When the weather begins to warm in Boston, the sun peeks out brightly from behind the clouds. Not only will you find yourself reaching for your sunglasses – you’ll want to spend time outside! With the ocean to the city’s west and natural parks surrounding the urban center, you won’t want to waste a sunny day in Boston.
At Keolis massAdventures, we’re passionate about getting people out and about beyond Boston. With so many outdoor opportunities to access just outside the city, we’re making it possible for people to go on new adventures through our fun day trips near Boston.
If you’re wondering what’s the best way to spend a sunny day near Boston, MA, look no further. We’ve put together a guide to some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy outside the city. Keep reading for ideas or feel free to contact us about our tour packages.
Go on an Oyster Shucking Experience
Boston is a haven of oyster bars, but there’s nothing quite like shucking an oyster at the source. And, thanks to the city’s convenient location near the sea, you can find the freshest oysters around!
Head south of the city for a classic New England Oyster Farm Tour & Shucking Experience at Island Creek Oyster Farm in Duxbury. You’ll get to see how oysters are grown and shuck one yourself. Tour the nursery to learn about how tiny oysters are cared for before heading out onto the water aboard a skiff for a closer look at the farm. Enjoy some drinks and fresh oysters on the boat, then take the shucking tools into your hands and open up the shell for the delectable treat inside!
Smell the Flowers at the New England Botanic Garden
There’s no better time to see flowers than on a sunny day. And where better to see what’s blooming than the New England Botanic Garden? Located just an hour out of Boston by train, this garden spans 20 acres and grows everything from daffodils to vegetables.
As the seasons change, you can expect to see different flora, making each visit unique. Stroll through the Apple Orchard, which grows and preserves over 100 different varieties of heirloom apples. At the Wildlife Refuge Pond, you can spot an array of wildlife, including hummingbirds, turtles, and muskrats. Head to the Garden of Inspiration for an example of French design and leave with a few ideas for your own garden! If you want a more in-depth experience, you can join our New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill Day Trip. Learn more about the diverse gardens from an expert guide before enjoying some time on your own. Spring is an ideal time to visit the gardens, and you can learn more about Springtime Blooms in Massachusetts on our blog.
Hike through the Boston Hills
Just outside the bustling city, you’ll find a range of stunning reservations and parks replete with trails. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging climb, Boston hikes are suitable for all levels.
Blue Hills Reservation is one of the most popular locations for hiking outside of Boston. Loop around Houghton’s Pond in just half an hour or tackle the more strenuous climb up Buck Hill. The best route is arguably the Blue Hills Elliot Tower Loop, which takes you along the scenic Skyline trail overlooking the city. Just a short train ride outside of Boston, you’ll find the picturesque Middlesex Fells Reserve. There are over 100 miles of trails to explore here, another one of our favorites is the Sheepfold to Wright’s Tower at Middlesex Fells. You’ll walk around 4 miles in total and reach the summit of Wright’s Tower for views all the way to Blue Hills. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Discover Monumental Art at deCordova Sculpture Park
Are you looking for a bit of culture on your day out? Then make your way to deCordova Sculpture Park! This park spans 30 acres and displays around 60 larger-than-life sculptures that will take your breath away.
Located beside Flint’s Pond, deCordova Sculpture Park unites art and nature for an unparalleled cultural experience. You’ll encounter works dating as far back as the 1960s to as recent as 2023. These sculptures range from a tilted cottage to a subtle elliptical ring and bold red hand. As you stroll, you’ll come face-to-face with towering statues between the trees or walk by granite blocks on the forest floor.
To learn more about the artworks, you can go on a deCordova Sculpture Park tour. You’ll be able to discover more about the history of the park and the artists’ stories, making for a comprehensive outing.
Hit the Waters in Boston
All along Massachusett’s Bay, you’ll find beautiful beaches – the perfect place to be on a sunny day. If you don’t want to travel too far, you can take a 15-minute drive to Revere Beach. This stretch of coastline was in fact the first public beach in the United States. Spanning three miles, Revere Beach is a popular place for sand sculptures and even hosts an annual sand sculpting festival!
If you’d prefer to get out on the water, why not go on a kayaking adventure in the coastal towns of Gloucester or Rockport? Paddle on the picturesque waters off these North Shore towns with a guide who will introduce you to the seafaring heritage, wildlife, lighthouses and even art that can be found there!
For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, head out on our Kayak & Hike to Historic Thacher Island Adventure! Tackle waves and navigate through the harbor on your way out to the island. Soon, your thrilling excursion will have you saying “land ho!” as you approach the island. Once landed, you’ll be able to explore the many trails and even visit the iconic Thacher Island Twin Lighthouses!
Explore More Day Trips from Boston
These are just a few of the ways you can spend a sunny day near Boston. There is so much more to explore and our team is eager to help you expand your horizons! We’ll make sure you get where you want to be by using public transport for an eco-friendly day out. Contact us today and we’ll show you New England like never before!
