It’s no secret I am crazy about New England. Ever since moving here I’ve been fascinated with the culture, seasons, outdoor sceneries, food-scene, nightlife, and cozy towns that are plentiful.
Rocky cliffs overlooking sandy beaches. Quiet towns surrounding bustling cities. Centuries of history and hundreds of spooky stories. Vibrant fall foliage and frozen, snow-capped mountains. Fresh-picked farm produce and sticky sweet maple syrup.
These are just some of the things that make New England one of the best travel destinations in the country. New England is made up of six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Whether you’re exploring one state at a time or traveling to each one for the ultimate New England road trip, I have you covered. My New England Travel Guide includes the most important things you’ll want to know before you hit the road!
New England Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit New England
The New England area has four distinct seasons and it’s a beautiful sight to see in each of them. You can see a stunning cascade of reds, yellows, and oranges covering the sugar maples on the mountains in the fall. When the air turns cold in the winter, locals and visitors come together to enjoy a variety of winter sports. The snow-covered areas sprinkled throughout the mountains provide plenty of opportunities for skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, and more.
As the color returns to New England in the spring, you’ll get another glimpse at the gorgeous foliage blooming throughout the region. If you’re more of a beach bum who prefers hot sunshine, you’ll love the radiant shores of Cape Cod. It can get pretty warm in the summer, but the hundreds of inland lakes and swimming holes offer refreshing escapes from the heat.
Getting Around New England
There’s no doubt you will do a lot of walking as you explore all that the states of New England have to offer. New England states like Rhode Island may appear tiny on a map, but don’t be fooled; you will need different modes of transportation if you want to see more than just a few square miles.
Fortunately, there are several modes of transportation available to help you get from one location to the next, whether you’re traveling within a state or from one state to the next.
To travel to and from Boston, consider taking the commuter rail train. If you’re hoping to visit an island like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, or Cape Cod, you’ll need to ride the ferry unless you have a private plane. (I wish). To get from one location to the next within a city, consider renting a bicycle, busing, or Ubering. And if you’re up for an adventure, try a ride on a snowmobile through Acadia National Park.
Fun Things to Do In New England
Explore Beacon Hill in Boston, MA
Beacon Hill is one of my favorite parts of Boston. It’s a quaint, picturesque area practically overflowing with New England charm. Acorn Street provides the perfect backdrop for both professional and amateur photographers and Beacon Hill Chocolates offers sweet confections from all around the world. Between the sights and smells of Beacon Hill, you might never want to leave.
Visit Salem in October
Just 16 miles north of Boston, Salem is a city in Massachusetts famous for its dark history. Salem is a great place to visit any time of year, but visitors come in droves around Halloween. This is because of the events the city is best-known for: the Salem witch trials. You can traverse the city on your own or go on a guided walking tour to learn more about the unfortunate fate of 19 alleged witches in 1692.
As you explore Salem, you can also visit the (reportedly haunted) house that was featured in Hocus Pocus. You may even get to have your own haunting experience! Many staff members and visitors have shared some pretty eerie occurrences from their time on the property.
I’ve been to Salem many times since living in Massachusetts and it’s simply beautiful and magical in all seasons.
Go On A Historic Home Walk in Marblehead, MA
Marblehead is another gorgeous New England destination that is just a town over from Salem and happens to be one of my favorite places in all of Mass. A historic home walk is one of the best ways to spend a crisp fall afternoon. Over 300 historic homes line the streets of Marblehead, each with its own story. There’s just something about the colorful exteriors of the beautifully constructed houses that blends perfectly with the fall foliage.
Art and Lobster in Rockport, MA
Rockport is an idyllic beach town in Massachusetts. Here you’ll find Motif Number 1, a red fishing shack that has been dubbed “the most painted building in the world.” Naturally, Rockport is home to an abundant collection of sea-themed artwork displayed in numerous art galleries around town.
Speaking of art galleries, you’ll want to visit the ones on Bearskin Neck. As if the name isn’t cool enough, this trendy part of Rockport is home to locally-owned shops, art galleries, ice cream parlors, and restaurants. For some great lobster, delicious clam chowder, and an authentic New England dining experience, stop by Roy Moore Lobster Co.
