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The best things to do in New England
New England is a stunning region with a nearly unlimited amount of tourist activities and attractions, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. Whether you love the great outdoors, mouthwatering seafood, Revolutionary history, or are simply looking for a destination filled with family-friendly fun, you’ll find it all in New England.
The New England region is made up of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. It boasts the stunning Atlantic coastline, and some of the best fall foliage in the world. And it’s home to some of the most memorable places on the East Coast, from beautiful national parks to bustling Boston, birthplace of the American Revolution.
Feeling inspired to visit? Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in New England.
Historical sites and landmarks
First up are New England’s historical sites and other important landmarks. These are four of the most significant or exciting that you should explore next time you’re in the area:
Freedom Trail, Boston
This 2.5 mile trail in Boston, Massachusetts is a stunning way to see the city and soak in some American history. The Freedom Trail connects 16 important historical landmarks in Boston. When you walk it, you get to see:
- Boston Common
- Massachusetts State House
- Park Street Church
- Granary Burying Ground
- King’s Chapel & Burying Ground
- Boston Latin School Site/Benjamin Franklin Statue
- Old Corner Bookstore
- Old South Meeting House
- Old State House Museum
- Boston Massacre Site
- Faneuil Hall
- Paul Revere House
- Old North Church
- Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
- Uss Constitution - Old Ironsides
- Bunker Hill Monument
If you’re an American history buff, this is the perfect activity for you. So pack your walking shoes , this trail is ideal for anyone who’s interested in seeing historic Boston or enjoying a beautiful walk.
Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts
Plymouth Rock is the site where the Pilgrims landed in the Americas back in 1620. It’s marked with that iconic year, and you can go visit the spot. Take in the beautiful coastline and see the park where the rock sits. There are free programs that can educate you on the important history of this spot.
Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut
If you love nautical history, the Mystic Seaport Museum is a great place place to visit. It’s home to 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. It’s also located near the historic village of Mystic, Connecticut, whose lovely downtown and waterfront is well worth strolling through for a blast to the past.
Harvard University, Massachusetts
Come see the oldest university in the United States, founded in 1636. You can take a campus tour and see all the stunning redbrick buildings and some of the iconic historical sites on campus. Harvard is also home to many museums, including the Harvard Museum of Natural History. This is a great spot for academics, architecture lovers, and more.
Outdoor adventures and natural wonders
If you’re looking for stunning beauty and adventure, New England has that too with these three sites:
White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains are a mountain range that sprawls through a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small portion of Maine. There are hikes, climbing, gondola rides, trains, and waterfalls. You can explore polar caves, hike to the tallest peaks – including Mount Washington, tallest peak in the Northeastern U.S. – to see an alpine landscape, or spot wildlife in the hills.
Some of the best hikes here are:
- Arethusa Falls (easy)
- Baldface Mountain Loop (hard)
- Mount Chocorua (hard)
- Mount Willard (moderate)
- Mount Moosilauke (hard)
- Tuckerman Ravine & Mount Washington (hard)
- Welch Dickey Loop (moderate)
- Mount Pemigewasset (easy to moderate)
Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Cape Cod Seashore encompasses forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands. On that land you can go hiking, surfing, wildlife spotting, bike riding, canoeing, kayaking, and more. The site also protects historic homes and lighthouses, so you can also explore some Massachusetts history.
The most popular hikes here include:
- Fort Hill (easy)
- Beech Forest (easy)
- Pilgrim Heights (easy)
- Marconi Station (moderate)
- Great Island (moderate to hard)
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and home to some iconic views. You’ve likely seen photos of it, especially during autumn. It’s an idyllic spot to swim, camp and picnic—or see the fall colors. You can also tour the Castle in the Clouds, which is an estate on the mountains that overlooks the lake.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, you might be looking for recommendations for spending time together. Here are some exciting activities that are specifically designed for families:
Boston Children’s Museum, Massachusetts
This museum is designed for children. It has exhibits that help the younger set learn about the world around them through play. There are bubbles, investigation activities, climbing, racing and performing. Kids can create crafts, dress up and enjoy endless hours of fun. If you have younger kids, this is one of the most fun activities for your little ones in New England.
Six Flags New England, Massachusetts
For older kids looking for a thrill, New England also has a Six Flags amusement park. It’s packed full of roller coasters and water rides. Soar to new heights on the Superman ride or experience the speed of the Wicked Cyclone. There are rides for younger kids and for families—like the Blizzard River where you can all cool down on a hot summer’s day. There are enough rides to keep everyone in the family entertained for an entire day or more.
These are some of the most thrilling rides the park has to offer:
- Batman the Dark Knight
- CYBORG HyperDrive
- Flashback
- Harley Quinn Spinsanity
- New England SkyScreamer
- Pandemonium
- Scream
- Superman the Ride
- The Riddler Revenge
These are some great rides for kids:
- Krazy Kars
- Krazy Kups
- New England Express
- Rock N Rodeo
- Ships Ahoy!
