Best 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 on our recent four week road trip. You can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own road trip, and I hope you will enjoy them too.
- Best Places to Visit in New England - Southern Coast
- - #1. Providence
- - #2. Newport
- - #3. Block Island
- - #4. Cape Cod
- - #5. Plymouth, MA
- Best Day Trips in New England - Northern Coast
- - #6. Portland
- - #7. Ogunquit
- Best Places to Visit in New England - Inland
- - #8. White Mountain National Park
- - #9. Lake Champlain
Best Places to Visit in New England - Southern Coast
The southern coast of New England blends historic seaports, sandy beaches, and classic maritime charm into one of the region’s most beloved travel areas.
Providence
I thought that this was such a charming place and one of the best places to visit in New England when we moved to the East Coast.
I have to warn you that there are no beaches in Providence. Luckily, but this city is very fun to go to for other activities like museums, great restaurants and countless seasonal events. Plus, you can easily reach Warwick, Narragansett, and Newport beaches which I wrote about in my article on Rhode Island beaches.
Now, first things first, Providence was founded in 1636 so you'll find heaps of history here. I loved visiting RISD Museum's eclectic collections.
We always go for Italian pastries along Atwells Avenue in Federal Hill after when traveling with our son. Federal Hill is Providence’s "Little Italy" was my favorite stop because we discovered all sorts of Italian eats. I also recommend handmade pasta at Venda Ravioli or Andino’s Restaurant.
While we enjoy Providence year-round, fall truly was an amazing time to vacation in Providence. I recommend catching WaterFire in the fall if you want outdoor music and bonfires on the river through downtown. Also, our son had a great time when we went during the six week Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in the fall.
Local tip: The Avenue Concept’s Guided Public Art Walking Tours lasted an hour and offered a great way to get to know the city in a short time. I always recommend this to friends visiting Providence for the first time.
Need a place to stay? If you’re staying the night, The Dean Hotel downtown is centrally located. For a waterfront stay, check out Graduate Providence, which sits right on Kennedy Plaza so you have easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment there.
The food scene in Providence was 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).
Newport
I thought Newport was absolutely breathtaking! Chris and I both absolutely love this place, and have been many times. Just 50 minutes from our previous stop in Providence, Newport swept me up with its coastal New England beauty right along Narragansett Bay.
Even if you’re not especially into Gilded Age history or sailing culture, Newport was absolutely worth visiting for its stunning ocean views.
You can spend your day walking along the dramatic Cliff Walk (completely free), touring opulent mansions (like The Breakers or Marble House), browsing boutique shops, or enjoying fresh seafood by Newport Harbor. Keep in mind that the mansions require timed tickets but are well worth it if you’re interested in architecture and history.
Local tips: We thought Newport was best from late spring through early fall when everything was open for the season. Getting to Newport depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re traveling from New York City, driving takes about 4–5 hours depending on traffic. While the drive is straightforward, summer weekends are always busy, and I have to warn you that parking in Newport can be limited and expensive. If you do drive, plan to arrive early in the morning to avoid congestion and secure parking.
What I loved best:
Sitting outside at 22 Bowen's with a plate of fresh oysters while watching sailboats drift by was one my most romantic moments in New England.
We settled into the graceful 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. We enjoyed their amazing prix fixe menu that changes nightly based on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Block Island
This beautiful island didn’t fail to wow me! Just off the Rhode Island coast, this was one my favorite islands to visit in New England. Why? Block Island offered miles of wild shoreline, heaping dunes, and a groovy vacation vibe!
The ferry ride to Block Island alone was highlight and enough to reset my pace at the very start of our weekend getaway. I instantly thought our journey was worth it! I planned my visit for the Memorial Day weekend opening of island life. After taking the ferry from Point Judith, we spent 72 care-free hours in a vacation rental.
You can enjoy walking to the Southeast Light, hiking along the Clay Head Trail, and savoring lobster rolls at The Oar.
What I loved best:
The beaches here were the best, especially Crescent Beach which was wide and my favorite find!
Cape Cod
I genuinely thought this was the most incredible place on Earth (and I've visited tons of places!) For sure, Cape Cod was one of the absolute best places to visit on a family beach vacation in New England. We adored the heaping dunes, the sunsets (see my photos) and salty Atlantic air.
