Weekend Getaways from Boston in New England

If you’ve had your fair share of downtown Boston and the stunning Boston skyline, odds are, you’re a local. And if spending your New England summer having picnics in the Boston Public Garden and trying delicious local treats at the Boston Public Market sounds like another dull day, you probably need a vacation. Though most people retreat to the beautiful city of Boston for its fascinating history, historic neighborhoods, and charming Cape Cod culture, many locals would rather venture somewhere new. Fortunately, a handful of New England cities are just a few hours away within driving distance and make for lovely weekend getaways from Boston, Massachusetts.

Provincetown, Massachusetts — Weekend Getaways from Boston

How does a long weekend spent at the tip of Cape Cod sound? Provincetown, Massachusetts, also lovingly known as “P-Town,” sits sixty miles out to sea on Cape Cod Bay. This stunning remote city draws travelers from all over for its delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, one-of-a-kind art galleries, and boutique shops and inns. Moreover, Provincetown is the oldest continuous art colony in America. It’s known for celebrating individuality, making it a vibrant LGBTQ+ capital and entertainment hub brimming with nightlife, museums, theatres, and more.

P-Town is a walkable city, yet the narrow city streets and scenic hiking trails make it popular for bike rentals and mountain biking. Popular trails include the Beech Forest Trail, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the Dunes Shack Trail, which meanders along the sandy dunes on the seashore. But if you’re looking for a taste of culture, consider heading to the East End to peruse 40+ art galleries, with art openings every Friday night. Moreover, visitors of Provincetown can take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard by hopping on a fast ferry. Within two and a half hours, give or take, you and yours can taste wine and soak in this picturesque New England island. There’s never a dull moment in P-Town. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.

What to Do in Provincetown:

• Walk the Waterbreaker, also known as the northern tip of Cape Cod
• Go dancing at A-House, P-Town’s most beloved dance club and a historic gay bar
• Bike the Province Lands Bike Trail, known for its exciting path that loops to Race Point Beach
• Eat lobster tacos, ravioli, and more at The Lobster Pot

Where to Stay in Provincetown

For a boutique hotel that is just as dreamy as the location, consider staying at AWOL Provincetown during your Cape Cod getaway. AWOL Provincetown is nestled among the moors of Cape Cod in sweet seclusion, though its location on the West End makes it a quick walk from the vivacious shops, restaurants, nightlife, and beaches. This hotel stands out from other New England lodgings in its design; no nautical accents or frills are to be found. Instead, guests enjoy a relaxed, breathy atmosphere that refreshes instead of smothers. When you’re not exploring the city, indulge in the outdoor common area with a heated pool, fire pits, lounge areas, and a guest-only bar. You’ll also find Retrospec bikes and pet-friendly rooms. What more could you ask for? Explore accommodations below.

Accommodations

• Double Queen Patio: features two queen beds and a private furnished patio. Sleeps four.
• King Balcony: features a king bed, sitting area, and private furnished balcony. Sleeps two.
• King Deluxe Balcony: features a king bed, sitting area, dining table, and private furnished balcony. Sleeps two.
• King Patio: features a king bed, sitting area, and private furnished patio. Sleeps two.
• Lark Suite: features a private rooftop deck, full kitchen, living room, dining area, fireplace, and king bed. Sleeps two.

Stowe, Vermont — Weekend Getaways from Boston

Looking for weekend trips full of wine tasting, apple picking, and sightseeing? What about a world-class mountain town, perfect for skiing and snowboarding? Then Stowe, Vermont, may be a top choice for weekend getaways from Boston. Stowe is an all-season destination about three hours from Boston at the foot of Mount Mansfield. This charming city is known for offering some of the best skiing on the East Coast, and it’s home to countless shops and eateries with a quaint yet sophisticated New England ambiance.

In the colder months, Stowe is a winter wonderland, and in the fall, the vibrant changing of the leaves draws travelers to its cozy streets for leaf peeping and autumn activities. Visit in the spring and summer for crisp, fresh air and a flourishing green landscape ideal for hiking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, a boat ride, and other on-the-water recreation. Stowe is truly a nature lover’s paradise, though there is plenty of charm to be found indoors around downtown Stowe.

What to Do in Stowe:

• Hike or bike the Stowe Recreation Path
• Take a day trip to the Ben and Jerry’s factory
• Go golfing at the Stowe Country Club
• Take a gondola ride to the top of Mount Mansfield

Where to Stay in Stowe

Located just minutes from downtown Stowe’s shopping and dining scene is another AWOL boutique hotel: AWOL Stowe. Just as warm and refreshing as the last hotel, AWOL Stowe, nestled in the Cady Hill Forest, creates a welcoming home base for guests to indulge in the picturesque New England village and unwind in nature. Guests enjoy simple yet luxurious amenities during their stay, such as a central courtyard with an outdoor cedar hot tub, sauna, a cozy library, communal firepits, and even a full-service lounge featuring a curated menu of cocktails exclusively for guests of AWOL Stowe. Dig into a complimentary artisanal toast bar each morning with savory bread, sweet jams, and loads of fresh toppings, then head into the city for another beautiful Vermont day. Check out AWOL Stowe accommodations below.

