20 Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Here are 20 fantastic weekend getaways in New England, catering to diverse tastes – from coastal charm and mountain adventures to historic cities and artistic enclaves:

Coastal Escapes & Islands:

1. Nantucket, MA: Quintessential New England island with cobblestone streets, rose-covered cottages, pristine beaches, high-end boutiques, and fine dining. Perfect for biking and soaking in timeless charm. (Best: Summer/Fall)
2. Martha’s Vineyard, MA: Diverse island with colorful cliffs (Aquinnah), charming villages (Edgartown, Oak Bluffs), beautiful beaches, farm stands, and a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. (Best: Summer/Fall)
3. Newport, RI: Gilded Age opulence meets coastal cool. Tour magnificent mansions, walk the Cliff Walk, enjoy harbor views, savor seafood, and explore a vibrant downtown. (Best: Spring/Summer/Fall)
4. Portsmouth, NH: Historic seaport bursting with character. Wander cobblestone streets, browse unique shops and art galleries, indulge in incredible restaurants and breweries, and take harbor cruises. (Best: Year-round)
5. Ogunquit/Kennebunkport, ME: Southern Maine classics. Ogunquit offers the stunning Marginal Way coastal walk and Perkins Cove. Kennebunkport boasts charming shops, lobster rolls, ocean views, and the Bush compound sightseeing. (Best: Summer/Fall)
6. Block Island, RI: Unspoiled beauty with dramatic clay cliffs (Mohegan Bluffs), rolling green hills, vast nature preserves, iconic Southeast Lighthouse, and miles of sandy beaches. Very bike-friendly. (Best: Summer/Early Fall)
7. Cape Cod (Various Towns), MA: Choose your vibe! Provincetown (artistic, lively), Chatham (quintessential, elegant), Wellfleet (oysters, art, dunes), Falmouth (family-friendly, ferries). Beaches, seafood, bike trails. (Best: Summer/Fall – avoid peak summer Sat traffic!)

Mountain Retreats & Nature:

8. Stowe, VT: Iconic Vermont mountain town. Hiking/biking trails in summer/fall, world-class skiing in winter. Charming village, covered bridges, craft breweries, and stunning views of Mt. Mansfield. (Best: Year-round)
9. North Conway/Jackson, NH (White Mountains): Adventure hub. Gateway to hiking (Mt. Washington!), scenic drives (Kancamagus Highway), waterfalls, outlet shopping (N. Conway), and the charming Christmas Farm Inn area (Jackson). (Best: Summer/Fall/Winter)
10. Woodstock, VT: Postcard-perfect Vermont village. Covered bridges, a picturesque green, boutique shops, farm-to-table dining, Billings Farm & Museum, and easy access to Quechee Gorge. (Best: Fall/Summer/Winter)
11. Lake Winnipesaukee, NH: New England’s largest lake. Choose lively Meredith or Weirs Beach, scenic Wolfeboro (“Oldest Summer Resort”), or peaceful Center Harbor. Boating, swimming, scenic cruises, arcades, and family fun. (Best: Summer/Fall)
12. The Berkshires, MA (Lenox/Stockbridge/Great Barrington): Cultural haven in the rolling hills. Tanglewood (summer home of BSO), Jacob’s Pillow dance, Norman Rockwell Museum, Mass MoCA, excellent hiking, and charming towns with great dining. (Best: Summer/Fall)
13. Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor, ME: Breathtaking coastal mountains and forests. Hike Cadillac Mountain, bike carriage roads, explore rocky shores, watch sunrise (first in US!), enjoy Bar Harbor’s shops and lobster. (Best: Late Spring/Summer/Fall – book VERY early!)
14. Green Mountains (Manchester or Waitsfield), VT: Manchester (southern VT) offers designer outlets, historic estates (Hildene), and hiking. Waitsfield (Mad River Valley) is more rustic, with fantastic skiing (Sugarbush, Mad River Glen) and beautiful valley scenery. (Best: Year-round)

Historic Cities & Cultural Hubs:

15. Portland, ME: Dynamic small city with an incredible foodie scene (especially seafood!), craft breweries, a vibrant Old Port district with cobblestone streets and shops, art museums, and nearby lighthouses. (Best: Year-round)
16. Providence, RI: Creative capital with great restaurants (Federal Hill’s Italian!), WaterFire installations (seasonal), RISD Museum, charming Benefit Street (“Mile of History”), and a lively downtown. (Best: Year-round)
17. Salem, MA: Famous for the 1692 Witch Trials. Rich maritime history, the Peabody Essex Museum, historic houses, spooky tours (especially around Halloween – book WAY ahead!), and a unique atmosphere. (Best: Fall/Halloween, Spring)
18. Burlington, VT: Lively college town on Lake Champlain. Stroll the Church Street Marketplace (pedestrian mall), bike the waterfront path, enjoy farm-fresh food, visit breweries, and catch stunning sunsets over the lake and Adirondacks. (Best: Summer/Fall)

Charming Towns & Hidden Gems:

19. Mystic, CT: Charming seafaring village. Explore Mystic Seaport Museum (living history), Mystic Aquarium, draw the Mystic Drawbridge, browse boutiques, and enjoy classic New England seafood. (Best: Spring/Summer/Fall)
20. Great Barrington, MA (Berkshires): A more laid-back, hip Berkshires town. Excellent independent shops, diverse restaurants (from casual to upscale), art galleries, nearby hiking (Monument Mountain), and a welcoming vibe. (Best: Year-round)

Tips for Choosing:

• Season: Beaches/islands peak summer; mountains peak summer/fall foliage/winter ski; cities year-round. Fall foliage (late Sept-Oct) is spectacular everywhere but very popular.
• Vibe: Relaxing beach vs. active hiking vs. cultural immersion vs. shopping/eating?
• Budget: Islands/resorts can be pricey; smaller towns/mountains offer more range.
• Travel Time: How far are you willing to drive (or ferry)? New England is compact but traffic/ferries add time.
• Book Ahead: Especially for islands, peak foliage, ski season, or popular weekends/summer Saturdays. Ferries and sought-after hotels fill fast.

Pack your bags and enjoy your perfect New England weekend escape!