Best of New England

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around New England
The birthplace of America, New England is filled with a rich history, scenic villages, and outdoor adventure at every turn. Discover white-sand beaches, lighthouses, expansive lakes, panoramic mountain views, and dockside restaurants with delicious seafood.
Hike along Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains
The Best of Franconia Notch, White Mountains - 3 Days

The White Mountains in northern New Hampshire is New England's top hiking destination, easily accessed from the Boston area (only 2 hours away). Hikes in this region are steep, but rewarding with gorgeous views of the wilderness. Introduce yourselves to "The Whites" with a shorter hike along the Welch-Dickie Loop, which offers great views for (relatively) minimal efforts. On your other days, climb to either side of Franconia Notch to hike along the ridgelines. Spend your evenings back in Lincoln or North Woodstock enjoying great local food and beer. You could also consider camping in the Notch or a bit further east in the heart of the Whites.This trip can also be easily extended with a few more days by exploring Pinkham notch to the east (home to Mount Washington).

Explore the backroads of the Outer Cape
Cape Cod Road Trip Getaway - 7 Days

Spend a relaxing week on the Cape with this road trip getaway. Start with a few days on Martha's Vineyard to help you quickly adjust to the pace of the Cape. Relax on windswept beaches, bike along island trails, and enjoy warm evening nights. Then it's back to the mainland Cape, where you will explore the more sparsely populated areas of the Lower and Outer Cape. Hike marsh-side trails, top massive sand dunes, climb local lighthouses, and refuel at weathered roadside clam shacks.The drive is only 2 hours from Boston to Provincetown (without traffic), and you can easily split this itinerary in two as well, with a long weekend in Martha's Vineyard or a few days in the Outer Cape.

The craggy coastline of Maine
Map of Coastal Maine Road Trip - 9 Days
Coastal Maine Road Trip - 9 Days

This coastal road trip is the perfect way to explore the top sights and hidden coasts of Maine, aptly referred to as "Vacationland". The route is quite flexible: you'll follow the bend in the coast from Portland to Camden to Acadia, with opportunities to explore lesser-visited peninsulas along the way. You can stick to the better-known spots (Portland, Camden, Acadia) or spend some time off the beaten path with a kayak ride through a marsh south of Portland, a boat trip to Monhegan island, or a day hiking around Isle Au Haute, part of Acadia National Park.

Bikes in Edgardown
Day Bike Ride to Chappaquiddick (Martha's Vineyard)

Leave the car behind and set out along flat bike paths along the coastline as you ride from Oak Bluffs to remote Chappaquiddick Island ("Chappy"). Relax on the windswept beaches on the small island made famous by the Kennedys. The total ride is about 18 miles (9 miles each way), with a very short bike ferry to cross the water.

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