20 New England Summer Travel Destinations

Legendary clam shacks. Idyllic beaches. Meandering bike rides. That’s what summertime in New England is all about. Whether you want to kayak in the ocean, zip down a mountain, or just cozy up in a rocking chair on a country porch, your New England vacation is waiting at one of these 20 destinations.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Considered a top tourist destination by many, Boothbay Harbor offers more than meets the eye. Whether you want a traditional Maine experience — complete with whale watching and a lobster cruise — or something a little more unconventional, there is something for everyone in this tiny coastal town. Stroll along the harbor and visit the many unique shops, candy stores, and restaurants.

Essex, Conn.

For the start of a two-stage journey, sink into plush vintage rail cars as the Essex Steam Train meanders through woods and by marshes at 11 miles per hour; the rhythmic swaying is hypnotic, but you’ll be snapped out of your reverie by the train’s piercing whistle – shoo-WUP! – let loose at every crossing.

Provincetown, Mass.

An almost shadowless seaside sunlight has lured painters to this spit of land ever since Charles Webster Hawthorne founded the then Cape Cod School of Art here in 1899. Whether it’s the curl of hollyhocks against weathered shingles, the simple line of an endless beach, the colored patchwork of fishing boats at anchor, or the effusive leafiness of a village lane, a painting presents itself wherever the eye can frame. Once the light falls, go in for a pint and conversation at the Squealing Pig Pub & Oyster Bar.

Southwest Harbor, Maine

This laid-back village is on the west side of Mount Desert Island. It’s a relaxing home base for hiking, biking, and exploring Acadia National Park, with enough diversions and restaurants to fill your evenings and the occasional rainy afternoon. On hot days, head for Acadia National Park’s Sand Beach.

The Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor overlooks the mouth of postcard-perfect Somes Sound. It has croquet courts on the lawn and rocking chairs on the wraparound porch for whiling away non-Acadia National Park days.

Hanover, N.H.

Home of Dartmouth College, the most outdoorsy of the Ivies, Hanover has the trappings of an idyllic New England summer getaway – with diversions, dining, and lodging to suit sophisticated travelers. Golf camps for kids are available at the 18-hole Hanover Country Club course.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is one of the few resort towns that hasn’t lost its old-fashioned charm. The largest town on Mount Desert Island is home to an eclectic bunch of shops, bars, and restaurants with names like Cool as a Moose and Thirsty Whale. Explore the town or head to nearby beaches and hiking trails. Acadia National Park is also close by.

Waterford, Conn.

A nature lover’s paradise, Waterford is bordered by water on three sides and is also home to beautiful gardens and Stenger Farm Park, a 95-acre hiking preserve in the middle of town. Waterford is a little lacking in accommodations, but several nearby towns have inns and B & Bs, including The Bee and Thistle in Old Lyme, about 20 minutes away. The 1756 building, on the Lieutenant River, serves vegetables and herbs straight from its own garden and has on-site spa services.

East Burke, Vt.

East Burke has all the necessary comforts for a rural escape on just two wheels – several B & Bs, a country store, a restaurant that takes pride in serving Vermont’s finest summer produce, and a bike shop. A $10 day pass buys access to the Kingdom Trails network of mountain biking paths.

North Conway, N.H.

The cliffs of Cathedral Ledge in the Echo Lake State Park are popular with climbers. Swim from Echo Lake State Park’s sandy beaches in the small lake under the cliffs of Cathedral Ledge. Both are nice picnic spots, too.

Newport, R.I.

This town is historically known as a summer playground for the wealthy families of Rhode Island. Visit the gorgeous mansions and museums with guided tours. For a more modern insight, check out the fun shops and delicious restaurants.

Hillsborough, N.H.

The five stone bridges in Hillsborough, built without mortar by Scotch-Irish immigrants in the mid-19th century, are true engineering marvels. The Contoocook River is known for its Class III and IV rapids. Get a peek into the life of the 14th US president at the Franklin Pierce homestead.

Grafton, Vt.

Grafton is a vibrant community, with a country store, library, historical center, art galleries, and a working blacksmith shop used by contemporary artists. The Old Tavern has 11 rooms in the main inn, cottages across the street, and four guesthouses to rent in the village. The dining room emphasizes local fare and is known for its expansive and affordable wine list.

Narragansett, R.I.

This town has four of the state’s most popular beaches. Stop by and soak up the sun and the surf or head in to town for architecture that preserves the town’s unique history. Don’t forget to stop by Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House, which is justifiably famous for its fried dough.

Norwich, Vt.

It’s the quintessential Vermont town. You’ll find an inn, an independent bookstore, a village green, and a few charming shops and restaurants – surrounded by easily accessible nature. Better yet, it’s very low-key. Stay at The Norwich Inn, which first opened in 1797 and was (rumor has it) the inspiration for the quaint inn on television’s Newhart.

Becket, Mass.

Few folks in Becket will celebrate the mentioning of their community in a travel issue. They don’t mind you coming over the town line for a performance at the renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, as long as you scurry back to your B & B in Lenox and spend the remainder of your nights at Tanglewood.

Eastham, Mass.

Don’t make the mistake of driving past Eastham in a rush to get to Wellfleet and Provincetown. If you just exit off Route 6, you’ll find everything you need in a Cape Cod retreat. If you prefer fresh water to saltwater, cool off in Great Pond after biking on the nearby Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Peaks Island, Maine

Only a 20-minute ferry ride from Portland, the 2-mile-long, 1-mile-wide Peaks Island gets you away from the mainland but not too far from civilization. Head up the hill for one of Lisa’s famous cinnamon buns at the Peaks Café. Hop on a golf cart — the island’s main form of transportation — for a guided island tour. Or spend an afternoon exploring by foot, enjoying the views, visiting the museums and galleries, and dining at a local restaurant.

Little Compton, R.I.

It’s about an hour and a half from Boston, and getting there requires no ferries, planes, or Cape bridge crossings. Yet Little Compton feels a world away from the city – and from the throngs at Newport. So do its spectacular uncrowded beaches and rolling farmland. Goosewing Beach Preserve, a 75-acre Nature Conservancy property, includes a coastal pond, rolling sand dunes, and one of the prettiest, most serene beaches in New England.

Stowe, Vt.

It’s an upscale ski community that offers plenty to do in the summer, too. You can climb or bike, take in the view from the state’s highest peak, visit the shops, and enjoy a meal in town. Ride your mountain bike into the hills above town for a microbrewed beer at the re-energized Trapp Family Lodge.

Washington, Conn.

Camp at Lake Waramaug State Park. “Waramaug’’ is a Native American word for “good fishing place.’’ If fishing isn’t your thing, relax on the water, kayak, or take a hike on one of the many local trails.