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Day trips from Waltham

23 nearby parks, towns and places to explore, ordered by straight-line distance.

State park

Nahant Beach Reservation

16 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (30 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Protected coastal reservation.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

State park

Hopkinton State Park

17 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (25 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

State park.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Boston Light

18 miles east · straight-line distanceSaved road-route estimate: 33 miles · 1 hr

Lighthouse in Massachusetts, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

Addison Gallery of American Art

19 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (26 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Art museum in Andover, Massachusetts.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

National park site

Salem Maritime National Historical Park

20 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (28 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

U.S. National Historical Park in Salem, Massachusetts.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

Peabody Essex Museum

20 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (28 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Non-profit organisation in the USA.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Nantasket Beach

21 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (36 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Beach in Massachusetts.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Foxborough

22 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (29 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Ski area

Ski Bradford

26 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (41 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski area in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Nashua

28 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (36 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in southern New Hampshire, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

Canobie Lake Park

28 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (36 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Amusement park in Salem, New Hampshire.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Worcester

30 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (35 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

County seat city in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

State park

Halibut Point State Park

37 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr by car (48 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

State park in Massachusetts.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Lake

Lake Chaubunagungamaug

39 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 55 min by car (50 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Lake in the town of Webster, Massachusetts, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

National park site

Roger Williams National Memorial

39 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 55 min by car (50 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

National Memorial of the United States in Providence, United States of America.

HistoryAgency site ↗

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Providence

40 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 55 min by car (50 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Capital city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island and seat of Providence County.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Concord

58 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (72 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Capital city of the U.S. state of New Hampshire and county seat of Merrimack County.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Aquidneck Island

58 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 20 min by car (73 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Island in Rhode Island, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Ski area

Mount Tom Ski Area

72 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (90 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Abandoned ski resort in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

National park site

Cape Cod National Seashore

75 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr by car (106 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Protected area.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Martha's Vineyard

76 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 45 min by car (101 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Island south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Lake

Lake Winnipesaukee

84 miles north · straight-line distanceSaved road-route estimate: 116 miles · 2 hr 45 min

Lake in New Hampshire, United States of America.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

National park site

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

96 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 30 min by car (142 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

House and garden of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Driving times are typical estimates from the city center without live traffic, Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Distances are straight-line measurements from the city, not driving distance. Saved road estimates have no consistently recorded source date and are not current traffic; estimates to park centers, water locations or inconsistent routes are omitted. Named-destination route links are not verified entrances. Place descriptions come from Wikidata; photo credits below include recorded capture dates when available. A photograph does not show current conditions.

Outdoor places near Waltham

40 recreation areas and campgrounds within 103 miles, from Recreation.gov. Filter by what you want to do.

Recreation area

Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

6 miles east · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site preserves a remarkable Georgian house whose occupants shaped our nation.

History

Recreation area

Minute Man National Historical Park

6 miles northwest · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

At Minute Man National Historical Park the opening battle of the Revolution is brought to life as visitors explore the battlefields and structures associated with April 19, 1775, and witness the American revolutionary spirit through the…

HikingHistory

Recreation area

Charles River

9 miles southeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Once called, "Quinobequin" by native Indians, Captain John Smith renamed the area for Charles I of England.

Wildlife viewing

Recreation area

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

11 miles west · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

to Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge! Located in the towns of Sudbury, Stow, Maynard and Hudson, and just 20 miles west of Boston, Assabet River NWR is one of eight national wildlife refuges that comprise the Eastern Massachusetts…

BikingBirdingCross Country SkiingFishingHikingHuntingPhotographySnowshoeing

Recreation area

Adams National Historical Park

15 miles southeast · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of “heroes, statesmen, philosophers…and learned women” whose ideas and actions helped to…

History

Recreation area

Lowell National Historical Park

18 miles north · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

Lowell’s water-powered textile mills catapulted the nation – including immigrant families and early female factory workers – into an uncertain new industrial era.

History

Recreation area

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge

21 miles west · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the eight refuges that make up the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

BirdingBoatingCross Country SkiingFishingHikingHuntingNon-Motorized BoatingPhotography

Recreation area

John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

25 miles southwest · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Blackstone River runs from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI. Its waters powered the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI, America's first successful cotton spinning mill.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryPaddlingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

West Hill Dam

27 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Families of all ages enjoy swimming in a small natural pool, picknicking, hiking and biking the trails, and the challenges of the accessible playground.

