips like vacations! So we might opt for a fancier dinner or do something a bit pricier, like a boat right or sight seeing tour. Since it doesn’t happen that often, why not splurge a little!
Day trips are the best – it’s less than a weekend away, but more than just an afternoon spent exploring!! What are your suggestions of making the most out of a day trip?
I'm a huge fan of day trips and wish we did them more. We usually do weekend trips, but a day trip on a Saturday would be amazing. I've always wanted to see RI, but that's not a day trip for us, haha.
I love the idea of a change of clothes, that's super smart because it gives you time to feel fancy. And of course the signature meal, you know how much Le Husband and I like food ;)! Does a train trip count as a day trip? We might come see ya in Btown :)! Great post, as always, pretty!
These are all great suggestions for a day trip! Sometimes it's just nice to escape the every day without going away for the entire weekend. Where are you guys planning to day trip to this summer?
These are great trips as day trips are favorites of ours!!! My husband and I do 2-3 a month in the summer. Love that pic you chose for this post! Sexy!! Have a great day love!
livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com
Maybe even better than a staycation!
This is an amazing guide! I love going on day trips. xx
ALLURE OBSESSED – BEAUTY BLOG // BLOGLOVIN'
Love your day trip tips, I wish we lived closer to more fun places. Everything is always 3+ hours. But great for weekend get aways!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I love taking day trips in FL! There are so many fun destinations so close (except Key West… boo) All great tips girl!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
I'm so jealous of all your day trip opportunities!! We don't have too many that really appeal to me from Dallas…. but these are perfect tips anyway!!
This is a fabulous post! Takes me back to the days of dating my hubby and then before we had kids. We used to make a lot of day trips. So fun! Our favorite part would be stopping at gas stations along the way for junk food. Silly, I know. But we are both pretty healthy people otherwise so binging on our trips was an indulgence we both enjoyed! 🙂
Day trips are the best! I always make sure to pack my camera and know of at least one great view of the city before I go. Gotta get at least one awesome pic of the skyline 🙂
Great tips girl! Newport is gorgeous in the summer, but my all time favorite place up there this time of year is Block Island! You can take the ferry from Newport or from Point Judith, and they even have speed ferry options 🙂
Such a cute post. Thanks for the tips!
~Samantha
goldcoastgirlblog.com
I love Newport so much! The Northeast is the perfect spot for day trips and quick weekend trips. There is sooo much to see and do! We did the Connecticut Wine Trail one day, also an awesome day trip! And in Boston you can run out to all of the Cape towns, which is the best!
Fun post lady! There are so many places in New England that I never made it to, but I was busy at school in Newport. Staring at the ocean. Oh and studying!! . 🙂 I really want to go to Martha's Vineyard some day. Next time! I hope that you have a great day today too. 🙂
It's been so long (TOO long!) since I've taken a little day trip- would love to get away for just a bit! 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Great tips!
XOXO,
Jordan
braidsandbuttercream.blogspot.com
These are amazing suggestions! I live in FL and totally know what you mean about day trips – the big destinations are pretty spread out. But I totally day trip to Orlando which is only 2 hours away!
xo,
Jessica
fortheloveofbubbly.com
day trips are so so fun. i totally agree with you on all fronts – esp packing an additional outfit – especially because you never know where the day could lead! and choosing one big meal is best. then it's special 🙂
cheshirekatblog.com
Great tips! I LOVE doing day trips, they are perfect for when you can't go on a full vacation but you just need to get away for a bit!
Looks like people have already mentioned Newport but we went there a couple of summers ago and it was one of my favorites places. It may warrant an overnight 🙂
Traci
waltzmetoheaven.com
I love taking day and weekend trips and these are great tips. Packing an additional outfit is such a smart move. I'm sure we've missed out on things for the sole purpose that we either felt gross or were not dressed appropriately a number of times. I'm going to have to start doing that. I usually bring a change of shoes if I'm expecting to do certain things but that's about it.
prosecco in the park
Love this!! We take day trips to St Augustine all the time! It's defibitely like a fun little get away! Mmm Lobster Rolls…..
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles

great tips!! im hoping to take some weekend trips when vi gets a little older… boston is on my to visit list!! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I love day trips too.. and changing clothes is a great idea, especially if you're at the beach!! I still haven't been to the beach, but Wilmington is only 1.5 hours from Raleigh so it's perfect for spending the day. xoxo
Oh, I love this idea!! I can't wait to see the day trips you end up taking this summer!!!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Love this! Great tips – day trips are so much fun!
Love all of your suggestions! Completely agree with packing another outfit. Who doesn't love touching up before dinner? Oh, and summer Friday's? Yeah we're jealous! xo
Winks and Eyerolls
We loved how close everything was to Boston… I seriously think it would be a dream to live there (because I love Boston!) and have access to all that exploring in every direction!
Lobster rolls is Eric's #1 when visiting New England as well! He tried to get as many as he could while we visited Boston last summer, ha ha! His favorite was from Neptune's Oyster Bar in Little Italy.
Such great ideas 🙂 I wish we did more of these. It does take a lot longer to get places in Texas but there are still some options around San Antonio. Places to hike, Austin, Fredericksburg, even the beach Texas beach if you're ok driving 3 hours one way 🙂 And yeah I like to leave early though my hubby doesn't.
Day trips make the best mini vacations! I'm with you – I love to be comfortable in the car. I love the idea of picking just one thing – so many times we've tried to do too much and have really learned our lesson!
