Whether you live in New England or just want to visit, there are lots of ideas for New England trips this spring and summer. New England summers are great because it doesn’t (always) get as hot as the rest of the country and there’s so much coastline that ocean breeze makes the hot days much more bearable. Since I’m a born and bred New Englander – grew up in Maine, currently live in Boston, and spend a fair amount of time back in Maine – let me give you some ideas about great trips to take over the next 4-6 months.
New England Trips To Take this Spring & Summer
New Hampshire:
Portsmouth – Visit beaches, shopping, museums, and more in a less-crowded area than Boston, such as: American Independence Museum | Downtown Portsmouth | Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
Manchester – It’s “the largest convention, sports, entertainment, and arts & cultural destination in New Hampshire”: Palace Theater | Currier Museum of Art | Top 10 Things To Do in Manchester, NH
Maine:
Portland – Oh, Portland, how I love you. I grew up right outside of Portland and can’t recommend the city enough. There are tons of gorgeous beaches in the area, the Old Port has lots of little shops and restaurants, and there’s a lot of history. Check out the museums, take a harbor cruise, and have a great time.
Peak’s Island – This is technically a part of Portland, but I consider it it’s own destination. It’s an island off the coast of Portland. You can rent bikes or kayaks to explore the area, grab a bite to eat, or even stay overnight.
Freeport – Home to outlets, the L. L. Bean store, and more just a short drive from Portland. Stay in Freeport or in Portland and head up.
Bar Harbor – This is the town on Mount Dessert Island near Acadia National Park. It’s a fun area with gorgeous scenery. There are shops, galleries, and museums in Bar Harbor, and there’s lots of active activities to do. Plus, Acadia National Park is gorgeous!
Connecticut:
I can’t figure out what are the Connecticut hubs so here are fun things to do (keep in mind Connecticut is a great location in between NYC and Boston!): Mystic Aquarium | Adventure Park | Foxwoods
Rhode Island:
Providence – Downtown Providence | Providence Place | Historic Providence | Waterfire
Massachusetts:
Plymouth – Visit the location of the historic Plymouth Colony!
Cape Cod – I strongly suggest visiting before Memorial Day, or at least before the middle of June because it won’t take long before it’s PACKED. Also, I feel like I don’t need to say anything to advertise Cape Cod since it’s, y’know, Cape Cod.
Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard – These are the islands off the coast of Massachusetts. Again, if you visit before the busy season, you’ll probably have a better time. Here’s the Nantucket travel guide and here’s one for Martha’s Vineyard.
Boston –
Things To Do in Boston
Museums
- Museum of Fine Art
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- New England Aquarium
- Museum of Science
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Franklin Park Zoo
Historical Sites
- Old North Church
- Old South Meeting House
- Paul Revere House
- Freedom Trail
- Bunker Hill
- USS Constitution
Like this post? Check out:
A Weekend in Boston, What To Do in Boston this Summer, What To Pack for a Weekend Trip
Where are you planning to go over the next couple of months?
Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.
I’ve been dreaming up a road trip through New England and this helps a lot! I’ve never been farther north than NYC.
Hooray, fellow Boston blogger! I love all these suggestions, especially the ones in MA, my home state. I still need to get to the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum!