Best vacation places new england
There are numerous best vacation places in new england that feature an incredible variety of natural views and meticulously designed attractions for every member of the family. Each city has a major cathedral which features some of the most elaborate and breathtaking stained glass windows in the country..
The new England coast is a wonderful vacation place to go over and capture the beauty of the weather. New england is one of the best places to go with family and friends. There are many regions in this state that has beautiful beaches, which you will love to visit.
New England is the region in the northeastern corner of the United States. The location and boundaries of New England can vary depending on the context, but it is most often considered as the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The best vacation spots in New England include Maine, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
Maine is a great place to visit if you want to experience the great outdoors. It’s famous for its lobster and beautiful scenery, both of which can be found along the coastlines and in the islands off the coast of Maine.
Rhode Island is a great place to visit if you want to experience history and culture. The state was one of the original thirteen colonies, and it’s still home to historic landmarks like Newport Mansions and Old Stone Mill.
Massachusetts is a great place to visit if you want to experience nature at its finest. It’s well-known for its beaches on Cape Cod Bay and Cape Cod itself, as well as its hiking trails in the Berkshires Mountains that are frequented by families during summer months when schools are closed for vacation days.
New England is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world. It has a diverse mix of cities, mountains, beaches and small towns. It is a great place for family vacations because there are so many things to do with kids.
The first thing that you need to do before taking a family vacation is to find out what kind of vacation you want to take. Do you want a beach vacation or would you rather go hiking? You can find some great family friendly activities in New England’s mountains as well as on its beaches. You should also consider visiting several different destinations during your trip so everyone gets a chance to try something new!
Connecticut
Middletown
From Margie of DQ Family Travel
Middletown, Connecticut is absolutely one of the best places to visit in New England. It is located closer to the interior part of the state, but not too far off from Hartford. The best time of year to visit would have to be during the fall foliage time of October.
There are plenty of things to do in Middletown, CT if you’re visiting for a day or even a weekend. Wesleyan University is located right downtown and boasts gorgeous architectural buildings. A drive through this university is a must-do when you’re in the area.
The downtown of Middletown has spectacular restaurants and breweries too. Some local favorites include Conspiracy, Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, and Celtic Cavern. If you’re visiting with younger kids, KidCity museum is the perfect stop for some family fun.
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A great place to stay right in downtown is the Inn at Middletown, which has a restaurant right on-site and is in walking distance to all the restaurants and shops. Just a few minutes outside of the downtown area is Wadsworth State Park which has a beautiful waterfall and some short hiking trails.
Not too far away is another favorite, Lyman Orchards. They sell farm fresh produce, apple cider, and if you’re in town in the Fall, you can go apple picking.
Connecticut is a great state to visit any time of year, but if you happen to be driving around New England, a stop in Middletown is worthwhile.
Maine
Portland
From Marcie of Marcie in Mommyland
If you are looking for a quaint New England town full of independent shops and restaurants, but where you can still get your Starbucks fix, head to Portland, Maine!
It’s an easy train ride from Boston or you can fly into their airport, and I’d suggest visiting Portland in late Spring and Summer to take advantage of all the fun seasonal activities, like the lobster boats, and to enjoy touring Portland by foot or bicycle.
One of the coolest things to do in Portland is to ride a vintage fire truck while learning about Portland’s incredible history. You’ll even get to wear authentic fire coats and do a few fun photo ops!
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And, of course, we can’t talk about the best places to visit in New England without mentioning the lighthouses!
In Portland, you’ll find lots of gorgeous lighthouses including Portland Head Light. This is one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses. Plus, you can visit Bug Light, one of the smallest lighthouses!
Beyond lighthouses, Portland, Maine is also a huge food town and was named the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year from Bon Appetit magazine.
For one thing, they have lobster everything. I’m talking about lobster rolls, lobster tacos, lobster mac and cheese, etc.
They also have tons of local breweries, fabulous global cuisine, and pizza topped with mashed potatoes (it’s incredible!). Instead of just eating at a couple of the restaurants, take a Maine Foodie Tour so you can sample from 6 different iconic Portland Maine eateries!
Portland, Maine really is New England’s biggest small town and is definitely worth a stop on any New England road trip!
