Do you want to explore the region of New England? Strap in, because you’re in for a tour! New England isn’t just the home of the prestigious Harvard University and MIT, it is an important part of the history of American colonial history.
It is blessed with a beautiful landscape, top-notch architecture, quaint coastal towns, and delicious seafood.
Below are the most amazing Best Places to visit in New England.
New England was one of the colonies established by the 17th century English settlers which today comprises 6 states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. In this article, I’ll show you the best places to visit across these states that make up the historic region of New England.
Maine:
Maine has a bit of everything for everyone, and a lot for fans of Stephen King’s work. On your tour of New England, you can start In Maine where there are a lot of things to do, like numerous outdoor activities, going to see creatures like whales and lobsters, and having as many blueberries as you’d like!
In Maine, you could visit Portland, its largest city, where you could explore the Old Port, visit the breweries, take a Casco Bay cruise to explore the seas, or even take a food tour to try Portland’s chocolates, craft beverages, artisan cheeses, and seafood.
You could also make a stop at Mount Desert Island located in Hancock County, Maine.
It has a lot to offer to tourists, as well as lovers of nature and the outdoors alike.
Fun fact: It was initially named “Île des Monts Déserts” (Island of Barren Mountains) by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain because of its rocky terrain but a tour of this island would tell you the opposite! It’s enriched with forests, lakes, and mountains, making it a wonderful destination for your next visit on your tour of New England.
There are a lot of activities to have on this island and this is a list of places to start from
- Acadia National Park: Rich with mountains, forests, and wildlife, this lovely park gives you the cozy experience of coastal areas and the thrilling experience of watching the wild animals. In Acadia Park, you could do activities like hiking, biking, taking a drive down the picturesque Park Loop Road, and possibly, watching the breathtaking sunrise up the peaks of the Cadillac Mountains.
- Bar Harbor: Among other activities you could do on Bar Harbor, you could go whale watching from the Bar Harbor coast into the ocean. Test your knowledge and try to identify the whale and see other marine life, if you can!
- Jordan Pond: If serene was a body of water, it would be Jordan Pond. This clear and calm pond would give you those feelings as you take a stroll by them on the natural trail. You could also try the tea shop and restaurant.
- Sand beach: Have a fun time at one of the few sand beaches on Mount Desert where it always feels like summer.
- Thunder Hole: Hear the sounds of thunder on this natural inlet where the crashing waves sound thunderous reminding us of the power of the ocean.
Other activities you could do on Mount Desert Island are to go swimming or kayaking, take a boat tour, or visit historic sites like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Somesville Bridge, and Jordan Pond House.
Massachusetts
Your tour of Massachusetts should begin in its capital city, Boston.
When you’re in Boston, make sure to walk the Freedom Trail, visit Boston’s Museum of Fine Art to appreciate delightful artworks, take a Duck Tour through the city, and learn from the Museum of Science.
There’s so much to learn and see in Boston, so make sure to enjoy every bit of it.
A visit to Cape Cod should definitely be a stop on your tour of Massachusetts because of its natural attractions, historical sites, and delicious seafood.
You would have a good time visiting the pristine beaches such as Race Point Beach, exploring the iconic lighthouses like Nauset Lighthouse and the quaint coastal villages like Hyannis, the home to the John F. Kennedy Museum to take the Legacy Trail.
You should also visit Martha’s Vineyard located south of Cape Cod for the incredible island cuisine, to explore the quaint coastal villages, and partake in any of the year-round exciting events and festivals.
New Hampshire
On your tour of New England, your stop at New Hampshire takes you through several destinations.
In White Mountains gives you an incredible view of majestic mountains with incredible waterfalls.
You could go skiing, hiking, snowboarding, fishing, and a ton of other activities.
You could also drive through Kancamagus Highway (The Kanc) and take in the view from in between the mountains.
And did you know about the tax-free shopping? Thank me later!
You should also make a stop at Portsmouth for its numerous cultural activities, historic sites like The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, waterfront games, and outdoor activities.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, you could make numerous stops to take in the whole of the city. Undeniably, you wouldn’t run out of activities to do and places to see.
You could go wine-tasting through the Connecticut Wine Trail, visit numerous attractions like Connecticut State Park, and Gillette Castle State Park, and also have a tour of the home of the wonderful Mark Twain.
I like to stop at Mystic for several reasons. By the way, did you know the name “Mystic” came from the Native American word “Missituk” (meaning: great tidal wave), the original name for the Mystic River? Well, at Mustic you should visit Mystic Seaport Museum.
It is an outdoor museum in Mystic, Connecticut, and the largest maritime museum in the whole of America.
Here, you can visit the museum and planetarium increasing your knowledge about astrology, explore historic buildings created in this 19th venture coastal village, and also discover the variety of tall ships here including the quite “mystic” Charles W. Morgan ship, the last of the American whaling ships.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be the smallest of the States but it sure gives an experience to remember.
There are a lot of places to explore beginning from the capital city, Providence, and explore the range of architecture from colonial-era buildings to Victorian castles and modern skyscrapers.
Take a walk down the famous Cliff Walk or visit the iconic Gilded Age mansions, Newport has some attractions for you to visit! If you love architecture, you’d definitely love to explore The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and all the other Gilded Age mansions that were originally built as “summer cottages”.
At Newport, you could also visit Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the country, Newport Museum, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Vermont
This picturesque state known for its maple syrup production is also a wonderful place to explore! At Vermont, you can experience a wonderful farm-to-table dining experience, a break from excessive processed foods.
During your visit, I’d recommend taking a drive through Vermont’s scenic routes like Mad River Byway or Route 100, and likewise through the picturesque covered bridges like Emily Bridge in Stowe or the Quechee Covered Bridge.
Don’t forget to explore Burlington for shopping for souvenirs, entertainment, and exploring local cuisines.
Wrap-up
These are just a few places to explore in the region of New England.
It is definitely a wonderful place to tour and every traveler would have a wonderful experience taking this adventure.
I’d love to know your experience when you take this tour!
