Massachusetts

As one of America’s original thirteen states, Massachusetts is brimming with fascinating remnants of early American history.

See Plymouth Rock where the Pilgrims first landed, explore the nation’s oldest park - the impressive 50-acre Boston Common - and discover an array of preserved villages, homes, and inns where memories of Colonial history are kept alive.

But there’s more to Massachusetts than merely historical sights. Today the state is known for its notoriously progressive towns and cities interspersed with some scenic rolling hills, dense forests, open pastures, and even a few mountains.

Visit the wonderful arts centers in the Berkshires; the great beaches, seafood restaurants and artisan-filled shopping districts of scenic Cape Cod; and the cosmopolitan streets of Boston brimming with colonial sights and excellent museums.

However you choose to spend your time, you are bound to find plenty of activities and attractions to keep you blissfully engaged in this historical but surprisingly hip seaside state.

Boston

As the oldest major city in America, Boston is brimming with old European charm. Gorgeous cobbled streets, still lit by gas-lamps, are lined with dozens of National Historic Landmarks as well over 7,000 individual buildings locally designated as historic landmarks.

Despite this old world atmosphere, Boston has a fresh, youthful feel due to its sizable student population which has resulted in a slew of trendy comedy clubs, bars and restaurants as well as a lively musical and theatre scene.

This small compact city packs a surprisingly impressive cultural punch with plenty of contemporary museums, galleries and cafés interspersed with pristinely landscaped public spaces and diverse neighbourhoods.

The weather in Boston is much like that of other cities in the Northeastern United States: mild springs, warm summers, and snowy winters, but with all it has to offer, there’s no bad time to travel to Boston to see its intriguing array of sites for yourself.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is an arm-shaped peninsula situated on the Easternmost portion of the state of Massachusetts.

From quiet fishing villages to genteel towns and bustling, beachy social scenes, this popular vacation area features something for just about every holidaymaker.

Visitors can look forward to exploring endless dune-backed beaches, historic sites, art galleries, antique store and many world-class restaurants serving everything from simple, fresh seafood to creative contemporary cuisine.

While most people come for the seaside attractions, the crimson cranberry bogs, birch and beech forests, freshwater ponds, and interior marshlands are just as appealing.

Popular activities include golf, fishing, cycling, whale watching and other outdoor pursuits.

With its colorful clam shacks, shingle-style cottages and serene beaches, it's easy to see why Cape Cod — or simply "the Cape" to locals — has become such a popular summertime retreat.

Nantucket Island

Nantucket is an island about 30 miles by ferry south from Cape Cod, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

Together with the small islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget, it constitutes the Town and County of Nantucket, a combined county/town government.

Nantucket is a tourist destination and summer escape. Due to tourists and seasonal residents, the population of the island increases to at least 50,000 during the summer months.

The National Park Service cites Nantucket, designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1966, as being the "finest surviving architectural and environmental example of a late 18th- and early 19th-century New England seaport town.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire may be small but it punches well above its weight with its stunning natural landscapes.

Sparkling lakes, glorious beaches and towering mountainous peaks cloaked in lush green forests make this an ideal destination for outdoor adventure lovers who can indulge in excellent hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, boating and mountain biking, to name but a few.

The long-distance Appalachian Trail snakes through the state, or you can choose from 1900 km (1200 miles) of hiking paths in the White Mountains National Forest.

White Mountains

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a spectacular region of rugged peaks, dense forests, and scenic valleys, offering outdoor adventure and natural beauty year-round.

Visitors can explore the iconic Mount Washington, New England’s tallest peak, via hiking trails, the Mount Washington Auto Road, or the historic cog railway for breathtaking panoramic views.

The region features countless hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities, with trails and resorts catering to all levels of adventure seekers. Covered bridges, waterfalls, and charming mountain towns such as North Conway and Lincoln add to the area’s small-town appeal.

North Conway

North Conway is the quintessential mountain town, offering a lively mix of adventure, shopping, and scenic beauty. Located at the foot of the White Mountains, it’s a hub for hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

The town is famous for its outlet shopping, cozy cafes, and family-friendly attractions, but the real draw is the natural landscape. The nearby Mount Washington Valley and White Mountain National Forest provide endless opportunities for exploration—from challenging trails to gentle scenic walks. North Conway perfectly balances outdoor adventure with small-town charm, making it a must-visit destination in New Hampshire.

Maine

As one of America’s most sparsely populated states, Maine attracts countless visitors with its remarkably unspoiled wilderness areas.

The most popular of these is the Acadia National Park, a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area set primarily on Maine's Mount Desert Island, characterised by woodlands, dramatic mountain peaks and endless stretches of rugged coastline.

While travellers seeking urban adventures flock to the food and craft beer mecca of Portland, those looking for a more leisurely experience head for the smaller coastal towns and fishing villages to browse the antique shops and sample seafood at the delightful harborside lobster shacks.

Whether you are keen to explore the pine forests and snowy peaks of Maine’s inland region, or the historic lighthouses and forested islands of the coast, you are sure to find adventure at every turn this exceptionally beautiful New England state.

Kennebunkport

Set on Maine's beautiful rugged coastline, just 48 km from the city of Portland, the laid-back seaside village of Kennebunkport has been popular with summertime holidaymakers since the 19th century.

