One of the things that I love the most about living in Massachusetts is the many amazing towns and small cities to visit within a few hour’s drive. Each one has its own unique charm with great places to explore and interesting things to do. I love to just pick a town at random and spend the day exploring it from end to end. Even if it’s a place I’ve driven through or been to before, playing “tourist” for a day often offers me a whole new perspective on a familiar spot. 

One place that is not typically considered a day trip destination is the city of Waltham. Located roughly eleven miles from Boston and accessible by the commuter rail train, Waltham is often an overlooked suburb of a much bigger city.  However, if you look a little closer, you will find that this wonderful city has a ton to offer and is the perfect destination for an off-the-beaten-path day trip. 

Waltham is often referred to as the “Watch City.” In 1854, Waltham Watch Factory opened here and was the first factory to produce watches using an assembly line. You can learn more about this important invention at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation.
Lanceoak/TripAdvisor
Located in a historic mill, this interesting museum is a great place to spend a few hours. You can explore industrial artifacts dating back 200 years.
You may be surprised to find out that a city so close to Boston has some fantastic hiking trails. One popular hike is Prospect Hill.
Larisa O./TripAdvisor
This moderate trail is 2.9 miles long and rewards hikers with some gorgeous views of the Boston skyline.
Beaver Brook Reservation, located on the Waltham/Belmont line is also a popular hiking spot. There are several easy trails to choose from. Most take an hour or less to complete.
Scott Clarke/AllTrails
There are beautiful flowers, birds, and wildlife along the paths.

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After all that walking, you are sure to be hungry. I highly recommend stopping by In A Pickle Restaurant for some brunch. The food here is amazing!
Josh Rabb/Google Reviews
With a great mix of comfort food and indulgent dishes, you will definitely can't go wrong.
The restaurant is well-known for its big portions, unique ingredients, and delicious weekly specials.
YG K/Google Reviews
They also have yummy cocktails.
A great way to end your day in Waltham is to sit back and relax with a cold beer. The Mighty Squirrel taproom is the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy a refreshing brew and grab a quick bite from one of the local food trucks that park outside the brewery.
Dave D./TripAdvisor
Mighty Squirrel also features live music and special events on select days.

Are you excited about an off-the-beaten-path day trip to Waltham, Massachusetts? More information about Waltham can be found on the official Waltham website and Waltham Facebook page. Do you have a favorite spot in this special city? Please tell us all about it. If you are looking for more interesting towns to explore, be sure to visit Rockport and Hadley, Massachusetts.

Sometimes one day is just not enough time to spend a day exploring a new place. If you decide to extend your stay in Waltham, the Best Western Plus Waltham Boston is a great place to spend the night.     

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