Places to Visit in New England
Searching for the best places to travel in New England? Well, you are in the right place! These are the places that left a mark on me as a New England local, and I hope you will enjoy them too.
1. Providence
I thought this was one of the best places to visit in New England when I moved there. My first visit was in May, when the city’s gardens are lush and the patios reopen. We adored the blooming cherry trees, and the return of WaterFire.
After we drove just an hour from Boston, I checked into the chic 4-star Neptune Hotel ($169/night), and for four perfect days, I wandered between Federal Hill’s Italian bakeries, RISD Museum’s art-filled galleries, and the cobblestoned walkways around Brown University.
The food scene in Providence is impressive and I returned to Providence to experience more of its amazing dining options, including Gracie's, The Capital Grille, and Massimo Ristorante (we had an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner here last year; $53 per person).
- Location: In the northeastern United States, at the head of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
- Size: Approximately 20.6 square miles (53.4 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
One of my favorite experiences was walking along the rivers that run through the city.
2. Newport
This place, just 50 minutes from our previous stop in Providence, swept me up with its coastal beauty and timeless elegance right along Narragansett Bay.
I soon settled into the graceful The Chanler at Cliff Walk for two romantic days, a Gilded Age mansion turned intimate ocean-view hotel. I thought that its AAA Five Diamond restaurant, Cara was a standout, where we enjoyed their amazing prix fixe menu that changes nightly based on fresh, seasonal ingredients. My five leisurely days in the "City by the Sea" unfolded with morning walks along the Cliff Walk, afternoons touring the Newport Mansions The Breakers and Marble House, and ended with golden-hour views across Narragansett Bay.
- Location: On Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
- Size: Approximately 11.4 square miles (29.5 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Sitting outside at 22 Bowen's with a plate of fresh oysters and a glass of wine while watching sailboats drift by was one my most romantic moments in New England.
3. Portland
Ready for a history-rich coastal escape? This city was pure coastal magic in late spring with its salty ocean breeze, and blossoming lilacs and magnolias.
Flying into Portland International Jetport, I spent five dreamy days in an Airbnb exploring the working waterfront, visiting the historic Old Port, and getting to know iconic landmarks like the Portland Head Light, Portland Museum of Art, and the Victoria Mansion.
The food scene was spectacular and I thought that Portland’s reputation as a culinary hub is well deserved, especially the fresh seafood! Sitting by the harbor at Scales with a lobster roll in one hand was my personal highlight.
- Location: On the southern coast of Maine, along Casco Bay in Cumberland County
- Size: Approximately 69.4 square miles (179.8 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My room at the boutique 4-star Press Hotel ($343), housed in a historic newspaper building, was a standout with nautical touches and quotes from old headlines that gave it so much character.
4. Cape Cod
I thought that this was one of the best places to visit in New England on a family vacation in early spring with its sun-dappled dunes and salty Atlantic air.
After driving from Boston Logan International Airport, we spent six relaxing days exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore and visiting lighthouses, enjoying the outdoors via the Cape Cod Rail Trail, biking along the Shining Sea Bikeway, and experiencing local culture by visiting the Heritage Museums & Gardens and the Sandwich Glass Museum.
We especially enjoyed visiting Provincetown, seeing shows at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, and taking a whale watching tour (the main season runs from mid-April to October).
- Location: In the southeastern corner of Massachusetts, extending into the Atlantic Ocean
- Size: Approximately 339 square miles (878 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My room at the charming 3-star Chatham Wayside Inn ($167) was unforgettable with its cozy coastal decor.
If you love it here, check out my other favorite places in Massachusetts!
5. New Bedford
Stretching along Buzzards Bay, this is one of the most underrated working waterfronts er’ve ever explored, and I think it’s one of the absolute best coastal escapes in southern Massachusetts. Why? First off, New Bedford has a great historic district and sweeping water views. In addition, I love its laid-back atmosphere that feels far removed from busier Cape destinations!
I thought New Bedford was a hidden gem in late spring with crisp ocean breezes, blooming cherry trees, fishing boats in the harbor, and fewer tourists than the Cape.
I timed my trip for the Seaport Art Walk celebrating the city’s creative and culinary scene with open studios, food tents, and local bands. Arriving via Providence’s T.F. Green Airport and checking into 3-star New Bedford Harbor Hotel ($121/night), I spent six easygoing days exploring the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, and wandering through downtown’s red-brick warehouses turned into galleries, cafés, and vintage shops.
One of my favorite experiences was visiting the New Bedford Whaling Museum because standing in front of massive whale skeletons and learning about the city’s role in the global whaling industry was so educational for my son.
