Politically progressive Boston is not only the capital of the first state that legalized gay marriage, it’s also within a three-hour drive of countless gay-friendly resorts and vacation destinations, from the soaring mountaintops of Vermont and New Hampshire to the charming coastal hamlets of Rhode Island. This region of New England is rich with welcoming resorts, making it the perfect spot for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a getaway. Below are some exceptional destinations that offer gay-friendly retreats from Boston.

The Berkshires

In the hilly, rural western reaches of Massachusetts, you’ll find the Berkshires, a region famous for its vibrant summer performing arts programs—from Tanglewood Music Center to Williamstown Theatre Festival—and year-round museums like MassMoCa and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Fall is particularly stunning as it’s one of the Northeast’s prime areas for admiring fall foliage. Towns like Lenox, Great Barrington, Stockbridge, and Williamstown abound with beautiful old country inns and exceptional restaurants. Former mill towns like North Adams and Lee have also experienced significant gentrification. Conveniently located roughly equidistant from both Boston and New York City, it’s an excellent meeting point for friends. Distance: 125 miles (2 to 2.5 hrs)

Martha’s Vineyard

GLBT travelers who venture to Cape Cod often continue to the end of the road, Provincetown. However, the rest of Cape Cod is equally charming and fully inclusive, as are the two famed islands accessible by ferry or plane: Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Martha’s Vineyard has recently gained extra allure as both Presidents Clinton and Obama vacationed here. The 100-square-mile island offers an engaging blend of bustling small towns like Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown, as well as more remote areas perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying picturesque beaches and lobster shacks. Traveling off-season reveals a much quieter and affordable Martha’s Vineyard, featuring mild weather in both spring and fall. Distance: 80 miles (3 hrs with ferry crossing)

Newport, Rhode Island

Before the American Revolution, the prosperous city of Newport was among the five largest cities in the New World. By the late 19th century, Newport became a summer haven favored by America’s wealthiest industrialists, including Vanderbilts and Astors. This fashionable town offers a stunning setting on Aquidneck Island and is still a hot spot for the rich and famous. Nevertheless, Newport’s array of fine hotels and restaurants also appeals to a wider audience. Its aesthetic conservatism shines through the many historical mansions that offer guided tours, making it particularly inviting for GLBT travelers. Distance: 75 miles (1.5 hrs)

Northampton and the Pioneer Valley

A hub for education, arts, and progressive politics in central-western Massachusetts, vibrant and affordable Northampton anchors the lush Pioneer Valley, extending from Connecticut to the state’s tri-border with Vermont and New Hampshire. This area is home to various lovely towns including Greenfield, Deerfield, and Amherst, along with the dynamic city of Springfield. Northampton enjoys a long-standing reputation as a beloved destination for lesbians and is equally popular among gay men. Smith College serves as a cultural hub, while eclectic coffeehouses, bookstores, and local venues line the adjacent downtown. Distance: 100 miles (1.5 to 2 hrs)

Ogunquit and Portland, Maine

The quaint seaside village of Ogunquit and Maine’s largest city, Portland, are two distinct yet exceptionally gay-friendly destinations easily accessible from Boston. Together, they form an ideal urban-meets-beach vacation. Ogunquit offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Provincetown, featuring numerous gay-owned B&Bs, restaurants, and bars alongside a stunning beach. Just 35 miles north, Portland boasts an impressive culinary scene along with a charming Old Port district, filled with notable galleries and boutiques, and the historic West End, which is popular among the gay community. Each June, Portland hosts the Southern Maine Gay Pride Festival, making it an excellent hub for further exploration along Maine’s scenic coastline towards Rockland and Bar Harbor. Distance: 110 miles (1.5 to 2 hrs)

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Located just a short drive north of Boston, Portsmouth is a small urban gem situated along New Hampshire’s Atlantic coast. Renowned for its colonial architecture, many historical buildings are preserved in the historic neighborhood surrounding the Strawbery Banke Museum. With a population of about 20,000, Portsmouth offers a lively downtown scene overlooking the Piscataqua River, and it is adjacent to a cluster of islands, including the charming town of New Castle and the historic Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel. While the gay scene in Portsmouth is understated, it remains a welcoming city with several delightful B&Bs. Distance: 55 miles (1 hr)

Providence, Rhode Island

A brief drive south on I-95 leads you to Providence, the second-largest city in New England. This often-overlooked gem captivates leisure travelers with its vibrant mix of food, art, live music, and striking colonial architecture. Providence stands as a prominent educational center, home to institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, contributing to its robust and visible gay population. The city offers a smaller yet lively gay nightlife scene, attracting both tourists and locals alike, especially during the stunning fall and spring seasons. Providence is also noted for its fantastic “Little Italy” neighborhood and holds the annual Rhode Island Pridefest in June. Distance: 50 miles (50 min)

Provincetown

Though situated at the enchanting tip of Cape Cod, the renowned gay resort town of Provincetown remains conveniently accessible from Boston, either by car or high-speed ferry during warmer months. This historic fishing village, where the Pilgrims first landed in 1620, transformed into a Bohemian haven for artists and theater aficionados in the late 19th century, thus solidifying its status as a premier destination among LGBTQ+ travelers. The nearby Cape Cod National Seashore boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the Northeast, while Commercial Street teems with galleries, gay bars, fantastic restaurants, and gay-owned guest houses. Even in winter, Provincetown maintains its charm, making it a wonderful site for planning a gay wedding or celebrating with friends. Distance: 110 miles (2 to 2.5 hrs)

Vermont

The picturesque state of Vermont offers numerous attractions, particularly if you venture to its southern regions. This area includes famed ski resorts such as Killington, Stratton, and Mt. Snow, alongside a wealth of inviting country towns and hamlets. Delightful hubs for exploration include Manchester and Woodstock, while smaller villages like Arlington and Grafton provide stunning scenery. Furthermore, the state was the first in the U.S. to enact gay civil union legislation (followed by full gay marriage rights), ensuring that GLBT travelers receive a warm welcome throughout the region. The charming city of Burlington rests just a few hours north, completing this exceptional getaway. Distance: 150 miles (2.5 to 3.5 hrs)

The White Mountains, New Hampshire

Home to the highest peaks in the Northeast, the White Mountains of New Hampshire offer outdoor adventures year-round—activities include hiking and biking in summer, leaf-peeping in fall, and skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Notably, the quaint village of Bethlehem is home to Highlands Inn, one of the most acclaimed lesbian resorts in the country. While the region retains some isolation and tends to lean conservative, GLBT travelers will discover kindred spirits among the romantic inns in Jackson and Franconia, as well as in renowned ski resorts like Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, and Waterville Valley. Don’t miss the historic Cog Railway at Mt. Washington or the scenic Kancamagus Highway for breathtaking views. Distance: 120 miles (2 hrs)

If you’re a naturalist, you can also find nude resorts in New England.