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New England is a region comprising six states in the Northeastern United States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It is bordered by the state of New York to the west and by the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick to the northeast and Quebec to the north.
May 23, 2024 · New England, region, northeastern United States, including the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The region was named by Captain John Smith, who explored its shores in 1614 for some London merchants.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Discover the natural beauty, history, and culture of New England, a region of six states on the Atlantic coast. Find beaches, mountains, museums, cruises, and more for your vacation.
- Boston, Massachusetts. The primary gateway to New England, Boston is a city that blends the best of old and new. It’s a bustling metropolis with quaint neighborhoods and rich culture.
- The Berkshires, Massachusetts. In western Massachusetts, The Berkshires is an irresistibly idyllic region made up of rolling hills, dense woodlands and forested mountains dotted with shimmering lakes.
- White Mountains, New Hampshire. The White Mountains are an epic destination for hiking, rock climbing, skiing and just soaking in natural beauty. They’re home to Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeastern USA, that welcomes adventurers to drive, hike or ride the cog railway to its dramatic peak.
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A quintessential colonial town set on the banks of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth’s historic district has buildings dating back to the 1700s.
- Best Places to Visit in New England: Vermont
- Best Places to Visit in New England: New Hampshire
- Best Places to Visit in New England: Massachusetts
- Best Places to Visit in New England: Maine
- Best Places to Visit in New England: Rhode Island
- Best Places to Visit in New England: Connecticut
Burlington, Vermont
One of the best places to visit in New England is Burlington, Vermont, a place I lived for several years! Do you like the outdoors, craft beer, and progressive-minded folk? You will love the hip city of Burlington and the many fun things to do here. 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 aretons of breweries around here and an explosion offarm-to-table...
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont, renowned as a skiing paradise, is a year-round New England gem. In winter, the town truly shines. Stowe Mountain Resort beckons with top-tier skiing and snowboarding, while the town, illuminated with holiday lights, offers a warm welcome with its quaint streets. Cozy up in local cafes or glide across the Stowe Ice Rink. For a unique experience, embrace the Austrian charm of the Trapp Family Lodge, famous for its connections to “The Sound of Music.” I stayed here myself last sp...
Woodstock, Vermont
Another place to visit in New England I recommend is the town of Woodstock, VT. This scenic New England destination is a breath of fresh air and absolutely one of my favorite New England towns to visit. Its picturesque downtown area, complete with its own historic covered bridge, captures the region’s essence. Explore the unique shops and cozy cafes, all set within historic buildings, and each offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Billings Farm & Museum is another highlight, showcasing V...
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a very small stretch of coastline and Portsmouthis a small city located here. Portsmouth is very historic, which is great for visitors to New England. Settled in 1623, it is actually the third oldest city in the nation, and one of my favorite places to visit. To explore some of this history, check out Strawbery Banke, an outdoor history museum with more than 30 restored buildings built between the 17th and 19th centuries. This is a living history museum, too, with actors por...
North Conway, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountains are impressive, exciting, and draw thousands of outdoorsy folk each year. These mountains, the tallest in New England, offer spectacular hiking and more. North Conway is one of my favorite places for a New England vacation, providing the perfect gateway to the attractions of the White Mountain National Forest. Conway is a mountain town providing a great mix of shopping, restaurants, and outdoor activities. The Saco River runs nearby, so Conway is a good jumping...
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Of course, you’ll want to have America’s Hometown on your list of places to visit in New England! One of the most charming historic towns in the region, Plymouth is full of historical sites like Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II, a scale replica of the historic vessel that carried the Pilgrims across the sea in 1620! Also in Plymouth are a variety of fantastic restaurants and places to stay, including Mirbeau Inn and Spa.History, culture, and a little spa-cation? Why not?
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
This island off the coast of Massachusetts is one of the most beautifulNew 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 (anddelicious restaurants, beautiful inns and hotels, and cool vacation rentals!) Oak Bluffsis an especially cool town to explore. 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 Berkshires, Massachusetts
In Western Massachusetts is the region known as the Berkshires. This area is worlds away from Boston, but it’s not very far as the crow flies. If you’re looking for a bit of country living in MA, this is the region to visit. This area is a popular destination for travelers, especially in the warmer months. 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 t...
