New England Coast

The beaches and rocky headlands of the New Hampshire and southern Maine coast are a scenic day trip from Boston. And of course, it is also one of the best day trips from Boston. Depending on the number of stops, you can easily reach as far north as historic Kennebunkport or the classic old-time beach town of Old Orchard, both in Maine. On the way, you'll pass another of New England's classic resorts, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, and pass through the historic seaport of Portsmouth.

Along the shore, which includes the Massachusetts beaches at Plum Island and Salisbury and wildlife-filled wetlands and tidal marshes, you can see stately turn-of-the-century summer "cottages." Maine's iconic Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick is a highlight, as are the sea captains' homes in Kennebunkport, where you should spend some time in the boutiques and art galleries. Kennebunkport is a good place to sample fresh Maine seafood at a waterside restaurant.

Address: 1 Little Harbor Rd. Woods Hole, MA 02543

Official site: discovernewengland.org

Phone: 508-538-2300

Entrance fee: A daily fee is $15 for weekdays and $20 for weekends and holidays

Google rating: 4.5/5.0