There are any number of day trips from Boston, depending on the season. You can head north to New Hampshire for some skiing in the winter, northeast to countless sandy beaches or southeast towards Cape Cod (or any beaches along the way) in the summer. Be aware that traffic going to and from beaches is quite heavy on summer weekends.
Drive out to western Massachusetts in the fall to see the amazing foliage. Good autumn color can also be found in Boston's suburbs, and north of Boston as well. In general, the color peaks earlier in more northerly and higher locations. Peak color in the Boston area usually ocurrs in late October.
You can also take a day excursion from Boston to Newport, Salem, or Marblehead.
