In the northeastern area of the United States is New England, a region made up of six states which are Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. It is enclosed by the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick to the northeast and Quebec to the north. New England is very rich in cultural history, and it is considered one of the key areas that were heavily involved in the abolition of slavery in America, and it was also involved in the battle for independence against the British. These days, this area is known for having a mix of historical sites, beautiful tourist spots, and welcoming neighborhoods that feature the history, culture, and landscapes you crave. There are also plenty of accommodations, such as resorts and yurts in New England. Complete your getaway by checking out these best places to visit in New England, USA.
1. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is the county seat of Windsor County, Vermont. It is a town that offers a whole lot despite having a mere population of 3,000. The town showcases Jenne Farm, a family-owned business that is over 50 years old. The view from this place, especially during autumn, is a scene that is very picture-worthy. If you are into skiing or if you wish to try skiing, then the Suicide Six ski area is the place to go. It is considered to be the best small ski mountain in New England, with 24 trails that can accommodate every level, whether beginner or expert. Drop by Sugarbush Farm, a place known for its production of delicious Vermont-made cheese and maple syrup.
2. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a coastal town located to the south of Maine. It is a popular summer destination dominated by beaches and water activities which include kayaking, sailing, swimming, and whale watching. The food here has also helped elevate the town’s popularity. Since it’s composed mostly of seafood, Maine is known to be the USA’s largest lobster producer. Have a taste of their lobster roll, Maine clam chowder, local brews, and more. Speaking of lobsters, you can go take a lobster cruise to experience the life of a lobster fisherman for a few hours. The cruise will take you on a lovely tour along Kennebunk River. You can assist in hauling the lobster traps, or you can just watch how they catch them.
3. New Shoreham, Rhode Island
There are about 17 miles (27.4 km) of beach along the shorelines of New Shoreham. Crescent Beach is the first one that you will see on your way into the island. On the northernmost tip of New Shoreham lies Cow Cove, Settler’s Rock and Sandy Point. This is also where the North Lighthouse is located. Settler’s Rock is named this way because this is where the first settlers of the island landed before they swam to shore. North of Mansion Beach is a set of cliffs named Clayhead. On the southeast corner of the island is where Mohegan Trail is located, along with Southeast Lighthouse. The latter was constructed in 1875 and it is still an active lighthouse today.
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4. New Castle, New Hampshire
This is the smallest town in the New England state of New Hampshire. Notable tourist sites include Fort Constitution Historic Site, Fort Stark State Historic Site, the Historical Society at the Old Library Museum, and Portsmouth Harbor Light. The ruins of the fort are the ones that can be seen today, and its grounds are popular for picnics. The old fortification Fort Stark State Historic Site is situated on the southeast side of New Castle, and it was actually once called “Jerry’s Point”. The grounds are open to the public during the day.
New England Tour Guide
Naim Benmayor
As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this unique perspective has taught me what appeals to people when visiting a new part of the country or a new part of the world. My fluency in English and Turkish, and my advanced skills in Spanish and intermediate skills in French, also help me to service a wider range of tourists and business people.I moved to Boston, Massachusetts several years ago, and I now reside in Brookline. I have three children, so I develop my tours to accommodate families with kids, couples, and individuals who want to visit and learn about the rich history and culture of Boston. As a parent, I know that Boston is a great place for higher education, and I have knowledge of the colleges and universities in the area.I customize tours to suit the needs and preferences of my customers. Whether you want a walking tour, a riding tour, or a little of both, I can create an itinerary that showcases the best of what Boston has to offer.My one day tours are educational and entertaining, and include the history, culture, personalities, architecture and, even the shopping areas of this renowned city. At the end of the tour you will be happy and satisfied when you realize you've seen so much in just a short time.I am here to share my knowledge of Boston, Cambridge and all of New England with you, and help you to enjoy your visit so you can explore the must-see parts of this great city. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you around the city, so please send me a message if you have any questions.Thank you for reading.
5. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a gorgeous town on Mount Desert Island, the largest island just off the coast of Maine. It is beside the mountains and cliffs of the Acadia National Park, so this place serves as a doorway to the park. The name of Bar Harbor was supposedly inspired by the sand and gravel bar that can be seen during low tide. There are a variety of places to check out here, which includes Cadillac Mountains if you are looking for hiking trails and gorgeous views. Sand Beach is available if you want to swim. Shore Path is easily accessible from the town’s pier and it winds along the bay and has a view of the Pacific Ocean and Porcupine Islands.
6. Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport is a quaint coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts, that has a distinct seaside charm. The town offers a number of places to visit that cater to nearly all types of visitors. One of the most visited places includes Bearskin Neck, a small strip of land that extends out of the town center. It is a spot that has a variety of venues, restaurants, shops, and attractions. Motif #1, which has basically become the town’s symbol, was once a fishing shack and then an artist’s studio before becoming a city-owned veteran’s memorial that we see today.
7. Camden, Maine
Known as the “Jewel of the Coast”, Camden is another charming town in Maine. This is actually one of the busiest destinations along the state’s coast, as it has been the setting for numerous Hollywood movies. Aside from being a notable location for film shooting, it is also visited annually for the Camden Windjammer Festival. Taking place in Camden Harbor, the festival celebrates the town’s maritime history. Camden Opera House is also a popular destination here, and it features a 500-seat auditorium that is decorated with Victorian-era ornaments such as antique moldings, gilt printing, and dazzling chandeliers.
8. Newport, Rhode Island (from USD 90.0)
Known as America’s yachting capital, Newport is a beautiful seaside city nestled on Aquidneck Island, Newport County. It is home to a vast number of colonial homes and lush mansions, along with a handful of beautiful beaches. Newport’s history is well-preserved, thanks to the Breakers mansion that showcases the Gilded Age mansions era, and the Newport Historical Society, where its colonial heritage is housed and documented. Whether you are visiting to learn about history or to enjoy sailing, this city will be able to satisfy both.
Newport (Rhode Island) Private City Tour
Duration: 90 to 120 minutes
9. Hanover, New Hampshire
Hanover, New Hampshire, is a town located in Upper Valley, just along Connecticut River in Grafton Count. It is home to the prestigious Dartmouth College, a university that was founded with the intention of educating Native Americans during the 1760s. Located inside the premises is the Hood Museum of Art that houses an important collection of Native American, European, and African art, among others. It also has indigenous Australian contemporary art and a photojournalism archive. Aside from the rich history, the town also offers a lot of places to visit. You can go kayaking and canoeing down Connecticut River, hiking along the Appalachian Trail, and wildlife viewing at Vins Nature Center.
10. Dorset, Vermont
A small community that is located in Bennington County is Dorset, Vermont. This place offers a countryside charm, as the town’s peacefulness can serve as a reprieve from the exhausting city life. It is mostly known for Cephas Kent’s Inn, the venue where the Dorset Accords were signed and Vermont became a free state. This town is also home to an old marble quarry that provided stones that built the main building of New York Public Library. A couple of establishments here have been in operation for over 200 years, like Dorset Inn and Dorset Union Store. Meanwhile, Dorset Playhouse has been around for nearly 100 years.
11. Berkshire County, Massachusetts
The Berkshire region is noted to be the center for visual and performing arts, as they boast many cultural attractions. It is home to a variety of art, theater, dance, and film establishments. Berkshire County encompasses the western side of Massachusetts, and it is just a few hours away from New York. It features a year-round arts and culture celebration with a great number of festivals happening in the area. This place is also surrounded by lush mountains and scenic valleys that offer a myriad of recreational activities.
12. Castine, Maine
Located about 130 miles (209.215 km) north of Portland, the town of Castine sits on the eastern side of Maine, in Hancock County specifically. It is home to Maine Maritime Academy, a four-year institution that produces graduate officers and engineers for the Merchant Marine. When you visit this small town, you will notice that its main street leads toward the sea, and this spot features most of the town’s restaurants, shopping areas, and accommodations.
13. Falmouth, Massachusetts
Less than 40 minutes away from Cape Cod lies Falmouth, a town nestled in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It is commonly overlooked since this is the place you pass by when you are on your way to the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Nevertheless, the town has much to offer its visitors. Drop by Coffee Obsession to grab your morning cup and admire the works of local artists while you drink your daily dose of caffeine. Drive to and have a picnic on the vast grounds of Nobska Lighthouse, which belongs to the local coast guard and is also home to the sector commander. If you are interested in Falmouth’s history, you can pay a visit to Falmouth Historical Society as well.