- Location: On the southern coast of Massachusetts, along Buzzards Bay in Bristol County
- Size: Approximately 24.1 square miles (62.4 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
The Black Whale next to the working waterfront on Pier 3 served delicious Spicy Maki, a standout!
6. Block Island
Rising from the Atlantic just off the Rhode Island coast, this is one of the most unspoiled island landscapes I’ve ever experienced and I think it’s one of the absolute best coastal escapes in New England! Why? Block Island offers miles of wild shoreline, untouched dunes, and a wonderfully laid-back vibe!
The ferry ride to this island alone was enough to reset my pace at the very start of my New England weekend getaway. I planned my visit for the Memorial Day weekend opening of island life. After taking the ferry from Point Judith, I spent 48 laid-back hours in a vacation rental, walking to the Southeast Light, and hiking along the Clay Head Trail and savoring lobster rolls at The Oar.
- Location: About 13 miles (21 km) south of the Rhode Island mainland, in the Atlantic Ocean
- Size: Approximately 9.7 square miles (25 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
The beaches were my favorite part, especially Crescent Beach which was wide and welcoming.
7. Lake Champlain
If you prefer a lakeside summer vacation, I think this lake is the best place to go in New England in July and August. I loved my long, sun-drenched days here, with sailboats on the horizon, and the scent of wildflowers everywhere. In addition, the Green Mountains glowed a lush emerald, and every evenings meant watching romantic fiery pink sunsets with my husband.
- Location: On the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, in northwestern Vermont
- Size: Approximately 15.5 square miles (40.1 square km)
- Location Map
I timed my trip for the Burlington Waterfront Independence Day Celebration, complete with fireworks over the lake, local bands, and picnic blankets scattered across the park. After landing at Burlington International Airport, I spent three romantic days at 3-star Heart of the Village Inn swimming at North Beach, and cycling along the Island Line Trail across the lake’s causeway.
What I loved best:
The Church Street Marketplace was a standout for experiencing local life, while evenings were for live music and lake breezes at Foam Brewers.
8. Ogunquit
Ready for a breezy coastal New England escape? Check out Ogunquit, a real standout! Tucked along Maine’s southern shoreline, this town is my go-to summer destination for sandy beaches, and a lively arts scene. I thought that its name (meaning “beautiful place by the sea”) fits perfectly. From our previous stop on Lake Champlain, we drove 3.5 hours to Ogunquit and spent two care-fre days at 3-star Anchorage By The Sea.
My favorite things to do in Ogunquit include relaxing on Ogunquit Beach, strolling along the scenic Marginal Way, exploring local art at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, and catching a performance at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse!
- Location: On the southern coast of Maine, along the Atlantic Ocean in York County
- Size: Approximately 4.2 square miles (10.9 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
The town itself is walkable and welcoming, with galleries, seafood shacks, and playhouses which were a standout. We loved that we could explore on foot from our comfortable base at Anchorage By The Sea.
9. White Mountain National Park
We loved visiting the White Mountains in New Hampshire this summer and I thought that it was New England at its most dramatic with rugged peaks, rushing rivers, and endless forests.
You can follow family-friendly trails to waterfalls, go on scenic drives through mountain passes, and even more challenging climbs like Mount Washington.
- Location: In northern New Hampshire and western Maine, within the White Mountains region
- Size: Approximately 1,225 square miles (3,172 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Driving 1.5 hours from Portland, Maine, I explored the Flume Gorge, enjoyed views of the Pemigewasset River and stopped for maple ice cream in North Conway.
If you love this place, check out my other favorite places to visit in NH.
10. Plymouth, MA
Stretching along the shores of Cape Cod Bay, this is one of the most history-rich coastal towns I’ve explored in New England and I think it’s one of the absolute best seaside escapes south of Boston. Why? First off, Plymouth beaches are fantastic in the warmer season. In addition, we've enjoyed visiting scenic parks, a working harbor, and strolling along Main Street.
Driving down just one hour from Boston, I spent my day touring Plimoth Patuxet Museums, strolling around Pilgrim Memorial State Park to see the Mayflower II, and exploring the beaches and dunes of nearby Manomet. After picking up lobster rolls from Wood’s Seafood, we drove back to our home base in Boston.
- Location: On the southeastern coast of Massachusetts, along Cape Cod Bay
- Size: Approximately 134 square miles (347 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
For me, Plymouth is one of the best spots in New England. It's romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I can’t wait to return to!
A few years ago, I timed my visit for Plymouth’s Independence Day celebrations, my personal highlight. I loved seeing the waterfront come alive with a festive parade, fireworks over the harbor, and live music from Brewster Gardens.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
