Kennebunkport, Maine, on the New England Seacoast. Photo courtesy of InAweofGod’sCreation.
A great idea for a day trip from Boston is visiting the New England seacoast. From Boston it’s possible to visit many great beach towns and seaside villages, all featuring their own unique experiences and attractions. To help you plan a perfect New England seacoast trip, here are some suggestions.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a great New England seacoast day trip from Boston. Exploring Cape Cod from Boston — accessible within 90 minutes via the fast ferry — allows you to immerse yourself in a slow-paced world of whaling, fishing, harbor cruising and lounging on the beach. To enjoy the coast in an active way bike or walk along the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth. It’s a pleasant pathway along the water, and you can stop along the way to watch the waves crashing, enjoy a picnic or take a dip in the water. The Heritage Museums & Gardens is another worthwhile stop in Cape Cod, filled with more than 70 acres (28 hectares) of colorful gardens as well as an art and history museum. And of course, no trip to Cape Cod would be complete without a trip to the Cape Cod National Seashore, consisting of more than 40,000 acres (16,187 hectares) of protected beach, park and wildlife areas.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
A small seaside village in New Hampshire, Hampton Beach is home to many miles of beach, entertainment options, attractions and events. Hampton Beach State Park is the highlight of the area, as you can enjoy beach recreation before strolling Ocean Boulevard with its hotels, casinos, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. The Hampton Beach Seashell is a fun venue with live outdoor entertainment each night, while Stacey Jane’s features an array of experiences like karaoke, pub food, live entertainment and a dance club. And for days when it isn’t sunny, indoor attractions like the Seacoast Science Center, Tuck Museum and Seacoast Fire Museum can keep you entertained.
Visitors should also check the destination’s calendar to see what festivals and events are going on, as they host a Miss Hampton Beach Pageant in July, Children’s Festival and Hampton Beach Talent Competition in August, and a Hampton Beach Seafood Festival in September.
Kennebunkport, Maine
A coastal town in Maine, Kennebunkport is a great New England seacoast day trip from Boston and is known for its 18th and 19th century architecture, boutique shopping, soft sand beaches, art galleries, golf courses and seaside restaurants. Visitors can choose from an array of local beaches, including Kennebunk Beach, Gooch’s Beach, Mother’s Beach, and Parson’s Beach. Moreover, taking in harbor views from the Franciscan Monastery, visiting the home of former President George Bush at Walker’s Point, gallery-hopping along Ocean Avenue and enjoying exhibits and rides at the Seashore Trolley Museum are worthwhile experiences in Kennebunkport. For something quirky, make sure to also stop by the Wedding Cake House at 104 Summer Street, an ornately-designed house that looks like a wedding cake.
A few stops in one
The easiest way to explore the New England Seacoast is through a tour. Taking a New England Seacoast Tour from Boston eliminates any need to navigate unfamiliar transportation or plan ahead. The excursion takes you up the coast of New England, traveling through Boston’s “North Shore” communities, stopping at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, and going up to Kennebunkport in Maine to enjoy the sun and explore the area.
Where to Go on the New England Seacoast from Boston Things to Do