Article Summary: National Parks Near Boston
National Parks near Boston. There’s so much more to this beautiful state than Beantown. In this article, we’ll familiarize you with the incredible national park sites that are within a five hour drive (or less) of Boston.
Boston is rich in history, with many museums and performance venues to take in art, music, and theater. It is also one of the top cities for education in the United States, with tons of colleges and universities as well as attractions where visitors can learn too.
And there are 10 national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Bay State.
So, What Is A National Park?
We get asked that question a lot because there’s a difference between a “national park” and a “national park site.” To help you understand that difference you might want to check out our article titled: What Is A National Park Really?
If you’re planning a trip to Boston or want to learn more about it then you might want to pick up a copy of Walking Boston: 34 Tours Through Beantown’s Cobblestone Streets, Historic Districts, Ivory Towers, and Bustling Waterfront.
Now let’s go ahead with 10 reasons why you’ll want to make a drive of five hours (or less) from Boston to one of these amazing places.
Table Of Contents: National Parks Near Boston
National Parks Near Boston
1. Acadia National Park
Distance From Boston: 4 hours 30 minutes (280 miles) via I-95 N
Our Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay
Acadia National Park is the only national park in the northeastern United States and a true coastal wonder. Nestled into the far-flung, rocky coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is home to majestic forests, tranquil ponds, rounded mountains, and wild coastline.
Once a summer retreat for America’s elite, the area making up Acadia National Park was given back to the people by conservation-minded locals led by George Dorr. Now you can visit this coastal paradise and marvel at it’s expansive beauty.
Acadia is a special park and a must for anyone who loves wild coastline. Maine’s wild coast is unlike any other in the U.S., speaking as someone who’s been to the shores of Olympic National Park, Acadia takes the cake for pure coastal beauty.
On top of it’s famous rocky coast, Acadia is home to beautiful forests of maples, aspen, and pine that truly come alive in the fall – making the park a world class autumn destination.
RELATED: Acadia National Park-An EPIC Guide To New England’s Premier Park
Watch Our Acadia National Park Film
RELATED: 6 (EPIC) Maine National Parks For Your Next Visit To The Pine Tree State
Things To Do At Acadia
At Acadia National Park, visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including:
- Hiking: With over 120 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging summits, there’s something for every skill level.
- Biking: Bicycles can be rented or brought to explore the park’s scenic roads and carriage paths.
- Scenic drives: Take a drive on the Park Loop Road, which offers breathtaking views of the coast and mountains.
- Wildlife viewing: Look for moose, black bears, and a variety of bird species that call the park home.
- Boating and kayaking: Explore the park’s lakes and ponds by boat or kayak.
- Camping: Stay in one of the park’s campgrounds and enjoy a unique perspective of the park.
- Ranger-led programs: Attend a ranger-led hike, talk, or campfire program to learn more about the park and its history.
- Photography: Capture the stunning views and landscapes of the park through photography.
- Rock climbing: Climb the park’s famous granite cliffs and take in panoramic views from the top.
- Winter sports: Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding in the park during the winter months.
2. Adams National Historical Park
Distance From Boston: 30 minutes (13 miles) via I-93 S
As a retired history teacher I like nothing better than to pack up my car and head off in search of America’s past.
And nowhere does history play a more prominent role than in the state which became the center of activity leading up to the American Revolution.
Adams National Historical Park, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, preserves the homes and legacy of the Adams family, including two U.S. Presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
The park consists of several historic houses, including the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, as well as the family’s estate, Peacefield.
A History That Spans Four Generations
The history of the Adams family spans over four generations and covers important events in American history, including the American Revolution, the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, and the early years of the Republic.
John Adams was one of the leading figures of the American Revolution, serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress, signing the Declaration of Independence, and serving as the first Vice President and second President of the United States.
John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, was also a prominent figure in American history, serving as a diplomat, Secretary of State, and U.S. Senator. He is best known for his advocacy of abolitionism and for his role in negotiating the end of the War of 1812.
The preservation of the Adams family homes and history as a national park was made possible through the efforts of the Adams Memorial Society, which was founded in the 1920s to preserve the family’s legacy. The park was established as a National Historical Park in 1946 and is now managed by the National Park Service.
Visitors to Adams National Historical Park can tour the family homes, view exhibits and artifacts related to the Adams family, and learn about the history of the American Revolution, the early years of the Republic, and the lives of John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
3. Boston National Historical Park
Distance From Boston: It’s in Boston!
