33 BEST Places To Visit In New England (Your Guide To The Northeast)

New England is made up of 6 states in the Northeastern US. Many travelers agree that this is the best section of the US for scenic views and spending time outdoors. It also boasts several charming towns and cities. If you’re interested in visiting New England, you may be wondering which cities are the best to travel to.

Boston, MA is the top city to visit in New England. It features everything you want in a city, from sports teams to arts and culture. Bar Harbor is one of the prettiest coastal towns in Maine. This area is perfect for a peaceful trip. Portsmouth is a popular city in New Hampshire known for its impressive art and culinary scene.

New England has many beautiful areas to explore, from cities to the countryside. There is something for every traveler’s interest in this section of the US. Today, we’re going to talk about the 33 best places to visit in New England. Keep reading to find out where your next vacation destination should be.

1. Bar Harbor (Maine)

Bar Harbor is a picture-perfect coastal town in Maine. This area is known for its spectacular views and natural beauty. It’s one of the nicest places to watch sunsets and sunrises in New England.

Why Should You Visit Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is the largest and most-visited town on Mount Desert Island. Visitors can find a variety of lodging options, shops, and restaurants in this area. It’s also known for having the best lobster in Maine.

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Best Month To Visit: June through August
Winter Weather: 12 to 36F/ -11 to 2C
Summer Weather: 52 to 81F/ 11 to 27C
Best Activities: hiking, boating, seafood

2. Portland (Maine)

Portland is a maritime town with a special charm. If you’re interested in learning more about Maine’s coastal history, this town is the place. There are several specialty museums for guests to explore.

Why Should You Visit Portland?

Visual arts and culinary arts are the main attractions in Portland. This coastal town has one of the top restaurant scenes in the northeast as well. There are also severe galleries and museums where you can see captivating artwork from Maine’s local artists.

Location: Portland, ME
Best Month To Visit: June through August
Winter Weather: 14 to 37F/ -10 to 3C
Summer Weather: 54 to 79F/ 12 to 26C
Best Activities: hiking, seafood, shopping

Related Read: 25 Top Treehouse Rentals in New England

3. Kennebunkport (Maine)

Kennebunkport is a fishing town that has also become a popular tourist destination over the years. People enjoy traveling to this charming destination because it’s a beautiful beach town with serene views.

Why Should You Visit Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport is an excellent place for camping in the summer. The views provide for a perfect scenic drive during the autumn months. Kennebunkport also has a lot of Christmas spirit, with sparkling decorations and plenty of holiday festivities.

Location: Kennebunkport, ME
Best Month To Visit: December
Winter Weather: 12 to 39F/ -11 to 4C
Summer Weather: 52 to 77F/ 11 to 25C
Best Activities: shopping, scenic drive, fishing

4. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park is one of the top tourist destinations in Maine for the outdoor enthusiast. It has breathtaking views of the surrounding area and fun activities for all seasons.

Why Should You Visit Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is home to some of the prettiest fall foliage throughout the autumn months. The park remains open during the winter, where visitors can enjoy fun activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Location: Acadia National Park, ME
Best Time To Visit: September & October
Winter Weather: 10 to 32F/ -12 to 0C
Summer Weather: 50 to 77F/ 10 to 25C
Best Activities: hiking, skiing, scenic drives

Related Read: 33 Romantic Getaways in New England

5. Rockland (Maine)

Rockland is well-loved by travelers because of all the friendly people in this town. It’s home to some of the friendliest people in Maine, who welcome tourists with a smile.

Why Should You Visit Rockland?

Rockland is located right on Penobscot Bay. One of the most popular attractions here is the Rockport Marine Park, a charming park along the bay. To see more of the bay, guests can go on a sailing cruise.

Location: Rockland, ME
Best Month To Visit: June through September
Winter Weather: 13 to 37F/ -11 to 3C
Summer Weather: 54 to 77F/ 12 to 25C
Best Activities: sightseeing, sailing cruises, dining out

6. Old Orchard Beach (Maine)

Old Orchard Beach is the premier beach destination in Maine. This lovely town has plenty of summer fun, like the amusement park, mini golfing, and watersports.

Why Should You Visit Old Orchard Beach?

Orchard Beach is popular because the fun never stops. There are 7 miles of sandy beach that are perfect for relaxing or a day of fun on the beach. You can stroll along the boardwalk to check out local shops and restaurants. This town is also known to have fireworks often.