Go Back In Time in Plymouth, MA
History buffs will adore the coastal town of Plymouth. The first pilgrims settled in Plymouth in 1620 and Plymouth Rock marks the spot where the settlers likely landed on shore. Plymouth Rock is an actual boulder that sits in Pilgrim Memorial State Park. It’s pretty cool to see it in person!
Just as impressive is the Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the Mayflower, the ship that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth from across the Atlantic ocean. You can usually find the Mayflower II anchored at Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
If you’re interested in seeing all the epic landmarks in Plymouth, then I suggest getting the Heritage Pass for $42.40 which gives you access to the Mayflower II, Plimoth Grist Mist and Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Totally worth it!
See the Wayside Inn Grist Mill in Sudbury, MA
The Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA is the oldest operating Inn in the United States. It’s practically bursting at the seams with history and New England charm. The Wayside Inn is one of four main buildings that make up the Wayside Inn Historic Site. The other three buildings are the Grist Mill, the Chapel, and the Schoolhouse.
The Grist Mill inspired the Pepperidge Farm logo and, according to the Inn’s website, “was built under the direction of former property owner Henry Ford.” The water-powered mill has been operating since 1929 and is worth seeing in person any time of the year. That said, the entire Wayside Inn Historic Site is breathtakingly beautiful in the fall as the leaves change colors and in the winter when soft blankets of snow lay across the property.
Family Fun on Massachusetts Farms
Massachusetts is well known for its farming and agriculture. There are hundreds of farms operating across the state, some of which welcome guests for unique entertainment. There are four farms in particular, Connors Farm, Lookout Farm, Hanson’s Farm, and CN Smith Farm, that stand out as some of the best farms to visit in Massachusetts. For an authentic harvest experience, visit one or more of these farms in the fall.
Connors Farm
Connors Farm in Danvers, MA is a hot spot for fun for all ages. Fall activities include a 7-acre corn maze, farm-themed play areas, gemstone mining, and more. On several nights in October, Connors Farm hosts “Flashlight Nights” where guests can navigate the corn maze with only a flashlight to lead their way.
Connors Farm also offers traditional farm family entertainment including the chance to pick your own fruits and vegetables, hayrides, and shopping at the farm stand.
Lookout Farm
Belkin Family Lookout Farm, or just Lookout Farm, is a family-friendly farm in Natick, MA. It is a continuously working farm that has been in operation since 1651. Lookout Farm is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially fun in the fall.
You can pick your own fruit, sip on the freshest cider you’ll ever taste, try craft beer, and devour incredible honey butter fried chicken sandwiches. And while you check out the homemade desserts, your kids can enjoy activities like train rides and face painting. It’s the perfect way for the whole family to spend at least a few hours in the fall.
Hanson’s Farm
Hanson’s Farm is a working farm that has been family owned and operated for five generations. Since 1913, Hanson’s has grown 180 different fruits and vegetables on 52 acres and hay on 100 acres.
Hanson’s is a great farm to visit by yourself or with your entire family. Enjoy a stroll through the corn maze and the pumpkin patch, go on a hayride, and say hello to the animals. Then step inside for delectable hard-scoop ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet.
You’ll also find a farm stand packed with the freshest seasonal produce. Locals will tell you that their corn, tomatoes, squash, and peaches are the best around.
CN Smith Farm
CN Smith Farm in Bridgewater, MA is a family owned farm that has been operating for over 80 years. There are currently fruit and vegetable crops and more than 90 acres. Throughout the year, visitors can pick their own apples and berries and see firsthand the work that goes into growing everything from tomatoes and asparagus to peaches, plums, and pears.
Throughout the property you’ll find the farm stand, a cider mill, farm animals, a donut barn and more. There are also several activities that bring locals and tourists to CN Smith including an Easter egg hunt in the spring.
Tour the Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum offers fun for the whole family. Mystic Seaport is the largest maritime museum in the United States. It was founded in 1929 and has since become a national center for research and education.
The Mystic Seaport Museum sits on 19 acres and includes a recreated New England coastal village, a shipyard, and more than 500 historic watercraft. Mystic Seaport is where you can see Charles W. Morgan, the 1841 whaleship and oldest commercial ship in America still in existence.
