10 Amazing Day Trips to Try Before Summer Ends

Chapel Brook Falls in Ashfield. Photo provided by The Trustees for bostonmagazine.com

Sure, traveling the world is ideal. But if a trip to see the waterfalls of Hawaii isn’t in your vacation plans (or budget) this summer, why not take a “day trip” and explore the beautiful parks—and yes, even waterfalls—that Greater Boston has to offer? There’s waterfalls, lakes, mountainous landscapes, and much more just a short trek from the city. These spots, all managed by the Trustees of Reservations, will make you enjoy your summer vacation all over again.

“Summer is the perfect time to plan a day trip, weekend, or week-long adventure with family and friends,” says Trustees President and CEO Barbara Erickson. “The Trustees protects properties in communities across the state and we are pleased to be available to many Massachusetts residents and visitors within a short drive.”

Below, 10 amazing places to visit before the frost:

10 Amazing Daycations

Crane Beach

Crane Beach in Ipswich in just 30 miles north of Boston and offers more than three miles of sandy beach.All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Chapel Waterfall

Chapel Brook in Ashfield is nestled in the woods close to the road and offers small cascades, smooth stone slides, and calm pools. All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Glendale Falls

This natural wonder in Middlefield is one of the highest and longest waterfalls in Massachusetts. All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Bridge Island Meadows

Bridge Island Meadows along the Charles is only accessible by canoe or kayak and only when the water is flowing in Bogastow Brook.All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Jacobs Hill

At Spirit Falls at Jacobs Hill in Royalston, you'll find an extended set of cascades dropping for more than a quarter mile on the East Branch of the Tully River. All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Castle Hill

Take a trip up to Castle Hill in Ipswich where you can take in a tour of the Great House and the beautiful surrounding grounds and gardens. All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Cedariver

A blue heron on the Cedariver in Millis. Paddlers can also enjoy a leisurely hike along the mile-long cart path. All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Doane's Falls

Doane’s Falls in Royalston offers beautiful cascades along a dramatic stretch of the Lawrence River.All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Charles River

The Charles River Peninsula in Needham is surrounded on three sides by the river, and is accessible by either foot or boat.All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

Tully Lake

The Tully Lake Campground is a great place to rest and relax, but also offers rugged ravines and plunging waterfalls along a 22-mile trail.All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com

All photos provided by The Trustees for Bostonmagazine.com