Nothing beats a New England summer. Dark, cold winters turned into long, warm, sunny days. Foliage, grass and gardens are recreated in bright green, colourful and fragrant. The New England summer weather is such a treat, it feels like a bonus after a long, harsh winter.
Summer in New England is known for its beautiful beaches, from the rocky shores of Maine to the pristine white sands of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. When you think of summer in New England, perhaps you think of lobster rolls, bikes with baskets cruising quaint towns, backyard barbecues and cocktails, fragrant peonies and blooming hydrangeas, sun-kissed skins and salty tastes air. When considering a New England summer vacation, it can be difficult to choose. There are many options, and each place has its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for an outdoor adventure, planning an indulgent romantic getaway, or a family vacation looking to keep your kids entertained and satisfied, we’ve got something for everyone, with 10 of the best places Visit in New England in summer.
Let us know in the comments where you like to visit in New England during the summer months!
10 places to visit in New England in summer
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock in summer is my favorite. Temperatures in the 70s and 80s were pleasant and sunny, and no matter what type of adventure you seek, there are plenty of options. The beautiful and quaint village of Woodstock has many great dining and shopping options. Check out our favorite stores, Woody’s and FH Gillingham & Sons. Take a walk for a coffee nonsenseEat breakfast my greenlunch at country butcherIce Cream and Dinner at Woodstock Scoops mangalicaSwim at one of the sandy entrances of the Ottaquechee River (ask a local to help find the secret spot) or venture out to Kedron Pond in South Woodstock or Silver Lake in Barnard.hiking tom hill or mountain bike peg hill And pack a picnic for the top.Enjoy an outdoor concert artist, East Park or Feast and Field at Barnard.watch out, watch out, watch out Woodstock Guide More insider info coming this June!Check 15 things to do in Manchester, VT this summer Take a fun day trip from Woodstock or another Vermont resort.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is the perfect summer retreat, with sand, sea, shopping and dining.spend a day in third beach Or take a stroll along the Cliff Walk for beautiful ocean views and Gilded Age mansions. Enjoy breakfast at Belle’s Cafe with views of Newport Harbor and don’t miss a drink on the Castle Hill lawn.If you want to shop, please check small castle and Kristen Coates. Check out Jess’ roundup Newport Guide Learn more about where to stay, eat and do while you travel. Jess also recently wrote, 15 Best Things to Do This Summer in Newport, RI and What to do with the kids in Newport, Rhode Island. Narragansett and Block Island are other fun day trips and weekend getaways in Rhode Island.
Ogunquit, Maine
Last summer we took our first family vacation in Ogunquit, Maine with our 8-week-old baby. It was such a lovely vacation. Maine in summer is like the perfect combination of Vermont adventure and Rhode Island ocean. Ogunquit is a touristy but charming town with great options for shopping and dining. The beach is beautiful white sand with a beautiful entrance, perfect for the little ones to play and also to protect you on windy days. We had dinner at The Front Porch down the street, a charming little piano bar with music and people watching. Sweet Pea’s ice cream is a must!
Acadia National Park – Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places, full of options for your adventure. You can camp, hike, bike, canoe, kayak, stand up paddle boarding and more! We rented bikes and took the shuttle from Bar Harbor to the park. The paths are pristine and the scenery is beautiful. This is a trip that is both suitable for families and possibly more challenging for groups of adults. Be sure to book your accommodation early as this is a popular destination! Other interesting Maine destinations include Portland (for city explorers) and Kennebunkport, which has a more small-town family beach vacation vibe.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
I grew up going to Lake Winnipesaukee in the summer and it brought back such a warm, lovely, nostalgic childhood feel. I can still hear the calming sounds of the early morning loons. We used to go with a few families in our town to rent houses along the lake. It was so much fun to play with friends my age, the adults were happy not to have to entertain us, and from what I can tell they had a lot of fun themselves! Lake Winnipesaukee or “Smile of the Great Spirit” is New Hampshire’s largest lake overlooking the White Mountains. There are many different towns around the lake, each with their own interesting niche and spirit. Wells Beach is known for its boardwalks, arcades, waterslides, activity centres and public beaches – basically it’s a kid’s paradise. Meredith is an old mill village with a collection of antique galleries. Wolfeboro is a quaint town with a historic Main Street. Fireworks, concerts and other events take place throughout the summer to add fun and charm to Winnipesaukee. You can swim, bike, fish and boat during your Lake Winnipesaukee vacation!
Chatham, Massachusetts
I recently went to Chatham for the second time for a girls singles weekend. The first time I went was a family vacation. Chatham is such a beautiful ocean town with so many options for family, friends and couples to get away with. Chatham Bars Inn is a gorgeous inn overlooking Chatham Bars, a great choice for you to stay or stop for a drink or meal, and enjoy patio games and a campfire with outdoor seating on the beach. Shopping in downtown Chatham is great for shopping, buying clothes and dining.Our dinner is Bluefin Sushi and Sake Bar It was delicious and we had a great time dancing and drinking chatham squire Then.Our favorite store is fisherman’s daughter. During my first trip to Chatham, we Chatham Fishing Charter. It was so much fun and we all had an exciting reel and big catch to celebrate! Beware: If you’re seasick like me, all the drama in the world won’t stop you from getting sick in the deep sea near Chatham.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
We stopped in Portsmouth for a couple of hours on our way back from Ogunquit last summer and it wasn’t enough! Portsmouth is an interesting destination because the city meets the beach and you can get the best of both worlds.We checked out some shops in the city center and found Portsmouth Brewery. We went to a local beach for a quick dip in the cold water which was refreshing in 95 degree weather. Some options near the beach include: Long Sands Beach, Big Island Commons, Hampton Beach, Wallis Sands State Beach, and Janis State Beach.When we go back we want to check out Portsmouth Farmers MarketMarket Square, Strawberry Bank Museum, Moffat-Rad House and Gardens who doesn’t love a good Ghost and Tram Tour.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Last summer my sister went to Martha’s Vineyard with her husband and 2 year old and it was the perfect getaway for their family. They absolutely adore Edgartown. Edgartown Books It’s a cozy little bookstore. behind the bookstore, actually located behind Edgartown Books, is a real gem, serving al fresco dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. My sister recommended a great breakfast, great coffee and even mentioned iced coffee, a floppy float option which has always been our favorite. Their website also mentions spicy cocktails and dinners under the stars. Sell! Morning Glory Farm is another favorite place bad martha Perfect for outdoor seating, live music, tasty snacks and pizza. Swimming is especially good for toddlers, where there are quiet beaches untouched by the usually rough waters.
Berkshire, Massachusetts
The Berkshire family in western Massachusetts has been on my travel bucket list for a while! There’s a lot to do on a fun-filled adventure holiday, including hiking and biking in the mountains, great food options, shopping, concerts, museums and historic gardens. Check out all the fun things to do here and plan your next Berkshire trip! Here are some bucket lists for the Berkshire family: Tanglewood Concert, Monument Hill and Hancock Shaker Village. The Berkshire family is known for having amazing farm-to-table cuisine. Check out some suggestions here!
White Hills, New Hampshire
A trip to New Hampshire’s White Mountains is the perfect trip for outdoor enthusiasts.take one Zipline tourexperience Sink Canyonhiking Falling Water Trailride Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramwayhave a drink or stay Mount Washington Hotelsclimb Mount Washington or ride cog railway or Auto Road and Bicycle Franconia Notch. Adventure awaits you in every corner of the White Mountains!
Are you vacationing in New England this summer? Let us know your favorite New England vacation spots in the comments.
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