Travel Tips

Vote with Your Travel Dollars: 10 Reasons to Visit Boston

1. Just Outside Town

Getting out of town for a weekend could be historic outings to Salem or Plymouth Plantation or a summer trip to Cape Cod. Even closer to home, there is The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, which include 34 islands and peninsulas, 17 of which are managed by the state. Though only a 45-minute ferry ride from downtown Boston, you’ll feel as if you’re a million miles away from the city. You can depart from Boston at Long Wharf, the Hull at Pemberton Point, or Quincy at Fore River Shipyard, and catch an inter-island ferry from the main transportation point of George’s Island (it’s recommended that you visit only two islands a day). Each island that is open to the public has its own personality and amenities, and guests are welcome for picnics, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping (overnight stays are allowed on Grape, Bumpkin, and Lovells Islands).

By Sarika Chawla and Lily Kosner for PeterGreenberg.com