Boston was considered the Cradle of Liberty and the heartbeat of the American Revolution. It’s one city that’s chock full of fascinating places to go and exciting things to see beginning with the Freedom Trail.
The Freedom Trail is an iconic symbol of Boston. Its red brick line snakes through some of the oldest parts of the City, navigating visitors to some of the most significant historic sites in the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods of Boston.
Points Of Interest Along The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile long trail that winds through downtown Boston. The trail passes by 16 historically significant sites, including churches, meeting houses, museums, and burial grounds, all of which played a role in the American Revolution and the early history of the United States.
Some of the most notable sites along the trail include the Massachusetts State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, the Old North Church, Paul Revere’s House, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Each site is marked by a brick or painted line on the ground, making it easy to follow the trail.
Visitors to the Freedom Trail can take guided tours led by costumed interpreters or explore the trail on their own. The trail is free to walk, although some of the sites charge admission fees.
CHECK OUT: 10 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In New York
4. African-American National Historic Site
Distance From Boston: It’s in Boston!
The struggle against racial injustice has been a long one. The African American community of 19th century Boston led the both the city and the nation in this fight against slavery and racial injustice.
These remarkable men and women, together with their allies, were leaders in the Abolition Movement, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the early struggle for equal rights and education.
This national historic site celebrates their bravery and heroism. This story features the Black Freedom Trail which is an approximately 1.5 mile long trail linking sites that explore the trials of the free black community which inhabited the North Slope of Beacon Hill from the late 18th century through the 19th century.
I recommend visiting the Museum of African American History. It’s located in the former Abiel Smith School. Visitors come away with a better understanding of and appreciation for the struggles and sacrifices made by African Americans to bring about a more perfect union.
Boston African American National Historic Site: Men dressed as Union soldiers pose by the Shaw Memorial in Boston. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
5. Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Distance From Boston: It’s in Boston!
The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is a collection of 34 islands in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, that are accessible by ferry or private boat.
It’s managed by the National Park Service and provides a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
The islands also offer a rich history, with several featuring remnants of military fortifications, lighthouses, and other cultural landmarks. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Boston and the surrounding harbor, as well as engage in educational programming about the islands’ natural and cultural resources.
Top 10 National Parks Near Boston
6. Cape Cod National Seashore
Distance From Boston: Two hours approximately. It’s 110 miles on US-6 East.
As the National Park Service notes, “Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod’s past and continuing ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon today’s visitors.”
Cape Cod National Seashore was established on August 7, 1961, as part of the National Park Service.
The idea for preserving the Cape Cod landscape as a national seashore originated in the early 1900s, when concerns arose about the rapid development of the region and its impact on the area’s natural beauty. In the following decades, local residents, conservation groups, and government agencies worked to establish a national park on Cape Cod.
The Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses over 40,000 acres of land, including sandy beaches, salt marshes, pine forests, and historic villages. It provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating, and also protects important wildlife habitat and cultural resources.
Some of the most notable features of the park include the towering dunes of Race Point and the historic lighthouses of Eastham and Truro. The park is also known for its abundant birdlife, including migratory species such as the Piping Plover and the Least Tern.
Things To Do At Cape Cod
Here are some things to do and see at the national seashore:
- Beaches – The national seashore is home to many beautiful beaches, such as Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Light Beach, and Marconi Beach. These beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other water sports.
- Hiking – There are many trails throughout the national seashore that offer beautiful views of the coast and the surrounding forests. Some popular trails include the Great Island Trail, the Province Lands Trail, and the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail.
- Biking – The national seashore has over 40 miles of bike trails, including the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Biking is a great way to explore the area and take in the stunning views.
- Wildlife viewing – The national seashore is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, dolphins, and many bird species. Visitors can take guided tours or explore on their own to see the wildlife in their natural habitats.
- Lighthouses – There are three historic lighthouses located within the national seashore: Nauset Light, Highland Light, and Race Point Light. Visitors can tour the lighthouses and learn about their history.
- Cultural activities – The national seashore has several museums, such as the Salt Pond Visitor Center and the Province Lands Visitor Center, that offer exhibits and programs about the natural and cultural history of the area.
7. Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site
Distance From Boston: 20 minutes (6 miles) via the Riverway
The Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site honors the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted, the “father of American landscape architecture.”
Olmsted was a leading figure in the design of public parks and green spaces in the United States and his work had a significant impact on the development of American park design and planning.
The historic site is located on the grounds of Olmsted’s former home and office, and includes several original features of his landscape design, including a rock garden, a vegetable garden, and a carriage drive.
