History, culture, food, sports: that’s Boston.
The best vacation spots in New England – Explore five states packed with rich history, colorful culture, and iconic landscapes
In the northeastern United States, you’ll find a region bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and lush mountains on the other. Plus, you’ll find important historical sites, cultural attractions, fascinating cities, quaint towns, and outdoor adventures around every corner.
Discover New England covers five states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Here, the landscape ranges from white-sand beaches and rocky cliffs to bright fall foliage, tranquil blue lakes, and snow-capped mountain views. These landscapes are prime locations for outdoor exploration, including hiking, biking, white-water rafting, a host of winter sports, and wildlife viewing. After your adventures, fuel up with New England culinary ingredients like real maple syrup, wild berries, cranberries, fresh lobster, clams (especially in clam chowder), oysters, and craft beer.
New England is truly a four-season destination. Many visitors come to enjoy classic summer on the beach or in the mountains or to gaze at the spectacular fall foliage. Winter welcomes ski resorts and urban tourism as the landscape transforms into a beautiful snowy paradise. Finally, late spring is an excellent time to travel among fewer crowds as the countryside comes to life. No matter the time of year, the small towns offer shops, galleries, restaurants, and vendors who can outfit you with bikes, kayaks, canoes, tours, and more.
Must-See New England Destinations
1. Boston
History, culture, food, sports: that’s Boston.
Do you want a city that combines history, modernity, and the contemporary? A town where cobblestone streets lead to glass-fronted malls, where Freedom Trail landmarks sit side by side with the hottest restaurant, the newest high-tech campuses, and some of the world’s greatest universities?
Explore architecture and artwork at the renowned Museum of Fine Arts, where tours are offered in multiple languages or discover avant-garde art at the Institute of Contemporary Art, located in the Boston Harbor area. The Boston Public Library (Boston Public Library) has more than 6 million volumes, and equally interesting are its murals, frescoes, paintings, and sculptures. Another gem is the masterpiece of H.H. Richardson, Trinity Church (Trinity Church), frequently on the list of the most significant architectural monuments in the United States.
Go to a cultural, artistic, or musical festival—Tour Boston’s typical Beacon Hill neighborhood, filled with Greek Revival and Federal-style homes. Stroll through the Boston Common and Public Garden and take a spin on a pedal-powered swan. Then, take a tour on foot, by tram, bike, or boat.
Kids will love exploring the Boston Children’s Museum, where they’ll never be told “don’t knock”; they can discover the mysteries of the sea at the New England Aquarium and see the wonders of the world at the Museum of Science. Everyone will enjoy the Legoland Discovery Center, spinning around on the carousel and splashing around in the fountains and shallow pools of Greenway, the city’s urban park.
The bustling Boston Harbor, with its whale watching and sunset sailboats, is sure to please everyone. Tour Harvard Yard or the one-mile campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Boston’s distinctive shopping districts allow visitors to browse glass-encased galleries and open-air markets – the best known of which is Faneuil Hall Marketplace – and browse Newbury’s chic boutiques. Street (Newbury Street) and the eclectic Harvard Square (Harvard Square) have an irregular shapes. Make purchases at outlets in nearby centers. No matter where you shop, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate that all clothing under $175 is tax-exempt.
Plus, Boston is a sports town, and whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who only watches the games from time to time, you’re sure to enjoy rooting for the local team at a professional or college game. If you can’t make it to a Red Sox baseball game, there are year-round tours of Fenway Park, America’s oldest baseball field.
Get the best seats for a Broadway musical, classical ballet show, or a night at Symphony Hall. Listen to the music of all kinds on any given night. You can go to a show of famous artists or young talent. Comedy clubs, improv theatres, and dance and nightclubs also provide entertainment late at night.
The cuisine in Boston is reason enough to make the trip. The region’s chefs compete with each other to offer the best signature dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. Local seafood dishes are spectacular no matter how they are prepared. Contemporary cuisine, classic New England fare with a twist, and a broad and diverse mix of ethnic dishes make for an unparalleled dining experience. And to spice up the culinary calendar, twice a year in March and August, Dine Out Boston is on the menu in town. Chefs prepare prix fixe meals with delicious discounts.