Now, first things first, I recommend heading to Cape Cod National Seashore. The heaping dunes, the waves, and the wind created this dreamy landscape that felt almost unreal. Each beach felt unique. Some were quiet and hidden, others I found lively and exciting.
I loved grabbing fresh seafood right from a local shack. I've had some of the best lobster rolls ever on our vacation in Cape Cod.
Don't skip exploring Provincetown either. I think it was one of the most interesting New England towns. The art galleries and colorful houses made it feel like the coolest groovy escape.
I loved finishing the day watching the sunset at Chatham Lighthouse. It was such a great spot for photos that came out absolutely breathtaking (as you can see in my photos).
What I loved best:
We especially enjoyed taking a whale watching tour. I have to warn you that the main season runs from mid-April to October and you won't see whales outside of this window.
I love that there were so many unique places to stay in Cape Cod. My room at the 3-star Chatham Wayside Inn ($167) was unforgettable with its cozy coastal decor.
If you love Cape Cod, check out my other favorite places in Massachusetts!
Plymouth, MA
I personally thought this Cape Cod gem had some of the most fantastic beaches! Our beach days were absolutely fantastic!
In addition, we enjoyed visiting scenic parks, a working harbor, and strolling along Main Street as well.
You can enjoy touring Plimoth Patuxet Museums, strolling around Pilgrim Memorial State Park to see the Mayflower II, and exploring the beaches and dunes of nearby Manomet.
One of our highlights was visiting Iron Hub Winery. They were dog-friendly and offered activities for kids such as cornhole and giant Jenga.
After picking up lobster rolls from Wood’s Seafood, we drove back to our home base in Boston (about one hour by car).
What I loved best:
For me, Plymouth was one of the best spots in New England. It was romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I can’t wait to return to!
Local tip: 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.
Best Day Trips in New England - Northern Coast
From rocky cliffs and lighthouses to charming fishing villages and lively waterfronts, this stretch of coastline is perfect for memorable day trips.
Portland, Maine
This city was pure coastal magic in late spring with its blossoming lilacs and magnolias.
After flying into Portland International Jetport, we spent five dreamy days in an Airbnb exploring the working waterfront, visiting the historic Old Port, and getting to know iconic landmarks.
In addition, the Portland Head Light, Portland Museum of Art, and the Victoria Mansion were must-see stops for me.
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.
What I loved best:
My room at the boutique 4-star Press Hotel ($343). It was located in a historic newspaper building with nautical touches and quotes from old headlines that gave it so much character.
Ogunquit, Maine
I thought Ogunquit, Maine was absolutely breathtaking and it instantly became one of my favorite places in New England to explore with my family.
Why? I just adored the sandy beaches, food, and the groovy arts scene. I thought that Ogunquit's name (meaning “beautiful place by the sea”) fit this town of just about 1,500 residents perfectly.
My favorite things to do in Ogunquit were 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.
What I loved best:
The town itself was walkable, 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. And why doesn't love a good car-free vacation?
We spent two care-free days at 3-star Anchorage By The Sea. I chose it because of the location right on the ocean.
Best Places to Visit in New England - Inland
Beyond the coastline, inland New England reveals a quieter side of the region—one shaped by rolling mountains, forested lakes, and historic small towns.
White Mountain National Park
This was a picture-perfect slice of New Hampshire! I thought that White Mountain National Park was New England at its most dramatic. I absolutely loved rugged peaks, rivers, lush waterfalls, 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.
What I loved best:
After 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.
Lake Champlain
I fell hard for this lakeside gem which was breathtakingly picturesque ! If you prefer a lakeside summer vacation, I think Lake Champlain is one of the best places to go in New England in June, July and August.
I timed our trip for the Burlington Waterfront Independence Day Celebration, complete with fireworks over the lake, and local bands. We landed at Burlington International Airport.
We started along the waterfront on the lake.
One of my favorite parts was simply sitting near the water, watching sailboats drift by and letting the breeze carry away any lingering noise from everyday life. The lake had a calm presence.
Nearby towns added warmth and character to the day. Cozy cafés, local shops, and lakeside paths invited us to wander without a plan. We shared a leisurely meal before continuing on with no rush at all.
A quiet highlight was watching the light change as the afternoon faded.
What I loved best:
For me, Lake Champlain was one of the best places to visit in New England. The Church Street Marketplace was a standout for experiencing local life, while evenings were for live music and lake breezes at Foam Brewers.