These are great suggestions! Day trips are such great mini vacations — I love that it gives you the chance to see some of the sights closer to home! Happy Thursday!
xo, Rachel
ablondesmoment.com
Yes, great tips! I wrote about day-trips too….we love them so much! We like to head to Canada, Cleveland, or Pittsburgh for different fun activities. They are the best and are great when you need to escape for a little while!
Day trips are great! Especially if you want to do something special but are on a budget. A day trip can even be in the same state, I think of them more as just a plan to do something fun you might not normally do, and the summer is the perfect time for that!
xx,
Susie
SequinsandStrawberries.com
I love this! With my husbands schedule, we can't take many weekend trips, but day trips are always do-able. Thanks for the reminder girlfriend!
Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins
Good suggestions!! I definitely agree with the clothing one because you never know what you'll end up wanting to do later that night! I always try to bring a different pair of shoes and/or something to freshen up with!
I'm taking off next week & really want to sneak in a few day trips 🙂 Perfect timing post for me!
Oh how fun, I want to go on a day trip!
i love this! its kind of like a vacation at home!
My boyfriend and I take "Sunday drives" to explore the surrounding areas of DC… Day trips are fun but I love weekend trips even more! Finding a little B&B or cabin in the mountains is always a great time!
C's Collection
chelseascollection.com
I have a lot of experience with day trips! I usually like to make a fun playlist and bring snacks for the car. I agree about planning to see one or two things as to not get overwhelmed. Fun should be the #1 priority, not stress!
Loved ALLL of these tips, and now we have to start planning our summer day trips. We also love weekend trips where we spend just one night somewhere for a little less driving and a little more adventure 🙂
xx 365Hangers
Newport is one of my favorites. I love that we really are so close to so many places. Picking that one place we really must go is the best since you can explore around that place.
Day trips are one of my favorite things to do as a married couple! So fun to just escape and do something fun for a day 🙂
Kelsey
thepeacockroost.com
We love taking day trips all over Virginia! There are so many plantations and old houses to see! These are some great tips!
Too bad I didn't see this yesterday! Probably would have planned it out better. Ours was a very impromptu day meaning we didn't leave the house until 11, whoops.
liz @ sundays with sophie
I am so doing this with my kids this summer. With my unemployment recovery still going on it's likely all we can do but I have a few fun spots in mind. Thank you for the inspiration and great tips for planning!!!
Ooo! Awesome tips.
We don't day trip much in Texas because our state is just so freaking huge. We DO weekend trip though. We'll drive up to Dallas (4 hours) or Austin (2 hours) for a quick little get away. 🙂
Love all your tips – especially treating it like a vacation. You're really making me want to do a daytrip soon!
I love Newport! MFD has never been and wants to go so that's on our list…more like a weekend trip.
I love doing a day trip. I'm a bit of a see where the day takes you when I set out for one!
Sounds like so much fun and its something we never do other than driving out to the beach. How far do you typically drive on your day trips?
Awesome, awesome tips! I have plans for quite a few day trips over the next few months and you nailed some things I've never thought of. Great post!
Day trips can be so awesome!!! You can do them on a whim and they should always always be treated like vacation!!! Plus, they tend to keep the costs down.
I totally know what you mean about FL. And I feel the same way about IL. It's tough. I definitely want to find a few new places that can be day trips, or even an over night around us.
Girl, I love everything about this post, and now I want to plan a day trip ASAP! You wouldn't think it, but where we live in Wisconsin is an ideal location because we are no more than two hours from some great locations and cute little towns – I definitely am taking all your tips and advice for when we finally decide to travel for a day.
These are great tips! Michigan has SO many fun, cute beach towns that I can't wait to visit this summer… and day trips are going to be much more do-able with the amount of wedding festivities we have! This has me so excited!
Hey! Thanks for you comment! Following you! x
I love love love day trips! it's nice to get away for the day and be able to come home. I am dying to do more daytrips from London!
xoxo
Karen
kensingtonwest.me.uk
We do a lot of day trips over here. There is so much to see! Great idea with the signature meal. Usually for us it's some type of seafood for obvious reasons. 🙂
Love these tips… Especially the change of clothes and leaving early!! And now I want lobster 🙂
I love all of these, but I think the last one is my favorite! I get way too sad about not being able to go on as many vacations as I'd like (don't we all?? haha), but day trips are so much more practical and they really can be just as fun and exciting!
Love this post! Day trips are the best and I'll be moving to Vermont at the end of June so I just may have to do a day trip to Boston! – Svetlana @ Life with a Side of Wine
Great tips – I'm a huge fan of day trips, but I don't get to do them as often as I would like to!
– Deniz
dressedupdeniz.com
These are good tips. Also, it's a good idea to buy one of those Visa gift cards and put $20 – $30 on it, as emergency gas or food money. You never know when you will need it.
You've got me convinced to take more day trips! Now to find somewhere close enough!
love love love this post, and the tips!! now, any tips on how to make the area surrounding Louisville more exciting and have more places to actually day trip to? lol!
I agree that you should splurge and do fun things on day trips, too. Make the most of the trip!
agreed wholeheartedly with everything! we love day trips around here! 🙂
xo welltraveledwife.com
Loving this idea, I'm already starting to plan our day trip! Xo, Stephanie
Yay for day trips and excellent tips!
Love this and it's spot on! We just got back from a family vacation to San Antonio but while we were there we took a day trip to Corpus Christi to see the Gulf and to was one of our favorite days!! Pack extra clothes is a must because you never know what to expect-especially if it rains!
'Tis Our Life Blog
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