Visitors to the site can learn about Olmsted’s life, work, and influence through exhibitions, guided tours, and walking trails that traverse the park-like landscape.
Did you know that Olmstead was responsible for designing Central Park in New York City?
In addition to its focus on Olmsted’s work, the site is also recognized for its significant collection of landscape architecture documents, including original drawings, plans, and correspondence related to some of the most important public park projects of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The collection provides a rich resource for researchers, students, and others interested in the history of landscape architecture and urban planning.
8. John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
Distance From Boston: 20 minutes (approximately 5 miles) via Beacon Street.
John F. Kennedy was the youngest man ever elected to the presidency and arguably the most charismatic. He proposed a voting-rights bill and federal programs to provide health care to the elderly and the poor.
Kennedy’s most important, and most famous, was his adept management of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, widely considered the most perilous moment since World War II. His skillful handling of this crisis averted a nuclear conflict between the superpowers. In the end, a peaceful agreement was reached.
The John F. Kennedy National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the childhood home and early life of President John F. Kennedy.
Things To Do & See
Visitors to the site can participate in several activities and experiences to learn about Kennedy’s upbringing and early influences. Some of the things to do at the site include:
- Tour Kennedy’s childhood home: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Kennedy family’s home, which has been restored to its appearance in the 1920s and 1930s when JFK lived there.
- Explore the Visitor Center: The Visitor Center features exhibits and displays about Kennedy’s early life, family, and education, as well as information about his presidency.
- Walk the neighborhood: Brookline was a formative place for JFK, and visitors can walk the neighborhood and see sites associated with his early life, including the high school he attended and the family’s church.
- Learn about the Kennedy family: The site offers opportunities to learn about the Kennedy family’s history, including the lives of JFK’s siblings and parents.
- Participate in educational programs: The site offers educational programs for visitors of all ages, including ranger-led tours, talks, and hands-on activities that help visitors learn about Kennedy and his legacy.
9. Lowell National Historical Park
Distance From Boston: 30-40 minutes (31 miles) via I-93 N & US-3 N.
Lowell National Historical Park was established in 1978 to commemorate the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution as a center for textile manufacturing.
The park features historic mill buildings, canals, exhibits, and interactive displays that showcase the history of Lowell’s growth and development as a major industrial city.
Visitors can also take guided tours and see restored 19th-century worker housing, as well as visit museums and other cultural sites.
The park serves as a memorial to the city’s rich cultural and industrial heritage and provides opportunities for learning, exploration, and recreation.
RELATED: 2 (EPIC) New Hampshire National Parks For Your Visit To The Granite State
10. New England National Scenic Trail
Distance From Boston: 2 hours 20 minutes (143 miles) via I-90 W & I-395 S.
The New England National Scenic Trail is a 215-mile long hiking trail that runs through the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts in the United States. It was officially designated as a National Scenic Trail in 2009, although parts of the trail have been in use for decades.
The trail passes through some of New England’s most scenic and historic landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque rural communities.
The trail’s history can be traced back to the early 20th century, when conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts began advocating for the creation of a network of trails throughout the region. Over time, various organizations and volunteers worked to connect existing trails and create new ones, ultimately leading to the formation of the New England National Scenic Trail.
Today, the trail is maintained and managed by a partnership between the National Park Service, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, and other organizations.
It’s a popular destination for hikers, bird watchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, and is considered one of the best long-distance hiking trails in the northeastern United States.
The trail provides opportunities for recreation, education, and cultural preservation, and is a testament to the dedication and hard work of those who have worked to protect and preserve the natural beauty of New England for future generations.
RELATED: 3 (EPIC) Vermont National Parks For Your Visit To The Green Mountain State
National Parks Near Boston FAQ
Of the more than 400 national parks, 18 are situated in Massachusetts. They vary widely, from the sandy horizons of Cape Cod’s National Seashore to a 17th-century iron foundry on the banks of the Saugus River to the mountainous Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
The National Parks of Boston, including Boston African American National Historic Site, Boston National Historical Park, and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, invites you to explore the seeds of revolution, and the on-going and many-sided struggle for civil rights, liberties, and environmental justice.
Acadia National Park has 27 miles of historic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and the tallest coastal mountains on the eastern seaboard. It is the only national park in New England.
Why Trust Us About National Parks Near Boston?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
Map Of National Park Sites Near Boston
List Of Boston National Parks
- Acadia National Park
- Adams National Historical Park
- Check Out Boston’s National Historical Park
- Boston African-American National Historic Site
- Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
- Lowell National Historical Park
- New England National Scenic Trail
We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
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