New England is a region of the country that encompasses everything a well-versed traveler could want: beautiful scenery after beautiful scenery, diverse views - from beaches to foggy pine forests, to charming urban hubs -, historical monuments, wonderful iconic food and so much to see and love.
While New England’s charms are certainly too many to narrow down a perfect road trip guide, this is a list that might guide tourists and adventurers in the absolute must-see aspects of this magical region.
10 Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, likely the most well-known city in all of New England, is an American favorite - and for a reason. The revolutionary history is still very alive in Boston, and visitors can learn all about it by cruising the Freedom Trail; museums, scenic parks, and a lively nightlife marry the historical and modern in a way that is sure to please even the most eclectic travelers in Boston.
9 Ogunquit, Maine
In the coastal regions of Maine, Ogunquit tells you what it’s about from the get-go; its name means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki language. Ogunquit is a favored vacation destination, with wonderful stretches of light sand beaches, the fascinating walks down Marginal Way and around Perkins Cove.
8 Portland, Maine
The largest city in the state, Portland welcomes you with all the charm of a coastal metropolis. Portland Head Light, a lighthouse that has stood by the stormy cliffs of Maine since the 1700s, is only one in a trail of historical attractions, like museums, historical houses, and neighborhoods whose vintage attractions have been revitalized into the best walking experiences.
7 Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine
Moosehead Lake is the largest body of fresh water in the whole state, around which the city of Greenville is located. A town and region full of beautiful natural parks and landscapes, a trip to Greenville, and an exploration of Moosehead Lake are bound to be as tranquil and healing as it is interesting.
6 Greenwich, Connecticut
Less than an hour away from the exciting New York City and a favorite spot of Manhattan locals, Greenwich and its picturesque lawns, historic holmes, quiet lakes, and beautiful vegetation have been the inspiration to many books and movies over its existence.
5 Providence, Rhode Island
Exciting and vibrant, Providence, Rhode Island’s biggest city, manages to create a perfect combination of tradition and avant-garde. Ride a Venetian gondola, taste some of its experimental and popular food, take the whole family to the Roger Williams Park Zoo, experience history down Benefit Street and Federal Hill, take an academic tour at Brown University, bar hops downtown, or take a tour of the Arts and Design museum before checking out a play at the Performing Arts Center: Providence is here to deliver it all and in style.
4 Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor has been a favored vacation destination since the 1900s, due to its many charms, beautiful scenery, and perfect conditions for outdoor sports. The Acadia National Park alone is a place that could take days to explore and enjoys its many hills, mounds, forests, and lakes. Wildlife watching, including whale watching and kayaking, are favored sports in Bar Harbor.
3 Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown might just be the most fun town in all of Cape Cod; known for its amazing and traveler-beloved beaches, naming itself the “LGBT+ Capital”, funky bars and boutiques, local cuisine to make any foodie have the time of their life, lively nightlife to ensure any visitors will leave with a new favorite vacation spot.
2 White Mountains, New Hampshire
The region of the White Mountains in New Hampshire is a dream come true for all adventurer travelers. For those whose perfect road trip involves hiking trails, mountains, beautiful forests, paths to hidden streams and waterfalls, and enough options of outdoor sports for both winter and summer, White Mountains must make its way into that itinerary. Hike the Rocky Gorges, visit the amazing Weeks State Park, step into magic at Ice Castles, or into history at the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
1 Salem, Massachusetts
Now, that’s a tall order but if there’s one town to rival Boston in fame - or infamy - it's Salem, Massachusetts. A smaller town, but the stage of one of the most gruesome moments in history, the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, it stands today in the remains of its history with a lot to show for it.
Witchy monuments, from more somber historic landmarks such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Old Burying Point Cemetery, or the Witch House, to more lighthearted attractions like the Bewitched Statue and specialty museums like the Witch Village, are sure to be interesting stops, especially around Halloween. Beyond its witchy history, Salem has a vibrant food scene, interesting art museums, and beautiful, tranquil beach scenes.