2. The Berkshire Massachusetts
Known for its outdoor recreation, historic architecture, and world-class culture, The Berkshires of Massachusetts offer a picturesque vacation.
Filled with sparkling lakes, lush forests, and crisp mountain air, it’s no surprise that The Berkshires in western Massachusetts attract artists of all kinds looking for inspiration and rejuvenation. Likewise, the hundreds of cultural attractions make it the perfect place for a getaway, no matter the time of year.
Art and culture in Pittsfield
On my first day in The Berkshires, I visit the magnificent turn-of-the-century Colonial Theater in Pittsfield to get up close and personal with the diverse arts community there. Just one of many that make up the Berkshire Theater Group, the lavishly renovated theater offers guided tours for visitors to learn all there is to know about the building’s detailed history and performers of renown who have passed through his stage. In addition, this theater offers live music, comedy, and drama for all ages and is open year-round. So, make a reservation today at the Colonial Theater for a fun-filled night.
The dazzling Chesterwood residence
A short drive to the town of Stockbridge brings me to Chesterwood, the former summer home of famous sculptor Daniel Chester French, situated on 120 lush acres. Considered a National Historic Landmark, this legendary residence hosts exhibits, programs, and special events and boasts manicured gardens and tree-lined pathways. Once there, I explore Daniel Chester French’s studio, where many of his famous works are prominently displayed. Most impressive is undoubtedly the final 1.8-meter high plaster cast of the statue of Abraham Lincoln that the French made. The finished sculpture is now in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. More than 4 million visitors pilgrimage to this place every year to see the monument. Walking out the studio’s back door, I find myself in wild, serene woods stretching beyond the horizon. I imagine this stunning natural beauty inspired French and many other artists who were drawn to The Berkshires to create his incredible works of art.
The incomparable Naumkeag estate
Nearby, I tour the incredible Naumkeag Estate, also located in Stockbridge, which wealthy lawyer Joseph Hodges Choate built as a summer home in 1886. This 44-room “cottage” is a perfect example of homeownership. The Gilded Age (Age plated in gold) offers its visitors the opportunity to explore its various rooms and soak up its dazzling views. Once outside the house, I can discover the extravagant gardens of Naumkeag and its iconic Blue Steps (a series of blue fountains surrounded by stairs and a birch forest), all designed with the help of Choate’s daughter, Mabel. Fortunately, Mabel left the entire property, including the original furnishings in the house, in the hands of the Trustees of Reservations, an organization dedicated to preserving historic places in Massachusetts. As I walk around the estate, I can see what life was like in those days. It is a unique experience that I will not easily forget.
Creative Cuisine at Table Six in Lenox
After an extraordinary and surprisingly educational day, I head to the Kemble Inn in Lenox to recharge. This stylishly renovated inn is housed in an imposing Gilded Age mansion, blending contemporary design with historic surroundings. I sit at one of the inn’s outdoor tables at the inn’s restaurant, Table Six, feasting my taste buds on pan-seared crab cake and duck pizza, marveling at the dazzling mountain views. With world-class service and expertly prepared seasonal cuisine, Table Six is the perfect place to unwind. After a delicious meal, I retire to one of the inn’s artfully designed rooms to prepare for another unforgettable day in the beautiful region of The Berkshires.
3. The White Mountains, New Hampshire
A New England resort town that doesn’t lose its charm during any season
Located on the edge of New Hampshire’s spectacular White Mountains and Mount Washington Valley, North Conway is a four-season resort town where New Englanders love to come for short getaways. The town has elegant beds and breakfasts, world-class ski resorts, various shopping options, fine dining, and stunning wilderness. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family ski vacation, or a trip through the fall foliage, North Conway has it all.
