The New England region of the northeastern United States is an ideal location for a weekend escape. There are so many quaint towns, historic sites, and natural beauty that it’s easy to set your sights on New England for your next weekend getaway. But where exactly should you plan to spend your time?
In this article, you’ll find the 15 best weekend getaways in New England, and it’s designed to help you figure out where exactly you should go. This list has everything you could be looking for, from lovely seaside towns to places primed for outdoor adventures.
It’s just a matter of seeing which one is right for you. So, let’s check out each one.
In no particular order, here are 15 great New England weekend vacation spots.
1. Portland, Maine
Starting off this list of the best weekend getaways in New England is Portland, Maine. It’s a fabulous place with tons to do and see.
Check out the historical sites in Portland, like the Tate House Museum. Visit the Portland Head Lighthouse and walk the coastal trail.
Make sure to spend some time at the Central Waterfront. From there, it’s easy to get to historic downtown and the Old Port shopping district.
Consider taking a boat tour to see Portland from the water. And yes, of course, you’ve got to try the lobster rolls in Maine!
LEARN MORE: 15 Epic Places to Visit in Maine
Maine is known for its delicious seafood, especially lobster
2. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a special place full of things to do and see, making it one of the best weekend trips in New England.
As a major port, this town is known for everything maritime. You’ll find that Newport is home to the Maritime Museum and several regattas throughout the year.
Make sure you spend some time hiking the Cliff Walk and checking out the Gilded Age Mansions in town.
LEARN MORE: 15 Best Things to Do in Rhode Island
Newport Rhode Island is an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway in New England
3. Burlington, Vermont
Up north in the great state of Vermont, you’ll find Burlington, one of the best places for a weekend getaway in New England.
This lovely city has everything you need to make your time the absolute best. Head to Church Street for unique shops, places to eat, and entertainment right on the street.
On the shores of Lake Champlain, you’ll find the Greenway, where you can stroll and enjoy the view.
Get out on the water or head up one of the nearby mountains for outdoor fun.
Visit Lake Champlain in Burlington Vermont for a gorgeous New England getaway
4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is an absolute favorite when it comes to New England vacation spots. The picturesque seaside town is one that has tons to do. You’ll love perusing the unique shops in Market Square.
Stopping by cafes and restaurants is a delight. Learn about the past on a walking tour and at Strawbery Banke Museum.
Enjoy the view of the water at Prescott Park or Odiorne State Park.
Beautiful Prescott Park in Portsmouth New Hampshire
5. Bar Harbor, Maine
Seriously, one of the best places to have a weekend getaway in the Northeast has to be Bar Harbor.
As the gateway to Acadia National Park, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore the great outdoors.
Venturing into the park and climbing Mt. Cadillac is top on any Bar Harbor itinerary. But the town itself also provides a great time.
It’s where you’ll find lovely places to stay, eat, and explore, like Frenchman Bay and the Great Harbor Maritime Museum.
It’s easy to see why Bar Harbor is also on our list of beautiful coastal towns in Maine!
Bar Harbor is a fabulous weekend getaway spot in Maine
6. Ludlow, Vermont
Looking for a quaint town to spend one of your New England vacations in?
Definitely consider Ludlow, Vermont. You’ll love this town with its unique shops and places to eat.
As for daytime activities, Ludlow is home to Okemo Mountain Resort. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll have something to do at Okemo.
There’s skiing in the winter and hiking, biking, adventure courses, and scenic chairlift rides during the warmer seasons.
Ludlow is great for scenic drives as it’s located just off Vermont Scenic Route 100 Byway. Some say this is the most scenic road in the whole state.
LEARN MORE: 10+ Epic Places to Visit in Vermont
Okemo Mountain Resort and the Okemo State Forest are two great reasons to vacay in Ludlow Vermont
7. Providence, Rhode Island
Something is always happening in Providence.
As the state capital and home to both Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), there’s a constant buzz of activity and energy, making it one of the best places for a New England getaway.
