10 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways In New England, USA - Updated 2024

1. Burlington, Vermont (from USD 220)

Boasting stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains, Burlington in Vermont is one lovely city that offers tourists many things. From quaint shops to top restaurants, breathtaking islands, and ski trails, this city truly has something for everyone, whatever the season. If you want to see how lively this place can be, Church Street Marketplace is the place to go. For art lovers and book enthusiasts, The Flying Pig Bookstore and Fleming Museum of Art are also nearby. It will take you three and a half hours to travel, with its distance being 156.9 miles (252.5 km) from New England. For your accommodation, Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown is a great choice.

2. Portland, Maine (from USD 169)

Portland is a famous destination in Maine, especially with it being the center of tourism in the state. Travelers will find this charming metropolitan city to be exciting as it has all sorts of fascinating places to see. Your visit to Portland would not be complete without going to The Old Port, where you can see and experience the best in the city. From old streets to fishing piers, there’s so much you can do. It will only take you one hour and a half to travel its distance from New England, which is 46.2 miles (74.35 km). For your accommodation, you can enjoy staying in the Portland Harbor Hotel or maybe a yacht charter.

Furthermore, just a few minutes’ drive south of the city, you’ll find one of the best theme parks in New England called Palace Playland at Old Orchard Beach.

3. Mystic, Connecticut (from USD 234)

Filled with the lively chatters of tourists, Mystic is a charming coastal town in Connecticut that’s rich in historic spots, dining options, and thrills. If you’re planning a round trip, you can only visit a few destinations since its distance is 236.2 miles (380.12 km) from New England, which will take you four hours to drive. And if that’s the case, make Mystic Seaport Museum a priority. It boasts all things interesting, from a planetarium to a working shipyard. There are also exhibits and boat rides nearby. Make sure to make a quick stop at Olde Mistick Village for some shopping and dining. And if ever you want to stay, The Whaler’s Inn is always open.

4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire (from USD 206)

A destination for food enthusiasts, Portsmouth is famous for its plethora of restaurants owned by award-winning chefs. It’s not just about fancy dining, though, as you’ll find plenty of mouth-watering street food in the city. It also features a diversity of cultural scenes and lively art. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.

For history enthusiasts, Strawberry Banke Museum is the place to go. Nearby it is the charming Prescott Park, boasting perennial and annual flowers blooming in beautiful gardens. For shopping, you’ll find Market Square to be delightful. Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown will give you an easy access point. If you’re coming from New England, it will only take you one and a half hours to cover the 77.6 miles (124.9 km) to Portsmouth.

5. Bar Harbor, Maine (from USD 139)

Bar Harbor is a coastal town that’s ideal for a weekend trip that offers a plethora of fun things to do. It is an almost four-hour drive from New England and it attracts tourists from different places. Its 192 miles (309 km) of land from New England makes it best to stay for a day or two. Bar Harbor is a summer destination bustling with souvenir shops, ice-cream stalls, and lively streets. You’ll also find a lot of homes that boasts an old-world charm, fancy dining, and the stunning water of the Frenchman Bay. To have the best visit, consider staying at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center, where every waking day offers ocean views.

6. Rockport, Massachusetts (from USD 125)

Rockport is a quaint coastal town in Essex County, offering travelers a plethora of things to do. These include trying out the freshest seafood there is, witnessing the famous Twin Lights just off the coast of Rockport, and enjoying the beautiful views of the rocky scenes of The Headlands overlooking the Rockport Harbor. There truly is something for everyone. And if you want to experience the best, you might as well stay at Rockport Inn and Suites, where destinations like Pebble Beach, Cape Hedge Beach, and Long Beach Rockport are just a short drive away. New England is only 140.6 miles (226.3 km) from Rockport, which makes it a three-hour drive.

7. Salem, Massachusetts (from USD 206)

Known as the town of the infamous witch trials, Salem has a long history of a haunted past that makes it an exciting destination to visit in late October and early November. Driving South 122.5 miles away from New England, all spooky and exciting places in Salem will welcome you. From visiting the Salem Witch Trial Memorial to checking out Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, this is perfect for visitors looking for the thrill of their lives. Book a room at Hawthorne Hotel for easy access to other exciting destinations in town, including Peabody Essex Museum and The House of the Seven Gables.

8. Provincetown, Massachusetts (from USD 214)

If you’re someone who loves traveling long distances, you might consider going to Provincetown and staying for a day or two at Provincetown Inn. With a distance of 246.1 miles (396.1 km) from New England, it will take you a five-hour drive to arrive. Provincetown is an east-coast vacation destination that boasts stunning coastal landscapes and cultural activities to enjoy. During the summer, there are a lot of exciting things you can do, such as exploring Cape Cod National Sanctuary, soaking in the sun at its pristine beaches, admiring the charming Pilgrim Monument, and even wine tastings. Whatever your interest may be, Provincetown is the place to go.

9. North Conway, New Hampshire (from USD 119)

Planning to visit the stunning mountains of North Conway in New Hampshire? Lucky for you, there are a lot of things to do in this vibrant city. From shopping to skiing, and dining to relaxing, you’ll find thrills no matter the season. For starters, this accommodation will give you access to some of the must-visit destinations in the city. If you’re a big fan of shopping, North Plaza Shopping Center is just 0.37 miles (0.6 km) from the hotel, where you can also enjoy some food. And if you’re up for mastering your golf skills, Banana Village Mini Golf will only take you 1.24 miles (2 km) to travel. North Conway is only 23.6 miles (38km) from New England, which makes it a 30-minute drive.

10. Ludlow, Vermont (from USD 187)

If you want to see the breathtaking Okemo Mountain, drive the 142.7 miles (229.7 km) from New England to Ludlow, Vermont, which used to be a small mill town. Ludlow is a famous destination, especially during the winter, when the Okemo Mountain Ski Resort is one of the hot spots in this quaint town. Just outside the border of Ludlow is Buttermilk Falls, where bodies of water flow freely into a large pool, perfect for swimming and water thrills. Your visit to Vermont would not be complete without visiting Green Mountain Sugar House, where you can witness Ludlow’s true maple sugarhouse. For comfortable accommodation, consider choosing The Pettigrew Inn as your dwelling place.

New England's wonders

New England is stunning. In fact, it’s where you’ll find some of the most beautiful places in the country. With its six states that offer you the best of everything, from the best places to visit to the best activities, it’s no wonder a lot of people make it a vacationing destination.

There’s so much that awaits your arrival, from relaxation to thrills, you will never have a dull moment during your visit. Make sure to take advantage of everything that this beautiful place has to offer. Of course, don’t forget to have fun!