You can also explore the 41,000 square foot Collections Research Center that houses more than 2 million artifacts. If you are at all interested in the maritime history of our country, I urge you to visit the Mystic Seaport Museum.
See the Portland Head Lighthouse in Portland, Maine
The Portland Head Lighthouse is one of Maine’s most iconic landmarks. The lighthouse is located in Fort Williams Park, at the edge of Cape Elizabeth’s shoreline. The walk along the coastline is one of the most beautiful in New England and it will lead you right to the entrance of the lighthouse.
Skiing in Killington, VT
Winter sports enthusiasts are guaranteed to love Killington in the winter. Situated in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Killington is home to Killington Ski Resort. The ski resort is often called “The Beast,” which should give you some insight into what you can expect when you hit the slopes for some downhill skiing. For less of an adrenaline rush, Killington also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and so much more.
The Cliff Walk in Newport, RI
For a more laid-back way to spend some time in New England, consider the Cliff Walk. The Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile path in Newport, Rhode Island that gives you an up-close and even behind-the-scenes look at more than 60 historic properties, beautiful homes, and Salve Regina University buildings. The walk will take you through tunnels, over rocks and dirt, and across beaches. It’s a walk unlike one you’ve ever taken before.
West Hartford, CT
West Hartford is one of those destinations that seems to have just about everything. History enthusiasts will love visiting Lincoln Theater and the Sarah Whitman Hooker Homestead. The Children’s Museum is a popular stop for families. There are even a couple golf courses where you can spend some time on the green.
Best Places to Stay in New England
If you’re not sure where to stay during your New England vacation, consider booking one of the following hotels. I can personally vouch for each of them.
Delamar Hotel in West Hartford, Connecticut
Delamar Hotel is located on Memorial Rd in West Hartford, CT. It’s just 5 miles west of downtown Hartford. There are 114 rooms available, ranging from a Deluxe King or Double Queen to the spacious and luxurious Pauline Suite on the top floor. There’s truly something for everyone.
Treat yourself and enjoy the many amenities available for guests, beginning with a complimentary glass of champagne when you arrive to check in. In-room amenities at the Delamar Hotel include:
- Free high-speed internet
- Flat screen 50” SMART TV
- Full breakfast buffet
- Private in-room safe
- Mini bar, upon request
- Bvlgari bath amenities
- Housekeeping service
- Private balconies and terraces (in select rooms)
- Soaking tubs (in select rooms)
- Hotel courtesy car with a 5-mile radius
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Fitness center with Peloton bikes
You can book a room at the Delamar Hotel here.
Portland Harbor Hotel in Portland, Maine
One of my favorite hotels in Maine is the Portland Harbor Hotel. Located in Portland, ME, this hotel is within walking distance of downtown Portland. There are 101 nautical-themed rooms, from the Deluxe to the Executive King, to keep you comfortable during your time in the New England states.
Amenities at the Portland Harbor Hotel include:
- Starbucks coffee touchscreen machines on each floor
- Wood floors and local artwork in each room
- Fitness center
- Outdoor fire pit
- Down pillows and duvets
- Complimentary wireless internet
You can book a stay at the Portland Harbor Hotel here.
The Hob Knob Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is a swanky island situated just south of Cape Cod. On that island is the award-winning, eco-friendly, and beautiful Hob Knob Hotel. The Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa is everything that it sounds like it should be. The hotel is located on Main Street in Edgartown and you’ll need to take a boat or plane to get there – most people take the ferry.
To stay at the Hob Knob Hotel, you’ll need to book one of the seventeen rooms well in advance. But believe me, the wait is worth it. In addition to the stunning views and small town atmosphere, the following amenities await you:
- King size beds with Frette linens
- Plush, organic bathrobes
- Fitness room with sauna and steam shower
- Rejuvenation Spa and spa services
- Free high-speed wifi and flat screen TVs
- In-room refrigerators with water and snacks
- Drawing room with fireplace, two dining rooms, garden room and terrace, and a wraparound porch
- Bike rentals
Book your stay at the Hob Knob Hotel here.
The Lenox Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts
The Lenox Hotel, found on Exeter Street in Back Bay, is the perfect retreat in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Boston. What I especially love about this hotel is how it combines rich history with modern upgrades.
