10 Boston Train Rides Perfect For History And Scenery Lovers
Boston offers some of the most incredible train journeys in America, where every ride tells a story. From historic railways that carried passengers over a century ago to scenic routes showcasing coastal beauty and charming New England towns, these trips combine the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re a history buff or someone who loves watching landscapes roll by, these train rides will give you unforgettable experiences.
1. Commuter Rail to Salem – Witch Trial History
Salem awaits just 30 minutes north, and the train ride there offers gorgeous coastal glimpses along the way. This town became famous during the 1692 witch trials, one of America’s darkest chapters. Buildings from that era still stand today, waiting for you to explore.
The journey follows the shoreline, treating you to ocean views and charming harbor scenes. Once you arrive, cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture transport you backward in time. History comes alive here in ways textbooks never capture.
2. Blue Line to Revere Beach – Coastal Beauty
America’s first public beach sits at the end of this scenic subway route. Your train emerges from underground tunnels to reveal stunning Atlantic Ocean views that stretch for miles. Sand, surf, and sunshine greet you at the final stop.
Built in 1875, Revere Beach has welcomed visitors for generations seeking seaside escapes. The ride itself offers harbor views and glimpses of working shipyards. On sunny days, nothing beats watching the coastline approach through your window, knowing a beach day awaits.
3. Commuter Rail to Concord – Revolutionary War Sites
Where the Revolutionary War truly began lies just a train ride away from downtown Boston. Concord witnessed the famous shot heard round the world in 1775, changing American history forever. Battlefields and colonial homes still dot the landscape.
Your journey takes you through suburbs that gradually give way to New England countryside. Stone walls, old farms, and forests line the tracks. Authors like Thoreau and Emerson walked these same lands, finding inspiration that produced literary masterpieces.
4. Orange Line Through Boston’s Heart
Elevated tracks give you bird’s-eye views of Boston’s most vibrant neighborhoods on this historic route. The Orange Line replaced the old elevated railway in the 1980s but kept that classic above-ground experience. Buildings, parks, and busy streets pass beneath you.
From Charlestown’s Bunker Hill Monument to Jamaica Plain’s Victorian homes, every stop tells different stories. You’ll see how Boston evolved from colonial settlement to modern city. Window seats become your personal observation deck for urban exploration.
5. Commuter Rail to Plymouth – Pilgrim History
Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower story await at the end of this coastal journey. Where Pilgrims first stepped ashore in 1620 remains one of America’s most significant historical sites. The train follows the shoreline, offering ocean views that early settlers once saw.
Marshlands, cranberry bogs, and seaside villages pass by your window during the hour-long trip. Living history museums recreate 17th-century life with remarkable accuracy. You’ll understand why these travelers chose this beautiful spot to start their new lives.
6. The MBTA Green Line – Oldest Subway in America
Riding America’s oldest subway system feels like traveling through time itself. The Green Line opened in 1897, making it older than most buildings you’ll see today. Trolley cars still rumble along some above-ground sections, giving you views of historic neighborhoods.
I love how this route connects you to Boston’s most famous spots like Fenway Park and the Public Garden. You’ll pass through areas where revolutionaries once walked. The vintage feel combined with city sights makes every trip special for anyone curious about American transit history.
7. Commuter Rail to Lowell – Industrial Revolution Heritage
America’s Industrial Revolution started in Lowell’s massive textile mills during the 1820s. These brick giants still stand along historic canals, now preserved as national parks. Your train ride north reveals how landscapes shift from city to manufacturing towns.
Mill girls once made this same journey seeking work and independence. Today, you can tour the factories where they labored and learn their remarkable stories. The architecture alone impresses, with enormous buildings that showcase early American industrial ambition.
8. Red Line to Harvard Square – Academic Landmarks
Harvard University’s campus, America’s oldest college, sits right above this subway stop. Founded in 1636, the institution shaped education worldwide for nearly four centuries. Red brick buildings and tree-lined paths create scenes straight from history books.
The Red Line itself connects you to Cambridge’s intellectual heart within minutes. You’ll pass under the Charles River through tunnels built decades ago. Street musicians, bookstores, and cafes surround the station, creating an atmosphere buzzing with ideas and youthful energy.
9. Commuter Rail to Rockport – Seaside Village Charm
Granite cliffs, fishing boats, and artist colonies define this spectacular coastal destination. Your train hugs the shoreline for the final stretch, with Atlantic waves crashing just feet away. Rockport’s famous red fishing shack has been photographed millions of times.
The hour-long journey showcases everything beautiful about New England’s coast. Salt marshes, beaches, and harbor towns appear one after another. Artists have captured these scenes for generations, and you’ll understand why once those ocean views fill your window.
10. Commuter Rail to Providence – Colonial Architecture
Rhode Island’s capital city preserves some of America’s finest colonial architecture from the 1700s. Your southbound journey takes you through multiple New England towns, each with their own historic character. Church steeples and town greens mark every community.
Providence itself boasts cobblestone streets on College Hill where colonial merchants built magnificent homes. Brown University adds academic prestige to the historic atmosphere. The train ride offers peaceful views of forests, rivers, and quintessential New England landscapes throughout the hour-long trip.
