//
Region in the Northeastern United States
Photo: Giacomo Barbaro, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away in America's northeastern corner, New England offers an abundance of travel experiences to the millions who visit annually. Thickly settled along the often sandy shores of the Atlantic—it is here where the traveller will find beaches, charming lighthouses, and seaside dining galore. Many of the largest cities are here as well; with Boston being the "hub" around which all New England turns. Head inland to discover bewitching colonial villages, sublime fall foliage, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Scattered throughout the region you'll find a vaunted lineup of museums, architecture, historical attractions, and cultural institutions that can keep you busy for weeks. Add into the mix four distinct seasons, and you've got yourself a recipe which often finds first time visitors yearning to return.
By car
New England is served by several interstate highways. I-95 enters from the New York City area and links five of the six states together.
By train
Amtrak operates several routes into New England, most notably the Acela and Northeast Regional, which connect New York City to Boston via New Haven and Providence.
By bus
Greyhound also offers bus service to and from other areas of the country (plus Montreal), as does Peter Pan. From Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City buses serve western New England.
By plane
You do have a few options for local flights while in New England, mostly connecting coastal islands or providing quick access to busy Boston.
By train
-Vermont), and the Downeaster (Boston-Portland--Brunswick). The Acela Express is a high-speed train that follows roughly the same route as the Northeast Corridor.
By bus
Greyhound has several routes in New England. New Hampshire and Maine are served by Concord Coach Lines.
By ferry
New England has many offshore islands that are attractive destinations reachable only by boat. Typically, these islands are compact enough that the visitor does not require a car to visit them.
By car
Much of rural New England is under-served by bus or train, and driving (or biking or hiking) is required to visit much of Vermont, New Hampshire, western Massachusetts, and Maine.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Portland · International · PWM
Loading places around the airport…
Capital since 1630, in a variety of ways Boston finds itself in the center of it all. Explore the Freedom Trail and Quincy Market, or catch a game at baseballs "shrine"; Fenway Park. Art lovers might head for the Museum of Fine Arts, while gastronomes will find no dearth of options throughout this "city of neighborhoods".
Stroll Church street to find eclectic eateries and old world charm. From here, grab a cone at Ben & Jerry's—beloved around the world but born right here in Burlington—before wandering the shores of Lake Champlain in search of the perfect brewery. The prolific green infrastructure on offer here is thanks in part to Bernie Sanders, one time city mayor.
Best known as the home of Yale University. The city center has been called the "Nine Square Plan" since 1640, give or take. Today, it packs in a dizzying array of shops and restaurants. Don't leave without trying the coal-fired apizza, claimed to be the world's best.
The go-to "Downeast" destination for dining and drinking, with a historic downtown that feels like the center of a much larger city. Surprises abound in these historic neighborhoods, you might even spot a Sasquatch. The incredible beaches, views, and amenities available from Peak's island are often overlooked.
Anchored by Brown University and RISD, Providence supports a booming arts scene and creative economy. Stroll the riverfront on summer nights to partake in WaterFire, a free public art event where a series of bonfires are stoked on the water to atmospheric music. In the morning, wake up with a coffee milk from your favorite doughnut shop.
"Walk the Cliffs" and take in the "cottages"; summer homes where Gilded Age titans would put on ostentatious displays of wealth. Coincidentally, sports with an aristocratic air are popular here. Tennis, sailing, and cycling all have strong roots in the area. Additionally, many historic buildings remain and tourists love the colonial-era scale of the town.
This calm harbor served as the Pilgrims first landing site in the new world. Much has changed since 1620, but the beauty of the beaches, the ocean and its sealife have remain constant. An artist colony since at least 1940, it's also a wildly popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
Location of the infamous 1692 Salem witch trials, many finely preserved 17th and 18th century buildings remain. Boasting great transit options, the world class Peabody Essex Museum, and a variety of attractions; Salem packs in the tourists all year long. It gets pretty spooky here the last weekend in October.
This four-season resort town holds the nickname: "Ski Capital of the East". Options abound for outdoor activities, as you're basically sandwiched between Smugglers Notch, Mt Mansfield and CC Putnam state forests. Relax in the evenings with fantastic food and some of the best pints one can find stateside.
The only National Park in New England, Acadia is perhaps the most dramatic example of a glaciated coastal landscape. Dizzyingly high granite domes swoop down into the Atlantic, where surf crashes over rocky beaches. First inhabited by the Wabanaki people, visitors have considered this place special for at least 12,000 years.
Mount Katahdin looms over this massive wilderness area. Katahdin functions as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Those who visit must be self sufficient, as within the park there is no electricity, running water, or even pavement.
"Escape to the Cape" and explore nearly 40 mi of protected beachfront real estate. Ponds, beaches, lighthouses, and scenic wooded trails all make for top attractions. Established in 1961, which is quite recent for the area. As such, you'll find quite the range of grandfathered in virtu sprinkled around.
These federally protected mountains are Vermont's namesake. Okemo and Stratton are some of the larger ski resorts here. Popular thru-hiking routes include the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail. Arduous, but immensely rewarding.
Distinctly rural, the agrarian communities here are set amongst rolling hills and seem to be almost frozen in time. Surprisingly, the terroir supports quality viticulture, and you'll find a variety of wines available throughout the region.
Walk the 5 mi "Battle Road Trail" and follow in the footsteps of local silversmith Paul Revere. The trek culminates at Old North Bridge, where "the shot heard round the world" was fired in the opening salvo of what would become the Revolutionary War. British residents are welcome, nowadays. Next: Cool off at Walden Pond, 3 mi south.
Get your official "This Car Climbed Mt. Washington" bumper sticker here! Fantastic views, an alpine climate, and mile after mile of pristine hiking trails. Railfans can ride the steep and historic Cog to the top. Extreme skiers can try their luck shredding Tuckerman Ravine in the spring.
Once the capital of a global whaling empire, today Nantucket is a charming seaport town. The entire island is a designated National Historic Landmark District; due to its wealth of cobblestone streets and well-preserved historical artifacts and architecture.
Sprawling over 1,200 sqmi, visitors will find a full range of outdoor activities on offer. Bag some peaks hiking the strenuous 22 mi "Presidential Traverse", but contact the Appalachian Mountain Club and plan ahead. For a more accessible route, drive the 34 mi Kancamagus Highway. One of New England's finest "leaf-peeping" locations.
Articles and travel topics about New England and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.