The Lenox Hotel offers 214 guest rooms in seven different styles ranging from the 220 sq ft Classic Room to the 750 sq ft Penthouse Suite. Hotel amenities include:
- Complimentary bottled water and newspapers
- Luxury Beekman 1802 amenities
- Mini fridges in every room
- Complimentary morning coffee and tea bar in lobby
- Fireplace lighting services for Executive rooms and Suites
- Same day laundry/dry cleaning
- 24-hour business center
- Complimentary wifi
- Cue Radio with Bluetooth in every room
- Google Chromecast
- 24-hour fitness center
- In-room wellness and spa therapies available
- Peloton Stationary Bikes
- Filtered water stations on every floor
You can book a room at the Lenox Hotel in Boston here.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is an award-winning, luxury 5-star hotel located on Boylston Street in Boston. In addition to the 148 guest rooms and suites, the hotel is home to Boston’s first and longest running Five-Star awarded spa and modern fitness center.
Luxurious accommodations at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel include the following amenities:
- Diptyque bath amenities
- Fully stocked mini bar
- Nespresso machine
- Plush terry bathrobes
Book a room at this beautiful Boston hotel here.
The Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill
The Liberty Hotel in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston is a lovely place to stay when you come to Boston. Located on Charles St, the Liberty Hotel is part of A Luxury Hotel Collection and the Marriott Bonvoy program. Guests have been staying at the Liberty Hotel since 2007, but the building has been around since 1851 when it was used as The Charles Street Jail. You can spot elements of the building’s rich history throughout the hotel.
There are 298 rooms and suites with numerous amenities including:
- 24-hour room service
- In-room safes
- High speed internet
- High-definition LCD TVs
- In-room private bars
- Molton Brown bathroom amenities
- Overnight shoeshine
You can book a room at the Liberty Hotel here.
The Whitney Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts
The Whitney Hotel is a boutique nestled in the Boston neighborhood of Beacon Hill. It was named the #1 Hotel in Boston by Conde Naste Travelers 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Whitney Hotel is a sleek, modern hotel is located at on Charles Street in Boston and offers 65 guest rooms and suites with the following amenities:
- Complimentary wifi
- Restaurant and bar
- In-room dining
- Fitness studio
- Complimentary newspaper
- Complimentary shoeshine
- Concierge services
- Complimentary bicycles
- Google Chromecast
- Mini fridge
- WHIT pantry
Book a room at The Whitney Hotel in Boston here.
Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge, Boston is far enough from the city to offer a more intimate place to lay your head, while staying close enough to the city to explore everything it has to offer. This is yet another award-winning hotel with the right accommodations to complement your trip to New England.
There are 237 rooms available at The Kimpton Marlowe Hotel and with a long list of available amenities, it’s one of the best family-friendly hotels in Massachusetts. Those amenities include:
- Luxury Atelier Bloem bath amenities
- In-room spa services
- 24-hour fitness center
- Acclaimed Bambara Kitchen + Bar
- A Brandillary at the Cambridge Lobby Bar
- Full concierge
- Access to Pressreader
- Polaroid cameras
- GoPro cameras
- Ability to stream content from 2000+ apps to the TV
- Nightly movie in the courtyard
- Unlimited local and long distance calls
You can reserve a room at the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel here.
The Langham Hotel – Financial District, Boston, Massachusetts
The Langham Hotel in the Financial District of Boston is a 5-star luxury hotel with a reputation for having pristine and affluent accommodations. The historic hotel just recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation so it somehow feels both brand new and historic at the same time.
This unique hotel, located on Franklin St, offers 312 guest rooms and suites. Hotel amenities include:
- Tea and coffee-making facilities including Nespresso machines
- 50” LED HD TV with Google Chromecast
- Free wifi
- In-room safe
- Plush bathrobes and slippers
- Bathroom with rainfall shower (in select rooms)
Book a room at The Langham Hotel in Boston here.
Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Massachusetts
Lexington, Massachusetts is where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired. The area is still rich with history and American charm, and the Inn at Hastings Park is the perfect place to stay.