Acadia National Park
From Jennifer of National Park Obsessed
Acadia National Park is the only National Park in New England. Located in Maine on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula. Acadia holds a special place in New England’s heart. The Acadia is famed for its fall leaf colors, its rocky seashore, and its spectacular sunrises. The park offers visitors a wide range of activities.
During your visit to Acadia, get up one morning and drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain and enjoy the sunrise over the ocean. This spot is one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise. This activity is very popular and the parking lot at Cadillac often fills before sunrise. Plan on being at the summit at least an hour before sunrise.
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After sunrise, head down off the mountain and find a parking spot along one of the park’s shuttle routes. Acadia is very crowded and parking is very limited. Use the free shuttle bus to get to the trailheads and to explore the way overlooks.
There are many different hiking trails to choose from at all skill levels. Experienced hikers who aren’t afraid of height might like the Beehive. While other hikers might enjoy a stroll on the carriage routes or a hike around Jordon Pond.
Acadia can be visited year-round but winter access is limited and many places are snowshoe or cross-country ski only. The park is busiest from June to October. The summer temperatures draw people in for outdoor recreation and fall brings people for fall leaf viewing.
Bar Harbor
From Chelsea of Pack More Into Life
Bar Harbor and neighboring Acadia National Park are two destinations that are easy to fall in love with.
Bar Harbor is located in eastern Maine on Mt. Desert Island. It is a coastal town with quaint shops, lobster boats, beautiful homes and B&B’s to enjoy restful nights with delicious homemade breakfasts.
Acadia National Park is a short 5-minute drive from Bar Harbor and features ocean paths, tidal pools, cliff climbs with massive boulders, horse-drawn carriage rides and Cadillac Mountain where you can be the first person in the US to enjoy the sun peeking over the edge of the earth in all its stunning glory!
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Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are especially beautiful in the summer and early fall when the temperatures are moderate and all the trails are open. The town bustles with festivals, tours, and outdoor activities. I recommend making a reservation in advance for the best waterfront Resorts/Inns and B&B’s.
Be sure to spend at least a few days to enjoy all the best of the area–aim for at least four full days.
You’ll want two to spend exploring Acadia and enjoying the variety of hikes, ranger programs (the stargazing is stunning), popovers at Jordan Pond House, and catching a sunrise or sunset. Then another day in Bar Harbor where you’ll delight with lobster rolls, blueberry ice cream (so good!), fun shops, an oceanside path, and walking across the sand bar to Bar Harbor Island at low tide. Your final day is spent exploring the surrounding areas of Southwest Harbor with a private sailboat ride, seeing the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and strolling through the Gardens.
Ogunquit
From Toccara of Forget Someday
Ogunquit, Maine is a tiny town nestled along the coast, just under an hour south of Portland. But don’t be quick to underestimate this less than 5-square mile ‘beautiful place by the sea’ (translation of the name Ogunquit, provided by the Abenaki tribe). The town of Ogunquit offers much to see, do, and eat, you’ll need more than just a few days to discover it all.
What the town may be most well known for is its coastal walk, The Marginal Way. It’s one of New England’s best-paved seaside strolls and is fully accessible welcoming strollers and wheelchair users. The easy walk is just over one mile starting at Ogunquit Beach and ending at Perkins Cove, another one of Ogunquit’s main attractions. Perkins Cove is a fishing community turned artisan village now housing galleries, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants.
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Ogunquit boasts several miles of expansive beaches that become jam-packed in the summer months. In the off-season, walkers and beachcombers continue to stroll the seashore in a less crowded and more serene atmosphere.
Something that sets Ogunquit apart is that you will not find a single chain restaurant in town. All dining options are unique and delicious! Check out Amore Breakfast for breakfast, Village Food Market for lunch, and one of the many seafood restaurants for an indulgent dinner! And absolutely do not miss a stop off at Bread and Roses Bakery downtown for a delectable whoopie pie you will continue to dream about long after your visit to Ogunquit!
Boothbay Harbor
From Julie of Wandering Sunsets
Boothbay Harbor is an adorable coastal town in Maine and the perfect spot for a relaxing summer weekend in New England.
Boothbay is a little bit of a local secret: even at the height of summer, the town doesn’t typically get as crowded as the rest of Maine. With a myriad of delicious oceanfront restaurants, Boothbay Harbor is seafood galore!