Accommodations

• King Junior Suite: features a king bed and private porch. Sleeps two.
• King Junior Suite w/ Fireplace: features a king bed, wood-burning fireplace, and private porch. Sleeps two.
• Pondside Junior Suite: features a king bed, living area, and private porch. Sleeps two.
• King Deluxe: features a king bed, living area, and private porch. Sleeps two.
• King w/ Fireplace: features a king bed, fireplace, and private porch. Sleeps two.
• Lark Suite: features a king bedroom and a queen bedroom, as well as a living room, fireplace, full kitchen, and private porch. Sleeps four.
• AWOL Suite: features a king bed, living room, dining room, and fireplace. Sleeps two.
• King Cabin: an A-frame accommodation featuring a king bed and outdoor porch. Sleeps two.
• Queen Cabin: an A-frame accommodation featuring a queen bed and outdoor porch. Sleeps two.

Kennebunkport, Maine — Weekend Getaways from Boston

When searching for weekend getaways from Boston, Kennebunkport, Maine, should be at the top of your list. This seaside town in southern Maine is less than two hours from Boston and is known for its New England-style fishing villages, charming Dock Square shopping and restaurant district, and tranquil shoreline unlike any other in the country. Not to mention, Kennebunkport, as with the rest of Maine, is renowned for its fresh seafood; from buttery lobster rolls to savory crab cakes, to oysters and everything in between, this town is a seafood lover’s paradise.

Though there are quiet, peaceful parts of Kennebunkport, there is no lack of things to do. Enjoy the ocean breeze with a schooner ride or by kayaking the Kennebunk River. If you like history, take a tour of the Goat Island Lighthouse, a historical landmark dating from the 1800s, or stop the Seashore Trolley Museum, home to over 300 vehicles part of the world’s first electric railway system. A stay in this quintessential New England town is just what you need for a peaceful weekend on the coast.

What to Do in Kennebunkport:

• Take a harbor cruise past the Bush Compound
• Go whale watching or deep-sea fishing
• Spend the day on Gooch’s Beach
• Explore shopping and restaurants in downtown Kennebunk

Where to Stay in Kennebunkport

Find rest and respite from days full of sightseeing and good food with AWOL Kennebunkport. This third AWOL resort is within walking distance of Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, hidden among native pine groves and Maine blueberry bushes. This beautiful boutique hotel allows you to retreat from the bustle and find relaxation among plush accommodations and a scenic landscape. Like AWOL Stowe, AWOL Kennebunkport features a delicious artisanal toast bar, with fresh toppings and spreads, as well as private outdoor spaces in cabin suites. Guests will also find bike rentals and beach chairs to use as they please to enjoy this ageless corner of the United States. AWOL Kennebunkport has everything you need for cozy, convenient weekend getaways from Boston. Browse accommodations below.

Accommodations

• Cabin Studio: pet-friendly; features a king bed, dry bar, lounge seating, fireplace, and private patio. Sleeps two.
• Cupola Suite: features a king bedroom, living area, lounge seating, and dining area. Sleeps two.
• Deluxe Cabin Studio: features a king bed, dry bar, lounge seating, gas fireplace, and private patio. Sleeps two.
• Deluxe Cabin Studio w/ Soaking Tub: features a king bed, dry bar, lounge seating, gas fireplace, and Japanese soaking tub. Sleeps two.
• King Fireplace Suite: features a king bedroom, sitting room, and fireplace. Sleeps two.
• King Fireplace Suite w/ Soaking Tub: features a king bedroom, living area, gas fireplace, and Japanese soaking tub. Sleeps two.
• King Porch Suite: features a king bedroom, living area, gas fireplace, and private patio. Sleeps two.
• King Suite: features a king bed and sitting area. Sleeps two.
• Premium Cabin Suite: the largest cabin accommodation; features a king bedroom, living area, gas fireplace, dining table, Japanese soaking tub, and private front patio. Sleeps two.
• Walker Suite: features a king bedroom, living area, gas fireplace, and large soaking tub. Sleeps two.

Book Weekend Getaways from Boston with Nook Outdoors

Did any of these weekend getaways from Boston catch your eye? If so, book with Nook today! Want some more travel inspiration? There’s always more to discover within our carefully curated portfolio of boutique hotels. Go glamping in Bar Harbor, explore Texas Hill Country from Wine Barrel Cabins, or head to upstate New York for a vacation in the Catskills or Saratoga Springs. If getaways in some of the most breathtaking outdoor destinations fill your cup, let Nook Outdoors be your travel guide. Browse all accommodations and discover some of America’s most spectacular nooks today!