- The Great Chase
- Whirlybirdz
- Zinger Swings
- Zoom Jets
And these are some of the top water rides to help everyone cool down:
- Blizzard River
- Splash Island
Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut
An aquarium is a great place to take kids of all ages, and the Mystic Aquarium has some special features that set it apart from others. It’s one of only two aquariums that have Steller sea lions, so it’s a place to see these special animals. Mystic Aquarium also has the only beluga whales in New England. Kids also love the touch tanks where you can pet sea creatures. So you can see everything from turtles to sharks to sea lions and whales at this aquarium.
Flume Gorge, New Hampshire
The Flume Gorge is a stunning state park that’s accessible enough that children and families can enjoy it easily. The Flume Gorge is an 800 foot natural gorge at the base of Mount Liberty. You can see the entire gorge from a two mile trail that criss-crosses over the flowing water. You can learn all about how it was formed and see each of the beautiful waterfalls.
Cultural and culinary experiences
If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, then you’re likely looking for what New England has to offer the culinary world. These are some of the top food and cultural attractions in New England:
Ben & Jerry’s Factory tour, Vermont
The world-famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is based in Vermont, and you can go and tour the factory. The 30-minute tour gives you insight into company culture, how the ice cream is made, and, of course, includes samples. You also get to see something called the “Flavor Graveyard.” This is where old flavors are literally laid to rest. There are headstones on a hill with epitaphs for each old flavor.
If you’re an ice cream lover, this is a must-do, and it’s only found in New England.
Faneuil Hall marketplace, Boston
This indoor market is located in the heart of Boston, and it’s considered one of the nation’s premier urban marketplaces. It’s a historic building where people used to meet for 280 years. In fact, the Founding Fathers dubbed it “The Cradle of Liberty.” Now you can experience that history while eating well. You can sample New England seafood and lobster or branch out and try cuisine from all over the world. Or if you have more of a sweet tooth, go for the cupcakes and cookies.
On top of the excellent shops, there are also street performers. You can immerse yourself in Boston culture and enjoy live music and other acts.
Newport Cliff Walk, Rhode Island
America’s smallest state has some next-level beauty to enjoy with the Newport Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile section of the coast features amazing ocean and cliffside views. It also encompasses these cultural sites that are well worth visiting:
- Memorial Boulevard
- Narragansett Avenue
- Webster Street
- Ruggles Avenue
- Marine Avenue
- Ledge Road
- Bellevue Avenue
Plus this walk is free and dog-friendly.
Fenway Park, Massachusetts
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, Fenway Park is a fantastic place to visit. Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox, a legendary baseball team. You can attend a game and cheer them on. You can also visit the stadium and take a tour to learn more about the unique history of this cultural icon.
Seasonal activities
New England has some particularly excellent seasonal activities that are well worth the journey north:
Fall foliage tours
New England is known around the world for being a spectacular place to see fall foliage. The kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows has to be seen to be believed. Come to New England in the peak of autumn to experience the fall colors and take a fall foliage tour to get the most out of your visit. Here are some of the spots with the best fall colors:
- Vermont’s Green Mountains
- New Hampshire’s White Mountains
- Connecticut River Valley
Summer festivals and events
What’s summer without a few fun festivals and events? New England hosts many, but these three are highlights:
- Newport Folk Festival: An American-folk music festival with a jazz counterpart in the same city.
- Boston Harborfest: A festival of Boston’s revolutionary history held over Independence Day weekend where guests can explore the American Revolution at key sites.
- Tanglewood Music Festival: The festival features a variety of artist performances, and Tanglewood is also home to the symphony orchestra.
The Nantucket Daffodil Festival
When you visit Nantucket Island in the spring, you have the unique opportunity to experience the daffodil festival. You can experience the beautiful yellow flowers and see which blooms are going to win a prize this year. There’s also an antique car parade that’s a pleasure to watch, especially if you’re a car lover. While you’re on Nantucket, you can also visit the iconic lighthouses, see the Whaling Museum and shop through the main town.
Conclusion
New England is a vibrant and diverse region with a nearly unlimited amount of things to do. This list should help you get started planning your dream vacation to New England, whether you’re going by yourself or with kids. New England has something for everyone.
One of the best ways to see New England is by taking a cruise along the coast. This allows you to see more states and more of these iconic sites without having to drive hours and hours — plus you only have to unpack once. And you don’t have to pick and choose between all of these wonderful places to visit. Instead, travel time will be replaced with basking in beautiful ocean views along the New England coast.
For the ultimate vacation experience, cruise with Princess Cruises and discover all that New England has to offer. Book your Canada & New England adventure today!
Explore the Best things to do in Boston while you're in the Boston Cruise Port for your cruise.