Cape Cod (from Boston)

Cape Cod remains New England's premier summer escape for Bostonians willing to brave 90 minutes of driving (realistically, 3 hours with traffic). The Cape Cod National Seashore protects 40 miles of pristine shoreline, 30% longer than #7 Sedona's hiking trails. Provincetown at the tip offers unmatched East Coast people-watching, while Wellfleet oysters—priced at $3 each, 25% cheaper than the typical raw bar—are a culinary rite. Chatham Bars Inn boasts ocean views that justify its $500-per-night rates. Skip the Sagamore Bridge on Friday afternoons to avoid 2-hour traffic jams.