HikingNature educationPicnickingWildlife viewing

Campground

West Hill Park

27 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (37 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

On a quiet back road and across an old fieldstone bridge lies West Hill Park, where the West River widens to form a large, natural pool.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHuntingRanger programsSwimming

Recreation area

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

30 miles southeast · straight-line distanceNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a wild ocean place near an urban world, sits east of Boston, Massachusetts between Cape Ann and Cape Cod.

BoatingDivingFishingPhotographyRanger programsWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

35 miles northeast · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

The refuge was established in 1941, and today consists of more than 4,700 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune, maritime shrubs and forests, cranberry bogs, man-made impoundments, salt marsh and…

BeachBikingBoatingEducational ProgramsFishingHikingHuntingNon-Motorized Boating

Recreation area

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

36 miles south · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, RI touched off a chain reaction that changed how people worked and where they lived.

BikingCampingFishingPaddlingPicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Hodges Village Dam

38 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Canoe launch and parking areas provide access to the French River above and below the dam. Over 15 miles of trails are maintained.

CampingNature educationPicnickingWildlife viewingWinter sports

Recreation area

Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuge

38 miles northeast · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Located just thirty miles north of Boston, Thacher Island NWR is home to herring and great black-backed gulls. The refuge serves as a stopover site for songbirds and other migrants to rest and feed during their seasonal migration.

BirdingHikingPhotography

Recreation area

Buffumville Lake

39 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Recognized as the Project of the Year 2000, this 200-acre lake offers state-of-the-art facilities for the latest recreational pursuits including BMX-style bike jumps, mountain bike trails and an 18-hole disk golf course.

BoatingCampingFishingHikingNature educationPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Campground

Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)

39 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (47 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

In 1958 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Buffumville Dam in Charlton, Massachusetts to provide flood risk management for downstream communities.

BirdingBoatingCampingDisc GolfFishingGuided Interpretive WalksHikingHunting

Recreation area

Barre Falls Dam

40 miles west · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The Mid-State Hiking Trail traverses the park and provides easy access to this popular local hiking activity. Picnicking, canoeing, fishing and hunting are popular summer sports.

BoatingHorseback ridingNature educationPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Roger Williams National Memorial

40 miles south · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

"I acknowledge that to molest any person, Jew or Gentile, for either professing doctrine, or practicing worship meerly religious or spiritual, is to persecute him, and such a person (whether his doctrine or practice be true or false)…

History

Campground

West Thompson Lake Campground

45 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (58 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

West Thompson Lake Campground is located near the wooded shoreline of its namesake lake in northeastern Connecticut. The natural setting surrounding West Thompson Lake can be enjoyed year round.

BoatingCampingDisc GolfFishingHiking

Recreation area

West Thompson Lake

46 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

This 200-acre lake is popular with bass fishermen and anglers of all ages alike. The seasonal campground offers some sites with water and electricity, hiking trails, restrooms with showers, group picnic shelters and hunting (seasonally).

BoatingCampingHikingNature educationPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Wapack National Wildlife Refuge

47 miles northwest · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Wapack National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1972 through a donation from Laurence and Lorna Marshall, was New Hampshire's first refuge. The refuge is located about 20 miles west of Nashua, New Hampshire and encompasses the 2,278 ft.

BirdingHikingPhotographySnowshoeingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Westville Lake

47 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The developed, handicapp accessble park includes a 3-acre athletic field popular with softball and soccer players and kite flyers.

BoatingHikingNature educationPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Campground

Westville Recreation Area

47 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr by car (55 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Westville Lake is situated on the Quinebaug River in the towns of Southbridge and Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

BikingBoatingCampingHikingWinter sports

Recreation area

Birch Hill Dam

48 miles west · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

This 82-acre natural lake boasts the Lake Dennison Recreation Area, offering picnic areas, hunting, hiking, campgrounds and a swimming beach managed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

BoatingNature educationPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewingWinter sports

Recreation area

East Brimfield Lake

49 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Popular with summer and winter park visitors alike, this area offers year-round opportunities.Enjoy the swimming beaches, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and canoeing during the summer.

BoatingFishingHikingNature educationPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

49 miles north · straight-line distanceNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Located on the New Hampshire and Maine border, Great Bay estuary is a complex embayment and New Hampshire's largest estuarine system.

