Places to Visit in New England
Searching for the best places to travel in New England? Well, you are in the right place! While living in New England I always thought that this area feels like a patchwork of postcards, each town and coastline offering its own rhythm, flavor, and quiet magic. Whether it’s the artistic hum of a college town or the hush of a hidden beach, these destinations have always invited me to slow down and truly feel where I was. Here's a look at places that left a mark on me as a New England local and during my recent four week road trip, and I hope it will be the same for you.
1. Providence
I thought that Providence was one of the best places to visit in New England when I moved there. Why? First off, my first visit was in May, when the city’s gardens are lush and the patios reopen, and this was such a picturesque month to visit with mild breezes, blooming cherry trees, and the return of WaterFire, when bonfires flicker across the rivers and music fills the night air.
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 came back to Providence primarily 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, where the walkways, bridges, and public art made it a joyful place to explore .
2. Newport
Newport, Rhode Island, just 50 minutes from our previous stop in Providence, swept me up with its coastal beauty and timeless elegance set along Narragansett Bay.
I soon settled into the graceful The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a Gilded Age mansion turned intimate ocean-view hotel with an amazing AAA Five Diamond restaurant, Cara. My five leisurely days unfolded in timeless rhythm with morning walks along the Cliff Walk, afternoons touring the Newport Mansions like The Breakers and Marble House; and 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 pure magic.
3. Portland
Portland, Maine was pure coastal magic in late spring with its salty ocean breeze, blossoming lilacs and magnolias, and golden sunlight in the harbor.
Flying into Portland International Jetport, I spent five dreamy days exploring the working waterfront, exploring the historic Old Port, visiting iconic landmarks like the Portland Head Light, Portland Museum of Art, and the Victoria Mansion, and enjoying the waterfront.
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 and a local craft beer in the other was pure magic.
- 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 Cape Cod was one of the best places to visit in New England in the off season with its sun-dappled dunes and that salty Atlantic air that instantly slows you down.
Driving from Boston Logan International Airport, I spent six relaxing days exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore and visiting lighthouses, enjoying the outdoors via the Cape Cod Rail Trail, biking the Shining Sea Bikeway, and experiencing local culture by visiting the Heritage Museums & Gardens or the Sandwich Glass Museum. Other popular options include visiting Provincetown, seeing shows at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, and taking a whale watching tour.
- 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 cozy coastal decor.
If you love Cape Cod, check out my other favorite places in Massachusetts!
5. New Bedford
New Bedford, Massachusetts 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 two 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 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!
6. Block Island
The ferry ride to Block 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, when beach cafés and farm stands reopen, and locals gather for live music on the town green. Taking the ferry from Point Judith, I spent 48 laid-back hours 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 of my weekend on Block Island, including Crescent Beach which was wide and welcoming, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while Mohegan Bluffs took my breath away with its dramatic cliffs.
7. Lake Champlain
If you prefer a lakeside summer vacation, Lake Champlain is the best place to go in New England in July and August, with long, sun-drenched days, sailboats dotting the horizon, and the scent of wildflowers drifting across the water. The Green Mountains glowed a lush emerald, and every evening brought fiery pink sunsets that lingered late into the night.
- 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. Flying into 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. Afternoons meant browsing the Church Street Marketplace, while evenings were for live music and lake breezes at Foam Brewers.
8. Ogunquit
Tucked along Maine’s southern shoreline, Ogunquit’s a town that blends sandy beaches, a lively arts scene, and the charm of New England fishing villages, and 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 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
The town itself is walkable and welcoming, with galleries, seafood shacks, and playhouses that bring both creativity and community together, and 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 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
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 White Mountain National Park, check out my other favorite places to visit in NH.
10. Plymouth, MA
Plymouth, Massachusetts was full of classic New England charm in July with perfect temperatures, golden sunlight on the harbor, blooming hydrangeas along Main Street, and the hum of summer crowds exploring America’s “hometown.”
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
A few years ago, I timed my visit for Plymouth’s Independence Day celebrations, when the waterfront comes alive with a festive parade, fireworks over the harbor, and live music echoing from Brewster Gardens.
Conclusion
Each of these places reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be far to feel profound. New England has a way of opening itself slowly, through the scent of sea air, the hush of a historic street, or the comfort of a well-worn diner booth. These were moments that stayed with me long after I left.
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.