Grab a basket of crispy fried clams or a freshly steamed lobster and enjoy your dinner watching the sunset by the harbor. Boothbay is also a great destination for a family trip. The town is very walkable with many cute shops and cafes. Kids will love the old school ice cream and candy stands lining the streets!
There are tons of things you can do from Boothbay Harbor. Hop on one of the boat excursions to see seals, whales, and puffins.
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A boat ride is the best way to explore the Maine rugged coastline, with its many lighthouses and rocky islands. If you prefer to go on a road trip, take the scenic route to Ocean Point and have a picnic on the rocks at sunset. Another highlight of the region is the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll through beautiful floral plantings, pretty waterfalls, and fountains, and enjoy sweeping scenic views.
If you’re looking for an active vacation, Boothbay Harbor is home to many nature trails, world-class sea kayaking, and a beautiful golf course! Finally, you can take a ferry trip to Monhegan Island, which is a small wooded island with many hiking trails to discover. So if you are looking to experience the highlight of a Maine summer without too many crowds, the picturesque town of Boothbay Harbor is the perfect destination.
Massachusetts
Boston
From Dhara of It’s Not About the Miles
The quintessential New England city, Boston is a must-visit if you love American history!
Boston was settled by the Puritans from England as far back as 1630! It is the site of many important events in the times leading up to America’s independence, from the Boston Tea Party to Paul Revere’s Ride and the Battle of Bunker Hill. It’s awesome to walk around the city and savor so many landmark events.
But Boston isn’t all about the past. It’s a vibrant, gorgeous, walkable city, with a stunning skyline, lots of great architecture blending the old and the new, and tons of fun things to do. Take a walk through the Boston Common. Walk a part or all of the Freedom Trail. Spend an afternoon in the Boston Public Garden, walking among the flowers or enjoying a swan boat ride. Head to the top of the Skywalk Observatory for panoramic 360-degree views.
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Leave room in your itinerary for water activities. A harbor cruise is a perfect way to take in the beauty of Boston from the ocean. Or enjoy a Charles River Boat Tour. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Boston. From food trucks to fine dining, Boston has loads of great places to eat.
Boston makes for the perfect city break any time of year, but I especially enjoy visiting in the spring and the fall, when temperatures are pleasant. In the fall, of course, you’ll be treated to spectacular displays of leaf color. In the spring, blooming trees and bulb displays liven up the city.
If you’re looking for places to visit in New England, be sure to put Boston at the top of your list. You’ll have a blast in Beantown, guaranteed!
Salem
From Jodi of Family Travel Magazine
Often associated with Halloween, there are lots of things to do in Salem MA beyond the month of October, and it’s one of the best places to visit in New England year-round.
Start your visit with the Salem Heritage Trail, a self-guided walking tour around the city that is marked with a red line on the sidewalks. It will take you by many of the most popular attractions in the city.
History and literature buffs will love the House of Seven Gables, which was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. Guests visiting the house will also be able to see Hawthorne’s birthplace.
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There are also many different guided walking tours, including ghost tours. Some of these are family-friendly, but you’ll want to check in advance.
The Peabody Essex Museum is located in the center of town and offers kid-friendly exhibits along with maritime and Asian art.
If you are visiting during the month of October, you’ll truly get to the experience the Witch City. There are activities offered throughout the city, including costume contests, a parade, and a street fair. Many of the Salem Witch Trial attractions, like the Salem Witch Museum, are open year-round. If you visit in October, however, you’ll find the lines to be much longer.
The waterfront location of Salem means that you’ll be able to take advantage of water activities, including boat tours. There are several restaurants located on the water as well. As you walk, explore the entire area, beyond just the witch trial and Halloween attractions.
Cranberry Bogs
From James of Travel Collecting
One of the best places to visit in New England is a cranberry bog in the fall.
Cranberries can be dry or wet harvested. The wet harvesting involves flooding fields with a couple of feet of water and creating “cranberry bogs”. The fruit is then shaken off the vines and floats to the surface, making it easy to harvest by vacuuming it up and into the back of waiting trucks. This is not only a fascinating process to watch, but it also creates entire fields of bright red floating berries, which are incredibly picturesque.