Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Lowell, MA
Lowell sits on the Merrimack River with access to the Lowell National Historical Park, the Boott Mill, and the Patrick Ristorante.
The Lowell National Historical Park and the Boott Mill offer industrial heritage near the river.
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or browse all12 destinations near Lowell
Franconia Notch State Park
Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 7.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 49 min from Lowell · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
Middletown, RI 02842
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 48 min from Lowell · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Lower Falls
Albany, NH 03818
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.6k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 20 min from Lowell · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Abenaki Tower
Melvin Village, NH 03850
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 56 min from Lowell · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Brook Walk (Waterfalls) – Castle In The Clouds Conservation Area
Moultonborough, NH 03254
Why this destination?
Recommended because: highly rated (4.8 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 55 min from Lowell
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Falls of Song
Pamela's Terrace, Moultonborough
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 58 min from Lowell · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Albany, NH 03818
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 22 min from Lowell · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Bowen's Wharf
Bowens Wharf, Newport
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Food & Wine destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 49 min from Lowell · fits $25 - $75 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round, but harvest season (Sep-Oct) is peak for wineries and farm-to-table.
Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum
Bristol, RI 02809
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Food & Wine destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 30 min from Lowell · fits $25 - $75 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round, but harvest season (Sep-Oct) is peak for wineries and farm-to-table.
Sculptured Rocks Natural Area
Hebron, NH 03241
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 49 min from Lowell · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Dungeon Rock
Lynn, MA 01905
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.6 stars) · 51 min from Lowell · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
The House of the Seven Gables
Salem, MA 01970
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.6 by 4.9k+ visitors) · 50 min from Lowell · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Lowell, MA?
The best day trips from Lowell include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Lowell?
Most great day trips from Lowell are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Lowell?
Many of the best day trips near Lowell are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Lowell?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Lowell, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Lowell?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Lowell make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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