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New England Family Road Trip Guide – 12-Day Itinerary
The United States is a country well-suited for road trips due to its vast size and diverse landscapes. With its huge national parks, bustling cities, and delicious local cuisine, every turn offers something unique.
Located in the Northeastern part of the country, New England is one of the best regions for a road trip. It consists of 6 states: Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island. This area was home to Native American communities long before European people arrived here.
Now it is a beautiful blend of old and modern, small towns, historic landmarks, and lively cities that make it perfect for a family road trip.
So, make sure to prepare for everything ahead, take your essentials, and let the New England Road trip amaze you around every corner.
From Where to Start Your New England Road Trip
The perfect point to start your trip is Boston. Start your tour from here if you are coming from an adjacent state or flying into Boston Logan International Airport.
With a short regular drive, it usually takes 10–12 days to cover all these states with numerous fun spots along the way.
When to go to New England
Mostly, visitors plan their New England Road trip in the autumn season to enjoy the popular fall foliage. But if you miss autumn, don't worry, summer is also a good time for this road trip, particularly for enjoying the lakes and coasts.
The weather in New England changes frequently. Temperature usually ranges from 24°C to 32°C in July and August. So, expect a mix of cloudy and sunny days, seasonal storms, and some humidity.
Though summer and fall are ideal seasons because of the amazing scenery, they also bring higher prices and more crowds.
If you don't want noise, plan your trip in the winters or springs, when flowers bloom, and also have many options for fun activities on snowy mountains.
What to Bring for a New England Road Trip
The weather in New England is unpredictable, so make sure to bring raincoats and layers no matter what the season.
Some other important items are:
- Insect repellents, particularly in the summer season
- Sunscreen, especially if you are going to the beach
- Paper map, as a network drop in some areas
- Comfortable walking shoes for hiking
- Tick remover: Ticks are common here, so don't forget to bring a tick remover
- Plenty of snacks: To satisfy your hunger during travel
How Many Days Do You Need For a New England Road Trip?
Make a plan of at least 10–12 days, as New England consists of 6 states, and exploring them all usually takes time. And if you have a short time, then go for the regions or states in which you are most interested.
Must-Try Food Along the Way
- New Haven's pizza in Connecticut
- Famous lobster roll in Maine
- Boston cream pie in Massachusetts
- Apple cider doughnut in New Hampshire
- Maple syrup pancakes in Vermont
- Stuffed clams in Rhode Island
Quick Look at the New England Road Trip
- Day 1–2: Boston, Massachusetts
- Day 3: Portland, Maine
- Day 4: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, Maine
- Day 5: White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Day 6–7: Burlington and Vermont
- Day 8: The Berkshires, Massachusetts
- Day 9: Newport, Rhode Island
- Day 10–11: Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
- Day 12: Return to Boston
Day 1–2 in Boston, Massachusetts
Start your trip from Boston, the largest city in the country. It feels like a larger town than a busy city, with colonial-era buildings still standing as a reminder of the early history of America. The city is a blend of lively pubs, amazing restaurants, welcoming areas, and many historic places to explore.
Fun Things to Do:
- Walk The Freedom Trail: Start walking from Boston Common and spot many famous landmarks along the way, such as the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and Bunker Hill.
- Bunker Hill Monument: For the amazing view, climb 221 steps to the top.
- Fenway Park: Explore one of the oldest baseball stadiums and enjoy a variety of interesting games.
- Other Places to Explore: Harvard University, Boston Common, New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Top hotels to stay in Boston:
8.4
Very good
8.3
Very good
Day 3 in Portland, Maine
Your next stop is Portland, Maine, located at a distance of 2 hours from Boston. It is a perfect spot for a short getaway with its historic streets, coastal beauty, and amazing food.
Fun Things to Do:
- Visit Peak Island: Take a ferry from Portland, and you will be there in just 20 minutes. This island features cafes, shops, a unique Umbrella Cover Museum, and a World War II museum.
- Check out Nearby Historic Lighthouses: Explore famous lighthouses like Spring Point Ledge Light, Portland Breakwater Light, and Portland Head Light.
- Try a Holy Doughnut: These are unique doughnuts that are prepared from Maine potatoes. As it is popular, make sure to arrive early.
- Other Things to Explore: Old Port District and Victoria Mansion.
Top hotels to stay in Portland:
8.4
Very good
7.2
Good
Day 4 in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, Maine
Bar Harbor is a huge town close to Acadia National Park, at a distance of only 3 hours north of Portland. The park covers 50,000 acres and features the tallest peak on the USA Atlantic coast and famous Cadillac Mountain. It usually gets crowded in summer, so make sure to arrive early to beat the crowd.
Fun Things to Do:
- Visit the Abbe Museum: Get lost in the country's rich culture and history by exploring the Abbe Museum.
- Explore Acadia National Park: It is a popular spot in summer for biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, and more.
- Eat at Travelin' Lobster: Make sure to try their famous lobster roll, which is loved by locals.
