5 one-tank road trips from Boston, Massachusetts

Between high gas prices, limited vacation days, and chaotic air travel, taking a local road trip is more appealing than ever this summer. These five destinations are all within 300 miles (round-trip) of Boston, Massachusetts, making them ideal for quick getaways. Spend less time at the pump and more time enjoying the road.

1. Kennebunkport, Maine

Total mileage: 180 miles

Head 1.5 hours north of the city to the quintessential coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine. Here you can kayak in the marsh, lounge on the beach, eat all of the lobster rolls you can stomach, and check out shops and cafes around Dock Square. Thanks to its location north of Boston, you’ll avoid heavy summer traffic to Cape Cod. The town is known for being the home of the Bush family compound, which you can see from the water.

Don’t miss: Hang out on Goose Rocks Beach, eat a lobster roll at Nunans’s Lobster Hut or Mabel’s Lobster Claw, take a lobster fishing boat tour, tour the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and explore the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

Stay: Glamp or camp at Sandy Pines Campground, located about a 15-minute drive from town. Or stay at the historic The Colony Hotel.

Charge: Some accommodations in town offer EV charging stations, and there are a few public options near town as well.

2. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Total mileage: 230 miles

Located at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown (or P-Town) is a vibrant, LGBTQ-friendly beach town that’s fun to visit any time of the year. Expect heavy traffic when driving from the city during peak times in the summer, or you can opt to take a ferry. But once you’ve arrived, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from Boston. Come for a themed-event weekend or the annual Carnival Week, which is in August.

Don’t miss: Watch the sunset at Race Point Beach, eat at The Lobster Pot, wander through art galleries, see the Pilgrim Monument, and try malasadas at Provincetown Portuguese Bakery.

Stay: Surfside Hotel and Suites has its own private beach and is pet-friendly.

Charge: There are only a few EV chargers in Provincetown, so plug in along your route from Boston to the Cape. Energy company Eversource supports charging stations at landmarks like the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Nauset Beach, Skaket Beach, and the Jonathan Young Windmill.

3. Newport, Rhode Island

Total mileage: 140 miles

Known for its maritime history and Gilded Age mansions, Newport offers plenty of activities for a weekend—or longer. The seaside city is about a 1.5-hour drive from Boston (depending on traffic). From wandering Thames Street to eating fresh seafood and viewing a historic lighthouse on Goat Island, visitors of all ages and travel styles will enjoy the City by the Sea. Just over the Newport Bridge is Jamestown, home of various Moonrise Kingdom filming locations.

Don’t miss: Tour The Breakers, Marble House, or countless other mansions; enjoy the Cliff Walk; eat stuffies (baked clams) at Easton’s Beach Snack Bar; dine at the Clarke Cooke House; and visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Stay: Overnight at Gilded, a boutique hotel located just off of Bellevue Avenue.

Charge: A few area hotels offer charging stations. You’ll also find them in Fort Adams State Park.

4. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Total mileage: 220 miles

Located on Lake Winnipesaukee, about 2 hours from Boston, Wolfeboro is known as “America’s First Resort Town.” The quaint Main Street is home to favorites such as Bailey’s Bubble and the Yum Yum Shop. The best thing to do here is get out on the water with a boat rental and explore the lake’s many islands. Rattlesnake Island is a local gem—known for its shape, not snake sightings—and is a scenic spot for day hikes.

Don’t miss: Eat at Wolfetrap Grille and Raw Bar, rent paddleboards, have pizza at Nolan’s Brick Oven Bistro, and drink beer at Lone Wolfe Brewing.

Stay: There are plenty of cute inns in town, like the Pickering House Inn, or you can camp nearby at Wolfeboro Campground.

Charge: There aren’t many charging stations in Wolfeboro, so make sure you charge along your route. There are options along Interstate 95 to/from Boston.

5. Block Island, Rhode Island

Total mileage: 200 miles

Drive to Naragannset (Port Judith terminal) or Newport, Rhode Island, and take the high-speed ferry to Block Island. Many of the tourist attractions and beaches are walkable (or bikeable) from the ferry dock, but if you’d prefer to bring your car, you can do so via the traditional ferry (from the Port Judith terminal only); reservations must be made in advance by calling 866-783-7996, Extension 3. The ferry takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once you’re on the island, you’ll have plenty of beaches, shops, art galleries, and restaurants to see.

Don’t miss: Horseback ride at Rustic Rides Farm, go on a nature walk through the Nature Conservancy, eat beachside at Beachhead, and have breakfast at Ernie’s Breakfast Restaurant.

Stay: Overnight at the Block Island Beach House.

Charge: There are no public charging stations on Block Island. Charge up in Newport or Port Judith/Galilee if needed.