Boston, Massachusetts
Some of the best New England vacations start in Boston, and many stay there! It’s one of my favorite places for 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, walking tour, attraction, or event you’ll be psyched about. Walking the Freedom Trail is a Boston bucket list item, whether you’re a history buff or not. This 2.5-mile path takes you past 16 historic sites, each...
Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine is home to some of the best vacation spots in New England and Acadia has to be near the top of that list. Acadia National Park is unlike any other part of New England. This breathtaking national park, spanning a vast 47,000 acres and renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty, ranks among the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States. Here, the mountains and the ocean collide, and visitors can engage in hiking, camping, and exploring, all with spectacular views surround...
Midcoast Maine
One of the best New England vacation destinations has to be the coast of Maine. But with hundreds of miles of coastline, where do you start? We recommend Maine’s Midcoast. Generally speaking, this region runs from Brunswick (just north of Portland) up to around Belfast, just south of Mt. Desert Island. This whole area is beautiful and, as you can imagine, very coastal-focused. In addition to museums, art, history, and food, MidCoast Maine is home to many exciting events and festivals. As Visi...
Portland, Maine
Portlandis one of those quintessential New England vacation spots that has something to offer everyone, really! You’ll find arts and culture, excellent shopping opportunities, a solid craft brewery scene, fantastic restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and so much more in this classic port town. The nearby lighthouses, including Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth, are some of the most frequently photographed lighthouses in New England! Getting out on the water for one of the popular Portland...
Newport, Rhode Island
Aquidneck Island is the home of Newport, RI, a place known for its luxury and glamour. Newport is a great New England destination year-round, and becomes especially charming at Christmastime! One of the main attractions here is visiting the opulent Newport Mansions, Gilded Age dwellings that you can tour and fawn over. I especially recommend The Breakers and Marble House, two of the loveliest and most ornate mansions. Aside from the area’s history, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities for...
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island’s capital, ranks among the top New England vacation destinations, boasting excellent accommodations. The city pulsates with activities, from the esteemed RISD Museum showcasing art and history to a vibrant downtown offering an array of free experiences. Time your visit with Waterfire, the renowned fire festival along the river, for an unforgettable experience. Providence is a culinary delight, particularly renowned for its Italian cuisine. For an optimized weekend iti...
Block Island, Rhode Island
One of the most gorgeous vacation islands in the region, Block Islandshould absolutely be on your list of New England vacation spots! Your journey to Block Island begins by ferry, and once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful places in the Northeast. There are beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and some of the most stunning scenery in New England. The views of the Atlantic Ocean are absolutely marvelous!
New Haven, Connecticut
Home to Yale, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, New Havenis a definite must visit in New England. It’s one of those towns that is small in size but big in attractions! This Long Island Sound town has plenty of arts, culture, and attractions, with a variety of museums, libraries, coffee shops, parks, theaters, and restaurantsto choose from – there’s always something happening in this Connecticut town! Book a room at The Blakeand you’ll get to enjoy their art galler...
The Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Looking for afun day trip from Boston? Consider the enchanting Litchfield Hills. This spot in the northwest corner of Connecticut seems like a hidden gem. Here you’ll find all the classic New England pastimes you know and love. In particular, there is an abundance of outdoor activities (hiking, paddling, fishing) as well as exceptional Antique shops and farm to table restaurants. The Litchfield Hills make up a fair portion of the region, and include towns such as Torrington, Woodbury, Kent, C...
Mystic, Connecticut
Next up is Mystic, Connecticut: one of the best vacation spots in New England. This is a classic New England seaside destination, known for its marine trade legacy and shipbuilding. Today it is a charming waterfront village on the Mystic River. Prior to its fame from the 1988 film “Mystic Pizza,” the Mystic region was renowned for constructing wooden clipper ships. The Mystic Seaport Museum, a top maritime museum in the nation, is the place to go to learn more about this. Here you can discove...
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Discover New England (DNE) is a nonprofit association that promotes travel to and within the six New England states. It offers cooperative marketing opportunities, research, education and tools for the travel trade and tourism businesses.
Jul 25, 2022 · Explore the region's natural beauty, culture, history, and cuisine with this curated list of 85 attractions and activities. From Cadillac Mountain to Fenway Park, from whale-watching to Shaker villages, discover the best of New England.
