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 this was one of the best places to visit in New England when we moved to the East Coast. We usually drove from our apartment in NYC for about 3 hours on our weekend getaway.
Now, first things first, I recommend a walk along the Providence Riverwalk downtown. You'll get views of the water, bridges, and brick paths.
After that, we explored Thayer Street near Brown, then wandered over near College Hill close to Brown University. You'll find historic streets full of history. Stop for handcrafted espressoo and a snack at locally-owned Dave’s Coffee on South Main St.
In the afternoon, a visit to the RISD Museum is a must. In the evening we experienced WaterFire, and this was the absolute best moment, with fire installations lighting the river and creating a magical atmosphere.
What I loved best:
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).
Newport
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 is 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 think Newport is best from late spring through early fall when everything is 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.
For that reason, I think a great option for a Newport day trip is an organized tour, especially if you’re short on time.
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
Just off the Rhode Island coast, you will find one of my favorite island escapes in in New England. Why? Block Island offers miles of wild shoreline, heaping dunes, and a cool vacation vibe!
The ferry ride to Block Island alone was 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 are the best, especially Crescent Beach which is wide.
Cape Cod
I thought that this was one of the 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 quiet and hidden, others lively and exciting.
After grab fresh seafood at 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's one of the most interesting New England< towns. The art galleries and colorful houses made it feel like a cool romantic escape.
Finish the day watching the sunset at Chatham Lighthouse, a great spot for photos.
What I loved best:
We especially enjoyed taking a whale watching tour (the main season runs from mid-April to October).
I love that there are 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 it here, check out my other favorite places in Massachusetts!
Plymouth, MA
We love visiting Plymouth in Cape Cod because the beaches are fantastic in the warmer season. In addition, we've enjoyed visiting scenic parks, a working harbor, and strolling along Main Street.
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 are dog-friendly and offer 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.
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.
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. The Portland Head Light, Portland Museum of Art, and the Victoria Mansion are must-see stops.
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). You'll find it housed in a historic newspaper building with nautical touches and quotes from old headlines that gave it so much character.
Ogunquit, Maine
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.
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!
What I loved best:
The town itself is 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.
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
We loved visiting the White Mountains in New Hampshire this summer on our road trip and I thought that it was New England at its most dramatic. You'll find rugged peaks, rivers, watefalls, 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
If you prefer a lakeside summer vacation, I think this lake is the best place 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:
Lake Champlain is 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.
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, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
