
If you work in Boston, you know how big a deal the morning commute can be. Roughly 750,000 people commute into the city every day. For a lot of young professionals, your morning commute on the Commuter Rail is something you don’t think about. It’s part of your daily routine; the time of the day where you can read a book, listen to music while surfing the web, or just enjoy a moment to relax before getting to the daily grind. That’s the life of the young professional.
But what about the weekends or days off? Do you stay home, or do you get out and explore the Commuter Rail stops you pass by every day? No. You use your precious time off to explore and have some fun. Even if you’re lucky enough to live in Boston, the Commuter Rail is still your best bet to get out of town on a day off. You can head right to North Station, South Station, or Back Bay, pick a line, and head off to adventure solo or with your friends.
As a commuter, you’re likely already in possession of a monthly pass or a flex pass, so why not take advantage of it for leisure travel? Not only will it not have to pay a train fare, it’ll save you money on gas and parking. Another option is to buy a $10 Weekend Pass. It gives you unlimited rides on every Commuter Rail Line all weekend long, including holidays. So taking the train is the more financially-responsible travel option as well as being a greener alternative to taking a car. New opportunities are just a ride away!
Greenbush Line
Greenbush
Golfing is a major hobby for a lot of professionals, so you should take every opportunity to practice your swing. After all, someday you might be invited to hit the green with your boss and his business partners, and you’re going to want to impress them with a hole-in-one. Book a tee time at Widow’s Walk Golf Course (0.5 mile) and work on becoming the next PGA Champ. This award-winning golf course is relaxing, open to the public, and has an on-site restaurant so you can grab a bite to eat after you’re done playing. Widow’s Walk also offers a number of golf leagues that are open to the public, so if you’re looking to show off your skills or just make new friends, this is the way to do it.
Nantasket Junction
Stop for a cup of coffee at Redeye Coffee Roasters (1.1 miles). You deserve to treat yourself to a fine cup of coffee and a caffeine boost. Get yourself a steaming cup of coffee to go, or get some beans for the coffee maker at the office.
If you’re a hiker or just love scenic views, head to World’s End (1 mile). You’ll be able to spend hours exploring the grounds and taking pictures of the scenery. Just remember that advanced passes are required for weekends and holidays.
JFK/UMass
Make sure to take some time during the weekend for fun. Invite some coworkers to join you at the Dorchester Brewing Company (0.6 mile) for some drinks so you can get to know everyone better and get away from the grind.
When the weather gets warm, don’t go into the office – hit the beach instead! Take the Commuter Rail to Malibu Beach (0.4 mile) or Carson Beach (0.5 mile) and experience some fun in the sun. You can organize a beach picnic for your coworkers, or plan a day of fun in the sun with your friends to celebrate the end of the week.
South Station
It’s important to explore the city on the weekends so you can appreciate all of the cool attractions at your fingertips. After all, trips into Boston shouldn’t just be limited to the daily commute. Head to South Station where you’ll be minutes away from the Boston Common (0.4 mile), Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art (0.8 mile), and the New England Aquarium (0.6 mile) where you can spend hours exploring and enjoying yourself. Be sure to treat yourself to a brew at Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom (0.7 mile) or some ice cream at Taiyaki NYC (0.7 mile).
Fitchburg Line
Fitchburg
After you’ve been sitting at a desk all week, you’ll want to spend your weekend getting out and active. The Twin Cities Rail Trail (0.6 mile) is a paved 4.7-mile trail from First Street in Fitchburg to Carter Park in Leominster. On weekends, bikes are allowed on the Commuter Rail at the conductor’s discretion, it’s perfect for biking, walking, and in-line skating. It’s a nice way to be present and remember that there’s life outside of work, and there’s beauty all around you.
Ayer
Young professionals starting their careers know it’s important to look put-together, but don’t always have a disposable income to get office-appropriate ensembles. West Main Thrift (0.2 mile) is a great option for getting new and gently-used clothes and shoes so you’ll have the right look for your profession. Meanwhile, the Nashua River Rail Trail (0.2 mile) is a beautiful walking trail where you can get some fresh air and exercise. Use it as the opportunity to think about your next presentation, or get your mind off of work entirely.
West Concord
Ladies, do you have a big presentation on Monday that you need to look perfect for, or is there a corporate function that requires you to get dressed up? Reflections Women’s Consignment Shop (285ft) is the place to shop for women’s blazers, skirts, event wear, shoes, and accessories so you’ll have that ideal look for whatever major event comes your way.
Lincoln
Making friends as an adult is hard, and while you can sometimes find coworkers you vibe with, a lot of young professionals enjoy some separation between work and their social lives. So if you’re looking for a place where you can find a community and have something great to eat, the Twisted Tree Cafe (0.1 mile) could be your new favorite spot. Serving healthy and convenient foods for all diets, including vegan, dairy-free, keto, and gluten-free, it’s a spot where everyone can find something good to eat. Order a latte and some lunch or breakfast, chat with some of the locals, and you may find yourself making new friends in no time.
Newburyport/Rockport Line
Rockport
In the summer, there are few better places to go than the beach after a long work week. Rockport has several to choose from, including Front Beach (0.4 mile), Back Beach Landing (0.5 mile), Cape Hedge Beach (1 mile), and Old Garden Beach (1.1 miles). You can also beat the heat by getting ice cream at Dairy Train (0.1 mile) right by the station or head up to Bearskin Neck (0.8 mile) to hit the Ice Cream Store (0.8 mile) before you go shopping.
Newburyport
From Newburyport you’ll want to take a short rideshare downtown where there’s lots of shops and restaurants to enjoy. Invite your friends to meet you at the Waterfront Promenade Park (1.3 miles), where you can enjoy a picnic of desserts from Buttermilk Baking Company (1.3 miles) and drinks from Plum Island Coffee (1.3 miles). Meanwhile, Newburyport Brewing Company (1 mile) is perfect for grabbing a few drinks and even playing pickleball!
Salem
The key to a healthy work-life balance is taking time to do fun things and recharge. Take the Commuter Rail to Salem to experience Witch City’s incredible shopping, historic and haunted tours, restaurants, and bars. Plan a day out and explore the city with Witch City Walking Tours (0.3 mile), view the artwork at the Peabody Essex Museum (0.3 mile), and see authentic pirate treasure at Real Pirates Salem (0.7 mile). If you plan to visit during October, there are special service trains that will take you right to Salem’s Haunted Happenings. This way you can skip the Halloween traffic on the weekends and experience city-wide events and fun.
Make February Vacation Memorable with the Commuter Rail
February 4, 2025
Romance on the Rails this Valentine’s Day Weekend
February 2, 2025
Celebrate Black History Month and Travel with the Commuter Rail
February 1, 2025
Ride Back In Time With Boston’s Rich History & Culture
January 10, 2025
Raise the Curtain for Boston’s Live Performance Scene
January 10, 2025