During a weekend in Providence, you can check out art at the RISD Museum, stroll through Waterplace Park, and enjoy Italian food on Atwells Avenue in Federal Hill.
Picturesque Providence Rhode Island
8. Boston, Massachusetts
No list of the best weekend vacations in New England can be complete without the great city of Boston.
This city, one of the oldest in the country, has so much to do on a weekend getaway.
Spend your days exploring the history of the city on the Freedom Trail in Boston Commons and seeing the historic ships in the harbor.
Later, you’ll have so many great places to have dinner and enjoy a night out on the town.
Boston Massachusetts for a big city weekend in New England
9. Stowe, Vermont
Another wonderful destination for one of the best vacations in New England is Stowe, Vermont.
No matter the time of year, Stowe is the perfect place to spend a few days away from it all.
In the winter, you’ll be hitting the slopes by day and snuggling up in front of a fire by evening.
During other seasons, you’ll be out exploring the beautiful Vermont landscape and enjoying the lovely town of Stowe. In summer and fall, explore the nearby hiking trails, and, of course, the fall foliage is spectacular.
Enjoy a New England vacation in the lovely town of Stowe Vermont
10. Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a major destination in New England, especially for vacationers in the Northeast; it’s only 135 miles from New York City.
With its long history steeped in its proximity to the water, Mystic is known for shipbuilding.
Today, a favorite activity is to visit the Mystic Seaport Museum to see the historic vessels.
You’ll love historic downtown Mystic.
It’s the place to see historical architecture while checking out the shops and restaurants.
The Mystic Darkroom is a top date night pick for a unique entertainment experience.
Mystic Connecticut is a great choice for a weekend away from NYC
11. Camden, Maine
Located on Penobscot Bay in mid-coast Maine, the picturesque town of Camden is an idyllic New England vacation spot.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking, biking, and boating opportunities around Camden, including the gorgeous Camden Hills State Park.
In town, you stroll to cute shops, art galleries, and museums.
Be sure to visit Penobscot Marine Museum and also check out Camden Opera House for the latest concerts and events in town.
Try Camden Maine for a perfect weekend in New England
12. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is well known as a classic New England summer vacation spot.
But the truth is, this island is absolutely lovely all year round, making it one of the best vacation places in Massachusetts.
Uniquely, Martha’s Vineyard is an island located just off the coast of Cape Cod.
You’ll find fewer crowds than on the Cape, but Martha’s Vineyard has stellar beaches, great accommodations, and a chill, laid-back vibe perfect for a weekend getaway.
13. Kennebunkport, Maine
Does the unique name of Kennebunkport ring a bell? This seaside town is known as one of the best New England summer destination spots.
It’s also home to the summer estate of the Bush family (Pres. George H.W. Bush and Pres. George W. Bush).
The beaches are a major draw in Kennebunkport, while the town is the perfect place to enjoy a meal and stroll around the unique shops.
Whale watching and boat tours are also favorites in Kennebunkport.
How about Kennebunkport Maine for a seaside New England vacay?!
14. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The land that stretches out in the Atlantic just south of Boston is the historical and fabulous Cape Cod.
Since the early days of the nation, The cape has been a favorite destination, clearly making it one of the best vacation getaways in New England.
The Cape has adorably quaint cottages, pristine beaches, and a vibe that is truly chill and laid-back.
You’ll love putting your toes in the sand, watching the boats on the water, and learning about the area’s past at the many historical sites.
15. North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a lovely town perfectly positioned for ventures into the beauty of the New Hampshire landscape.
Mount Washington is just a short drive from North Conway, making the town the perfect home base.
Don’t miss Cathedral Ledge and Diana’s Baths, both nearby. For a more leisurely venture into the great outdoors, consider a ride on a scenic railway.
In the village of North Conway, you’ll find historic buildings with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Summary
As you can see, there are so many fabulous destinations, from Maine to Connecticut. This list has the 15 best weekend getaways in New England. So, no matter what type of escape you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
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