Frequently likened to the Hamptons, Kennebunkport features numerous sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, surfing and sailing and lined with gorgeous summer homes.

The area also features a few rocky beaches, characteristic of Maine, such as Goose Rocks Beach, which is pebbled with black rocks.

The village is centred around Dock Square which is known for its quaint boutiques, local craft shops and renowned restaurants.

Must-see attractions include the Brick Store Museum, housing a wonderful collection of historical artifacts; Nott's House, a mansion built in the mid-1800s; and the famous Seashore Trolley Museum, the world's oldest and largest museum of mass transit vehicles.

Camden

Nestled on Maine’s mid-coast, Camden is a picturesque town known for its harbor, historic architecture, and scenic mountain backdrop.

Visitors can stroll along the charming downtown streets, lined with boutiques, cafés, and art galleries, before exploring the bustling harbor filled with sailboats and yachts.

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike Camden Hills State Park for panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, or enjoy boating, kayaking, and sailing in the surrounding waters.

Boothbay Harbor

Located on Maine’s scenic coastline, Boothbay Harbor is a lively seaside town famous for its boating, lobster shacks, and maritime charm.

Visitors can take harbor cruises, whale-watching tours, or explore nearby islands and lighthouses by boat. The town itself offers quaint shops, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Nature lovers can stroll along the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens or hike nearby trails to enjoy stunning ocean vistas and rich wildlife.

Connecticut

Located in the southern part of New England, the charming bijou state of Connecticut is known for its lovely coastal cities and its vast expanses of unspoiled countryside dotted with friendly little colonial towns.

Visitors can look forward to driving aimlessly through the scenic rolling hills, staying in quaint historical inns, shopping in the countless quirky antique shops, and sampling some fine wine on the popular Connecticut Wine Trail.

Don’t miss the state’s fascinating museums such as Mystic’s famous Seaport Museum, New Port’s acclaimed Peabody Museum of Natural History, and Hartford’s Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

New Haven

Home to Yale University, New Haven blends rich history, culture, and vibrant city life on Connecticut’s southern coast.

Visitors can explore Yale’s historic campus, including the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art, or enjoy performances at the Yale Repertory Theatre.

Food lovers can savor the city’s renowned pizza scene, from classic “apizza” to contemporary dining options, while strolls along the waterfront or local parks offer a touch of relaxation.

Mystic

Perched along the Connecticut coastline, Mystic is a quintessential New England town famous for its maritime heritage and charming downtown.

The Mystic Seaport Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century shipbuilding and seafaring life, while the Mystic Aquarium provides family-friendly marine experiences.

Visitors can stroll along historic streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Vermont

Set in the northeastern United States, the state of Vermont is renowned for its arts and culture scene, historical attractions and scenic landscapes boasting fertile farmlands, dense woodlands, soaring mountains, and charming little villages.

This great state features a patchwork of colourful countryside in the summer and crisp snow-covered terrain in winter. It is also home to over one hundred 19th-century covered wooden bridges.

Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities all-year-round such as: sampling locally-made maple syrup and craft beer, visiting the picturesque Lake Champlain and enjoying an array of art galleries, museums, and historic sites. Other activities include: skiing, hiking, kayaking and cycling.

Green Mountain National Forest

Spanning over 400,000 acres in southern Vermont, Green Mountain National Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The forest offers countless hiking and biking trails, camping sites, and scenic overlooks, including portions of the famous Long Trail, which traverses the length of Vermont.

Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife spotting amid lush forests, sparkling streams, and rolling hills.

Stowe

Nestled in the shadow of Mount Mansfield, Stowe is a charming village renowned for its outdoor recreation and quintessential New England scenery.

In winter, the area is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding, while summer and fall offer hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives along covered bridges and country roads.

Stowe also boasts a vibrant village center with boutique shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants.

Woodstock

Often called one of Vermont’s most idyllic towns, Woodstock charms visitors with its historic architecture, covered bridges, and welcoming village green.

Stroll along the quaint streets to explore boutiques, galleries, and cafés, or visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park to learn about the region’s conservation history.

The surrounding countryside offers hiking, biking, and scenic drives, especially stunning during the autumn foliage season.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island, the last of America's original 13 colonies to become a state, remained a well-kept secret of the northeast for decades.

Now, with its far-reaching history (America’s longest-running library resides here, as does the country’s oldest bar) and jaw-dropping sea vistas, its ports are once again beckoning travellers.

One of the highlights of a trip to Rhode Island? You’re never more than 30 minutes from the coast, with fantastic seafood spots ranging from quaint harbor-front taverns to a dynamic, internationally inspired kitchens.

This is a road tripper’s paradise, with gems dotted all along the state’s 400 miles of coastline. From the “summer homes” in Newport to the sparkling waters of the coast, Rhode Island travel has much to offer.

Newport

Nestled along Rhode Island’s scenic coastline, Newport is a charming city famous for its historic mansions, sailing culture, and coastal beauty.

Visitors can tour the opulent Gilded Age mansions along Bellevue Avenue, stroll the Cliff Walk for breathtaking ocean views, or explore the bustling downtown area with boutiques, cafés, and seafood restaurants.

Newport is also known for its vibrant sailing scene, offering yacht tours, regattas, and waterfront activities, as well as music festivals and cultural events throughout the year.