New England Getaway Ideas
Guides to New England
New England offers up many different vacations, and your best fit depends on the time of year you travel, and the type of activities you plan to do. To help get you started, discover the top New England getaway ideas:
Historic Towns
- Mystic, CT : Take a step back into the 1700s at Old Mystic Village , check out America's largest maritime museum Mystic Seaport , or a sea lion at the Mystic Aquarium
- Plymouth, MA : This is where it all started. Experience life as a pilgrim at dozens of museums and historic sites - from Plymouth Rock to the Jenney House Museum .
- Boston, MA : A weekend trip to Boston just won't cut it, as there's so much to see and do in this favorite big city destination. Highlights include Fenway Park , the Freedom Trail , and the Museum of Fine Arts .
- Camden, ME : Go hiking at Camden Hills State Park , or kayaking on Megunticook Lake . But make sure to take a break from the Great Outdoors and tour the High Street Historic District .
Nature at its Best
- White Mountains, NH : Visit destinations like North Conway and enjoy the outdoors all year long. Take the kids to the adorable Santa's Village theme park, go for a scenic walk through Jackson Falls , or take in the views at West Rattlesnake Mountain .
- Acadia National Park, ME : From Cadillac Mountain to Otter Cliff to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse , the views can't be beat.
-
Lake Champlain, VT : This sleepy lake town is great if you're seeking privacy and relaxation. - Bar Harbor, M E : Have a blast at the Atlantic Climbing School , and enjoy great access to the beautiful Mount Desert Island.
Skiing
- Loon Mountain, NH : Plan an adventure at New Hampshire's biggest ski area.
- Sugarbush Mountain, VT : This is a favorite ski resort in Vermont.
- Killington, VT : This massive ski resort offers up four seasons of fun, as well as golf and nightlife.
- Ludlow/Okemo, VT : Got kids? Then check out this family-friendly ski resort, which even offers up ice skating.
- Smuggler's Notch, VT : Like Okemo, this is also a tried-and-true family favorite as far as skiing goes.
- Stowe, VT : Stowe is one of the more well-rounded ski resorts out there, with great golf courses and a unique Attractions Park .
- Stratton Mountain, VT : Come here any time of year for great hikes or great ski runs.
Great Beaches
- Boothbay Harbor, ME : Take a harbor tour on Cabbage Island , and make sure to check out the Boothbay Railway Village .
- Moosehead Lake, ME : As Maine's largest lake, there's plenty of opportunity for waterfront fun here.
-
Ogunquit, ME : Does it get any quainter than this? Go shopping at Perkins Cove , walking on Marginal Way , or catch a lobster with Finestkind Scenic Cruises . - Old Orchard Beach, ME : In between beach bumming, take the kids to Palace Playland or Pirate's Cove mini golf .
- Cape Cod, MA : One of the top beach destinations in the country, and certainly one of top New England getaway ideas. Stay in Provincetown, Wellfleet, Chatham, or another classic Cape Cod beach town.
- Rockport, MA : Bird watching at Halibut Point State Park is very popular here, but other fun attractions include the Beadle's candy shop , and the architectural wonder the Paper House (made of rolled paper).
- Martha's Vineyard, MA : Explore lighthouses and big open beaches on this Massachusetts island in towns like Vineyard Haven and Edgartown.
- Nantucket, MA : When you're not having fun at Surfside Beach , stop by the Whaling Museum .
- Lake Winnipesaukee, NH : This is New Hampshire's biggest and most tourist-friendly lake.
- Narragansett, RI : The Point Judith Lighthouse is a must for sightseers.
- Scarborough Beach, RI : Check out this laid-back Rhode Island beach town if you're more into privacy than crowds.
- Newport, RI : Want lots to see and do on your beach trip? Then look no further than Newport: check out the views from your car on Ocean Drive , tour the Newport Mansions or the Elms (among many other historic homes and sites), or grab a bite to eat at Bannister's Wharf .