- Other Things to Explore: Havana Restaurant, Sand Beach, and Jordan Pond Path
Top hotels to stay in Bar Harbor:
8.6
Very good
8.9
Very good
Day 5 in White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire's White Mountains are known in the world as one of the best places to see fall foliage. There are many options for having an adventure with its towering peaks, dense forests, charming lakes, and waterfalls. It is a perfect place to relax and soak in natural beauty.
Fun Things to Do:
- Head to Echo Lake for kayaking and swimming. Echo Lake is a perfect spot.
- Visit Storyland: It’s a fun theme park loved by children, where their stories are brought to life.
- Flume Gorge: Go to Flume Gorge for family-friendly, easy hikes.
- Drive the Kancamagus Highway: Make a drive through dense forest and one of America's scenic byways.
Top hotels to stay in White Mountains:
6.2
Pleasant
8.0
Very good
Days 6–7 in Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, located on the shores of Lake Champlain, and features a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants and independent shops. Northern Vermont is full of life all year round with its activities like skiing, kayaking, hiking, and more.
Fun Things to Do:
- Explore the city by renting a bike from Skirack.
- Visit Stowe: Stowe is one of the most beautiful towns in Vermont. Here you can stroll the Stowe Recreation Path with breathtaking views of the river.
- Go to Vermont Teddy Bear Company: Explore and make a teddy for yourself at Vermont Teddy Bear Company.
- Other Things to Explore: Basin Harbor, Downtown Burlington, and Jay Peak.
Top hotels to stay in Burlington:
9.0
Superb
8.3
Very good
Day 8 in The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Located about 3.5 hours from Burlington, the Berkshires give the vibe of the Hamptons. The only difference is that the Berkshires feature mountains, lakes, and forests, while Hampton has the seaside. For outdoor lovers, it is a great place to explore, thanks to its all-year-round activities, including the most famous "Tanglewood Festival."
Fun Things to Do:
- Tanglewood Music Festival: If you are there in the summer, then this is a great thing to enjoy.
- Berkshire Museum: For curious souls who want to learn about the area's past, it is a perfect spot.
- Lake Mansfield: It is great for swimming lovers, along with outdoor fans, with its large swimming area and an amazing playground.
- Other Things to Explore: Norman Rockwell Museum, Dance Festival at Jacob's Pillow, and Berkshire Scenic Railway.
Top hotels to stay in Berkshires:
6.7
Pleasant
7.8
Good
Day 9 in Newport, Rhode Island
Make a picturesque drive to the coastal town of Newport, which is approximately 3 hours away. Also known as a seaside town, it is famous for its grand mansion and sailing tradition. Newport was once a favorite summer spot for rich families, but now, it is suitable for all kinds of travelers, including those with kids.
Fun Things to Do:
- Fort Adams State Park: Take a deep breath in the fresh air of the park, explore huge green lawns, take a guided tour of the historic military fort, and fly kites. It is a perfect spot to spend some quality family time.
- Famous Cliff Walk: Stroll along the popular Cliff Walk on a 3.5-mile path that extends between a Gilded Age mansion and roaring Atlantic waves. You will also spot seabirds and rocky beaches along the way.
- Newport's Mansion: Don't miss the tour of Newport's mansion, which is the most popular thing to do there. The tour has audio guides and a scavenger hunt, particularly designed for curious kids.
- Other Things to Explore: Newport Creamery and Brenton Point State Park.
Top hotels to stay in Newport:
8.9
Very good
8.5
Very good
Day 10 in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Famous for its small, charming town, Litchfield features small-town markets, indie bookshops, cozy cafes, and typical New England green towns. After all the travel, it is the most peaceful spot to relax.
Fun Things to Do:
- New Milford and Kent: Experience the life of a small town in New Milford and Kent.
- Kent Falls State Park: Enjoy a charming waterfall and do daring hikes.
- New England Carousel Museum: Explore amazing things at this museum, located in Bristol.
- Swyft: Try their most famous Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza.
- Other Things to Explore: Railroad Museum of New England, Hopkins Vineyard, and Kent Barns.
Top hotels to stay in Litchfield Hills:
8.4
Very good
6.7
Pleasant
Day 11–12 Return to Boston
After indulging in the coastal beauty of Connecticut, wrap up your New England self-drive tour by coming back to Boston. It is a good chance to explore any spot that you missed before.
Fun Things to Do:
- Boston Common and the Public Garden: Take a peaceful walk in the garden. There are also many fun activities for kids, such as spotting ducks from Make Way for Ducklings or riding the famous Swan Boat.
- Freedom Trail: Revisit any part of the trail that you missed, such as Old North Church and Paul Revere's House.
- Boston's Seaport District: One of the best places to enjoy things on a low budget. You can relax in numerous green spaces, dine in local restaurants, and do many more.
Wrapping up, New England is one of the most picturesque regions in America, which is also famous for its adventurous and interesting road trips. With its refreshing mountain air, cobblestone streets, charming coastline, and beautiful scenery, you will get a memorable road trip.
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