14. Grafton, Vermont
Located west of the Connecticut River, Grafton is a small but vibrant community that considers its population of 600 as its most valuable resource. An inn from Grafton named “The Old Tavern”, founded in the 1800s, remains to be one of the oldest continually operating accommodations in the United States. The Windham Foundation bought and reconstructed many infrastructures here, which lead to the founding of the Grafton Cheese Company, one of the economic giants in Grafton up until today.
15. Exeter, New Hampshire
Exeter was Rockingham County’s seat until it was moved to Brentwood in 1997. Exeter is home to Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the oldest high schools in America. This town also served as a seaport for almost 100 years, from the 1600s to the 1700s. Today, it is home to a number of recreational parks and offers a slew of indoor and outdoor activities suitable for families.
16. Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, Oak Bluffs is one of the premier points of arrival for incoming tourists. It is renowned for its charming “gingerbread cottages”, along with other well-preserved 19th-century infrastructures. The Flying Hoses Carousel, a beloved attraction constructed in 1876 is considered a national landmark, and it is the oldest platform carousel in the country. During your visit to this town, you should also head to Ocean Park, a beautiful park with potted flowers in the summer and a large, dazzling setup of Christmas lights in the winter. Oak Bluffs is a bustling destination in the summer, but it is really peaceful during winter.
17. Hancock, New Hampshire
Named after the first governor of Massachusetts, John Hancock, Hancock is a quiet town located northwest of Peterborough. Almost all of the buildings on Hancock’s main street are registered on the National Register of Historic Places, so this area alone makes up the town’s historic district. One of these structures is the Hancock Inn & Fox Tavern, a gorgeous accommodation located in the heart of town. It is considered the oldest inn in all of New Hampshire since it has been up and running since the late 1700s.
18. Little Compton, Rhode Island
Little Compton is located in Newport County, Rhode Island, and it is enclosed by the Sakonnet River. It was originally inhabited by Sakonnet Indians before it was taken over in the 1600s by the Plymouth Colony. Notable places to visit here include Wilbor House, which was built by Samuel Wilbore in 1692 and is now a museum known as Little Compton Historical Society. Another attraction here is Rhode Island Red, a monument that commemorates a breed of chicken that was originally bred here.
19. Wethersfield, Connecticut
Wethersfield is situated along the Connecticut River, to the south of Hartford County. It served as a port that brought in rum and sugar from the West Indies during the 16th and 19th centuries. This town is recognized as the biggest historic district in Connecticut. Notable places to visit include Old Wethersfield, the state’s first European-American settlement that is already 400 years old. Another is Webb Deane Stevens Museum, located in the heart of town. This attraction has documents of life in New England during the mid 18th to the early 19th century.
20. Marblehead, Massachusetts
Formerly known as “Massebequash”, Marblehead is a seaside town situated at a rocky peninsula that stretches out to the Atlantic Ocean. It was formerly inhabited by the Naumkeag people, but a smallpox outbreak during the 16th century wrecked their tribe. In the late 1600s, the heirs of the tribe sold their land, and the deed is still preserved at Abbot Hall today. People who bought the land took no time to develop Marblehead and eventually turned it into a prosperous fishing village. It is now a seaside resort town and a yachting center open to the public.
21. Hartford, Connecticut
The capital city of Connecticut and once the seat of Hartford County, this metropolis is also known as the “Insurance Capital of the World” since it is home to several insurance company headquarters. Hartford was founded in the 1600s, which is why it is considered among the oldest cities in America. Here you will find Wadsworth Atheneum, the country’s oldest museum. It displayed just 79 paintings originally, and today it is home to more than 50,000 works of art. Bushnell Park and the oldest newspaper, Hartford Courant, are also found here.
