Trip planning

Question

Hi, so we have booked a trip to Boston at the end of September. We have been before but about 12 years ago. We thought we might take a day trip out of the city by train. Our thoughts are either Salem or Plymouth. My question is are both the places walkable from the station when you get there and what would be the better day to visit a weekend or a week day.

Thank you

Answer

Both Salem and Plymouth are fantastic day trips from Boston, offering rich history and plenty to explore. Here’s a breakdown of each, including their walkability from the train station and the best times to visit:

Salem:
- Walkability: Salem is very walkable from its train station. The Salem MBTA station is located about a mile from the historic downtown area, but the walk is pleasant and takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, there are also buses or taxis if you'd prefer not to walk.
- What to see: Salem is famous for its witch trials history, so you’ll want to check out the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch House, and the House of Seven Gables. Salem is also home to cobblestone streets, great shops, and waterfront views.
- Weekend vs. Weekday: Salem can get crowded, especially on weekends, as it's a popular tourist destination. If you want to avoid large crowds, a weekday visit is ideal. Weekdays will allow you to explore the historic sites more peacefully, while weekends offer more events, but at the cost of busier streets.
Plymouth:
- Walkability: Plymouth is also quite walkable from the train station. The Plymouth MBTA station is located about a half mile from the town’s waterfront area, where you'll find Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, and various other historic sites. The town itself is compact, making it easy to explore by foot.
- What to see: Plymouth is known for its Pilgrim history, so don’t miss Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II (a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America), and Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly Plimoth Plantation). The waterfront area is also lovely for a stroll.
- Weekend vs. Weekday: Plymouth can be a little quieter than Salem, especially on weekdays. While weekends can be busy, weekdays generally offer a more peaceful experience. However, since Plymouth’s main attractions are relatively spread out, it tends to be more relaxed during off-peak hours regardless of the day.

Both destinations have their charm, but if you want a quieter, more laid-back experience, I’d recommend visiting Plymouth during the weekday. If you're interested in the lively, witchy atmosphere, Salem is a great option, but do keep in mind that weekends can get crowded, especially as Halloween approaches.

Ultimately, either choice will make for a wonderful day trip, but if you want to avoid crowds, weekdays are generally better for both Salem and Plymouth.

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