Spectacular attractions and tours
The best way to explore the valley, mountains, and forests is by car or train. One of the most popular trails through the fall foliage is the 56-kilometer Kancamagus Scenic Byway, which runs through the White Mountain National Forest between North Conway and Lincoln. Stop to see the Albany Covered Bridge or the Diana’s Baths waterfalls. Another fun trail is the 13-kilometer Mount Washington Auto Road, which takes you to the mountain observatory. Finally, if you want someone else to do the driving, take the classic train along the Conway Scenic Railroad and ride through the impressive cliffs, ravines, and streams of Crawford Notch.
Outdoor activities
Lake Conway is a popular bass fishing destination. You can hire a guide to learn the fundamentals. Then, hike the trail around the lake at Echo Lake State Park. While you’re there, dare to reach the top of Cathedral Ledge, as the views you’ll be able to appreciate are worth the effort. During the winter months, you can go sledding, or why not try something new like snowkiting, where you use a kite to glide across the snow and ice? Snowboarding and skiing are also fun activities to do during the winter. Alternatively, you can go white-water rafting on the nearby Androscoggin River during the summer months. If you want to combine lodging with exploration, try one of the multi-day bike tours between inns.
Entertainment and shopping
Catch a show at the Eastern Slope Playhouse or the Mount Washington Valley Theater Company. Take the kids to the Mount Washington Valley Children’s Museum, or have an experience for the grown-ups at the Conway Historical Society’s Eastman Lord Museum. Shoppers love the brand name, specialty retailers found at Settlers Green Shopping Center, and the many vintage stores scattered throughout the town.
4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
A dynamic port city in the New England Territory
Tiny Portsmouth, New Hampshire, may have as few as 20,000 residents, but it offers plenty of attractions for its visitors. This thriving and historic port city is located near the Piscataqua River and provides plenty of options for both land and water activities. Immerse yourself in Portsmouth’s nautical and colonial past at one of the many museums, monuments, and mansions along its attractive streets, or visit art galleries, bookstores, antique shops, and ethnic restaurants. On warm days, hit the water aboard a private sightseeing tour or ferry ride, or head out to explore the beaches, lighthouses, and marine life.
Portsmouth through the ages
Discover the active history of Portsmouth in the many houses converted into museums scattered throughout the city center. One of the best is the Strawbery Banke Museum, where costumed guides lead visitors through preserved houses, some dating back to the city’s founding 400 years ago. Check out famous American figures’ homes and local merchants’ homes at mansions like John Paul Jones House and Langdon House. These quaint examples of colonial-style architecture feature exhibits and artifacts from the men who give them their names. A great way to see these houses and the more than 70 alternative historic sites is by taking a guided tour or boat ride along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail.
Gateway to aquatic entertainment
Portsmouth’s location near a major river ensures plenty of water entertainment. To find out what it’s like to live underwater, visit the USS Albacore, a former submarine turned museum. You can also sign up for a harbor cruise or hop on the ferry to the Isles of Shoals for alfresco lunches, island walks, and building views. In addition, boat rental services offer deep sea fishing, whale watching tours, and even lobster tours. There are also half a dozen beaches within a few minutes’ drive from Portsmouth, where visitors can swim, kayak, or stand-up paddle boarding, although the water can be pretty cold.
Shopping, restaurants, and local charms
For Portsmouth souvenirs, spend an afternoon at its art galleries, bookstores, antique dealers, and craft boutiques specializing in local items. When it’s time to eat, try one of the city’s many ethnic restaurants, and then head to Prescott Park, where you’ll find a lovely flower garden and a pier that juts out into the river. In the afternoon, catch a show at The Music Hall, the region’s premier concert venue.
5. Portland. Maine
Maine style, a historic seaside town
Over the course of its nearly 400-year history, Portland has grown from a small colonial port to Maine’s largest metropolitan area and one of the trendiest cities on the East Coast. In recent decades, urban renewal projects have brought new life to the historic downtown and harbor areas, where elegant restaurants and galleries come face to face with beautiful heritage monuments. Yet, despite the cultural and gastronomic touch of the city, it remains a thriving fishing port with a bit of sand in its appeal.
