New England has a lot to offer by way of summer vacation spots. From the stunning coastlines of Maine to the bucolic farms of the Berkshires to the forested hills and lakes of Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, this area has something for everyone. Whether it’s a peaceful getaway for two or an unforgettable family holiday, finding the right destination for a New England summer vacation should be a breeze.
One of the most popular destinations for summer in New England is Maine. Known for its rugged coast and world-class seafood, Maine is dotted with quaint seaside towns and countless outdoor activities. Stroll through the boutiques in charming towns like Kennebunkport, Bar Harbor, Portland, and Brunswick or hit the beach and relax. Visitors looking for adventure can try hiking, kayaking, and whale watching or enjoy the area’s many parks and wildlife preserves.
Vermont has been called the quintessential New England state, and it certainly lives up to this reputation. The Green Mountains, cheese factories, sugarhouses, pond swimming, and classic covered bridges make this a perfect destination. Go skiing in summer months at Stowe Mountain Resort, sample local cheeses at the Cabot Creamery, and explore the area’s hidden gems like Shelburne Farms and Stowe’s Von Trapp family lodge.
New Hampshire is another must-visit spot full of wonderful outdoor activities. Go biking on trails like the Rail Trail or Kancamagus Highway, head up to Franconia Notch State Park, take a white water rafting trip near Gorham, explore the sights around Lake Winnipesaukee, or simply soak up the sunshine in Hampton Beach. There is plenty to see and do.
Connecticut boasts some of the most picturesque small towns in New England. Mystic is a great spot to explore fish markets, a maritime museum, and a restored 19th-century seaport village. Visitors can also explore the Adirondack Mountains to do some of the east coast’s best rock climbing at Southwick or have a picnic along the sandy beaches of Connecticut’s “Gold Coast” – Long Island Sound.
Rhode Island is the smallest state but the biggest little gem, and its 400 miles of coastline outshines the rest. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, from the bustling boardwalk of Misquamicut to the beach towns of Little Compton and Narragansett to Block Island. Boaters can take in the sites on Narragansett Bay, and pedal-boat enthusiasts can paddle around the Wickford area. No matter what outdoor activity you’re interested in, Rhode Island has something for everyone.
When it comes to summer travel in New England, there is no shortage of options. Whether it’s a peaceful getaway or an adrenaline-packed adventure, the region has something for every type of traveler. So take a trip this summer and explore all that New England has to offer.
Activity Options
From the coast to the mountains, New England has an array of activities for visitors to explore during their trips. There are nature trails to wander, boat tours to take, and plenty of options to find entertainment for a family or group. With a dozen national parks, monuments, and forests, visitors can enjoy some of the US’s most natural scenic spots.
One of the more popular activities is participating in a whale-watching tour. Whether on a boat or zodiac, multiple companies offer whale-watching tours from various ports depending on the season and location. Sightings of humpback whales and other species are a common occurrence, and New England has some of the most frequent sightings in the United States.
Hiking and backpacking is another great way to see the region’s picturesque natural areas. The Appalachian Trail runs through New England, and the White Mountains in New Hampshire offer immense hikes and an array of wildlife. Connecticut is home to the 6,000-acre Housatonic State Park and Rhode Island is home to the five-mile Block Island Trail.
From beaches to lakes, New England also has a myriad of water-based attractions. Those interested in fishing during their trip can take in stunning views from lakes and ponds of the region. Stand-up paddle boarding has become a popular water activity in recent years, and towns like Mystic have easily accessible launch points to explore the surrounding areas.
When the sun sets, visitors can grab dinner and explore the nightlife in select cities. While not as bustling as many for the Midwest or West Coast, the region still has a few hubs of entertainment. Providence is home to some of the more popular spots, with a host of bars and clubs lining downtown streets. On the other end of the state, Newport is known for its jazz festivals in the summer months and live music venues.
Accommodation
From luxurious lodges tucked away in mountain ranges to cottages near the coast, New England has countless accommodations for visitors to choose from. Those searching for hidden gems may want to consider one of the area’s numerous inns or B&Bs. These tidbits often provide stunning views of the countryside with wonderful amenities, including breakfast included in the rate.
For those who want the comforts of home, hotel chains like Marriot and Holiday Inn provide easier access to town shopping and sightseeing. Large cities like Boston, Portsmouth, and Portland offer a sophisticated atmosphere and high-class hotels and resorts. Bed and Breakfasts provide a more rural ambiance and custom-made touch, and hostels located in Maine and Vermont provide the lowest rate without sacrificing a secure and accommodating atmosphere.
If camping is your game, New England has a plethora of campgrounds and cabin sites. Those looking to sleep in the wild can take advantage of forest and beach camping sites. If you want to get away from the bustle of cities, there are many camping sites located in the states’ mountains and countryside, providing rural getaways with nearby attractions like ziplining and strawberry fields.
No matter what kind of lodging or activity you seek, New England has it all. With its blend of mountains, forests, and countryside coastlines, your trip in the summer is sure to be enchanting.
Climate
Although summers in New England can get rather hot, the region still offers balmy days and cool nights. Typically, temperatures hover in the high 70s to low 80s during the height of the season, and visitors can count on the ocean breezes to offer some respite from the sweltering heat. Evenings tend to be slightly cooler when the sun goes down.
During the months of July and August, the peak of summertime, visitors should expect to find mostly sunny skies coupled with intermittent thunderstorms, depending on the location. The nature of the terrain in New England also makes thunderstorms more common than in other parts of the country. Some thunderstorms may bring heavy rains, so be sure to bring a rainjacket if you plan to be outdoors.
For those looking to escape the summertime heat, New Hampshire and Maine offer some of the cooler temperatures in the region. During the winter, both states experience extreme temperatures, but in the summer they tend to be the most “moderate” compared to other states in the area. Connecticut and Massachusetts tend to be slightly warmer and may require extra time in the cooler parts of the day.
Long sunny days can also be expected throughout the summer months, with sunlight lingering right through the evening. Tourists should be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen—or whatever else is necessary—and enjoy all the area has to offer.
Cuisine
As one of the most flavorful regions of the United States, New England is home to a variety of culinary styles. From seafood to comfort-style dishes, the area has something to satisfy all palettes. Visitors should expect to find a lot of classic American dishes with unique twists, as well as several ethnic cuisines.
Every state in the region has its culinary specialty, but one of the most iconic dishes that can be found in the area is the lobster roll. Consisting of a roll slathered with mayonnaise and filled with succulent chunks of lobster, this small sandwich has been a staple of New England cooking since the colonial times. Served in local markets and diners, the lobster roll is a must-try for any visitor.
New England is not a region known for snacking. Instead, many dishes are designed to be a meal in themselves. Clam chowder, regional seafood specialties like lobster and mussels, and comfort dishes like fried chicken, mac-n-cheese, and cornbread are all widely popular. New England’s farm-to-table dining culture also leads to busy farmers’ markets that provide fresh produce and local favorites. A stop at one of these markets is a must during any visit.
Beyond the usual favorites, visitors should also be sure to try some of the region’s unique foodie favorites. From artistic interpretations of classic dishes at high-end restaurants to experimental street food vendors, New England is home to an array of culinary experiences. Whether it’s the award-winning burgers in Portland or the intriguing Asian-fusion cuisine of Providence, visitors should have little difficulty finding something new and exciting to try.
Places to Visit
When it comes to places to visit in New England, the possibilities are almost endless. With a wide range of attractions and activities, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of the top sights to explore during a summer trip to the area.
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