New England is known for its charm, unique seasons, beauty, and diverse landscapes from mountains and forests to oceans and coastlines. Whether you're visiting coastal towns, national parks, or New England's historic sites, there's plenty to do on the East Coast. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly vacation, girls weekend or Romantic tripNew England has something to offer every type of traveler.
New England consists of 5 states: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Each has unique scenery, attractions and history. No matter where you travel in the region, we've rounded up some of the best things to do in every New England state!
You might also like 10 Places to Visit in New England This Summer and Romantic Getaway in New England.
20 Things to Do in New England
maine
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park It is a 47,000-acre recreational area on the Atlantic coast of Mount Desert Island in Maine. The park is known for its diverse landscape, from rocky beaches to woodlands and granite peaks. Enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking or climbing throughout the park.
Portland Headlight and Williamsburg Park
Portland Headlight and Williamsburg Park It is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth. This iconic landmark is an interesting location for exploring history at the Lighthouse Museum. Williamsburg is an adjacent 90-acre park where you can picnic, hike, bike, and enjoy beautiful ocean views. Located just outside of Portland, Maine, the lighthouse and park is a beautiful place to enjoy the tranquility and history of the area.
Try Maine lobster
You can’t come to New England without tasting delicious, rich, fresh lobster, and Maine is arguably the best place to eat lobster. Maine lobster is famous for its delicious taste. try Portland at dusk Try the best lobster rolls and fresh oysters.
Explore Fort Foster in Kittery
Fort Foster, located in Kittery, Maine, is a popular and fun tourist destination, especially during the summer. Originally built in the early 19th century to protect Portsmouth Harbour, it has played a variety of strategic roles throughout its operational history. Today, Fort Foster is a popular recreational area with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Isles of Shoals.
The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of sand and rocky beaches. This is a great family-friendly destination that also allows dogs on leashes. Pack a cooler, snacks and drinks and spend the day exploring Maine’s great attractions.
New Hampshire
Conway Scenic Railway
this Conway Scenic Railway Travel through Washington Valley and Crawford Notch in North Conway, New Hampshire. These traditional rain excursions and scenic train rides are the best way to see the sights with 360-degree views. Enjoy the beauty of the area while feeling like you've stepped back in time!
Kancamagus Parkway
this cancamagus highway is a 34.5-mile scenic trail with an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet. Best known for its spectacular fall foliage, but beautiful any time of year. The Kancamagus River flows through the White Mountain National Forest. When you travel, you will find yourself truly immersed in nature, without the comforts and distractions of the modern era (gas stations, restaurants, shops, etc.).
rhode island
Take the Cliff Walk
If you're looking for coastal towns in New England, look no further than Rhode Island! this The Cliff Trail in Newport, Rhode Island is a 3.5 mile scenic trail The coast offers beautiful seascapes, rocky beaches and historic mansion.
gilded age mansion
newport building It’s a must-see attraction when in Newport, Rhode Island. Step back in time as you explore the beautifully decorated Newport Mansion. Learn about the area's rich history and the families who played an important role in Newport's development to what it is today.
newport jazz festival
newport jazz festival is an annual multi-day jazz festival held on the waterfront at Fort Adams State Park in Newport. Thousands of music fans flock to Newport each summer to view the event from land and water. The festival has great headliners every year and fans can enjoy a long weekend of great music. Bringing your kids to Newport? look 15 Things to Do with Kids in Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport Folk Festival
Newport Folk Festival is another renowned annual music show in Newport, Rhode Island. The Folk Music Festival began in 1959 as a counterpart to the Jazz Festival. The lineup of musicians is always exciting and keeps fans coming back every summer. If you're looking for more recommendations in Newport, see 20 Best Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island This Summer.
roger williams park
roger williams park is a 427-acre park in the City of Providence with 7 lakes, roads, bridges, and sidewalks for walking, biking, and exploring. The park also includes roger williams zoo, museum, plant center, several gardens, boathouse, carousel and more. Spring, summer and autumn are particularly beautiful.
Vermont
Try Vermont Maple Syrup
Vermont is known for its excellent maple syrup. Vermont's climate, abundance of sugar maples, and long tradition of maple sugar production make Vermont one of the best places to learn and see maple sugaring in action. From mid-February to late March, head to Vermont to experience maple syrup making. Check Borden Maple Farm In Woodstock, Vermont. After the Maple Leaf Tour Grab a bite to eat at Woodstock.
to peek at the leaves
For those who want to experience amazing energy autumn leaves, and there’s no better place than Vermont. start later September to mid-Octoberthe trees begin to turn beautiful reds, oranges, yellows and golds. Hiking, Scenic drive Or take a stroll through Vermont’s charming towns and admire the brilliant colors.
Explore covered bridges
Visit Vermont’s Green Mountains Vermont's historic covered bridges. Today, Vermont has more than 100 covered bridges, more than any other state.
Visit Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Woodstock, Vermont is a well-kept park for enjoying the outdoors. In the summer, you can hike and bike the extensive trails; in the winter, you can explore museums and mansions, and ski or snowshoe. Various programs and events are held throughout the year. Check the website to see what's playing while you're in town.
Massachusetts
Go to a baseball game at Fenway Park
Go to fenway A time-honored American pastime—baseball! Attend a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. From the cheering and patriotic crowds to the cookies and beer, this is an experience of a lifetime.
Take the road to freedom
Boston is rich in history, and what better way to soak it up than in Boston? the road of freedom. Step back in time on this 2.5-mile trail that passes through 17 historic locations. Head to the Old North Church and Bunker Hill Monument from the Boston Common.
Boston Children's Museum
America’s second oldest children’s museum, Boston Children's Museum From award-winning exhibitions and programs to STEAM learning and exploration, there’s everything here that families will love. Make your child's dinosaur, bubble, and space dreams come true!
new england aquarium
this new england aquarium A favorite for every age group. Home to a variety of marine life including seals, sea lions, giant Pacific octopus, stingrays, penguins and more, this is a great opportunity to learn about the ocean and how to protect it.
Salem Witch Museum
Salem is rich in history, most notably the Witches Trail in 1962. this Salem Witch Museum is a riveting tribute to a dark part of American history, featuring life-size stage sets, exhibits and tours that explore the 1962 Salem Witch Trials and more about witchcraft today.
connecticut
Visit Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium
Experience the rich history and wonders of marine life in mystical Connecticut Mystic Seaport Museum & Mystic Aquarium. A family-friendly destination that will keep you entertained all day long!
Tour historical houses
Visit historic houses such as Mark Twain Home and Museum in Hartford or Hillstead Museum Delve into Connecticut's literary and cultural heritage in Farmington.
New England is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. Whether you like to visit museums, explore the outdoors or sample fresh seafood, there's always something to see and do.
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