Summer Stops Near Burlington, Massachusetts Things to Do Near Boston for Your Entire Crew

Visit Newburyport for dining, shopping, boat tours and sightseeing. Just 35 miles north of Boston, Newburyport's rich maritime heritage entices visitors with a lifestyle unlike any other.

Enjoy happy hour at Sea Level Oyster Bar, with fresh seafood and intriguing drinks, or Tuscan Sea Bar, specializing in coastal artisan Italian fare on the waterfront. For family-friendly adventures, consider Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours and cruise at sunset, or visit Plum Island Beach, a public beach with a lighthouse, natural wildlife refuge, shopping and delicious eats.

A 45-minute trip from downtown Boston, Gloucester is home to America's oldest seaport. The community's natural beauty awaits exploration, complemented by local artists, independent shops and award-winning restaurants.

Stop by Causeway Restaurant, the best mom-n-pop seafood stop for lunch.Visit Blue Collar Lobster Co. for an afternoon of drinks on the deck. Relax on the white sand at  Good Harbor Beach, with access to Salt Island at low tide. And take in historic sites at Stage Fort Park where kids can play on the playground or on the volleyball, tennis and basketball courts.

Take in art in Rockport. A seaside escape an hour north of Boston, Rockport's internationally known art colony on Cape Ann offers exquisite and unique shopping all year round. The village has something for everyone.

Stop by Joe’s Fresh Fish Prints to learn about gyotaku — the Japanese method of printing fish. Lovers of all things outdoors will enjoy the trails, tide pools, rocky ledges and beautiful views at Halibut Point State Park. End the day with BYOB waterfront dining "in the rough" at The Lobster Pool.

Get spooky (or spooked) in Salem, where the history is palpable. Enjoy guided tours, sightseeing, boat cruises, unique shopping and dining. Known for its witch trials, modern Salem offers so much fun for everyone, you won't feel like you're missing any Boston events.

Start with a daily harbor cruise with Mahi Cruises (May through November). Enjoy upscale New England cuisine in a 19th-century bank building at Ledger Restaurant & Bar. If an old-school dive is more your style, try The Lobster Shanty for fresh seafood and comfort food. Or head to Turner’s Seafood, providing fresh New England seafood since 1920.

Then head to one (or more) of Salem's many museums: Salem Wax Museum, Friendship of Salem, House of the Seven Gables and Peabody Essex Museum. End with a visit to Salem Willows Arcade for games, rides, more food, ice cream, plus picnic grounds, park paths and beaches — there's plenty of fun for kids of all ages.

Head out of state (but not too far) to Hampton, New Hampshire. The sweet little town of Hampton has everything you need: all on the beach, including seafood, dining, shopping, concerts and activities for kids.

Enjoy Atlantic ocean-front facilities, plus swimming, fishing, picnicking and RV camping at Hampton Beach State Park. Then recharge with tropical drinks, food and nightly entertainment at Bernie’s Beach Bar — the largest deck on Hampton Beach. Take in a concert at Casino Ballroom, an intimate venue with a rich history dating back to 1899. Or head outdoors and explore the town or the water (or both) with gear from Ocean Cycles & Beach Rentals.

Make Archer Hotel Burlington your home base as you enjoy things to do near Boston. Don't miss New England's charm during your next stay at Archer Hotel. Escape the city and take in the quaint, the romantic and the truly majestic along the Atlantic coast. When you return from your day trip, Archer's consummate host is here to help you unwind and get ready to do it all over again the next day. Make your reservation at our boutique Burlington hotel.