Location: Old Orchard Beach, ME
Best Month To Visit: June through September
Winter Weather: 12 to 37F/ -11 to 3C
Summer Weather: 54 to 82F/ 12 to 28C
Best Activities: swimming, shopping, nightlife

7. Concord (New Hampshire)

Concord is one of the most bustling cities in New Hampshire. It’s widely known for the entertainment scene. You can find the largest theatre in New Hampshire here and an award-winning independent cinema.

Why Should You Visit Concord?

Travelers all over the globe have enjoyed their visit to Concord. This city is appealing because it has sculptures on display throughout the town and several cultural attractions, like Pierce Manse and Mary Baker Eddy Historic House.

Location: Concord, NH
Best Time To Visit: June through September
Winter Weather: 10 to 26F/ -12 to 2C
Summer Weather: 52 to 82F/ 11 to 28C
Best Activities: tour orchards, sightseeing, shopping

8. Lake Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire)

Lake Winnipesaukee is the ultimate place in New Hampshire for a summer getaway. There are plenty of fun ways to enjoy a day on the lake, like jet-skiing or boating. In town, you can enjoy fine dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions.

Why Should You Visit Lake Winnipesaukee?

The public beach at Lake Winnipesaukee is the perfect way to spend a sunny day. There’s no fee to enjoy this area. It’s safe for swimming and there are restrooms and a picnic area on site.

Location: Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Best Month To Visit: July & August
Winter Weather: 14 to 34F/ -10 to 1C
Summer Weather: 57 to 81F/ 14 to 27C
Best Activities: jetskiing, picnics, swimming

Related Read: 50 Most Beautiful Places in the US

9. Portsmouth (New Hampshire)

Portsmouth is best known for its art scene. A lot of talented individuals in New England have their work on display here or are booked to perform live.

Why Should You Visit Portsmouth?

Portsmouth is a city where people can enjoy recreational activities during the day than a fun night on the town. It’s a popular area for activities like hiking, bicycling, sailing, and whale-watching. The town also offers a wonderful nightlife scene with extraordinary cuisine and live entertainment.

Location: Portsmouth, NH
Best Month To Visit: March & April
Winter Weather: 21 to 39F/ -6 to 4C
Summer Weather: 57 to 79F/ 14 to 26C
Best Activities: sailing, hiking, live entertainment

10. Franconia Notch State Park (New Hampshire)

Franconia Notch State Park is one of the best spots along the White mountains to visit in New Hampshire. You can enjoy swimming and fishing on the water, or hiking and biking through the trails.

Why Should You Visit Franconia Notch State Park?

One of New Hampshire’s best spots to connect with nature is Franconia Notch State Park. Visitors enjoy the natural beauty of this area, along with the assortment of recreational activities. It’s also a stunning area for a scenic drive.

Location: Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln, NH
Best Month To Visit: June through October
Winter Weather: 3 to 28F/ -16 to -2
Summer Weather: 48 to 77F/ 9 to 25C
Best Activities: hiking, biking, fishing

11. North Conway (New Hampshire)

North Conway is a quaint city in New Hampshire. This area is best known for its shopping district. You can find a variety of outlet and specialty shops here. North Conway Village is where the best gift shops are located.

Why Should You Visit North Conway?

North Conway is an enjoyable city for a getaway. On top of the shopping, you can also find several great coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants. There are also plenty of fun attractions for kids, like Story Land and Conway Scenic Railroad.

Location: North Conway, NH
Best Month To Visit: September through November
Winter Weather: 9 to 34F/ -13 to 1C
Summer Weather: 52 to 81F/ 11 to 27C
Best Activities: shopping, wineries, breweries

12. Bridgeport (Connecticut)

Bridgeport is easily one of the most fun places to visit in New England. If you’re looking for an exciting place for a family-friendly visit, this is the place. Bridgeport has plenty of fun activities and attractions for all ages, like the Discovery Museum and Beardsley Zoo.

Why Should You Visit Bridgeport?

If it’s your first time traveling to Connecticut, Bridgeport will set your journey off on the right foot. This city is home to many unique attractions, museums, and has an amazing restaurant scene. It’s also home to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.

Location: Bridgeport, CT
Best Month To Visit: July & August
Winter Weather: 23 to 43F/ -5 to 6C
Summer Weather: 61 to 82F/ 16 to 28C
Best Activities: museums, cabaret show, day at the zoo

13. Hartford (Connecticut)

Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut. It’s known for its impact on literature and storytelling. In this city, you can find tours of two famous authors’ homes, Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Why Should You Visit Hartford?

Hartford has a very lively art and music scene. There are several events throughout the year at local bars and theatres where you can catch live entertainment. It’s also home to several specialty museums, art galleries, and other attractions.