The Inn at Hastings Park is a 4-star luxury boutique hotel that offers historic charm and modern luxury, which is why it’s one of my favorite places to stay in New England. The hotel, with 22 guest rooms and suites, is located on Massachusetts Avenue. Each room is unique but you can enjoy the following amenities regardless of which room you sleep in:
- Complimentary continental breakfast (pastries, fruit, coffee, and tea)
- Free wifi throughout the property
- Free on-site parking
- Complimentary coffee service each morning
- Complimentary access to the Volvo test drive program (cars available for self-guided tours)
- Indoor and outdoor dining options Tuesday through Sunday
- Complimentary refreshment center in each guest room stocked with coffee, snacks, and fridge with complimentary drinks
- In-house library and games
- Free access to local fitness facility
You can book a stay at the Inn at Hastings Park here.
Addison Choate Hotel – Rockport, Massachusetts
The Addison Choate Hotel in Rockport has been serving the community as a bed and breakfast for more than 45 years. This hotel is listed on the National Historic Registry and, thanks to some recent remarkable renovations, now offers plenty of modern amenities amid the historic charm. Amenities in each room include:
- New marble bathrooms
- Plush towels and bathrobes
- Persian rugs
- Smart TVs with streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube TV
- High speed internet
- Small refrigerator
- Complimentary afternoon treats such as homemade cookies
Book your stay at the Addison Choate Hotel here.
Briar Barn Inn Hotel in Rowley, Massachusetts
The Briar Barn Inn Hotel in Rowley offers a rustic farmhouse experience with a bit of modern luxury. This hotel is situated on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway where you can explore the breathtaking coastline and beaches of Cape Ann, Ipswich, and Newburyport.
The Briar Barn Inn Hotel has 30 guest rooms as well as a restaurant and spa. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a staycation or to relax after traveling from afar. Guests can enjoy a long list of accommodations and amenities, including:
- Gas fireplaces
- High-speed wireless internet
- In-room bottled artesian water
- Frette bed and bath linens
- Flat screen TVs
- All-natural bathroom products
- In-room safe
- Mini fridge
Book a stay at the Briar Barn Inn Hotel here.
The Coach House in Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts remains one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited and The Coach House is easily my favorite hotel to stay in while I’m there.
This boutique hotel is a historic site located on Lafayette St. in Salem. There are eleven guest rooms available in this newly renovated hotel, each with the following amenities:
- Complimentary wifi access
- A SMART TV
- Personal concierge
- 100% Sateen Linen Frette sheets and linens
- CO Bigelow toiletries
Reserve a room at The Coach House here.
Omni Mount Washington in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
The Omni Mount Washington Resort is a 4-star luxury, historic hotel located on Mount Washington Hotel Rd in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The Omni Mount Washington is one of the oldest family-friendly resorts in northeastern USA. With everything from spooky stories of hotel hauntings to skiing adventures on the mountains to keep you busy, you’ll want to stay for at least a few days.
The 269 guest rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the white mountains as well as a long list of amenities including:
- Luxurious bedding
- Iron and iron board
- Hair dryer
- Updated marble baths in many rooms
- Gas fireplaces in select rooms
- In-room safe
- Wifi internet service
Book a stay at the Omni Mount Washington Resort here.
Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is the ideal spot for a quieter, more intimate New England getaway, and Hotel Viking provides the perfect accommodations. This iconic New England hotel situated in downtown Newport has 208 rooms and 24 suites for guests to stay in.
Guest room amenities include:
- Egyptian-cotton bed linens and pillow top mattresses
- Marble bathroom with rain shower head
- Luxurious terry bathrobes
The $35/night resort fee includes:
- Complimentary wifi access
- Bottled water
- In-room coffee
- Newspapers in lobby
- Indoor pool facility
- Access to 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bicycles
- Welcome drink
- Weekend yoga and wellness offerings
- Discounted access to spa facilities
Book a room at Hotel Viking here.
Experience New England Charm for Yourself
New England really is unlike any other place in the world. The rich history, beautiful weather, picturesque landscapes, thrilling adventures, and small town charm are unique to the six states bundled together in Northeastern USA. There is so much that awaits you if you’re willing to say yes to an adventure.
Happy Travels xx
