The best places to visit in New England

A surprising variety of land and seascapes await your discovery in New England. There are the instantly recognizable locations, like the city of Boston and the beaches of Cape Cod, but if you venture inland, you can explore the Green and White Mountains, where Revolutionary War landmarks sit alongside working farms and leisurely ski resorts. Or head toward the Atlantic Ocean for the rugged beauty of the northern coast, including one of the most iconic national parks in the USA.

Let your interests (skiing, boating, hiking) or the season you visit (crisp fall days, cozy winter nights, sublime spring afternoons) guide your itinerary – just be sure to pack accordingly, whether that's a warm coat for January, rain gear for March, swimsuits for August or sweaters for October.

A few New England cities and towns are well-rounded destinations in their own right, and some can be convenient launchpads for day trips around the region. To help you decide where to start your trip, here are 10 of the best places to visit in New England.

1. Mystic, Connecticut

Best for maritime history

Start any visit to Mystic with a leisurely harborside stroll downtown. Next, head to Connecticut’s blockbuster attraction, the Mystic Seaport Museum, where you can happily spend a few hours looking at vintage whaling ships, walking a replica seaport village and watching demonstrations by deeply knowledgeable craftspeople. To dive into the local arts scene (and see works from around the world), stop by the Mystic Museum of Art.

And if you crave a taste of the savory pie extolled in the classic 1988 film that helped put Mystic on the map, Mystic Pizza remains open downtown. (Just don’t be surprised if there’s a line of patrons waiting outside the door.) Finally, grab some ice cream at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream, which has been making small batches since the early 1800s.

Detour: Drive 30 minutes west to Essex, where you can ride a steam train and take an old-fashioned boat trip along the Connecticut River.

2. Newport, Rhode Island

Best for opulence

The ocean breeze carries you down Newport’s cobblestone streets to a shimmering mix of history and opulence. Located on the southern tip of Rhode Island's Aquidneck Island, Newport is bordered by Narragansett Bay to the northwest and the Atlantic Ocean at its rocky southern edge. The Gilded Age brought the ultrarich here, where they built “summer cottages” along the stunning shoreline, and wealth still sparkles in the sun at chic hotels and across the manicured lawns of stately homes. Must-see mansions include Rough Point, a Tudor-inspired 1889 mansion housing a treasure trove of rare artwork, and The Breakers, an 1895 Italian Renaissance–style palace at an exceptionally beautiful oceanfront location.

Newport’s marinas are often graced by sleek sailboats and yachts, and colonial architecture is meticulously preserved. In the summer months, tourists fill the walkable downtown looking for seafood and ocean views. Easton’s Beach (also known as First Beach) and Second Beach might actually have Rhode Island’s best waves for surfing, while Third Beach tends to have fewer crowds and calmer waves that make this beach more kid-friendly.

Detour: For even more quality time at the beach, catch the ferry from Newport out to Block Island for a day of exploring photogenic lighthouses, walking nature trails and relaxing on glorious beaches.

3. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Best island

Martha’s Vineyard is famed for its natural beauty and historic charm. After you step off the ferry from the mainland and onto this Massachusetts island, you can amble around Oak Bluffs to see the colorful gingerbread cottages known as the Campgrounds. Next, embark on a sailing trip aboard The Black Dog’s Alabama schooner, which has been in operation since 1926, and see the island’s inlets from the sea.

For a deeper escape into nature, head to the Aquinnah Cliffs for a stunning backdrop above the crashing waves. Continue to Gay Head Lighthouse for more Instagram-worthy pics, then enjoy a little downtime at the more secluded shores of Moshup Beach.

Planning tip: Steamship Authority operates year-round vehicle ferries to Vineyard Haven from Woods Hole (reservations required). Seasonal passenger ferries run from mid-May into the fall, departing from Hyannis, Falmouth and New Bedford in Massachusetts, as well as from ports in Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey.

4. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Best for LGBTQ+ travelers

Sitting at Cape Cod’s northernmost tip and steeped in rich nautical and artistic history, P-town (as it’s affectionately called) has an allure that’s as dynamic as the windswept dunes surrounding it. English settlers landed here in 1620, and the sands of time have reshaped it countless times – from a busy whaling and fishing port to the site of the oldest continuous art colony in the USA with an eclectic art scene.

Now a top LGBTQ+ travel destination, Provincetown not only accepts flamboyance but celebrates it. The downtown displays an eclectic blend of all walks of life: drag performers strut next to Portuguese fishers, bikers blaze through town, and dumbfounded tourists blowing in from less progressive spots struggle to make sense of it all.

To get a good sense of this town’s history, check out the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, the nation’s tallest all-granite structure (at 253ft). Then pop over to the Provincetown Art Association and Museum for a full celebration of local creativity and artistry. Check out bars and clubs like Atlantic House (known as A-House), Shipwreck Lounge and Crown & Anchor for the kinds of parties that legends are made of.

Of course, since P-town is a beach town, you won’t want to miss out on the area’s pretty beaches. Highlights include Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary for summertime whale watching, Herring Cove for calm waters great for swimming, and Race Point Beach at Cape Cod National Seashore for a pristine beach with room to roam.

Planning tip: Many businesses on Cape Cod, including accommodations, operate seasonally. Always check in advance to ensure that your choices are available when traveling during the offseason.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

Best for cultural activities

Boston makes a big splash with its rich history, grand architecture and world-renowned academic and cultural institutions. This midsize city packs in a lot of things to do: historic sites and modern innovations, American heritage and international cultures, plus art on every avenue and sports in every season. Plan your days, but leave time for detours (literally and figuratively).

