6 nights in Boston & Salem

Question

Need some guidance- looking to spend 4 nights in Boston and 2 nights in Salem (and surrounding area). Hate to be in a hurry - so I can't decide if it's better to land at Logan Airport and drive straight to Salem and stay there for 2 days and then finish in Boston (easy for returning car, going to airport, etc). However, I'm tempted to just land and stay in Boston for 4 nights- then drive to Salem, head up along coast, etc. I like the pace of that better- of course my issue is driving back to Boston to return rental car and fly out of town all in same day. Is that travel suicide? I just don't know the area, traffic, the airport, etc. I appreciate any thoughts!

Answer

It sounds like you have a fantastic trip planned with a mix of city exploration and coastal charm. Let me break down the pros and cons of both options for you, so you can decide which works best for your preferences and pace.

Option 1: Land at Logan, Drive Straight to Salem for 2 Nights, Then Head to Boston

Pros:

Less Stress on the Day You Depart: By staying in Boston for your last 4 nights, you avoid the risk of having to drive back to Boston on the same day you’re flying out. You’re closer to the airport, and returning your rental car will be hassle-free. Plus, you can simply use public transportation or a short taxi ride to the airport.
Flexible Schedule in Salem: Salem and its surroundings are great to explore at a relaxed pace. By spending 2 nights there first, you can fully enjoy the town, its witchy history, and the surrounding coastal area. You’ll be able to avoid the usual hustle of trying to squeeze everything into a rushed day trip.
Avoids Traffic Back to Boston: Salem is about a 30-minute drive from Logan Airport, and if you leave early in the morning, you should have no trouble getting back to Boston on your return day.

Cons:

Potential for Rush at the End: Depending on when your flight is, you might feel a bit rushed on your final day. Even though the drive from Salem to Boston isn’t terribly long, navigating Boston’s busy streets and getting to the airport can take time, especially during peak hours.
Less Time in Boston: You’ll lose out on some time exploring Boston at the beginning of your trip. If this is your first visit to Boston, 4 nights is a great amount of time, but you might feel you need a little extra time for sightseeing and soaking in the city’s history.

Option 2: Stay in Boston for 4 Nights, Then Drive to Salem & Head Up the Coast

Pros:

Less Driving Initially: By staying in Boston for the first 4 nights, you can take your time to explore the city and its surroundings without the pressure of driving immediately upon landing. Boston’s public transport system makes it easy to get around, so you won’t have to worry about parking or navigating in a new city.
Explore the Coast: Driving up the coast from Boston to Salem is a beautiful and scenic trip. The drive along Route 1A offers great views of the ocean and the charming towns along the coast. You can stop at places like Marblehead, Swampscott, or even Cape Ann if you have time.
More Flexibility with the Rental Car: If you’re a fan of leisurely exploring, having the car for the last part of your trip gives you the flexibility to go beyond Salem and perhaps visit places like Cape Ann or Rockport, which are a bit off the beaten path.

Cons:

Driving Back on the Same Day: Depending on your flight time, you could be pressed for time when driving back to Boston to return the rental car and get to Logan. The drive from Salem to Logan can take 30-45 minutes, but traffic can be heavy, particularly during rush hour. It’s something to consider if you have a morning or early afternoon flight.
More Logistics to Manage: You’ll have to factor in the time for returning the car, getting to the airport, and checking in. While Boston is not huge, it can be overwhelming to navigate if you’re not familiar with the area.

Recommendation:

Given that you prefer a slower pace and want to enjoy your time without feeling rushed, it seems that Option 1 (staying in Salem first) might be the best choice. It allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Salem without worrying about traffic on your last day. Then, you can take your time driving back to Boston and enjoy the sights along the way before heading home. You’ll be closer to the airport at the end, making your departure stress-free.

However, if you feel comfortable with a bit of driving on your last day, Option 2 will give you more time to explore Boston at the beginning of your trip. Just be sure to plan for some extra time when heading back to the airport to avoid feeling rushed.

Whichever option you choose, both Boston and Salem offer incredible experiences, and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time in each location!