7 Quietest Small Towns Near Boston
Boston is undeniably a special place. Not only is it home to some of the most renowned universities and sports teams, but it is also one of the most prominent cities in the country for Revolutionary War history. And, of course, its food is just as memorable, serving classics like clam chowder and lobster rolls around every corner. However, even with so much to experience inside its city limits, every Boston local craves a break now and again.
Fortunately, in a place as diverse as New England, you won’t have to travel far to find a bit of rest and relaxation. If you are craving a peaceful getaway close to The Hub, the following seven towns are just the place to be. Each one is less than two hours from the city and offers a wonderful variety of wildlife refuges, beach reserves, and countryside bed and breakfasts, allowing you to disconnect from city life and slow down for a few days.
Petersham, Massachusetts
Located in Central Massachusetts, Petersham has a high percentage of conservation land, making it the ultimate weekend destination for outdoor lovers. Conveniently, it is also just under two hours from Boston. Travelers can begin their adventure at the Swift River Reservation, hiking along the river through woods, swamps, and pools while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as beavers, bears, bobcats, deer, and owls.
The Brooks Woodland Preserve is another beautiful place to visit, featuring miles of footpaths and quiet farm roads that meander through forests, streams, and wetlands. To conclude your adventurous day, head back into town to spend the night at Clamber Hill Inn, which has cozy guest rooms with working fireplaces and an on-site fine dining restaurant.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Combine art with the seaside and you get Rockport, an art-focused coastal community just an hour from Boston. Here, you can spend your weekend browsing museums like the Rockport Art Association & Museum Collection. This museum features a permanent collection with over a century of Cape Ann art, along with various rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
If you're interested in purchasing your own work of art, stop by galleries such as the Art Nook Gallery, which showcases art from three local artists. Afterward, check into The Cove At Rockport for the evening, a seaside hotel with 13 rooms, some of which have ocean views.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Ever wondered what life is like for a lobster fisherman? Or are you simply craving some fresh seafood? If so, Kennebunkport is the perfect destination for you, just an hour and 45 minutes from Boston. Seasonally, travelers can sign up for the ultimate lobsterman experience with Rugosa Lobster Tours, which offers coastal lobster tours down the scenic coastline and up the Kennebunk River, starting in May each year. You can either sit back and watch the crew haul their traps or participate in the fun!
You’ll find some great waterfront restaurants in town as well. The Boathouse Restaurant is a nice option, serving Maine-inspired cuisine right on the riverfront. For a historic night away, you will love lodging at The Kennebunk Inn, which is set in a home dating back to 1799. You will be able to choose between 17 guest rooms and six suites for your stay, each of which has a unique set of touches.
Salisbury, Massachusetts
An hour north of Boston, along the Atlantic coast, travelers will find Salisbury, a small beach town with waterfront inns and music venues. Travelers can begin their weekend by checking into the Shoreline Oceanfront Room and Suites, which overlook the beach, offering amenities such as private decks, direct beachfront access, grills, and a fire pit.
The opportunities for sunbathing and swimming in town are endless, with Salisbury Beach State Reservation providing beach access that's great for swimming, boating, and camping. For an intimate live performance, check out the calendar at the Blue Ocean Music Hall, a famous venue in town that hosts comedians, holiday concerts, bands, and more.
Blackstone, Massachusetts
About 50 miles from Boston, Blackstone sits on the Rhode Island border, featuring its own remarkable gorge and a nearby zoo that travelers of all kinds will enjoy visiting. The Blackstone Gorge is well worth a visit, where travelers can stand on rocky cliffs and look 80 feet down at a river cascading over a dam into a beautiful waterfall.
Southwick's Zoo, meanwhile, is just 10 minutes northwest of town, the largest zoo in New England, spanning over 200 acres of land and housing more than 850 animals. To relax at the end of the day, check into Morin's Victorian Hideaway Bed and Breakfast, a local inn that provides access to a fully stocked kitchen, a billiards room, a sitting room, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Peterborough, New Hampshire
Peterborough is home to New Hampshire’s oldest state park, just about an hour and 50 minutes from Boston. This park, known as Miller State Park, sits on a 2,290-foot summit, which visitors can explore hiking or even driving on a paved road that is open seasonally.
The town’s performing arts scene has been wonderfully preserved by the Peterborough Players, who have been performing since 1933 and continue to host shows today that you can enjoy. You won’t find a place much more peaceful to spend the night than at Cranberry Meadow Farm, which lies on 80 acres of scenic land, offering luxurious and modern guest rooms to Peterborough visitors.
Chatham, Massachusetts
Sitting on Cape Cod, with nearby wildlife refuges and fish markets, is the town of Chatham. This small town is home to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a 7,900-acre preserve composed of salt and freshwater marshes, freshwater ponds, and sand dunes. During your visit, you can potentially spot bird species like the American oystercatcher, the piping plover, and the Roseate Tern.
Returning to town, grab a bite at Chatham Pier Fish Market, which is open seasonally, serving lobster dinners and fresh seafood with spectacular water views. Chatham Bars Inn is one of the most luxurious places you could spend the night in town, featuring a variety of rooms and suites, along with amenities like a spa, complimentary bike rentals, a pool, and state-of-the-art tennis courts.
It’s never too soon to start planning your next weekend trip. And with so many options so close to Boston, you won’t have a hard time finding the perfect place to visit! Towns like Chatham and Salisbury offer the ideal coastal experience, while others, like Petersham and Blackstone, will let you explore the region’s interior. A fantastic museum or theater is likely right around the corner, as well. By the end of the weekend, don’t be surprised if you have a new appreciation for the small towns that surround Boston.
