Vacation In New England
New England is a great geographical area in America. It has beautiful coastlines and mountains, rivers to swim in and things to do for people of all ages. It is also possible to take a vacation in New England.
I had the opportunity to vacation in New England recently — I traveled to Cape Cod and stayed at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s research guest house, which was a super cool experience. Here are some highlights from my trip.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains, New England is an ideal place to take your family on vacation.
Are you looking for a New England vacation that is out of the ordinary? Trying to decide between Cape Cod and Maine? Want to know the difference between Highlands and hill country? Let me show you around my home state of New Hampshire.
What exactly is New England? This region is larger than you might think, but there are some key geographical places to know about. For example, New York City, Connecticut and Rhode Island all make up New England. The states in this region extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and include 8 different states.
Vacation In New England
Travelers flock to New England each year, especially in the summer and fall, to discover what we already know: New England is a wonderful place for a vacation. There are dozens of fantastic New England vacation spots worth visiting again and again. And there’s definitely something for everyone.
Whether you’re a beach and coast lover seeking lighthouses, lobsters, and leisure, or a mountain fiend in search of hiking, camping, and lakes, there’s something for you to do in New England. The same goes for city-lovers. You’ll find terrific urban escapes in Boston, Portland, Providence, and beyond.
So where are the best places to visit in New England? If you’re planning a trip to this quaint region of the country, where should you go? (And what should you do?)
We’ve narrowed it down to 15 of our top picks. These are not just places that we love but are spots that continue to be popular with travelers throughout the years. These are exceptional spots and make for wonderful New England weekend getaways.
Take a look and see what we’ve included. Which New England destination is your favorite?
PS: Don’t miss our ultimate New England road trip itinerary.
Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
This island off the coast of Massachusetts is one of the most beautiful New England spots, especially for a summer trip. Martha’s Vineyard is a fun getaway. While you’re not coming here for the nightlife, you’re coming here for relaxation and luxury.
One of the best things to do on the island is simply to rent a bike and go for a ride. Explore lighthouses as well as the six towns that make up the island. Shopping and art are also things you’ll find on Martha’s Vineyard in abundance.
Nantucket is the other beloved New England island that has a vibrant summer culture. Both destinations have a lot to offer. If you’re not sure which island to visit, this article breaks it down nicely for you.
READ NEXT 19 New England Flower Fields, Farms, and Gardens You Will Love!
The Berkshires, MA
Along the western edge of Massachusetts is the region known as the Berkshires. This area is world’s away from Boston, but it’s not very far as the crow flies. If you’re looking for a bit of country living in Mass, this is the region to visit.
This area is a popular destination for travelers, especially in the summer. Culture abounds in the Berkshires, from spots like Mass MoCA and other museums to venue Tanglewood, where you can enjoy concerts from leading symphonies and folk artists like James Taylor to theatre productions put on by the well-known, professional Shakespeare & Company.
Subscribe to New England With Love!
Get the best of New England delivered straight to your inbox.SUBSCRIBE!I consent to receiving emails and personalized ads.
In addition to culture, you will find plenty of history, including some of the literary variety. In Lenox, visit the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, an 1890s home that’s open for tours. If you have literary interest, you may also wish to stop by The Mount, Edith Wharton’s turn-of-the-century estate.
There are many opportunities for outdoor adventuring in the Berkshires. Plenty of hiking trails snake the region, bike routes, and even some ski resorts.
READ NEXT 30 Most Charming Small Towns in New England
Boston, MA
Some of the best New England vacations start in Boston, and many stay there! You don’t have to leave the city to have a wonderful New England vacay.
Boston has so much to do for locals and visitors alike. Sports fans, history lovers, culture snobs? Whatever your pleasure, Boston has a site, attraction, or event you’ll be psyched about.
You may need several days or weeks to see all that Boston has to offer. No worries! We’ve got some resources to help start you off:
- These are the Top 10 Things to Do in Boston with Kids
- Romantic Things to Do in Boston for Couples
- 7 of the Best Coffee Shops in Boston
- Where to Stay in Boston: The Best Hotels for Your Visit
- Spring in Boston: 12 Best Things to Do for Spring Fun
- Fall in Boston: Where to Go and What to Do
- 23 Ideas for a Wonderful Winter in Boston
- The Ultimate Guide to St Patrick’s Day in Boston
Rockport, MA
Rockport is a wonderful place to visit. It’s just an hour or less from Boston to find yourself in an adorable seaside town. There are art galleries galore to soak up, many delicious places to eat (including a spot selling some of the BEST lobster rolls in New England.)
We love Rockport and have a whole list of things to do there, including where to find the best breakfast.
Vermont
Burlington, VT
Do you like the outdoors, craft beer, and liberal-minded folk? Burlington is the home for those types of people and you’ll love it, too. In fact, even if you’d prefer to stay indoors, sip wine, and chat about Conservative topics, you’re likely to enjoy Burlington too!
This is a great city, although in many ways it feels nothing like a city. Set on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington has a small-town vibe but plenty going on. The greater Burlington area is a must-visit mecca for foodies and craft beer lovers. There are tons of breweries around here and an explosion of farm-to-table cuisine that is well worth the trip. Hard cider is making a strong showing in New England, too, and Citizen Cider is the place to try it in Burlington. Their South End tasting room and restaurant are a great place to be on a summer afternoon.
The lake is the focus of much of the Burlington’s outdoor activities. The Burlington Bike Path skirts the edges for several miles, providing an ideal route for a bike ride or a run.
Getting out on the water is a must, whether you want to try sailing, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. You can also hop aboard one of the bigger boats, the scenic ferries. These will take you across to the other side (NY state) or around for a scenic cruise of this miniature “Great” lake.
Read Next: The Best Places to Visit in Vermont
Stowe, VT
Many people looking for a vacation in New England dream of a classic, iconic Vermont location. For them, Stowe, Vermont would be an excellent choice. Not only is this a charming and quaint destination tucked in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, but it’s well-appointed for tourists, too, with dozens of fabulous hotels and restaurants. This is a region ideally set up for tourism.
Stowe is just stunning. The Main Street of the village has a white-steepled church and an old-fashioned general store, with the mountains in the background. In the autumn, the leaves are incredible. Up the Mountain Road you’ll find countless cozy eateries, hotels, and shops, including lots of local breweries that will beckon you. Hiking is plentiful, with trails suitable for all ages and a flat bike path that winds through town as well.
Stowe is a lot of fun, and it provides the perfect balance of outdoor activities with relaxation and ‘indoor stuff.’ It’s especially gorgeous in summer!