Downtown and Old Port
The vibrant Old Port district, with its avant-garde microbreweries and art galleries, just steps away from shopping docks and fragrant fishmongers. Stroll down cobblestone streets, enjoy fresh seafood at Portland Fish Market, admire Portland City Hall, and stop at Portland Science Center. The Old Port area is the place to go out on a fishing boat or to catch a ferry to one of the islands in Casco Bay. Then, take a stroll through the Downtown Arts District, which is home to the impressive Portland Museum of Art and many theaters, galleries, and museums. If you’re a foodie, book one of the many tours that explore the culinary landscape of “America’s Most Foodie Small Town,” according to Bon Appetit magazine.
Historical and architectural monuments
Portland is lucky to have well-preserved buildings that prominent residents once occupied. Visit the Victoria Mansion, an Italianate villa made of reddish limestone, completed in 1860, which was the summer home of hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, once owned by the family of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is now a beautifully landscaped museum. Look at the chandelier in the family church, the first parish. It contains a cannonball fired into the church during the British Royal Navy’s attack on Portland in 1775. Built-in 1775 by Captain George Tate, a senior mast officer in the British Royal Navy, Tate House is one of the oldest mansions from colonial times in the United States.
For a little maritime and military history, cruise across the bay to Bug Light Park, a former World War II shipyard that finished building a record number of ships in a single day. It now offers stunning views of the Portland cityscape and is home to the Portland Breakwater Light and the Liberty Ship Memorial. Continuing along the coast, you’ll find the Portland Head Light, the first lighthouse in the United States, commissioned by President George Washington in 1787.
6. Acadia National Park, Maine
Winding green hills hemmed in by a rocky coastline.
Some of the best scenery on the US East Coast is found on Mount Desert Island, where beaches and cliffs give way to lush forests and towering peaks, one of which measures 1,500 feet. Venture to the peaks on one of the 204-kilometer trails to appreciate Maine’s green landscapes and the incredible ocean’s allure. Visit a nature garden, center, and museum to learn how donated land became a jewel in the National Park Service’s collection. The rangers will tell you about their history and the changes in the 21st century.
Located on the Atlantic coast, Acadia National Park is known for its incredible rocky beaches. Located near Bar Harbor, Maine, and about five hours northeast of Boston, Massachusetts, this national park also has towering mountains, lush forests, and a wide variety of animals, including barn owls, bald eagles, moose, and eastern coyotes, among others.
For great views of this 76-square-mile park, hike to the top of the Cadillac, the highest point on the North Atlantic coast. You can also bike along the park’s 92 kilometers of the historic road. And don’t miss out on stargazing here, as there is no light pollution, so the night photos you take will be truly dazzling.
7. Mystic, ConnecticutÂ
An idyllic New England town with nautical touches
Since the days of Pequot Indian settlement, the Mystic people have focused on marine resources and trade. Today, visitors to Mystic will find a picturesque New England destination dominated by landmarks and nautical attractions.
Maritime Legacy
Mystic Seaport features a vast collection of historic watercraft, including the 19th-century Charles W. Morgan, America’s only remaining wooden whaling ship, and the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine. Board the schooner Argia and set sail for the Long Island Sound (Long Island Strait); sailing at sunset is especially memorable. See the popular white whales at the Mystic Aquarium.
Famous pizzas and other delicacies
The 1988 comedy-drama “Mystic Pizza,” starring Julia Roberts, was based on an actual Mystic restaurant. So try a piece of this Italian delicacy and wash it down with some Hollywood history. But, of course, this seaside town is also known for its excellent seafood. During the warmer months, try dining in a tree house (yes, a tree house!) at the Oyster Club. Elsewhere you can try fresh oysters accompanied by a fresh pint at one of the many historic seafood restaurants and bars.
A journey through the history of the place
For a small town, Mystic is brimming with must-see attractions. Leave a few hours to explore the historic center and its exclusive shops. Have your camera ready to capture the elevation of the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Eat, drink, shop at Olde Mistick Village, and explore the trails, exhibits, nature, and wildlife at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Before leaving, photograph the wooden anchor at Liberty Pole Square.
