Looking for a last minute escape from the city?
Labor Day weekend is upon us and it marks the last big hurrah of the summer. Soon the leaves will begin to change and we will be stepping into the autumn season. Perhaps you are looking for a last minute trip to celebrate or just want to get out of the city for the weekend. In this post, I will share some ideas for last minute Labor Day weekend getaways from Boston.
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How to Get To Your Destination from Boston, MA
When traveling from Boston this labor day weekend you have several transportation options. Typically the easiest option is renting a car or flying, but it is not usually necessary. You can easily relax and take the commuter rail to many beautiful destinations and of course there is always Amtrak. For Cape Cod visitors, there are the Peter Pan bus routes from South Station. So don’t stress! You have plenty of transportation options for your last minute Labor Day weekend getaways.
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1. Enjoy the End of Summer on Cape Cod, MA
Want to take in what’s left of the summer at the Cape? Just because you happened to wait until the last minute doesn’t mean that all the fun places are booked up already. There are plenty of lodging options across the Cape with vacancies. For instance, at Bob’s Buzzards Bay vacation rental they have top floor views and even private beach access available this weekend. What more could you ask for?
Or if you prefer something more simple and laid back, then a place like the Beach Breeze Inn in Harwich might be more your speed. Either way there are still plenty of lodgings out there up for grabs! Cape Cod is truly beautiful and has some fantastic beaches. Personally my favorite destination is Hyannis Port due to its central location and the proximity to the ferry system. You can easily hop on a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for the day.
If you think you can’t afford the Cape, then I must refer you to my post all about the Best Time to Visit Cape Cod on a Budget.
2. Get Historical and Outdoorsy in Concord, MA
Concord, Massachusetts is just 30 minutes from Boston and it is a famous travel destination for its history. It is known amongst American Revolutionary War history buffs since it is the location of the battle of North Bridge. Concord is also well known in the literary world. From Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay Nature and Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. Louisa May Alcott’s orchard house is also located in Concord and is open for visitors. Be sure to reserve a time to visit via their website. I’m sure many of you are familiar with her work entitled Little Women.
Concord also has a charming town to stroll through (map). It is perfect as a labor day getaway because you can enjoy the town, the history, and you can also wander to the local Verill Farm to enjoy the outdoors. Every September they open up their sunflower fields for visitors. Check our my blog post for 5 Sunflower Fields to Visit in Massachusetts this September. If you really love the outdoors, also check out the Minuteman Bikeway Trail.
Concord has plenty of inns, motels, and hotels nearby. For instance, at the Aloft Lexington you can enjoy a weekend of bliss in a nice hotel for $157 per night over Labor Day weekend.
3. Enjoy the Beach and the Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME
I’ve traveled to Portland, Maine many times from Boston via the Amtrak Downeaster train. Every time I pass the cute beach town of York, I feel compelled to stop and walk along Long Sands Beach. It reminds me of my childhood trips to Bethany Beach in Delaware. Honestly, I don’t feel like I hear people mention this beach very often in Boston. Long Sands Beach is a 1.5 stretch of soft sand. Your loved ones can enjoy the food stalls along the strip and kick back on the shore. During your visit I highly recommend stopping over to check out Cape Neddick’s Nubble Lighthouse. It is truly stunning.
Regarding lodging, you could definitely book a nice hotel room or a condo. However, I feel that camping is a far more budget friendly option and convenient option in terms of location. Most of the campgrounds not only offer ocean views but are just steps to the popular sights in the area. You can find RV parking, cabins, and traditional sites for tents. Many of the campgrounds are family owned so you will be supporting a small business while enjoying a nice weekend getaway from Boston.
List of Campgrounds:
- Burnette’s Campground, York, Maine
- Libby’s Oceanside Camp, York Habor, Maine
- Camp Eaton, York Habor, Maine
- York Beach Camper Park, York, Maine
4. Get Regal at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA
This unique destination is an interesting way to spend your labor day weekend getaway. Plus it is very convenient from Boston since Ipswich has a stop on the commuter rail. Take the newburyport/rockport line from North Station to Ipswich and then hop on the Ipswich/Essex Explorer to go directly to the estate. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate is a 2,100 acre estate that has phenomenal architecture, gardens, grounds, a beach, and more. I highly recommend that you book your passes ahead of time to secure a spot. Be sure to review the pass terms to prepare for your trip.
Other attractions in the area include Plum Island which is just one stop up from Ipswich on the Newburyport line. Plum island is an 11 mile long barrier island with miles of public beaches and is part of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Parking is available for a fee at the Refuge, the Point, or you can find private parking lots.
For lodging, you can find budget friendly options such as a private room in a B&B or splurge and book an entire cottage on Plum island. There are also campgrounds in the nearby Salisbury beach area for a budget friendly option.
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Hello everyone! I am a Boston based blogger that loves all things travel and lifestyle. You can usually find me working away at my university job, snapping pictures, thrifting, or trying out some new recipes.
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