22. Guilford, Connecticut
Located in southern Connecticut, Guilford was named after a town in Surrey, England, since that is where its first settlers originated from. They bought this land from a Native American leader called Wequash. Today, this town is known for having the third-largest collection of historic homes in New England, with an impressive number of important infrastructures dating back to the 17th until the 19th century. Notable destinations here include Dudley Farm, Hyland House, and Henry Whitfield House - three historic museums in Guilford.
23. West Hartford
Often commended as one of the best small towns in America, West Hartford is a town located in Hartford County, Connecticut. The downtown area is known as “the Center”, and its recent extension is referred to as Blue Back Square. This spot is cleverly made for strolling since you will pass by many one-off shops and trendy international restaurants. It also has a bookstore, a movie theater, clinics, a brewery, and several boutiques. The Center serves as a one-stop destination that will satisfy all of your needs. West Hartford also celebrates a number of events intended to draw in tourists from neighboring towns, including the Elizabeth Park Concert Series and the annual West Hartford event that features rides and food stalls, among others.
24. Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield is a wealthy town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and it is blessed with captivating beaches. Jennings Beach should be included in your itinerary if you plan to visit this place during the summer, as it is a great place to relax under the sun and swim in the pristine waters. You can also satisfy your appetite for good food since the beach is often visited by food trucks. Another notable destination here is Fairfield University Art Museum. They feature Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings at Meditz gallery, which is beautifully designed and looks like a basilica.
25. Provincetown, Massachusetts
Situated at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a resort town by the coast with a population that hikes up from 3,000 to 60,000 during the summertime. Its sandy beaches and lighthouse provide a picturesque scene that serves as a popular wedding venue. This place is also where Commercial Street, a popular shopping street, is located. It features a myriad of shops that provides a garden variety of goods, including books and souvenirs, among others. The shops sell items such as t-shirts, glassware, furniture, and other home goods that can serve as mementos for your visit.
26. Stratford, Connecticut
Founded by Puritans in the 1600s, Stratford is a fairly large town situated in Connecticut. Notable destinations here include Lordship Wall, known simply as “the Wall”, a seawall that offers majestic ocean views. Another place to visit is Short Beach, a community beach found next to the mouth of the Housatonic River. This spot offers a range of water activities and is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic with the family.
27. Washington, Connecticut
Not to be confused with the capital of the United States, the town of Washington in Connecticut is a rural destination in Litchfield County comprised of five villages. Washington Green in the town center is home to a library, two museums, a private boarding school, and a collection of historic houses designed by Erik Rossiter. Washington Depot is where you can find a myriad of interesting shops, restaurants, galleries, and Bryan Memorial Town Hall. New Preston is an enclave of historic buildings, and Marbledale is known for its collection of shops found inside restored homes. Woodville houses the Washington Montessori School.
28. Sugar Hill, New Hampshire
Sugar Hill is a town in the state of New Hampshire. This is a scenic destination that has a view of White Mountain National Forest. It was named this way because of the vast number of sugar maple trees here. White Mountain National Forest is good not only for enjoying outdoor activities like camping, but it is also good for logging. This place was once a part of Lisbon, New Hampshire, but it became an incorporated town in the mid-1960s.
29. Warwick, Rhode Island
Founded by Samuel Gorton in 1642, Warwick has seen its fair share of major events in American history. It was once ravaged in King Philip’s War and it was also where the Gaspee Affair occurred, the first act of armed resistance against the British predating the Boston Tea Party. This city is also the hometown of a number of notable people from the Revolutionary and Civil War, particularly Nathanael Greene and George S. Greene. These days, the place is mostly known for the state’s main airport, T.F. Green Airport that serves as a reliever for Logan International Airport in Boston.
30. Boston, Massachusetts (from USD 46.0)
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and is also the most densely populated place in New England. Founded in 1630, it is considered one of the oldest cities in the United States. These days, Boston is home to a handful of universities, making it an international center for higher education. Visit this municipality to enjoy some of the best dining and shopping experience on the state.
Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour with Optional Harbor Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
Experience the best of New England
Aside from having one of the most popular and most prosperous towns and cities in the United States, New England also has a wealthy history, as it was the site for some of the most important events in American history. It does not only offer a satisfying trip but also an educational one. Keep this in mind on your next visit and don’t forget to look up this list of the best places to visit.
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