You can easily spend a day walking the Freedom Trail (which includes landmarks like Old North Church and Faneuil Hall), then reward yourself with an Italian feast in the North End neighborhood. For more exploring, head over to Chinatown to snap some photos at the Chinatown Gate and dine at some of the region’s best Chinese restaurants. Down in the South End, you can discover works by local artists at galleries like SoWa Artists Guild and Bromfield Gallery, and immerse yourself in the creative spirit at the community arts collective Underground at Ink Block.

For greener pastures, head to the Rose Kennedy Greenway for 27 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and public art installations, check out Boston Common for a 50-acre green space dotted with Revolutionary War monuments, and hit the Back Bay Fens for a wondrous array of community gardens and restored riparian habitat.

Detour: Catch a train to Salem to learn about the witch hysteria of the 17th century – the uniquely spooky vibes are celebrated at the town's attractions to the present day.

6. Burlington, Vermont

Best college town

Picturesquely perched above Lake Champlain, Burlington is Vermont’s largest and most dynamic metropolis – though with only 45,000 residents, it would barely qualify as a city in most other states. The Queen City has a distinctly more youthful and multicultural vibe than most places in Vermont (the state's flagship university is in town). Downtown Burlington, revolving around the pedestrianized Church Street Marketplace, is jam-packed with shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and nightspots. The city’s walkable neighborhoods, farmers market and food co-op, and proximity to hiking and other outdoor pursuits earn it accolades as one of the greenest and most livable cities in the US.

To get a good idea of what Burlington has to offer, go for a walk, run or bike ride along the picturesque waterfront, then take a boat trip out on Lake Champlain. For a fascinating Revolutionary War throwback, head to the Ethan Allen Homestead to learn more about this 18th-century hometown hero and the militia he led. After a long day of running around town, toast the sunset at Spot on the Dock.

Detour: Make the quick drive to Shelburne, where you can spend a pleasant afternoon walking the lovely trails at Shelburne Farms, followed by a visit to the equally impressive Shelburne Museum.

7. Stowe, Vermont

Best for skiing

Stowe has become one of the Northeast’s premier ski destinations. You can navigate these storied slopes for yourself at Stowe Mountain Resort, and you can dive into the history of this town’s relationship with winter sports at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

Beyond Stowe’s undoubtedly excellent ski runs, the town also offers year-round adventures. If you’re here during warmer weather, you can hike the Sunset Ridge Trail at Underhill State Park to make the climb up Mt Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Or explore the local arts scene at Helen Day Art Center and Stowe Craft, and enjoy a meal of Jamaican fare and craft brews at The Alchemist Beer Cafe.

Planning tip: Among Vermont’s venues, nothing compares to a day at the von Trapp Family Lodge, 4 miles west of Stowe. Founded by the family of The Sound of Music fame, it is the oldest cross-country center in the country, with 40 miles of trails for every skill level. Austrian-inspired eating and drinking options enhance a dreamy all-day experience.

8. Mt Washington, New Hampshire

Best for mountains

Soaring 6288ft above sea level, Mt Washington is New Hampshire’s and New England’s highest peak. You can drive up, take a cog train or ascend on a strenuous trail. For more adventures in this rugged corner of the White Mountains, stick around Mt Washington State Park to hike more wilderness trails and catch the waterfalls at Crystal Cascades.

Right beside Mt Washington sits the stately village of Bretton Woods. During the winter, you can hit some of the Northeast’s snowiest and best-groomed slopes at the Bretton Woods Ski Area. No matter when you visit, you can splurge on a luxurious stay at the Omni Mount Washington Resort.

Detour: If you’re taking your time to do a comprehensive New England road trip, you can easily spend an extra day (or longer) experiencing more of New Hampshire’s scenery. Go for a drive on the Kancamagus Highway and continue to Franconia Notch State Park for more hikes and panoramic views.

9. Portland, Maine

Best city with small-town charm

Maine’s largest city, Portland functions as the state’s cultural capital. You can pay a visit to the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House and the attached Maine Historical Society for insight into all things Maine. The Portland Museum of Art features works by American artists like Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper alongside European legends like Monet and Picasso.

When you’re in the mood for natural beauty, East End Beach is a convenient stretch of shore with a pleasant walking path and a sandy beach for easy sunbathing and swimming. A short drive south in Cape Elizabeth, Fort Williams Park abounds in coastal scenery, especially at the Portland Head Light, a lighthouse in operation since 1791. Heading back into town, cap off your journey with a seafood feast at Scales and drinks at the Hunt + Alpine Club.

Planning tip: Though Portland businesses generally stay open all year, some attractions cut back their hours during the winter, and others (especially the lobster shacks) close down entirely once summer ends. Check ahead to make sure that the places you want to visit will be open during your stay.

10. Bar Harbor, Maine

Best for the coast

The elegant village of Bar Harbor is the main gateway to Acadia National Park. Hike (or drive) to the top of Cadillac Mountain, walk through the surf at Sand Beach, and go for a drive along Park Loop Rd to check all the big-ticket items off your Acadia bucket list.

If you have more time to wander, head to the Abbe Museum (with locations in town and in the park) to learn more about Maine’s Indigenous cultures, the fjordlike Somes Sound for some of Mt Desert Island’s best coastal scenery and the verdant forest at Echo Lake, where you can swim during the summer. And if you’re visiting during the summer or early fall, you can feast on succulent crustaceans at Thurston’s Lobster Pound.

Planning tip: Acadia National Park only allows camping May through October at four designated sites (such as Blackwoods), and reservations must be made. If you can’t secure a campsite reservation, the Inn on Mount Desert and Primrose Inn are open year-round.

This article was adapted from Lonely Planet's New England guidebook.