Location: Hartford, CT
Best Month To Visit: May & June
Winter Weather: 18 to 41F/ -8 to 5C
Summer Weather: 59 to 84F/ 15 to 29C
Best Activities: libraries, specialty museums, science centre

14. New Haven (Connecticut)

One of the biggest attractions in New Haven is Yale University. You don’t have to be a student here to get in on the fun. The campus hosts many events throughout the year, like concerts and networking events.

Why Should You Visit New Haven?

New Haven has a bustling arts scene. You won’t have to go far to find a fascinating exhibit or see a live performance. This area also has many fun events and festivals throughout the year, like Summertime Jazz Festival and Chalk Art Festival.

Location: New Haven, CT
Best Month To Visit: June through August
Winter Weather: 23 to 43F/ -5 to 6C
Summer Weather: 61 to 86F/ 16 to 30C
Best Activities: art exhibits, live concerts, sightseeing

15. Old Saybrook (Connecticut)

Old Saybrook is a cozy beach town that’s also home to a coastal forest. There are so many unique places to explore, making this the perfect destination for the outdoor traveler.

Why Should You Visit Old Saybrook?

A lot of travelers come here for the natural resources. There are many hiking trails to explore and beautiful beaches for swimming and kayaking. However, in the heart of downtown, you will find a lively community with many great attractions, restaurants, and gift shops.

Location: Old Saybrook, CT
Best Time To Visit: May & June
Winter Weather: 25 to 45F/ -4 to 7C
Summer Temperature: 61 to 82F/ 16 to 28C
Best Activities: hiking, swimming, sightseeing

16. Norwalk (Connecticut)

Norwalk is another beautiful coastal city that provides a great setting for a family-friendly getaway. It’s known for having a great selection of attractions to keep families entertained, like the Maritime Aquarium and Stepping Stone Museum for Children.

Why Should You Visit Norwalk?

Norwalk is a great destination because it’s full of maritime culture and class. People enjoy visiting the beautiful beaches, checking out the local lighthouse, and going for a boat ride. This city is also known for offering a first-class shopping experience.

Location: Norwalk, CT
Best Month To Visit: June through August
Winter Weather: 19 to 43F/ -7 to 6C
Summer Temperature: 57 to 86F/ 14 to 30C
Best Activities: beach days, picnics, sightseeing

17. Gillette Castle State Park (Connecticut)

Gillette Castle State Park is where you can kick back and enjoy the scenic view. If you want to go on a trip where you escape the noise of the city and indulge in nature’s peaceful setting, this is the place for you.

Why Should You Visit Gillette Castle State Park?

There are several hiking trails to explore throughout Gillette Castle State Park. Many travelers enjoy this location because the trails lead them to the Connecticut River. There is also a castle on site for guests to tour that was owned by actor William Hooker Gillette.

Location: Gillette Castle State Park, CT
Best Month To Visit: May & June
Winter Weather: 25 to 45F/ -4 to 7C
Summer Weather: 61 to 82F/ 16 to 28C
Best Activities: castle tours, hiking, sightseeing

18. Boston (Massachussetts)

Boston is the most popular tourist city in New England. This city is known for stunning architecture, sports teams, lively nightlife, and historic attractions.

Why Should You Visit Boston?

Boston has something for every interest. Sports fans can catch a Bostons Red Sox or Boston Bruins game, depending on the time of year they visit. There are also several specialty museums, like the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and the Museum of Science.

Location: Boston, MA
Best Month To Visit: September & October
Winter Weather: 23 to 43F/ -5 to 6C
Summer Weather: 59 to 82F/ 15 to 28C
Best Activities: museums, nightlife, sightseeing

19. Cape Cod (Massachussetts)

Cape Cod is one of the most relaxing destinations in Massachusetts. This is a great city to consider visiting when you want to enjoy a place with a slower pace.

Why Should You Visit Cape Cod?

One of the reasons travelers have fallen in love with Cape Cod is for the unspoiled beaches. There are 560 miles of shoreline to explore in this peaceful town. Cape Cod is also famous for its award-winning seafood dishes.

Location: Cape Cod, MA
Best Month To Visit: May & June
Winter Weather: 21 to 44F/ -6 to 7C
Summer Weather: 57 to 79F/ 14 to 26C
Best Activities: hiking, seafood, sightseeing

20. Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts)

Martha’s Vineyard is a charming destination in Massachusetts. One of the main reasons this place is popular is that there are 19 beaches throughout the city. That’s one of many reasons why this place is ideal for a summer getaway.

Why Should You Visit Martha’s Vineyard?