PaddlingPhotographyRanger programsWildlife viewing

Campground

Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities

51 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (67 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Edward MacDowell Lake is situated in a quiet corner of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

BirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingFishingHikingKayakingPicnicking

Recreation area

Edward MacDowell Lake

52 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

A picturesque recreation area located near Peterborough, this facility is named after the famous composer and concert pianist, Edward Alexander MacDowell. In 1907 his wife, Marian, established the MacDowell Colony for artists.

BoatingHikingNature educationPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewingWinter sports

Campground

Tully Lake Recreation Area (Ma)

53 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 20 min by car (63 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family.

BikingCampingHikingWildlife viewing

Campground

Elm Brook Park Rec Area

61 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (80 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Elm Brook Park is a day-use area located on Elm Brook Pool just off State Route 127 near Concord, New Hampshire.

BirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingEducational ProgramsFishingHikingKayaking

Campground

Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area

64 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 45 min by car (83 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use facility offering many outdoor recreation opportunities everyone can enjoy. The park is located in Keene and Roxbury, New Hampshire.

BirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingCross Country SkiingDisc GolfFishingHiking

Campground

Surry Mountain Lake Beach

69 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 45 min by car (83 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Surry Mountain Lake Beach is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use facility located on the Ashuelot River in Surry, New Hampshire.

BoatingCampingCanoeingFishingHuntingIce FishingKayakingPhotography

Campground

Indian Hollow

82 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 10 min by car (106 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.

BirdingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingMountain BikingStar Gazing

Campground

Townshend Lake Recreation Area

88 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 25 min by car (115 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Townshend Lake is a flood control project operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving communities within the West River Valley, and those downstream.

BikingBirdingCampingCanoeingCross Country SkiingFishingHikingKayaking

Campground

Stoughton Pond Rec Area

94 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 35 min by car (140 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Stoughton Pond Recreation Area is a day use area located to the north of North Springfield Lake. Stoughton Pond is located off State Route 106 on Stoughton Pond Road in Perkinsville, Vermont.

BoatingCampingHikingHuntingSwimmingWildlife viewingWinter sports

Campground

Winhall Brook Camping Area

96 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 45 min by car (129 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

Winhall Brook Camping Area is nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont along Winhall Brook and the West River, seven miles north of Ball Mountain Lake.

BikingBirdingCampingCross Country SkiingEvening ProgramsFishingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Grout Pond Campground

98 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 3 hr by car (135 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Grout Pond is a popular destination for camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing. Located in a beautiful mixed conifer and hardwood forest, the campground has 12 reservable sites and offers easy access to over 10 miles of mulituse trails.

CampingCanoeingFishingHikingKayakingPaddle BoatingPicnickingWater Activities

Campground

North Hartland Lake Beach (Vt)

101 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 15 min by car (136 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers

North Hartland Lake is a US Army Corps of Engineers day use facility located on the Ottauquechee River in North Hartland, VT.

CampingSwimming

Campground

Hapgood Pond

103 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 3 hr by car (146 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Hapgood Pond Recreation Area and Campground is situated next to its scenic namesake pond, 13 miles east of Manchester, Vermont. Visitors enjoy camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hiking.

CampingCanoeingFishingHikingKayakingPicnickingSwimming

Recreation areas and campgrounds from Recreation.gov's directory, checked October 18, 2026. Listings are not live availability: check Recreation.gov or the managing agency for open dates, fees, reservations and conditions. Directions go to the listed coordinates, which may not be the entrance. Campground driving times: Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Questions

What day-trip ideas are near Waltham?

This guide includes Nahant Beach Reservation, Hopkinton State Park, Boston Light, Addison Gallery of American Art, Salem Maritime National Historical Park. Places are ordered by straight-line distance. Confirm visitor access, opening hours and current travel conditions before choosing a trip.

How far is Nahant Beach Reservation from Waltham?

Approximately 16 miles east in a straight line; driving takes about 45 min over 30 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Hopkinton State Park from Waltham?

Approximately 17 miles southwest in a straight line; driving takes about 35 min over 25 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Boston Light from Waltham?

Approximately 18 miles east in a straight line; a saved road-route estimate is 33 miles and 1 hr. This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

Where can I camp near Waltham?

Recreation.gov lists 16 campgrounds within 103 miles, including West Hill Park (27 miles southwest), Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter) (39 miles southwest), West Thompson Lake Campground (45 miles southwest). Check Recreation.gov for current availability, seasons and reservations.

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