What’s not to love about Martha’s Vineyard? You can eat delicious farm-fresh produce and fresh seafood. There are many cultural landmarks to visit, like the Flying Carousel and Gay Head Light. You can also find beautiful sights at the botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary.

Location: Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Best Month To Visit: April & September
Winter Weather: 25 to 45F/ -4 to 7C
Summer Weather: 57 to 79F/ 14 to 26C
Best Activities: swimming, scenic drives, dining out

21. Salem (Massachusetts)

There is a lot of history buried in Salem. The city’s maritime history is important to its culture. However, Salem is most notably famous for the Witch Trials of 1692.

Why Should You Visit Salem?

When you visit a town as historic as Salem, you need to make time to check out the museums. This town has several different specialty museums, like Salem Witch Museum and Peabody Essex Museum. Other popular attractions are the Witch House and With Trials Memorial.

Location: Salem, MA
Best Month To Visit: October
Winter Weather: 21 to 43F/ -6 to 6C
Summer Weather: 57 to 81F/ 14 to 27C
Best Activities: sightseeing, Witch Trial attractions

22. Provincetown (Massachusetts)

Provincetown is a famous town in Massachusetts that’s known for celebrating individuality. This is a major reason as to why it’s one of the top LGBTQ destinations in New England.

Why Should You Visit Provincetown?

One of the main reasons to visit Provincetown is for the nightlife experience. It’s one of the most lively small-town nightlife scenes in New England. You can find plenty of good music, live entertainment, and friendly people.

Location: Provincetown, MA
Best Month To Visit: July & August
Winter Weather: 23 to 43F/ -5 to 6C
Summer Weather: 55 to 79F/ 13 to 26C
Best Activities: nightlife, nature walks, sightseeing

23. Plymouth (Massachusetts)

For the ultimate maritime getaway in New England, you can’t go wrong with Plymouth. This town is known for its quaint atmosphere and friendly hospitality. It’s also a great place to go sailing and whale-watching.

Why Should You Visit Plymouth?

Plymouth has some excellent historic attractions, like the Plimoth Patuxet Museums and Patuxet Homesite. There are also many great places to eat and shop within this coastal town.

Location: Plymouth, MA
Best Month To Visit: May & June
Winter Weather: 18 to 39F/ -8 to 4C
Summer Weather: 55 to 82F/ 13 to 28C
Best Activities: sightseeing, shopping, dining out

24. Woodstock (Vermont)

The votes are in and Woodstock has been named the prettiest town in America. It’s also known as the country’s premier wedding destination. From the beautiful countryside to the tranquil trails, it’s easy to see why so many people love this setting.

Why Should You Visit Woodstock?

There are many reasons to visit Woodstock. You can enjoy 5-star restaurants serving farm-fresh food. There are several quaint boutiques for shopping. You can also enjoy a range of outdoor recreation, like ATV rides and hiking.

Location: Woodstock, VT
Best Month To Visit: May & June
Winter Weather: 5 to 36F/ -15 to 2C
Summer Weather: 52 to 82F/ 11 to 28C
Best Activities: hiking, sightseeing, shopping

25. Montpelier (Vermont)

One of the country’s best art towns is Montpelier. If you’re interested in catching live performances and live music, this is the town to visit. It’s home to The Svory arts cinema and several other venues that host live entertainment.

Why Should You Visit Montpelier?

On top of being an art town, Montpelier is also very historic. One of the top historic attractions to visit is the 1859 Vermont State House. Many travelers enjoy taking a drive around and looking at the architecture.

Location: Montpeiler, VT
Best Month To Visit: September & October
Winter Weather: 7 to 34F/ -14 to 1C
Summer Weather: 54 to 82F/ 12 to 28C
Best Activities: sightseeing, scenic drives, live performances

26. Stowe (Vermont)

If small-town charm is what you’re after, Stowe should be on your bucket list. This cozy Vermont town is known for its friendly people and beautiful scenery. It’s one of the best places to visit in Vermont to enjoy the natural beauty.

Why Should You Visit Stowe?

Stowe offers recreational activities for all seasons. During the warmer months, you can enjoy nature walks and spend time by the water. When the snow falls, you can head to Stowe Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding.

Location: Stowe, VT
Best Month To Visit: December through February
Winter Weather: 1 to 23F/ -17 to -5C
Summer Weather: 46 to 66F/ 8 to 19C
Best Activities: skiing, snowboarding, hiking

27. Killington (Vermont)

Killington is the #1 place in New England for skiing. The mountains in this city are some of the best throughout Vermont for skiing. There are several trails and slopes on this mountain. You can even find steep slopes for advanced skiers.

Why Should you Visit Killington?

Killington is mainly popular with people that enjoy skiing and snowboarding. When you’re not hitting the slopes, there are many fantastic restaurants and coffee shops nearby. During the warmer months, this area is popular for the trails where you can go hiking or biking.

Location: Killington, VT
Best Month To Visit: December through February
Winter Weather: 5 to 30F/ -15 to -1C
Summer Weather: 48 to 77F/ 9 to 25C
Best Activities: skiing, snowboarding, hiking

28. Middlebury (Vermont)

Middlebury is a beautiful historic town that’s known for outdoor recreation. This is one place to visit when you don’t want to spend a single second of your vacation indoors.

Why Should You Visit Middlebury?

You won’t find yourself getting bored in the town of Middlebury. This scenic town offers a lot of fun activities, like golfing, fishing, and boating. It also has attractions for many different interests, like Lincoln Peak Vineyard and UVM Morgan Horse Farm.

Location: Middlebury, VT
Best Month To Visit: May & June
Winter Weather: 10 to 34F/ -12 to 1C
Summer Weather: 54 to 21F/ 12 to 27C
Best Activities: golfing, bird-watching, nature walks

29. Green Mountains (Vermont)

Green Mountains is the oldest and highest mountain in Vermont. This scenic attraction has a lot of history to it. However, it’s popular today with travelers for its peaceful setting, scenic views, and recreational activities.

Why Should You Visit Green Mountains?

Green Mountains is a great spot for all outdoor enthusiasts. It’s become popular over the years for its hunting and fishing locations. In the winter months, it’s a very popular area for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Location: Green Mountains, VT
Best Month To Visit: May & June
Winter Weather: 7 to 28F/ -14 to -2
Summer Weather: 52 to 73F/ 11 to 23C
Best Activities: fishing, hiking, hunting

30. Block Island (Rhode Island)

Travelers love Block Island because they get to enjoy a classic island getaway. This location has a beautiful view of the ocean enjoy. You can kick back, enjoy great food and drinks, and sunbathe.

Why Should You Visit Block Island?

There are a lot of really nice attractions on this island. It’s home to over 50 specialty shops where guests can find unique souvenirs. You can also visit an independent art gallery to see work from local creators.

Location: Block Island, RI
Best Month To Visit: June
Winter Weather: 25 to 43F/ -4 to 6C
Summer Weather: 57 to 77F/ 14 to 25C
Best Activities: sailing, shopping, dining out

31. Newport (Rhode Island)

One of Rhode Island’s most popular tourist destinations is Newport. This city is full of rich cultural attractions, fine art, and gorgeous scenery. There are even hiking trails to explore more hidden areas throughout the city.

Why Should You Visit Newport?

Travelers love Newport because the city boasts endless opportunities for new experiences. There are historic mansions and museums to visit when you want to spend time indoors. For outdoor fun, you can head to the shoreline for a stroll or book a sailing cruise.

Location: Newport, RI
Best Month To Visit: September through November
Winter Weather: 23 to 43F/ -5 to 6C
Summer Weather: 57 to 79F/ 14 to 26C
Best Activities: hiking, sailing, sightseeing

32. Providence (Rhode Island)

One of the most diverse cities in Rhode Island is Providence. This area has many lively neighborhoods with attractions, shops, and restaurants. The most impressive thing about providence is the thriving art community.

Why Should you Visit Providence?

Providence is a stunning tourist town. There are several comfortable lodging options to choose from, including luxury hotels. Once you’re settled in, you can visit some of the nearby attractions, like the zoo or museums. Many travelers love the peaceful setting at Roger Williams Park.

Location: Providence, RI
Best Month To Visit: September through November
Winter Weather: 25 to 45F/ -4 to 7C
Summer Weather: 63 to 82F/ 17 to 28C
Best Activities: sightseeing, shopping, art galleries

33. Warwick (Rhode Island)

Warwick is a charming Rhode Island town that has a history dating back to 1642. The saltwater beaches are the main attraction here. However, when travelers visit the heart of downtown, they are pleased with the selection of fine dining restaurants and attractions.

Why Should You Visit Warwick?

Warwick has some great places to explore. For a fun day outdoors, we suggest visiting Rocky Point State Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. When it’s time for dinner, you can find some amazing fresh seafood dishes at the local restaurants. Warwick also has a lively bar scene at night.

Location: Warwick, RI
Best Month To Visit: March through May
Winter Weather: 21 to 43F/ -6 to 6C
Summer Weather: 59 to 82F/ 15 to 28C
Best Activities: sightseeing, seafood, local bars